Natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathway

The **Natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathway** encompasses the recognition and destruction of stressed, infected, or transformed cells by NK cells, which are part of the innate immune system[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. NK cells use diverse germline-encoded activating and inhibitory receptors to sense ligands on target cells. Upon activation, NK cells release cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes, inducing apoptosis through membrane pore formation and caspase activation[1][3][4][5]. They also express death ligands (such as Fas ligand and TRAIL) that trigger extrinsic apoptotic pathways in target cells[1][3]. NK cells can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by recognizing antibody-coated target cells via CD16[4][6]. These mechanisms are critical for immune surveillance against cancer and viral infections and are exploited by certain immunotherapies. However, the pathway is a functional property of NK cells, not a discrete molecular entity or single drug target.

Other names

NK cell cytotoxicity pathwayNK cell-mediated cytotoxic responseNK cytolytic pathwaynatural killer cytotoxicity

Activation of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity via ADCC (e.g., antibody therapies engage CD16 on NK cells)[4][6]; Enhancement of death receptor-mediated apoptosis (experimental or investigational strategies)