NK cell differentiation program

NK cell differentiation program" refers to the multi-stage developmental process by which hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors commit to and mature into natural killer (NK) cells, rather than a specific molecule or receptor. This process begins with common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) acquiring CD122 (IL-2/IL-15 receptor β chain), progressing through NK progenitors (NKPs), immature NK cells, and maturing into CD56bright and CD56dim subsets expressing markers like CD16, KIRs, and NKG2D. Key regulators include cytokines (IL-15, IL-7, IL-21, FLT3L, SCF), transcription factors (EOMES, T-BET, TOX, STAT5), and signaling pathways (e.g., WNT). It occurs primarily in bone marrow but also in secondary lymphoid tissues, with stages marked by loss of multi-lineage potential and gain of cytotoxic functions.[1][2][4][5]

Other names

NK cell developmentNK cell maturationnatural killer cell differentiation