Natural killer cell deficiency

JS Orange - Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2013 - Elsevier
Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune defense against infection and cancer
and are especially useful in combating certain viral pathogens. The utility of NK cells in
human health has been underscored by a growing number of persons who are deficient in
NK cells and/or their functions. This can be in the context of a broader genetically defined
congenital immunodeficiency, of which there are more than 40 presently known to impair NK
cells. However, the abnormality of NK cells in certain cases represents the majority …