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Writer's pictureola lekan

Natural Killer (NK) Cells: Defenders of the Body in Regenerative Therapies

Updated: Jan 28

  • As part of Biocells medical programs, Natural Killer cell therapy is an effective tool in the fight against tumor processes.

Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte that plays a critical role in the innate immune response. They are part of the body's first line of defense against infections and cancer. NK cells are unique in that they can recognize and destroy infected or abnormal cells without prior sensitization or the need for specific antigens.


The functions of NK cells in the immune system include:


1. Immune Surveillance: NK cells continuously monitor the body for cells that display abnormal markers, such as viral-infected cells or tumor cells. When NK cells identify these abnormal cells, they can initiate their destruction through a process called cytotoxicity.


2. Cytotoxicity: NK cells are capable of releasing toxic granules containing perforin and granzymes, which induce apoptosis (cell death) in target cells. This mechanism allows NK cells to eliminate infected or cancerous cells while sparing healthy cells.


3. Cytokine Production: NK cells can also produce cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which play a role in regulating the immune response, enhancing the activity of other immune cells, and modulating inflammation.


  • Overall, NK cells serve as a critical component of the innate immune system, providing rapid and effective responses against pathogens and abnormal cells, thereby contributing to the maintenance of immune surveillance and overall immune function.

  • NK Cells in Regenerative Therapies:


  • 1. Isolation of NK cells from umbilical cord blood


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