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Activation and role of natural killer cells in virus infections

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Abstract

Natural killer cells may play a significant role in virus infections. Virus-induced interferon activates these cells to become highly cytotoxic, and viral infections may also affect the proliferation of such cells. Non-immune mice have an apparently cellular defense mechanism which rapidly lyses implanted virus-infected cells. The evidence for NK cell involvement in viral disease is reviewed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology and Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 01605, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

    C. A. Biron & R. M. Welsh

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  1. C. A. Biron
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  2. R. M. Welsh
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Biron, C.A., Welsh, R.M. Activation and role of natural killer cells in virus infections. Med Microbiol Immunol 170, 155–172 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02298196

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02298196

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