Jump to Content

Related Links

Natural Killer (NK) Cells1,2

Natural killer (NK) cells are another type of lymphocyte. Named for their ability to easily kill cells infected with viruses, NK cells are derived from bone marrow and are present in the bloodstream and tissues. NK cells produce powerful cytokines and pore-forming proteins that bind to and destroy infected cells.

NK cells are not antigen-specific, and do not require the same thymic education process that T lymphocytes need. Unlike T cells and B cells, they are able to attack quickly on first encounter with infected cells. NK cells are particularly important in defending against viruses.

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Understanding the Immune System: How It Works. NIH Pub No. 03-5423; p. 13.
  2. Blaese RM, Winkelstein J. Patient & Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. Towson, MD: Immune Deficiency Foundation; 2007, p.4.