NK Cells and Asthma

NK cells have been associated with immune surveillance of tumor cells and defense mechanisms against various pathogens. However, by their capacity for immunoregulation NK cells may also play a role in determining the response to allergens. The novel possibility that NK cell activity may in part decide development of allergic airway inflammation and thus potentially be involved in the inception of asthma is discussed in this review article. Keywords: nk cells, immune surveillance of tumor cells, natural cytotoxicity, immune regulation, lymphoid cells, increased nk cell activity in asthma