Type I interferon regulation of natural killer cell function in primary and secondary infections. (August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stackaruk, Michele L; Lee, Amanda J; Ashkar, Ali A
• Is Part Of: Expert review of vaccines. Volume 12:Number 8(2013)
• Page Start: 875
• Page End: 884
• Publication Date: 2013-08
• Subjects: adjuvants -- dendritic cell vaccines -- innate -- natural killer cells -- natural killer cell memory -- type I interferon -- vaccine -- viral infection; Vaccines -- Periodicals; Vaccination -- Periodicals; 615.37205
• DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2013.814871
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-0584

Abstract

The priming of natural killer (NK) cells by type I interferon (IFN) is necessary for protection against primary and secondary viral infections. However, the pathway by which type I IFN activates NK cells to elicit antiviral responses is controversial. There is evidence to suggest that type I IFN priming of NK cells occurs through both direct and indirect pathways. As with many innate mechanisms, type I IFN and NK cells also orchestrate the adaptive immune response and thus aid in protection against secondary infections. Type I IFN can shape CD4 + T cell, B cell and humoral memory formation. In addition, long-lived NK cells can perform specific and enhanced memory-like protection in secondary infections. This review outlines the different mechanisms underlying type I IFN regulation of NK cells and how type I IFN and NK cells can be used as a therapeutic target in vaccinations.