[HTML][HTML] Unraveling human natural killer cell deficiency

JS Orange - The Journal of clinical investigation, 2012 - Am Soc Clin Investig
JS Orange
The Journal of clinical investigation, 2012Am Soc Clin Investig
NK cells are a component of the innate immune system identified in animals as serving an
essential role in antiviral immunity. Establishing their role in human health has been
challenging, with the most direct insight coming from the study of NK cell–deficient
individuals. However, NK cell deficiencies are rare, and more research is needed. In this
issue of the JCI, two independent groups of researchers have simultaneously identified the
genetic cause of a human NK cell deficiency as mutation in the MCM4 gene, encoding …
NK cells are a component of the innate immune system identified in animals as serving an essential role in antiviral immunity. Establishing their role in human health has been challenging, with the most direct insight coming from the study of NK cell–deficient individuals. However, NK cell deficiencies are rare, and more research is needed. In this issue of the JCI, two independent groups of researchers have simultaneously identified the genetic cause of a human NK cell deficiency as mutation in the MCM4 gene, encoding minichromosome maintenance complex component 4. These reports suggest a critical role for the minichromosome maintenance helicase complex in NK cells and NK cell–mediated host defense.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation