Memory NK cells: why do they reside in the liver?

Cell Mol Immunol. 2013 May;10(3):196-201. doi: 10.1038/cmi.2013.8. Epub 2013 Apr 8.

Abstract

Immune memory is the hallmark of adaptive immunity. However, recent studies have shown that natural killer (NK) cells, key components of the innate immune system, also mediate memory responses in mice and humans. Strikingly, memory NK cells were liver-resident in some models, raising the question as to whether the liver is a special organ for the acquisition of NK cell memory. Here, we review the characteristics of NK cell memory by summarizing recent progress and discuss how the liver may generate both the initiation and the recall phase of memory. We propose that the liver may have unique precursors for memory NK cells, which are developmentally distinct from NK cells derived from bone marrow.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / cytology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Liver / cytology*
  • Liver / immunology*
  • Models, Immunological

Substances

  • Antigens