NK cells: A double edge sword against SARS-CoV-2

Adv Biol Regul. 2020 Aug:77:100737. doi: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100737. Epub 2020 Jun 13.

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal effectors of the innate immunity protecting an individual from microbes. They are the first line of defense against invading viruses, given their substantial ability to directly target infected cells without the need for specific antigen presentation. By establishing cellular networks with a variety of cell types such as dendritic cells, NK cells can also amplify and modulate antiviral adaptive immune responses. In this review, we will examine the role of NK cells in SARS-COV2 infections causing the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, keeping in mind the controversial role of NK cells specifically in viral respiratory infections and in inflammatory-driven lung damage. We discuss lessons learnt from previous coronavirus outbreaks in humans (caused by SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-COV).

Keywords: COVID-19; Lung inflammation; NK cells; Viral infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Betacoronavirus / pathogenicity*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology*
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Interferon-gamma / genetics
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Interleukins / genetics
  • Interleukins / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / virology
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung / virology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1 / genetics
  • Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1 / immunology
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C / genetics
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C / immunology
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / complications
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / epidemiology*
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / immunology
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology

Substances

  • Interleukins
  • KLRC1 protein, human
  • Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Interferon-gamma