Am J Blood Res 2011;1(1):34-45
Review Article
Molecular mechanisms influencing NK cell development: implications for NK
cell malignancies
Sally A. Mujaj, Michelle M. Spanevello, Maher K. Gandhi, Jamie P. Nourse
Clinical Immunohaematology Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia; Department of
Haematology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
Received May 6, 2011; accepted May 18, 2011; Epub May 22, 2011; published June 1, 2011
Abstract: Natural Killer (NK) cells are important effector cells in both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Although
they were identified almost 40 years ago, our understanding of how and where NK cells develop is rudimentary. In particular,
we have only a limited understanding of the signaling pathways that need to be activated to cause NK cell commitment and
maturation. Knowledge of this process is important as disruptions can lead to the development of highly aggressive NK cell
malignancies. In this review, we discuss the known molecular mechanisms that trigger NK cell commitment, prompt them to
mature and finally allow them to become functional killers. Known disruptions in this developmental process, and how they
may contribute to malignancy, are also addressed. (AJBR1105001).
Keywords: Animal, human, Natural Killer cell, transcription factors, cytokines, cell differentiation, lymphopoiesis, gene
expression regulation, lymphoma
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Dr. Maher K. Gandhi
Clinical Immunohaematology Laboratory
Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Brisbane, Australia
E-mail: Maher.Gandhi@qimr.edu.au
Review Article
Molecular mechanisms influencing NK cell development: implications for NK
cell malignancies
Sally A. Mujaj, Michelle M. Spanevello, Maher K. Gandhi, Jamie P. Nourse
Clinical Immunohaematology Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia; Department of
Haematology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
Received May 6, 2011; accepted May 18, 2011; Epub May 22, 2011; published June 1, 2011
Abstract: Natural Killer (NK) cells are important effector cells in both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Although
they were identified almost 40 years ago, our understanding of how and where NK cells develop is rudimentary. In particular,
we have only a limited understanding of the signaling pathways that need to be activated to cause NK cell commitment and
maturation. Knowledge of this process is important as disruptions can lead to the development of highly aggressive NK cell
malignancies. In this review, we discuss the known molecular mechanisms that trigger NK cell commitment, prompt them to
mature and finally allow them to become functional killers. Known disruptions in this developmental process, and how they
may contribute to malignancy, are also addressed. (AJBR1105001).
Keywords: Animal, human, Natural Killer cell, transcription factors, cytokines, cell differentiation, lymphopoiesis, gene
expression regulation, lymphoma
Full Text PDF
Address all correspondence to:
Dr. Maher K. Gandhi
Clinical Immunohaematology Laboratory
Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Brisbane, Australia
E-mail: Maher.Gandhi@qimr.edu.au
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