<unk> s <unk>  cells are a group of immune effector cells featuring a mixed T- and natural<unk>  (NK) cell-like phenotype. They are generated by ex vivo incubation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or cord blood mononuclear cells with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), anti-CD3 antibody, recombinant human interleukin (IL)-1 and recombinant human interleukin (IL)-2. Typically, immune cells detect major histocompatibility complex (MHC) presented on infected cell surfaces, triggering<unk>  release, causing lysis or apoptosis. However,<unk>  cells have the ability to recognize infected or even malignant cells in the absence of antibodies and MHC, allowing for a fast and unbiased immune reaction. This is of particular importance as harmful cells that are missing MHC markers cannot be tracked and attacked by other immune cells, such as T-lymphocytes. As a special feature, terminally differentiated CD3+CD56+<unk>  cells possess the capacity for both MHC-restricted and MHC-unrestricted anti-tumor cytotoxicity. These properties, inter alia, rendered<unk>  cells attractive as a potential therapy for cancer and viral infections. A new subclass of NK cells have been created both in vitro and in vivo. These NK cells referred to as<unk><unk>  memory-like natural<unk>  cells are<unk>  using<unk> s, most commonly a mix of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18. These NK cells are activated by these<unk> s to stimulate an infection and<unk> an adaptive immune response. If cocultured with target cells such as tumor targets, these NK cells have memory-like abilities and are more adapt and effective at mounting a defense.
Cytokine-induced killer cell
Natural killer T cell
Natural killer cell
T cell
Regulatory T cell
Memory B cell
Regulatory B cell
Dendritic cell