Structural and Functional Roles of C-Type Lectin Receptors on Natural Killer Cells

A crucial function in the innate immune defense against tumors, bacteria, virus, and parasites is mediated by a specialized class of large granulated lymphocytes termed natural killer (NK) cells (Trinchieri 1989; Lanier 2005). To sense their environment, NK cells are equipped with specifi c cell surface receptors. These are known as NK receptor domains (NKD). A fi ne balance of inhibitory and activating stimuli coordinates the cytolyic activity of the NK cells.