Abstract

Natural Killer (NK) cells, a crucial component of the innate immune system, have emerged as formidable guardians of the human body's defense against infections and malignancies. These remarkable cells possess the unique ability to identify and eliminate abnormal cells without prior sensitization, acting as the first line of defense against a wide array of threats. This abstract delves into the multifaceted roles of NK cells, shedding light on their mechanisms of action, regulatory pathways, and diverse functions within the immune landscape. NK cells play a pivotal role in immune surveillance, swiftly identifying and targeting virus-infected cells and cancerous entities. Their innate ability to distinguish between healthy and aberrant cells is governed by a complex interplay of activating and inhibitory receptors, allowing them to discriminate between self and non-self. Beyond their direct cytotoxic actions, NK cells contribute to immune modulation by releasing cytokines and chemokines, shaping the overall immune response.