How natural killer cells avoid self-destruction when killing their targets

Abstract

How cytotoxic lymphocytes are protected against their own weapons during close combat with diseased target cells is an important and long-standing question in immunology. A study in this issue provides new insights into the mechanisms by which natural killer (NK) cells avoid self-destruction. How cytotoxic lymphocytes are protected against their own weapons during close combat with diseased target cells is an important and long-standing question in immunology. This Primer explores the implications of a new study that provides new insights into the mechanisms by which natural killer cells avoid self-destruction.