Frontiers in Immunology (Nov 2019)

JAK/STAT Cytokine Signaling at the Crossroad of NK Cell Development and Maturation

  • Dagmar Gotthardt,
  • Jana Trifinopoulos,
  • Veronika Sexl,
  • Eva Maria Putz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.02590
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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Natural Killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system and play a critical role in anti-viral and anti-tumor responses. NK cells develop in the bone marrow from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that differentiate through common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) to NK lineage-restricted progenitors (NKPs). The orchestrated action of multiple cytokines is crucial for NK cell development and maturation. Many of these cytokines such as IL-2, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, IL-27, and interferons (IFNs) signal via the Janus Kinase / Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. We here review the current knowledge about these cytokines and the downstream signaling involved in the development and maturation of conventional NK cells and their close relatives, innate lymphoid cells type 1 (ILC1). We further discuss the role of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins in NK cells and highlight their potential for therapeutic application.

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