The role of NK cells in the immune response to fungal-derived components

Abstract

Natural Killer (NK) cells are cells of the innate immune system with effector functions that are best known for their ability to kill cancer or virally infected cells. However, evidence is emerging to support a role for NK cells in the immune response to other pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. Occurrence of acute systemic fungal infections has increased in recent years due to increased numbers of immunocompromised individuals, e.g. AIDS patients or patients on chemotherapy. β-glucan is a component of fungal cell wall that can induce an immune response when recognised by its cognate receptor, dectin-1. The primary objective of this study was to investigate a role for NK cells in the immune response to β-glucan-containing compounds, curdlan and zymosan, and whole fungal cells.