Quick Review Cards for Medical Laboratory Science

Cells of the Natural Immune Systemcontinued Immunology Review 376

CELL

Lymphocytes

Natural killer

(NK) cells

FUNCTION

1st line of defense against tumor cells & cells

infected with viruses

COMMENTS

Lymphs without T or B markers. No unique surface antigens, but

CD16+& CD56+. Bridge between innate & acquired immunity.

Lack specificity. Stimulated by cytokines. Respond early in

infection. Provide time for T & B cells to be activated. <20% of

lymphs.