Our understanding of the function of natural killer (NK) cells has dramatically changed in recent years. The discovery of NK receptors specific for MHC class I molecules, and the study of the role of co-stimulatory and adhesion molecules have led to an understanding of how NK cells recognize tumor and virally infected cells that have lost expression of MHC class I molecules or have altered distribution of normal cell surface molecules. Such recognition events lead to intracellular signals which can be either stimulatory or inhibitory. This book provides an insight into how NK cells develop, how they learn to distinguish altered cells from normal cells, and into their biological role in controlling infections and tumors.

A. NK Receptors and Coreceptors

Regulation of Mouse NK Cells by Structurally Divergent Inhibitory Receptors
Stimulatory Receptors in NK and T Cells
Killer Cell Inhibitory Receptor Expression by T Cells
The CD94/NKG2 C-Type Lectin Receptor Complex
Triggering of Natural Killer Cell Mediated Cytotoxicity by Costimulatory Molecules
Fc Receptors on Natural Killer Cells
Adhesion in NK Cell Function
B. Activation of NK Cells and Effector Functions
Signal Transduction During NK Cell Activation: Balancing Opposing Forces
Effector Pathways of Natural Killer Cells
C. Development of NK Cells
Toward a Quantitative Analysis of the Repertoire of Class I MHC-Specific Inhibitory Receptors on Natural Killer Cells
Ontogeny and Differentiation of Murine Natural Killer Cells and Their Receptors
D. Role of NK Cells in Infections and Tumors
Control of Infections by NK Cells
Natural Killer Cells and Tumor Therapy.