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NK-lymphocytes (CD16) in the blood
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Normally, the number of CD16-lymphocytes in the blood in adults is 6-26%.
CD16-lymphocytes are effector cells responsible for antitumor, antiviral and transplantation immunity. NK cells are a separate population of lymphocytes, they differ from T and B lymphocytes both in origin and in functional properties and surface receptors (in humans there are 2 subpopulations - CD16 and CD56). They have spontaneous cytotoxic activity against various tumor cells, cells infected with viruses and some normal cells, providing the first level of protection against tumors and intracellular infections before the incorporation of specific immune mechanisms. Unlike other cytotoxic cells, NK cells mediate cytotoxic reactions without presensitization and without restrictions on the expression of class I or II antigens of the main histocompatibility complex on target cells. High cytotoxicity and the ability to produce many cytokines are the main properties of CD16 lymphocytes. Reducing the number of CD16-lymphocytes leads to the development of cancer and weighting of the course of viral infections, autoimmune diseases, an increase - to the crisis of rejection of transplanted organs in recipients.
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