Nk Cells in the Liver (Medical Intelligence Unit)

This book presents reviews and the most recent data on the biology of natural killer (NK) cells in the liver. It gives methods for the isolation and characterization of these cells from rodent and human liver. Their ultrastructure and phenotype are described with many illustrations. It is demonstrated that NK cells are heterogeneous and that the liver habors a fully differentiated, functionally very active population which is not found at other anatomical sites. The origin and population dynamics of hepatic NK cells are analyzed, as well as their functional interactions with other liver cell types which ultimately govern their functions in natural immunity.