Which interferon do NK cells secrete?

Natural Killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the innate immune response, particularly in recognizing and destroying virus-infected cells and tumor cells. One of the key roles of NK cells is to secrete interferon-gamma (INF-gamma). This cytokine is vital for activating macrophages and enhancing the immune response against intracellular pathogens.

Interferon-gamma has several biological functions: it activates immune cells, promotes increased antigen presentation, and helps coordinate the adaptive immune response. The secretion of INF-gamma by NK cells is an important step in the immune response, as it amplifies the ability of the body to control infections and malignancies.

While other interferons, such as INF-alpha and INF-beta, are predominantly produced by leukocytes and fibroblasts, respectively, INF-gamma is specifically associated with NK cells and certain T-cells. This distinction underlines why INF-gamma is recognized as the primary interferon secreted by NK cells. Understanding the unique contributions of INF-gamma is vital for grasping how the innate immune system initially responds to threats.