Research Advances on Natural Killer Cells in Infections

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the human immune system, swiftly recognizing and eliminating infected cells through non-specific immune mechanisms. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which NK cells act in various infections, including those caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, and explores their biological characteristics and functional regulation in the context of infection. By thoroughly analyzing the regulatory mechanisms of cytokines, receptor-ligand interactions, and the microenvironment on NK cell function, this paper further elucidates the response mechanisms of NK cells under different infection scenarios. Finally, it discusses the clinical application prospects of NK cells in treating infectious diseases and outlines future research directions, providing new ideas and possibilities for NK cell-based immunotherapy strategies.