Jack F. Bukowski

Factors Influencing the Control of Virus Infections by Natural Killer Cells

It has long been speculated that natural killer (NK) cells play a role in natural resistance to and regulation of virus infections.(1) Reviewed elsewhere in this volume is evidence that suggests a role for NK cells in cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus, and influenza virus infections. Proving definitively that NK cells provide resistance to viruses has been virtually impossible in man and difficult in animal models, many of which are currently beset with contradictory studies. Perhaps the most accurate conclusion from the available evidence is that NK cells regulate some but not all virus infections and that virus dose and inoculation routes and host species, age, and target organ may all influence the relative importance of the NK cells.