Natural killer (NK) cells subpopulation

Subpopulation of NK cells

Clinical significance

The test assesses the number and percentage of NK cells to determine the body's immune status. NK cells (natural killer) make up 5-15% of the lymphocyteów population. They have a cytotoxic effect on virus-infected cells and tumor cells, causing them to break down. They are characterized by the phenotype of CD16, CD56, CD57 and the absence of the CD3 antigen. Cytotoxic NK cells always have the CD16 antigen, while immunoregulatory cells have the CD56 antigen present. NKT cells belonging to lymphocytesów, with CD3 antigen present, also have both cytotoxic and immunoregulatory properties. The test is performed in people with immune disorders and in women with recurrent miscarriages, whoóre likely to have an elevated percentage of NK and NKT in their blood.

Patient Preparation

Material: EDTA blood