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Researcher | Institution | Original publication | Reading recommendations | Beyond | CitationOur immune system has evolved many different cells with different functions to prevent infections. One of these functions is cellular cytotoxicity; this means that cells are able to kill other cells. Natural killer cells (NK cells) are one type of these cells that can achieve cytotoxicity. CARSTEN WATZL experiments with NK cells in order to find out how they protect themselves from their own cytotoxic machinery and how they undertake ‘serial killing’. The research group’s results suggest that the molecule CD107a, which is inside the vesicles that contain the cytotoxic molecules, is involved in protecting the NK cell. The researchers also found evidence that the killing process of NK cells is regulated and that the cells know when they have killed another cell. Their discoveries have important applications for the development of treatments for diseases like cancers and autoimmune diseases.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21036/LTPUB10522
Institution
IfADo - Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors
The IfADo – Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors investigates the benefits and risks of modern work life from various perspectives – ranging from single cells to entire individuals and groups in their working environment. As a result, IfADo conduct research that contributes to an adequate design of the working environment for the benefit and wellbeing of the working people as well as the maintenance and promotion of performance, health, and competitiveness. IfADo integrates both basic and applied science in its mission to understand human health and disease. Due to the interdisciplinary approach, IfADo’s research comprises four research fields: ergonomics, immunology, toxicology as well as psychology and neuroscience. ( source )
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Original publication
Surface CD107a/LAMP-1 Protects Natural Killer Cells from Degranulation-Associated Damage
Blood
Published in 2013
Termination of the Activating NK Cell Immunological Synapse Is an Active and Regulated Process
The Journal of Immunology
Published in 2017
Reading recommendations
How to Trigger a Killer: Modulation of Natural Killer Cell Reactivity on Many Levels
Advances in Immunology
Published in 2014
Cell Biological Steps and Checkpoints in Accessing NK Cell Cytotoxicity
Immunology and Cell Biology
Published in 2014
Functions of Natural Killer Cells
Nature Immunology
Published in 2008
Beyond
A Ground-breaking Scientific Revolution
An Alarming Challenge for Society
If I Had a Second Life