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An adaptive natural killer cell or memory-like NK cell is a specialized natural killer cell that has the potential to form immunological memory. They can be distinguished from cytotoxic NK cells by their receptor expression profile and epigenome. Adaptive NK cells are so named for properties which they share with the adaptive immune system. Though adaptive NK cells do not possess antigen specificity, they exhibit dynamic expansions of defined cell subsets, increased proliferation and long-term persistence for up to 3 months in vivo, high IFN-γ production, potent cytotoxic activity upon ex vivo restimulation, and protective memory responses.
Adaptive NK cells have been identified in both humans and mice. Persistent adaptive NK populations have been reported during viral infection, contact hypersensitivity reactions, and after stimulation by pro-inflammatory cytokines or activating receptor pathways. IL-12, IL-18, and IL-15 contribute to the development of adaptive NK cells by priming NK cells prior to immune stimulation.