How NK (\"natural killer\") cells in the body recognize and destroy cells that have been infected by viruses has been discovered by an Israeli team of researchers. The research that led to the discovery was carried out in Israel by Dr. Ofer Mandelboim of the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Medicine and Dr. Angel Porgador of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
That NK cells, which form part of the immune system, kill viral and cancer-infested cells has been known for the past several decades. Italian researchers more recently discovered a receptor on the NK cells that enables the NK cells to recognize and bind to viral-infected cells in the body. However, the Italian researchers did not find what it is that activates the receptor. Now, the Israeli team has identified a protein in the infected cells to which the NK receptor binds. Drs. Porgador and Mandelboim say that the discovery of the \"triggering\" haemaggluntinin protein holds great promise for the eventual development of drugs for combatting various viral diseases.
That NK cells, which form part of the immune system, kill viral and cancer-infested cells has been known for the past several decades. Italian researchers more recently discovered a receptor on the NK cells that enables the NK cells to recognize and bind to viral-infected cells in the body. However, the Italian researchers did not find what it is that activates the receptor. Now, the Israeli team has identified a protein in the infected cells to which the NK receptor binds. Drs. Porgador and Mandelboim say that the discovery of the \"triggering\" haemaggluntinin protein holds great promise for the eventual development of drugs for combatting various viral diseases.