Natural Killer Cell Markers Antibodies

Natural killer (NK) cells are a type of lymphocyte, a white blood cell, that play a crucial role in the innate immune system. They are primarily known for their ability to recognize and destroy infected or cancerous cells without prior sensitization or the need for specific antigens. NK cells are essential for the early defense against infections and tumor surveillance.

The Role of Natural Killer Cell Markers

NK cell biomarkers distinguish NK cells from other immune cell types, such as T cells or B cells, in blood and tissues, which is essential for studying their roles in immune responses and disease processes. Some of these biomarkers also yield information about the activation and cytotoxicity of these cells. Additionally, NK cell biomarkers can be used to monitor various disease states, including infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases, and provide prognostic information about disease outcomes, especially in cancer. Furthermore, NK cell biomarkers are relevant to developing cancer immunotherapies that enhance NK cell activity.

The choice of which NK cell biomarkers to measure depends on the specific goals of the analysis and the research context. NeoBiotechnologies offers a variety of validated antibodies targeting NK cell protein biomarkers that are guaranteed to yield accurate and reliable results. A list of our specific and sensitive antibodies and their intended applications is shown in the table below.

Notable NK cell markers include:

• CD56 (Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule – NCAM): a cell surface marker expressed on most NK cells. There are two isoforms: CD56dim (perforin-rich, cytotoxic NK cells) and CD56bright (cytokine-producing NK cells).
• CD16 (FcγRIII): a cell surface marker and an Fc receptor that plays a role in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). It is expressed in most NK cells.
• CD57 (HNK-1): a cell surface marker associated with a subset of mature, cytotoxic NK cells.
• NKG2D (Natural Killer Group 2, Member D): a cell surface receptor expressed on NK cells, which recognizes stress-induced ligands on target cells.
• KIR (Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors): a family of receptors that can be either inhibitory or activating and play a role in regulating NK cell activity.
• Perforin: a cytotoxic protein stored in granules within NK cells. Measuring perforin levels can provide information about NK cell cytotoxic activity.
• Granzymes: a family of serine proteases involved in cell apoptosis. NK cells use granzymes to induce cell death in target cells.
• NKp46 (Natural Cytotoxicity Receptor 1 – NCR1): a cell surface receptor that plays a role in recognizing viral and tumor antigens.
• NKG2A/CD94 (Natural Killer Group 2A/C Type I Lectin): an inhibitory receptor expressed on NK cells that plays a role in self-recognition.