ABSTRACT

The innate immune is the first line of defense of the immune system and is characterized by the rapid response against infectious agents through the recognition of molecular patterns. Within the cells of innate immunity are natural killer cells, which show cytotoxic activity against infected or transformed cells. They have activation, inhibition and natural cytotoxicity receptors that allow their activation, causing the release of perforins, granzymes B and granulysins contained in their cytoplasmic granules which participate in the elimination of target cells. Furthermore, natural killer are a source of cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-2 and GM-CSF. They are important source of IFN-γ which promotes the activation of bactericidal mechanisms in macrophages in defense against intracellular pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that represents a global health problem, and the only preventive measure is the BCG vaccine, which is generally applied at birth. Natural killer cells have been reported to participate in immunity against tuberculosis, as well as in the protection conferred by BCG. The objective of this review is to highlight the most important findings on the role of natural killer cells in tuberculosis and in response to BCG vaccination in humans and animals, which may open a broader panorama to propose new preventive measures or therapies against tuberculosis, infections or cancer.

KEYWORDS

NK cells, tuberculosis, BCG vaccine, innate immunity, trained immunity.

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