Regulatory functions of NK cells during infections and cancer.

After recognition, NK cells can kill susceptible target cells through perforin‐dependent mechanisms or by inducing death receptor‐mediated apoptosis, and they can also secrete cytokines that are pivotal for immunomodulation. Despite the critical role as effector cells against tumors and virus‐infected cells, NK cells have been implicated in the regulation of T cell‐mediated responses in different models of autoimmunity, transplantation, and viral infections. Here, we review the mechanisms described for NK cell‐mediated inhibition of adaptive immune responses, with spotlight on the emerging evidence of their regulatory role that shapes antitumor immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]