The second, completely revised edition summarize the state-of-the-art knowledge about natural killer (NK) cells by focusing on current topics and recent advances.

Since their discovery in 1975, NK cells have been continuously and increasingly studied by the scientific community. From the status of an atypical killer, they progressively gained attention and are now considered as highly sophisticated effector cells at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity. During the SARS-Cov-2 virus pandemic it became clear that they can be of therapeutic use showing deleterious effects that have been described before in other circumstances.

Split in six parts, this book starts with the basics of NK cells biology and their role in different organs. A special focus is given to their role in cancer, infectious diseases and immunotherapies. The last part reviews unexpected aspects of NK cells in diseases.

Given its comprehensive scope, the book serves as a reference for immunologists working in and outside of the NK cell field. Moreover, its logical and consistent structure will make this book appealing not only to confirmed experts but also master and PhD students.

Natural Killer cells within the ILC Family

Natural Killer Cell Development
Inhibitory and activating NK receptors in humans: an historical overview
Natural Killer cell differentiation
Natural killer cell repertoires and functional diversity: calibration through education
Natural Killer Cells and Memory
Effect of cytokines on Natural Killer cells
Natural Killer cells and chemokines
Natural Killer cell metabolism
Regulatory Natural Killer Cells
NK exhaustion (transcriptional changes in exhausted NK cells)
Natural Killer Cells and Extracellular Vesicles
Control of Natural Killer Cell Functions by the Nervous System
NK cells in Inborn Errors of Immunity
Natural Killer cells in Lymphoid Tissues (lymph nodes)
Natural Killer cells in the human lung
Natural Killer cells in the liver
Natural Killer cells in the Skin
Natural Killer Cells in the Uterus and the Female Genital Tract
Natural Killer Cells in the Eye
Natural Killer Cells in the Nervous System in Health and Disease
Antifungal Activity of Natural Killer Cells.