Immunity system complexity:innate immunity NK cells at work (Introduction)

by David Turell , Friday, February 10, 2023, 18:53 (442 days ago) @ David Turell

Newly found:

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-natural-killer-immune-cells-tissue.html

"The Monash University-led study identified a new group of immune cells, known as tissue-resident memory natural killer (NKRM) cells. NKRM cells limited immune responses in tissues and prevented autoimmunity, which is when the immune system makes a mistake and attacks the body's own tissues or organs.

"While additional research is required, the discovery may ultimately be used to treat autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's Syndrome and possibly chronic inflammatory conditions.

***

"Originally, NK cells were thought to be short lived cells that circulate in the blood with the sole function of identifying and quickly killing virally infected or damaged cells.

"The team's previous research established that NK cells' role is far more complex, and the latest study demonstrates for the first time that a subset of NK cells, NKRM, are critical in regulating immune responses in tissues.

"'This is key to preserving tissue function and preventing autoimmunity from developing," Dr. Schuster said. "While long-lived tissue resident memory T cells (TRM) have been described, the primary known function of these cells is to protect the host against reinfection."

"'Our discovery of tissue-resident memory natural killer (NKRM) cells establishes that the function of some memory cells that live in tissues is to protect from excessive inflammation rather than protect against recurring infection.'"

Comment: this type of total control protects us from runaway reactions that can be damaging through an autoimmune attack. Was this entire system designed all at once or did this control system get designed later? I presume all at once to avoid the danger of severe reactions.