AIDS: NK cells in the innate immune system control viral replication in the lymph nodes

Scientists from the Institut Pasteur have proved that NK cells ("natural killer" cells in the immune system) migrate to lymphoid follicles, where they control replication of SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus). This new, previously undiscovered function of NK cells was revealed following research into SIV infection in African green monkeys. It raises the prospect of one day being able to control HIV in humans that have stopped treatment, a phenomenon that is currently only seen very rarely in a handful of patients known as post-treatment controllers. This finding also suggests that NK cells in the lymph nodes may play a role during other viral infections – or even in vaccinations.

Find out more