NK-cells that identify glycopatterns and their anti-tumor potential against a background of epidemically significant viral infections

Risks related to tumors development against a background of viral infections as well as factors that determine such risks or reduce them have not been examined profoundly so far. Our research goal was to accomplish a scientific review of research on a potential possessed by populations of lectin NK-cells (natural killers) in a body; such populations can have variable sets of lectin and other functionally significant cell surface receptors against tumors in a situation when viruses, including epidemically significant ones, penetrate a body. It is shown that co-functioning of various receptors and their ligands that redistribute cytokines (glycopattern-identifying lectin (basis) receptors, Ig-similar receptors, cytotoxic receptors, and other effector (adjusting) receptors) plays a significant role in intercellular communications and effects produced by NK-populations. NK-populations network is a promising resource for body protection and it should be taken into account when developing new anti-tumor and anti-viral preventive and medical strategies...