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NK-lymphocytes (CD16) in blood
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
Normally, the number of CD16 lymphocytes in the blood of adults is 6-26%.
CD16 lymphocytes are effector cells responsible for antitumor, antiviral and transplant immunity. NK cells are a separate population of lymphocytes, they differ from T and B lymphocytes both in origin and in functional properties and surface receptors (in humans, there are 2 subpopulations - CD16 and CD56). They have spontaneous cytotoxic activity against various tumor cells, cells infected with viruses, and some normal cells, providing the first level of protection against tumors and intracellular infections before the activation of specific immune mechanisms. Unlike other cytotoxic cells, NK cells mediate cytotoxic reactions without presensitization and without restrictions on the expression of class I or II antigens of the major histocompatibility complex on target cells. High cytotoxicity and the ability to produce many cytokines are the main properties of CD16 lymphocytes. A decrease in the number of CD16 lymphocytes leads to the development of oncological diseases and the aggravation of the course of viral infections, autoimmune diseases, while an increase leads to a crisis of rejection of transplanted organs in recipients.
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