Natural Killer Cells as Critical Modulators of Heart Disease: Exploring Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives

Somayeh  Shamlou; Jafar  Kiani; Zahra  Hasanpoor; Mohammad  Tollabi; Fatemeh  Norooznezhad; Saeedeh Torabi  Goudarzi; Javad  Verdi; Nasim  Vousooghi

doi:10.18502/ijaai.v24i2.18140

Somayeh Shamlou Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Jafar Kiani Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Zahra Hasanpoor Department of Immunology, School of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Tollabi Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Fatemeh Norooznezhad Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Saeedeh Torabi Goudarzi Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Javad Verdi Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Nasim Vousooghi Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijaai.v24i2.18140

Keywords: Natural killer cells; Heart diseases; Coronary artery disease; Myocardial infarctions; Heart transplantations

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial components of the innate immune system and have emerged as significant players in the pathogenesis of heart diseases. This review discusses recent findings regarding the multifaceted roles of NK cells in various cardiac conditions, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, myocarditis, and heart transplantation. It outlines the NK cell subsets, particularly CD56-bright and CD56-dim variations, their functional characteristics, cytokine profiles, and the inflammatory pathways they are involved. The review discusses both the beneficial and detrimental effects of NK cell activity on cardiac pathology by underlining their participation in immune regulation, tissue repair, and graft rejection dynamics. Additionally, we have addressed the impact of NK-cell–oriented environmental signals and discussed potential therapeutic approaches, such as immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory strategies targeting NK cells. This review was therefore geared towards integrating available studies in understanding NK cell dynamics in heart disease and offering insights for future clinical interventions.