Cytokines and signaling pathways involved in differentiation potential of hematopoietic stem cells towards natural killer cells

NK cells are innate immune cells derived from common lymphoid progenitor and are developed primarily in the bone marrow. These cells respond to stress signals, inflammatory cytokines, and cancerous cells through the secretion of active immune mediators. Previous studies revealed that NK cells can be used as an essential cell in the defense against cancers. According to the literature, a set of cytokines and factors play a crucial role during differentiation of NK cells. In other words, developmental events of NK cells are regulated through multiple critical cytokines, including interleukins (ILs), kit ligand, fms-like tyrosine kinase three ligand, transforming growth factor-β, and typical γ chain family of cytokines. Among previously investigated ILs, IL-2, IL-3, IL-7, and IL-15 are the most important. In addition to ILs, transcription factors and MicroRNAs are involved in NK cell development. In this review study, after presenting a brief description of developmental stages and production of the NK cells, the factors and signaling pathways involved in differentiation of NK cells were discussed.