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eCAM 2004 1(1):17-27; doi:10.1093/ecam/neh014
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© Oxford University Press, 2004.

Review

CAM and NK Cells

Kazuyoshi Takeda and Ko Okumura

Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan

It is believed that tumor development, outgrowth and metastasis are under the surveillance of the immune system. Although both innate and acquired immune systems play roles, innate immunity is the spearhead against tumors. Recent studies have revealed the critical role of natural killer (NK) cells in immune surveillance and that NK cell activity is considerably influenced by various agents, such as environmental factors, stress, foods and drugs. Some of these NK cell stimulants have been used in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) since ancient times. Therefore, the value of CAM should be re-evaluated from this point of view. In this review, we overview the intimate correlation between NK cell functions and CAM agents, and discuss possible underlying mechanisms mediating this. In particular, neuro-immune crosstalk and receptors for CAM agents are the most important and interesting candidates for such mechanisms.

Keywords: ß-glucan – lectin – NK cell receptor – nerve-immune crosstalk – tumor

For reprints and all correspondence: Kazuyoshi Takeda, Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bukyou-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan. E-mail: ktakeda{at}med.juntendo.ac.jp


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Commentary on CAM and NK Cells by Kazuyoshi Takeda and Ko Okumura
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eCAM 2004 1: 29-34. [Extract] [FREE Full Text]  



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