NK and dendritic cell (DC) cross-talk involves cytokine stimulation as well as cell-contact signals. Following activation and production of IFN-γ, some NK cells might differentiate into memory-like cells, a process that takes less than one week. These memory-like NK cells do not constitutively produce IFN-γ and are maintained in a resting state. However, weeks later, when these NK cells are activated again via NK-DC cross-talk, this pool of memory-like NK cells could provide enhanced IFN-γ and therefore potentially improved protection against pathogens.