Figure 1.

AML and NK cells interactions. AML and NK cells will interact by cell-to-cell contact as well as soluble factors. NK cell functions, including cytotoxicity and cytokines release, will be activated through the binding of activating receptors onto the cognate ligands on AML blast. Conversely, AML cell will attempt to inhibit NK cell functions by mobilizing ligands for inhibitory NK receptors. In the same time, AML will secrete some inhibitory soluble agents in order to reduce NK cell efficacy to detect and eliminate leukemia.