# NK Cells: A Powerful Squad Versus SARS-CoV-2

## TL;DR

This paper explores how natural killer (NK) cells influence the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection and their role in the immune response.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the novel role of NK cells in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and their impact on disease progression.

## Key findings

- NK cells significantly influence the severity of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms.
- The presence or absence of NK cell surface receptors affects the immune response to the virus.
- NK cells play a key role in linking innate and adaptive immunity during viral infections.

## Abstract

The function of NK cells in cancer and viral infections is well documented and understood. NK cell activity, including cytokine secretion, cytotoxic activity, and the coordination of inhibitory and activating receptors, linking innate and adaptive immunity, among others, has been examined for numerous pathogens, including parasites, bacteria, and viruses. The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 health crisis has exposed a deficiency in understanding the previously elucidated mechanisms; the rationale for the reported variability in symptomatology among COVID-19 patients is extensive and intricate. It is evident that NK cells exert a significant influence on symptom severity, and their absence, with the presence or absence of their surface receptors, elicits a tailored response to the virus. This overview examines the impact of NK cells on the progression of several viral diseases, emphasizing their involvement in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 via the activation of surface receptors.