The pathophysiological role of Chemokines in the regulation of NK cell tissue homing

Natural killer (NK) cells are an essential component of innate immunity that can rapidly detect and respond to malignant or infected cells. Chemokines play important roles in directing immune responses by controlling tissue homing, retention, and activation of immune cells. Although some chemokines can promote tumor growth and metastasis, others are responsible for extensive infiltration of lymphocytes, thus resulting in a protective anti-tumor immune response. Here, we summarize discoveries that have revealed the role of specific chemokines in regulating the function of NK cells during inflammation, infection, and malignancies.