Do You Notes is a pun for “Do you know?” — a mini-series from Doc Krizza-Almond and TheCheckPoint Online that highlights high-yield, must-understand, but often overlooked (or minsang kinatatamarang aralin, hehe) MedTech concepts.
Today’s topic: Natural Killer (NK) Cells and the Missing Self concept
NK cells don’t just attack at random. They are trained to recognize what’s missing.
When a cell loses its MHC Class I “self-ID tag,” that’s a red flag 🚩 for Natural Killer cells.
This is called “Missing Self” recognition, a built-in defense that helps your body detect and remove abnormal cells.
Here’s the play-by-play:
- Healthy cells show MHC I → NK cells stay calm.
- Sick or cancerous cells lose MHC I → inhibitory signals stop.
- NK cells go, “Aha! Missing self detected,” then release perforins and granzymes to eliminate the threat.
✨ #MgaWalangKwentangMnemonic:
Remember: No MHC, no mercy! 😎
Explanation:
Natural Killer (NK) cells attack when a target cell has little or no MHC Class I on its surface.
In healthy cells, MHC I binds to NK cells’ inhibitory receptors, keeping them from attacking.
But when that “self-ID” is missing (as in viral infection or tumor cells), the inhibition is gone — kaya no MHC, no mercy.
Faith Reflection:
God designed even our immune system with wisdom, knowing when to act and when to stay still.
In the same way, may we learn to discern with grace and purpose in our own lives.
#DoYouNotes #Immunology #MedTechFacts #HappyReadyRMTniLORD #FutureSecuredKayLORD #TheCheckPointOnline
Doc Krizza-Almond 