NK cells express-
First, the core concept here is the surface markers of Natural Killer (NK) cells. I remember that NK cells are part of the innate immune system and have specific receptors. They express CD16 and CD56, which are key markers. CD16 is a Fc receptor for IgG, important for antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), and CD56 is a neural cell adhesion molecule. So the correct answer should be CD56 and CD16.
Now, the options might include other markers like CD3 (T-cells), CD19 (B-cells), CD45 (leukocyte common antigen), or maybe CD4/CD8 which are T-cell markers. So the correct answer is likely CD56 and CD16. Let me check the options again. Wait, the user didn't list them, but in a standard question, if the options are A to D with these markers, the correct answer would be the one that includes CD56 and CD16.
For the incorrect options: CD3 is on T-cells, CD19 on B-cells, CD45 is common to all leukocytes but not specific to NK cells. CD4/CD8 are T-cell co-receptors. So the wrong options are other cell types' markers.
Clinical pearl: Remember that CD56 is the hallmark, and CD16 is for ADCC. So in flow cytometry, NK cells are identified by CD56+ and CD16+.
**Core Concept**
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate immune lymphocytes characterized by specific surface markers. They express CD56 (neural cell adhesion molecule) and CD16 (FcγRIII), distinguishing them from T-cells and B-cells. These markers are critical for their effector functions, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
NK cells are identified by CD56 and CD16. CD56 is a surface glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and migration, while CD16 binds IgG antibodies to mediate ADCC. Unlike T-cells (CD3+), NK cells lack T-cell receptors and CD3 complexes, making CD56/CD16 their defining markers. Flow cytometry uses CD56+CD16+ to isolate NK cells from peripheral blood.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *CD3* is a T-cell marker; NK cells lack CD3.
**Option B:** *CD19* is specific to B-cells.
**Option C:** *CD45* is a pan-leukocyte marker, not exclusive to NK cells.
**Option D:** *CD4/CD8* are T-cell co-receptors absent on NK cells.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember **CD56 + CD16** as the "NK cell signature." Confusion with T-cells (CD3+) or B-cells (CD19+) is common during flow cytometry panels. ADCC via CD16 is a key therapeutic mechanism in