Editorial: Modulation of antibody-mediated effector functions in natural killer cells: protective and detrimental effects in infectious diseases

This Research Topic collects scientific contributions focusing on factors affecting the amplitude and the functional outcome of Fc-FcγRIIIA interaction in human NK cells, in the context of viral infections. NK cells are main effectors of Fc-dependent antibody (Ab) functions through the expression of FcγRIIIA/CD16, a type I, low affinity, activating receptor, recognizing IgG-opsonized cells or IgG-containing immune complexes. CD16 engagement activates the full spectrum of NK cell effector functions against viruses by promoting the killing of infected cells, as well as the production of cytokines and chemokines, through which they interface with adaptive immune responses and participate to pro-inflammatory tissue damage.