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CD16 (Natural Killer Cells)

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CD16 (Natural Killer Cells)

Measures CD16 on natural killer cells to assess immune activity and risks for infections or immune disorders.

Centre Visit

SAMPLE TYPE

Blood

FASTING REQUIRED

GENDER

Male/Female

GET REPORTS IN

25 hours

TEST INCLUDED

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What is a CD16 (Natural Killer Cells) Test ?

This test measures CD16, a protein found on a type of white blood cell called natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are part of your innate immune system. They help destroy virus-infected cells and some cancer cells. Measuring CD16 helps show how many NK cells are present and how they function. Doctors use the result to check for immune system problems. It can help diagnose recurrent infections, immune deficiencies, certain blood cancers, and to monitor response to treatments such as cancer therapy or immunosuppressive drugs. The test is usually done by flow cytometry on a blood sample and is interpreted along with other immune and blood tests.

CD16 (Natural Killer Cells) Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

CD16 (Natural Killer Cells) Test Parameters

The CD16 (Natural Killer Cells) test evaluates various parameters. Here are the main parameters checked:

Single test

Why Take a CD16 (Natural Killer Cells) Test ?

CD16 (Natural Killer Cells) is often part of an immune panel or lymphocyte subset profile performed by flow cytometry. Doctors may order it for recurrent or unusual infections, unexplained low blood counts, suspected immune deficiency, or to monitor cancer treatment and transplant patients. Abnormal results can come from infections, autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy, steroids, or inherited immune defects. A family history of primary immunodeficiency or recurrent infections may make this test especially important.

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Frequently asked questions

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What does CD16 do on NK cells?

CD16 (FcγRIII) on NK cells binds the Fc portion of IgG on antibody-coated targets, triggering antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Engagement induces ITAM-mediated signaling, NK cell activation, degranulation with perforin/granzymes release, and cytokine production (e.g., IFN‑γ), enabling killing of infected or tumor cells. CD16 is a low‑affinity Fc receptor; genetic variants influence its binding and ADCC potency.

What is the difference between CD16 and CD56 NK cells?

NK cells segregate into CD56bright CD16−/dim and CD56dim CD16+ subsets. CD56bright CD16−/dim are mainly in lymphoid tissues, produce high levels of cytokines (e.g., IFN-γ), have lower direct cytotoxicity, and respond strongly to cytokines like IL-2. CD56dim CD16+ dominate blood, express perforin/granzyme, are highly cytotoxic and mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity via CD16 (FcγRIIIa).

What is CD16 a marker for?

CD16 (FcγRIII) is an Fc gamma receptor expressed mainly on natural killer (NK) cells and on certain myeloid cells — neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages. It’s used as a marker to identify NK cells and mature neutrophils and reflects capacity for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and immune complex handling. Two isoforms exist: CD16a (NK cells, monocytes/macrophages) and CD16b (neutrophils).

Do NKT cells express CD16?

Most canonical NKT cells (CD3+ CD1d-restricted invariant NKT) do not express CD16 (FcγRIII). They can share some NK receptors (e.g., CD56, NKG2D), but CD16 is typically absent or only present on rare/activated NKT-like subsets. Thus CD16 is not a defining marker for classical NKT cells; any CD16 positivity is variable and subset-dependent.

What is the main function of natural killer NK cells?

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes whose main function is to detect and rapidly eliminate virus‑infected and transformed (tumor) cells without prior sensitization. They kill targets by releasing cytotoxic granules (perforin and granzymes), mediate antibody‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and secrete cytokines like interferon‑gamma to shape and activate other immune responses.

Is CD16 expressed on T cells?

CD16 (FcγRIII) is primarily expressed on natural killer cells, neutrophils and some monocytes, not on conventional T cells. However, small, highly differentiated CD8+ T‑cell subsets—and occasionally γδ T cells—can express CD16 after activation or during chronic infection. Those CD16+ T cells can mediate antibody‑dependent functions, but CD16 expression on T cells is uncommon and context‑dependent.

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Vijay Bisht was friendly, helpful, and made our home test process seamless. Grateful for his timely support and follow-up.

Usha Parvathy

Partner at Deloitte

A big thank you to Shikhar from the Visit app for going above and beyond to arrange a last-minute appointment during an urgent situation. His seamless coordination truly made a difference.

Tejas Baxix

Associate Vice President

A clean facility enhances experience. Quick checkups are a plus. Miss Rinku from Aditya Birla Health Insurance provided excellent service and handled our files well.

Sadaanand Asai

Employee

“The service was excellent—she was helpful, efficient, and made my recovery smooth and stress-free. Her support made a real difference.”

Ishan Kaul

Manager Administration

“Thank you, Shared Gupta, for the great support with my reimbursement claims and Wipro health packages. Truly appreciated!”

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Huge shoutout to Shikhar from the Visit app! He has been incredibly supportive during emergencies — always responsive and ready to help. Truly impressed by his dedication and calm efficiency.

Somchand

Employee

“I connected with the concierge team today and spoke with Vijay—he was helpful and made a real effort to address my concerns.”

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I appreciate Shreshta's outstanding support. She kept me updated on my medicals after hours and ensured everything went smoothly. Her proactive communication and care made a big difference.

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