Diagnostic methods for identifying tumor cells susceptible to NK cell-mediated lysis are also included, as are methods for determining the number of NK cells in a biological sample. The invention provides a means for ascertaining the surface proteins responsible for NK cell specific receptor-ligand interactions. The invention may be used as a diagnostic to accurately establish the presence of NK susceptible cells. The invention may be used to develop therapeutics for treating mammals suffering from cancer. Patent Status United States and PCT patent applications have been filed.
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