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Measurement of Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Migration in the Context of Hepatic Tumor Cells
Published on: February 22, 2020
Physiologic modulation of natural killer cell activity as an index of Alzheimer's disease progression
Paolo Prolo1, Francesco Chiappelli, Alberto Angeli
1Division of Oral Biology & Medicine, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1668, USA. pprolo@dent.ucla.edu
Abstract:
Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are characterized by an altered sensitivity to cortisol-mediated modulation of circulating lymphocytes. Longitudinal studies are needed to address the clinical applicability of these abnormalities as prognostic factors. Therefore, we designed a longitudinal study to address the clinical applicability of physiologic modulation of Natural Killer (NK) cell activity as a prognostic factor in AD. NK activity was assessed as baseline measurement and in response to modulation by cortisol at 10(-6)M. To verify the immunophysiological integrity of the NK cell population, we tested augmentation of NK cytotoxicity by human recombinant interleukin (IL)-2 (100 IU/ml) as control. The response to modulation by cortisol or by IL-2 was significantly greater in patients with AD. Based on change in the Mini-Mental State score at entry and at 18 months, patients with AD could be assigned to a "fast progression" (Delta > 2 points) or to a "slow progression" group (Delta
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