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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
Published on: October 30, 2016
Clinical stage-depending decrease of NK cell activity in multiple myeloma patients
Vladimir Jurisic1, Tatjana Srdic, Gordana Konjevic
1Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac 34 000, Serbia. vdvd@mailcity.com
Abstract:
Natural killer cells, as an important subpopulation of cells of the innate immune system have an essential role in defense of the rise and spread of malignancy. These cells have a CD3-CD16 + CD56+ phenotype and they are functionally defined by their ability to lyses tumor cells. We here show that decrease of NK cell activity was significantly associated with advanced clinical stage, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), percentage infiltration of bone marrow with plasma cells, and beta-2 microglobulin. The patients with higher NK cell activity at presentation after receiving VAD protocol have better cumulative survival in comparison with those with low NK cell activity.
Insights
Natural killer (NK) cell activity is crucial for innate immunity against cancer. Lower NK cell activity correlates with advanced malignancy, while higher activity predicts better survival after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are vital components of the innate immune system, playing a key role in anti-tumor defense.
- NK cells are characterized by a CD3-CD16+CD56+ phenotype and possess cytotoxic functions against malignant cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between NK cell activity and clinical indicators of malignancy.
- To determine the prognostic value of NK cell activity in patients undergoing VAD protocol therapy.
Main Methods:
- Assessing NK cell activity in patients with malignancy.
- Correlating NK cell activity levels with clinical stage, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bone marrow plasma cell infiltration, and beta-2 microglobulin.
- Analyzing cumulative survival rates based on pre-treatment NK cell activity in patients receiving the VAD protocol.
Main Results:
- Decreased NK cell activity was significantly linked to advanced clinical stage, elevated LDH, increased bone marrow plasma cell infiltration, and higher beta-2 microglobulin levels.
- Patients with higher NK cell activity at presentation demonstrated improved cumulative survival following VAD protocol treatment compared to those with lower activity.
Conclusions:
- NK cell activity is a significant indicator of disease progression and prognosis in cancer patients.
- Measuring NK cell activity may aid in predicting treatment response and survival outcomes, particularly in patients undergoing VAD therapy.
