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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Assessment of Human Natural Killer Cell Events Driven by FcγRIIIa Engagement in the Presence of Therapeutic Antibodies
Published on: May 22, 2020
Cytokine release of human NK cells solely triggered with Poly I:C
Sandra Wulff1, Ralph Pries, Barbara Wollenberg
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.
Abstract:
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in innate immunity as effectors against tumor cells and pathogen-infected cells. Our data show for the first time that NK cells produce high levels of cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in response to stimulation with the artificial RNA analogue Poly I:C without additional cytokines or contact to other types of immune cells. An incubation period of 48 h is necessary to induce cytokine release by Poly I:C. These data suggest Poly I:C as a competent direct activator and immunomodulator of NK cell functions.
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