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Updated: Apr 13, 2026
A Flow Cytometry-Based Cytotoxicity Assay for the Assessment of Human NK Cell Activity
Published on: August 9, 2017
The decrease in NKG2D+ Natural Killer cells in peripheral blood of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Background:
Natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in the immune defense against tumors such as colorectal cancer. In humans, NKG2D is an activating immune receptor constitutively expressed in most cytotoxic lymphocytes including NK and CD8+ T cells. In this study, the expression of NKG2D molecule was investigated in peripheral blood NK cells from colorectal cancer patients and compared with healthy subjects.
Methods:
We studied 21 non-metastatic (low-grade), 17 non-metastatic (high-grade), 16 metastatic colorectal cancer patients, and 24 healthy controls. Peripheral blood samples were obtained to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the percentage of peripheral blood NKG2D+CD3-CD56+ NK cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of NKG2D at mRNA level was also measured by real-time PCR in both, patients and control subjects.
Results:
The results showed a significant reduction in the percentage of NKG2D+NK cells as well as NKG2D mRNA expression in peripheral blood of metastatic colon cancer patients.
Conclusion:
This result suggests that decreased expression of activating NKG2D receptor in metastatic colorectal cancer might compromise NK cell function and allow tumor to evade immunity (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 33).
Insights
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for fighting colorectal cancer. In metastatic colorectal cancer patients, a significant decrease in NKG2D receptor expression on NK cells was observed, potentially hindering immune response against tumors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are vital for immune defense against colorectal cancer.
- NKG2D is an activating immune receptor found on NK and CD8+ T cells.
- Investigating NKG2D expression in colorectal cancer patients is crucial for understanding immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of the NKG2D molecule in peripheral blood NK cells of colorectal cancer patients.
- To compare NKG2D expression levels between colorectal cancer patients and healthy subjects.
Main Methods:
- Studied 21 non-metastatic (low-grade), 17 non-metastatic (high-grade), 16 metastatic colorectal cancer patients, and 24 healthy controls.
- Analyzed NKG2D+CD3-CD56+ NK cells percentage using flow cytometry.
- Measured NKG2D mRNA expression via real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in NKG2D+NK cells percentage was observed in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.
- NKG2D mRNA expression was also significantly decreased in the peripheral blood of metastatic colon cancer patients.
Conclusions:
- Decreased NKG2D receptor expression in metastatic colorectal cancer may impair NK cell function.
- This reduction could allow tumors to evade immune surveillance.
- Further research into NKG2D's role in colorectal cancer immunity is warranted.
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