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Liver as a tumor cell killing organ: Kupffer cells and natural killers

M Malter, E Friedrich, R Süss

    Cancer Research
    |June 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Rat liver cells possess potent natural killer (NK) cell activity against various tumor cells, exceeding spleen cell efficacy. Environmental factors and certain chemical exposures significantly influence this tumoricidal capacity.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Hepatology
    • Cancer Research

    Background:

    • Sinusoidal rat liver cells exhibit spontaneous cytotoxicity against tumor cells in vitro.
    • These liver cells demonstrate specific tumor cell preferences, similar to spleen cells.
    • Metastatic tumor cells show reduced sensitivity to this cytotoxic effect.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To characterize the natural killer (NK) cell activity of rat liver sinusoidal cells.
    • To compare the NK potency of the liver versus the spleen.
    • To investigate factors influencing liver NK cell tumoricidal capacity.

    Main Methods:

    • In vitro co-culture assays of rat liver cells with various tumor cell lines.
    • Characterization of effector cells, including sensitivity to anti-asialo GM1 globulin and silica.
    • Assessment of liver NK cell activity in germ-free animals and rats exposed to chemical agents.

    Main Results:

    • Rat liver sinusoidal cells possess significant natural killing (NK) activity against specific tumor targets (YAC-1, P815, etc.).
    • A subset of non-macrophage killer cells in the liver shares characteristics with classical NK cells.
    • Liver NK cell potency is higher than spleen NK cell potency; environmental factors and chemical exposure modulate this activity.

    Conclusions:

    • Rat liver sinusoidal cells are a major site of natural killer cell activity.
    • Environmental influences and chronic exposure to certain chemicals can enhance liver tumoricidal capacity.
    • Liver NK cells represent a critical component of innate immunity against cancer.

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