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Glycation interferes with natural killer cell function

Philip Rosenstock1, Veronika Bezold1, Kaya Bork1

  • 1Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystr. 1, D-06114, Halle/Saale, Germany.

Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|January 20, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) impair natural killer (NK) cell function. Methylglyoxal (MGO) negatively impacts NK cell cytotoxicity more than glyoxal (GO), reducing tumor cell lysis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Aging Research

Background:

  • Molecular aging is characterized by the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
  • Reactive carbonyls like glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO) are key contributors to AGE formation.
  • Elevated dicarbonyl levels are observed in aging and age-related diseases, impacting immune function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of GO- and MGO-induced glycation on natural killer (NK) cell function.
  • To assess the effects of glycation on NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production.
  • To determine if glycation of target cells affects NK cell-mediated lysis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the human NK cell line NK-92 for experimental analysis.
  • Exposed NK cells and K562 tumor cells to glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO).
  • Assessed NK cell protein glycation levels and functional parameters, including cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

  • Both GO and MGO induced glycation of proteins in NK cells.
  • Methylglyoxal (MGO) significantly impaired NK cell function and cytotoxicity compared to glyoxal (GO).
  • Glycation of target tumor cells (K562) also reduced their susceptibility to NK cell lysis.

Conclusions:

  • Glycation negatively affects NK cell function and cytotoxic potential.
  • MGO poses a greater threat to NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity than GO.
  • These findings highlight glycation as a detrimental factor in immune surveillance against cancer.
Keywords:
AGEsAgingCarbonyl stressGlycationImmune systemNK cells

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