Natural killer cell response to interferons

The availability of recombinant interferons has facilitated a comparison of the in vitro effects of interferon-alpha and -gamma upon human natural killer (NK) cells. In the absence of interferon high and low NK responders exist. Repeated testing of the same individuals revealed different but stable NK patterns to in vitro addition of interferon-alpha and -gamma Furthermore, the NK cell response patterns differed depending on whether the interferons were administered in combination or separately. These studies suggest new complexities that must be addressed in the planning and execution of clinical interferon trials. The pattern of responsiveness of human NK cells to interferon-alpha or -gamma or both is highly variable, but stable, within a given individual.