Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
Published on: October 30, 2016
Chlorpromazine inhibits human natural killer cell activity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46223.
Abstract:
The phenothiazine antipsychotic drug chlorpromazine, a potent calmodulin antagonist, inhibited human natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibition of natural killer cell activity was not due to interference with conjugate formation, nor was it due to toxicity to the natural killer cells or nonspecific alteration of the target cells. Chlorpromazine also suppressed antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent fashion, suggesting that the two activities share a calmodulin-dependent step. Finally, it was not possible to overcome chlorpromazine-mediated inhibition of natural killer cell activity by first treating the cells with interleukin-2 or Beta-interferon.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...

