The effect of recombinant alpha 2-interferon on defective natural killer cell activity in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Neuroimmunology
• Cellular Immunology

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
• Natural Killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in immune surveillance and regulation.
• Dysfunctional immune responses, including NK cell activity, are implicated in MS pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Natural Killer (NK) cell activity in patients experiencing exacerbating and remitting phases of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
• To determine if NK cell cytotoxicity is altered in MS patients compared to healthy controls.
• To assess the potential of interferon therapy to restore NK cell function in MS.

Main Methods:

• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated from MS patients and healthy controls.
• NK cell cytotoxicity was measured against the K562 myeloid target cell line.
• The effect of recombinant alpha 2-interferon on NK cell activity was evaluated in vitro.

Main Results:

• MS patients exhibited significantly impaired NK cell cytotoxicity against K562 cells.
• This NK cell defect persisted regardless of the time elapsed since the last MS exacerbation.
• In vitro treatment with interferon enhanced NK cell activity in MS patients to levels comparable to untreated controls.

Conclusions:

• Patients with relapsing-remitting MS demonstrate a functional defect in Natural Killer (NK) cell activity.
• This impairment in NK cell cytotoxicity is correctable in vitro using interferon.
• These findings highlight a potential role for interferon in modulating NK cell function in MS.