Prostaglandins and cyclic nucleotides as effectors in non-lymphocyte mediated surveillance processes ( short review)

This paper reviews the evidence pointing to a role of prostaglandins and cyclic AMP in the regulation of surveillance processes against transformed cells carried out by activated monocytes macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells. Specific topics of discussion include: (a) the regulation of monocyte/macrophage system and NK cells by prostaglandins and cyclic AMP; and (b) the possible immunomodulatory role of thromboxanes generated by activated monocytes and macrophages. Also the role of cyclic AMP dependent and independent protein kinases as well as their link with oncogenes is briefly reviewed.