Chemotherapeutic agents and modulation of natural killer cell activity in vitro

This study investigated the effect of various clinically used chemotherapeutic agents on non-modulated and human alpha Interferon (IFN) modulated natural killer cell (NK) activity. The inhibitors of DNA synthesis, Adriamycin, Cis-Platinum, 5-Fluorouracil and Methotrexate, did not alter NK cell activity at comparable clinically used doses. Similarly, Vincristine and Vinblastine, which are antimitotic agents, did not affect the NK activity. Only inhibitors of RNA synthesis L-Asparaginase and Actinomycin D reduced non-modulated and IFN modulated NK cell activity.