Related Experiment Videos
A shared antigenic determinant between natural killer cells and nervous tissue
Nature
|November 10, 1983
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cell marker HNK-1 binds to nervous tissue components, particularly myelin. This cross-reactivity suggests a link between NK cell dysfunction and autoimmune neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular Immunology
Background:
- Shared antigenic determinants exist between nervous system cells and lymphocytes.
- This cross-recognition is implicated in neurological diseases like myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the binding of natural killer (NK) cell markers to nervous tissue.
- To explore the potential link between NK cell function and autoimmune neurological diseases.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the anti-Leu-7 (HNK-1) antibody, an NK cell marker, to test for reactivity with human and rodent nervous tissue.
- Tested another NK cell marker, VEP13, for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- The HNK-1 antibody specifically bound to components of central and peripheral nervous tissue, especially myelin sheaths.
- The VEP13 NK cell marker did not react with nervous tissue.
- NK cell function is impaired in some multiple sclerosis patients.
Conclusions:
- Observed cross-reactivity suggests autosensitization against myelin may impair NK cell function.
- The shared antigenic determinant could help identify novel nervous tissue antigens and elucidate NK cell antigen nature.