[Functional activity of natural killer cells in autoimmune processes in mice]

The functional activity of natural killer cells in mice with experimentally induced autoimmune (adjuvant) arthritis and in NZB mice with genetically determined autoimmune disturbances has been studied. A charp suppression of natural killer cells has been shown to occur in the process of the development and in the course of adjuvant arthritis. A similar picture has been noted in the study of natural killer cells in NZB mice, suppression in these mice occurring simultaneously with the appearance of the signs of autoimmune disturbances. The activity of natural killer cells in the lymph nodes of NZB mice has proved to be absent practically during the whole period of study. The preventive role of natural killer cells in autoimmunity is suggested.