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Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
Published on: October 30, 2016
Regulation of natural killer function by nonlymphoid cells
Natural Immunity
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Non-lymphoid cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, regulate natural killer (NK) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activity. These interactions can either enhance or suppress immune responses against tumors and infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells possess MHC-independent tumor cell lysis capabilities.
- The cytotoxic activity of NK and LAK cells is known to be modulated by non-lymphoid cells in vitro.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulatory roles of various non-lymphoid cells on NK and LAK cell functions.
- To understand how interactions with cells like red blood cells, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and platelets influence cytotoxic activity.
Main Methods:
- In vitro co-culture experiments involving NK/LAK cells and various non-lymphoid cell types.
- Assessment of NK/LAK cell cytotoxicity and LAK cell development under different co-culture conditions.
- Evaluation of the impact of specific cytokines and cell activation states on regulatory effects.
Main Results:
- Red blood cell interaction enhances NK cell cytotoxicity.
- Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) suppress LAK development and inhibit NK/LAK cytotoxicity, an effect amplified by tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
- Monocytes exhibit dual roles, enhancing or suppressing LAK induction based on their activation state.
- Lung-derived macrophages potently inhibit NK and LAK activity at both induction and effector phases.
- Platelets release factors that suppress NK and LAK activity.
Conclusions:
- Non-lymphoid cells significantly regulate NK and LAK cell-mediated immune responses.
- These regulatory mechanisms, involving both suppressive and enhancing factors, likely play a crucial role in local in vivo control of NK cell function.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for comprehending immune surveillance, microbial infection control, and hematopoiesis regulation.
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