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Defibrotide augments the anticandidial activity of NK cells

A Turhan1, A K Piskin, K Emerk

  • 1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.

General Pharmacology
|May 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Defibrotide enhances Natural Killer (NK) cell activity and anticandidial effects, involving calcium channels. This fibrinolytic agent shows potential as a potent NK cell activator.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Defibrotide is a fibrinolytic agent with potential immunomodulatory effects.
  • Natural Killer (NK) cells are crucial for innate immunity and cytotoxicity.
  • Understanding Defibrotide's impact on NK cell function is important for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism of action of Defibrotide on Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity.
  • To determine the role of calcium channels and specific signaling pathways in Defibrotide's anticandidial activity.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated Defibrotide's effects using verapamil (calcium channel blocker), TMB-8 (calcium chelator), and pertussis toxin.
  • Assessed NK cell cytotoxicity and anticandidial activity in the presence of these modulators.

Main Results:

  • Defibrotide significantly increased anticandidial activity against Candida albicans.
  • Calcium channel blockade reduced Defibrotide's anticandidial effect by 39.2%.
  • Pertussis toxin caused 10.7% inhibition, while TMB-8 stimulated anticandidial activity.

Conclusions:

  • Defibrotide is a potent activator of Natural Killer (NK) cells.
  • Calcium channels play a significant role in Defibrotide's anticandidial effects.
  • Defibrotide modulates NK cell function through pathways influenced by calcium signaling.

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