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Basic fibroblast growth factor and interleukins 4 and 6 stimulate the release of IFN-gamma by individual NK cells

C E Lewis1, A L Ramshaw, J Lorenzen

  • 1Nuffield Department of Pathology and Bacteriology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, United Kingdom.

Cellular Immunology
|January 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Natural killer (NK) cells release interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a key cytokine. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and interleukins 2, 4, and 6 significantly boost this release, while TNF-alpha does not.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cytokine Signaling

Background:

  • Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial immune cells involved in host defense.
  • Cytokines like IL-2 and IFN-gamma regulate NK cell activity, including secretion and cytotoxicity.
  • Understanding factors influencing NK cell-derived IFN-gamma is vital for immune response modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of various stimuli on IFN-gamma release from individual NK cells.
  • To quantify IFN-gamma secretion at the single-cell level using an adapted immunoassay.
  • To identify specific cytokines that modulate NK cell IFN-gamma production.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the reverse hemolytic plaque assay coupled with immunocytochemistry.
  • Isolated and immunoidentified peripheral blood NK cells (CD3-/CD16+).
  • Quantified IFN-gamma secretion per single NK cell upon stimulation with PMA, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and bFGF.

Main Results:

  • NK cells are the primary source of spontaneously released IFN-gamma in vitro.
  • IL-2 and PMA increased IFN-gamma secretion per NK cell after 6-hour exposure.
  • bFGF and IL-4, IL-6 demonstrated potent, dose-dependent stimulation of IFN-gamma secretion by NK cells, without altering the number of secreting cells.

Conclusions:

  • The study successfully visualized and quantified IFN-gamma release from individual NK cells.
  • bFGF and interleukins 2, 4, and 6 are identified as potent stimulants of NK cell IFN-gamma secretion.
  • TNF-alpha does not significantly affect IFN-gamma release from NK cells.

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