Response of human natural killer (NK) cells to NK cell stimulatory factor (NKSF): cytolytic activity and proliferation of NK cells are differentially regulated by NKSF.

• DOI: 10.1084/jem.175.3.779
• Publication Date: 2004-06-24T07:56:10Z
• Authors: M J Robertson; R J Soiffer; S F Wolf; T J Manley; C Donahue; D Young; S H Herrmann; J Ritz
• Keywords: Janus kinase 3; Lymphokine-activated killer cell; CD49b; NK-92

Natural killer cell stimulatory factor (NKSF) is a 70-kD heterodimeric cytokine that was initially isolated from conditioned medium of human B lymphoblastoid lines. The effects recombinant NKSF on the function peripheral blood NK cells were examined. directly augmented cytolytic activity freshly cells. Both CD56dim and CD56bright demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity after brief exposure to NKSF. In contrast, highly purified T lymphocytes did not exhibit major histocompatibility complex-unrestricted short-term culture with Like interleukin 2 (IL-2), lysis NK-sensitive, NK-resistant, antibody-coated targets. IL-2 induced marked upregulation several adhesion molecules known participate in cytolysis, including CD2, CD11a, CD54. However, activates through pathway distinct IL-2, since presence anti-IL-2 receptor (anti-IL-2R) antibodies or IL-4 inhibit by itself very little proliferation resting preactivated vitro NKSF, but degree always inferior alone. Moreover, strongly inhibited IL-2-induced either This inhibition result decreased IL-2R expression, because NKSF-activated expressed higher levels both IL-2Rs p75 p55. Furthermore, mitogen-activated cells, indicating selective effect proliferation. Human expanded vivo prolonged continuous infusions remained fully responsive Picomolar concentrations as effective nanomolar augmenting IL-2. may play an important role regulation function, its possible use therapeutic deserves further investigation.