Abstract
NK cells are directly activated by rIL-2 and subsequently undergo rIL-2-dependent proliferation in vitro. Herein, we report that rIL-4 is a potent regulator of human NK cells. Although rIL-4 had no effect on the cytotoxic activity of resting NK cells, it was capable of inhibiting in a concentration-dependent manner the rIL-2-induced cytolytic activation of NK cells against NK cell-resistant tumor cell targets. rIL-4 acted directly on NK cells and did not require accessory cells. rIL-4 induced inhibition of NK cell activation was specific for rIL-2 in that activation of NK cell cytolysis by IFN-α was not affected. These results represent the first direct evidence that rIL-2 and IFN-α activate NK cells by different pathways. rIL-4 also effectively blocked the rIL-2-dependent proliferation of NK cells. The results presented in this study clearly demonstrate that rIL-4 is a potent regulator of IL-2-dependent mechanisms of NK cell activation and proliferation and thus may play an important physiologic role in vivo.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2349-2351 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Journal of Immunology |
Volume | 141 |
Issue number | 7 |
State | Published - 1988 |
Externally published | Yes |