Features, genetics and in vivo importance of lymphocyte mediated natural cytotoxicity
Petrányi, G.G.; Györffy, G.; Benczur, M.; Varga, M.; Gyódi, E.; Onody, K.; Füst, G.; Láng, I.
Panminerva Medica 20(1): 71-80
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-0808 PMID: 643304 Document Number: 139123
The mechanism of action and in vivo role of natural killer cells was reviewed. The natural killer cells belong to the O lymphocyte population which usually possess Fc receptors and receptors for the 3rd component at complement. The differences and similarities of the immune, antibody mediated and spontaneous killer mechanisms which can be demonstrated by the effect of metabolite inhibitors and membrane active substances were discussed. Spontaneous killer cells are sensitive to cytostatic drugs but are resistant to total body irradiation. The uropode of the motile spontaneous killer lymphocyte participates in the killer function. Certain specificities are presumable; however, sensitivity of the target cell is also responsible for the degree of this activity. In vivo the spontaneous killer activity may be involved in the resistance to leukemia transplants. The lymphocyte population may be responsible for the Hh system-determined hybrid resistance and allogeneic inhibition mechanism. The spontaneous killer cell activity is under polygenetic control, highly determined by the histocompatibility region linked gene (s). A strong correlation exists between the H-region linked in vivo resistance and the in vivo lymphocyte activity. Genetic studies also indicate a linkage between the natural killer activity and Hh-1 system. Human and mouse lymphocytes were studied.