NK cells of human secondary lymphoid tissues enhance T cell polarization via IFN-γ secretion

Barbara Morandi, Gwenola Bougras, William A. Muller, Guido Ferlazzo, Christian Münz*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

133 Scopus citations

Abstract

Human secondary lymphoid tissues harbor NK cells that predominantly secrete cytokines in response to activation. Here, we demonstrate that these immunoregulatory NK cells assist in the Th1 polarization of primary immune responses, induced by dendritic cells. Tonsilar, but not peripheral blood NK cells enhanced the expansion of IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells via their superior ability to produce IFN-γ. Addition of IFN-γ increased Th1 polarization while antibody blocking of this cytokine abolished NK cell-dependent Th1 polarization. Our data suggest that NK cells in secondary lymphoid organs assist priming of Th1 cells via cytokine secretion and this effect should be harnessed during vaccination against viruses and tumors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2394-2400
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology
Volume36
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2006

Keywords

  • Cytokines
  • Dendritic cells
  • Human
  • Natural killer cells
  • Th1/Th2 cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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