Natural Killer Cells Regulate Immunity by Controlling Interferon Gamma
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VRP Staff
Researchers have discovered the mechanism by which natural killer (NK) cells—immune cells that protect the body against cancer and infections— produce a powerful immune regulator known as interferon gamma (IFNg).
NK cells produce IFNg as part of the defense mechanism against invading pathogens and tumor cells. However, when IFNg is produced in too large quantities, it can actually impair immunity. A healthy immune system remains in a state of balance, carefully regulating IFNg levels to ensure there is not an oversupply (which would cause a greater risk of infection and cancer). An excessive amount of IFNg results in an overabundance of NK cells, which can cause autoimmune diseases.
However, the mechanism by which the body controls IFNg production and NK-cell activity has not been clearly elucidated.
In the current study, published in the journal Immunity, researchers investigated the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which cause NK cells to make IFNg and stimulate their activity. Researchers also examined another substance made by NK cells—transforming growth factor beta (TGFb)—which lowers IFNg production.
The researchers found that the pro-inflammatory cytokines play a dual role—the cytokines cause NK cells to make IFNg and they also stop TGFb signaling in order to inhibit IFNg production. Furthermore, the scientists found that TGFb stops IFNg production—and, consequently, NK cell activity— both directly and indirectly.
Researchers believe the finding might help them tap into the cancer-killing ability of natural killer cells to help control tumor growth.
Reference:
Yu J, Wei M, Becknell B, Trotta R, Liu S, Boyd Z, Jaung MS, Blaser BW, Sun J, Benson DM Jr, Mao H, Yokohama A, Bhatt D, Shen L, Davuluri R, Weinstein M, Marcucci G, Caligiuri MA. Pro- and Antiinflammatory Cytokine Signaling: Reciprocal Antagonism Regulates Interferon-gamma Production by Human Natural Killer Cells. Immunity. 2006 May;24(5):575-90.
This finding is particularly applicable to VRP’s new EpiCor™ immune-boosting supplement and may explain the mechanism of action behind EpiCor. Natural killer cells in EpiCor-exposed subjects had a much higher killing efficiency of pathogen-infected and abnormal cells despite a significant decrease in the natural killer cells’ number.
