Is there a role for NK cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis? A case study

We report on a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) in which we documented an elevated percentage of activated CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells in peri pheral blood lymphocytes. NK cells from the patient lysed preferentially gl ioblastoma but not neuroblastoma cells. Killing of glial cells was not inhi bited by a monoclonal antibody against: a monomorphic determinant of MHC cl ass I gene products. Lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cell function in the MS patient was comparable to that of controls. Analysis of cytokine produc tion during resting or activated states demonstrated that this patient had a deficit in the ability to secrete T cell derived cytokines associated wit h increased production of TNF alpha, a product of NK cells. Taken together, these data indicate a possible involvement of NK cells in the pathogenesis of MS. Human Immunology 60, 231-238 (1999). (C) American Society for Histo compatibility and Immunogenetics, 1999. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.