DEFIBROTIDE AUGMENTS THE ANTICANDIDIAL ACTIVITY OF NK CELLS

1. The mechanism of action of Defibrotide, a fibrinolytic agent on Nat ural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, was investigated through verapamil , TMB-8 cells and pertussis toxin. 2. Defibrotide increased the activi ty against Candida albicans cells (anticandidial activity), and it is determined that the calcium channels have a role in this effect. 3. Bl ockage of calcium channels reduced the anticandidial effect by 39.2%. Pertussis toxin led to a 10.7% inhibition, whereas the application of TMB-8 resulted in the stimulation of anticandidial activity. 4. It is concluded that defibrotide is a potent activator of NK cells. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.