Relation of natural killer cell line NK-92-mediated cytolysis (NK-92-lysis) with the surface markers of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens, adhesion molecules, and Fas of target cells

Natural killer (NK) cell line NK-92 has recently been established by Klinge mann et al. In this study, we compared the NK-92-mediated cytolysis (NK-92- lysis) with the killing of healthy volunteers' NK cells and lymphokine-acti vated killer (LAK) cells. The NK-92-lysis was partially different from the NK- and LAK-lysis. 1) The NK-92 could kill most of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen-positive tumor cells. 2) The NK cells killed a myeloid leukemia cell line K562, but the NK-92 showed low killer activit y against it. 3) The LAK cells could not kill a CD58-deficient cell line OK M-2T, whereas the NK-92 could kill it sufficiently. 4) The NK-92 could not kill CD54-, CD102-deficient cell lines T98G and U373MG; however, the LAK ce lls could kill them. Blocking tests using specific antibodies revealed the reason for these differences. The K562 expressed relatively low levels of C D54 and CD102. When the K562 was pre treated with anti-CD54 and anti-CD102, the NK-92 could not kill it at all, whereas the NK cells could still kill it, although the killing level decreased. The NK-92 could not kill the anti -CD54- and anti-CD102-treated OKM-2T. The LAK cells could not kill anti-CD5 8-treated U373MG and T98G. These findings suggest that NK-92-lysis may requ ire the CD54 and CD102 but that NK-lysis does not require them as much, whe reas the LAK-lysis may be rather in relation with the CD58. The NK-92 has h igh killer activity, and may be applicable for clinical use. However, it sh ould be considered that the NK-92 cannot kill CD54-, CD102-deficient tumor cells.