In contrast to extensive studies on the role of T and B lymphocytes in the
pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases of the nervous system, little is known
about NK cells and their potential role in the destruction of neural tissue
. NK cells have been implicated in the selective death of sympathetic neuro
ns resident in the superior cervical ganglia of rats after exposure to the
drug guanethidine, This observation suggests that NK cells may function as
principle effecters in immunological diseases of the nervous system. Howeve
r, the direct mechanism of action of NK cells in this model is not known. I
n particular, it is not known whether NK cells can kill autologous neurons
directly. The aim of the present study was to examine whether NK cells can
kill directly dorsal root ganglia neurons cultured in vitro. We demonstrate
that C57BL/6 (B6)-derived dorsal root ganglia neurons can be killed direct
ly by syngenic IL-2-activated NK cells, and that this nerve cell lysis is d
ependent on the expression of perforin in the NK cells. NK cells were less
effective in destroying neurons grown in the presence of glial cells. These
observations indicate a potential role for NK cells in nerve cell degenera
tion in inflammatory diseases of the nervous system.