title: Defective interleukin-1 production by natural killer cells of patients with cancer.
abstract: Large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) from patients with malignant disease and from controls were activated by endotoxin or K562 cells, and the supernatants assayed for interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity. Normal LGLs produced significant amounts of IL-1, the activity of which could be neutralized by anti-human IL-1 antiserum. In patients with advanced cancer depressed IL-1 production was observed, which generally correlated with the degree of cytotoxicity produced by the LGLs. Prior treatment of the LGLs with interferon increased production of IL-1 by both control and patient cells. It is suggested that LGLs coming into contact with K562 cells produce IL-1, which is important in the effector-target cell interaction. The decreased cytotoxic activity of LGLs from cancer patients could be related to a defect in IL-1 production, an effect which can be partially corrected by in vitro interferon treatment.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Herman
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Kew
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Rabson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000276:immunology*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D007375:Interleukin-1