title: Generation of lymphokine-activated killer cells does not require DNA synthesis.
abstract: We studied the role of DNA synthesis in the induction of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells by recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) and the dependence of this phenomenon on DNA synthesis. Doses of gamma-irradiation (1000-5000 rads) that profoundly reduced DNA synthesis in human peripheral blood mononuclear leucocytes (PBL) also effectively suppressed the development of cytotoxic activity in the absence of IL-2. However, the same doses of irradiation affected the induction of LAK activity by IL-2 to a much lesser extent. Blocking the formation of deoxyribonucleotides by hydroxyurea, which resulted in a complete inhibition of DNA synthesis in PBL or purified T lymphocytes, had virtually no effect on the generation of LAK cells. These results indicate that the expression of LAK activity is not dependent on DNA synthesis.
mesh_terms: D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000528:radiation effects; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D007376:Interleukin-2; D004247:DNA