title: Influence of human interferon-alpha therapy on cytotoxic functions of blood lymphocytes. Studies on lectin-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and natural killer cell activity.
abstract: Various cytotoxic functions of blood lymphocytes were studied in 101 patients undergoing daily treatment with human interferon-alpha (IFN). Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and lectin-dependent cellular cytotoxicity were not altered to any major extent after 1 day or 1 week of IFN therapy. After 3 and 6 months of treatment a decrease in these functions was observed in most patients. Natural killer cell activity increased following the first injection of IFN and remained elevated during 1 year of IFN therapy.
mesh_terms: D000920:Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D037102:Lectins / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007370:Interferon Type I; D037102:Lectins