Evidence for involvement of beta-glucan-binding cell surface lectins in human natural killer cell function.
We have studied the effects of yeast cell wall derivatives (zymosan and particulate beta-glucan), on the cytolytic effector function of human natural killer cells. Both zymosan and particulate beta-glucan were found to inhibit the NK-cell-mediated killing of K562, Molt-4, U937, and HL60 tumor cells. Zymosan also inhibited the IL-2-dependent proliferation of NK cells, suggesting that some component of the yeast cell wall delivers a down-modulatory signal affecting multiple NK cell functions. NK cell surface molecules capable of binding both zymosan and Sepharose-immobilized pustulan (linear 1,6-beta-D-glucan, a carbohydrate component of zymosan and particulate beta-glucan) were identified in detergent lysates prepared from surface iodinated NK cells. Our results suggest that NK cells express cell surface beta-glucan-binding lectins that may contribute to NK-cell-mediated natural cytotoxicity.
Duan
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Division of Tumor Immunology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
Ackerly
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Vivier
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Anderson
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P
D002473:Cell Wall / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D005936:Glucans / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D037102:Lectins; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000502:physiology; D015003:Yeasts / Q000276:immunology; D015054:Zymosan / Q000494:pharmacology
D005936:Glucans; D037102:Lectins; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D015054:Zymosan