NK-lysin, structure and function of a novel effector molecule of porcine T and NK cells.
NK-lysin (NKL), a 78-residue antimicrobial peptide, was isolated from pig small intestine. Standard methods identified the peptide as basic, with six half-cystine residues in three intrachain disulphide bonds. The sequence showed 33% identity with a part of a putative gene product (NKG5) from activated T and NK cells, NK-lysin showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus megaterium and marked lytic activity against YAC-1, a NK sensitive tumour cell line, while sheep red blood cells were unaffected. The cDNA clone corresponding to NK-lysin has been characterized. We have also analyzed the cell and tissue specific expression and the induction of the gene. A lymphocyte fraction enriched in T and NK cells, stimulated by human interleukin-2 (IL-2), showed a 30-fold increase of the NKL transcript. NK-lysin specific mRNA is also detectable in spleen, bone marrow and colon. Immunostaining showed NKL to be present in different types of lymphocytes. Our results strongly suggest that NK-lysin is involved in the inducible cytotoxicity of T and NK cells.
Andersson
M
M
Department of Microbiology, Stockholm University, Sweden.
Gunne
H
H
Agerberth
B
B
Boman
A
A
Bergman
T
T
Olsson
B
B
Dagerlind
A
A
Wigzell
H
H
Boman
H G
HG
Gudmundsson
G H
GH
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D011510:Proteolipids / Q000032:analysis*; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000032:analysis*; D013552:Swine; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; C093238:NK-lysin; D011510:Proteolipids; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants