Natural killer T cells in patients with prostatic carcinoma.
Recent interest has focused on natural killer T (NKT) cells as effector cells in a possible new form of immunotherapy. NKT cells express T cell and natural killer cell receptors. They are CD1d-dependent and can be stimulated by alpha-galactosylceramide. We have studied peripheral blood levels of NKT cells simultaneously with CD8+ cells and natural killer cells in 54 patients with prostatic carcinoma. Levels of NKT cells in patients with androgen withdrawal and stable PSA levels were 211.8 +/- 138.4 cells/microl and in patients with rising PSA levels were 27.0 +/- 22.1 cells/microl. A similar but less pronounced difference in CD8+ cells between these groups was found (656.4 vs. 212.0 cells/microl). Comparing all 54 patients studied, a positive correlation was found between the levels of NKT cells and CD8+ cells (r = 0.83). Our results suggest an important and regulatory role of NKT cells in patients with prostatic carcinoma.
Schwemmer
B
B
Munich, Germany. BSchwe7133@aol.com
D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology