Natural killer cells and Helicobacter pylori infection: bacterial antigens and interleukin-12 act synergistically to induce gamma interferon production.

ABSTRACT: Helicobacter pylori is known to induce a local immune response, which is characterized by activation of lymphocytes and the production of IFN-gamma in the stomach mucosa. Since not only T cells, but also natural killer (NK) cells, are potent producers of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), we investigated whether NK cells play a role in the immune response to H. pylori infection. Our results showed that NK cells were present in both the gastric and duodenal mucosae but that H. pylori infection did not affect the infiltration of NK cells into the gastrointestinal area. Furthermore, we could show that NK cells could be activated directly by H. pylori antigens, as H. pylori bacteria, as well as lysate from H. pylori, induced the secretion of IFN-gamma by NK cells. NK cells were also activated witho

SUBMITTER: Yun CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1064934 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature