Cross-talk with myeloid accessory cells regulates human natural killer cell interferon-gamma responses to malaria.

ABSTRACT: Data from a variety of experimental models suggest that natural killer (NK) cells require signals from accessory cells in order to respond optimally to pathogens, but the precise identity of the cells able to provide such signals depends upon the nature of the infectious organism. Here we show that the ability of human NK cells to produce interferon-gamma in response to stimulation by Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) is strictly dependent upon multiple, contact-dependent and cytokine-mediated signals derived from both monocytes and myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs). Contrary to some previous reports, we find that both monocytes and mDCs express an activated phenotype following short-term incubation with iRBCs and secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines. The magnitude of the N

SUBMITTER: Newman KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1687207 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature