Genome wide transcriptional analysis of resting and IL2 activated human natural killer cells: gene expression signatures indicative of novel molecular signaling pathways.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human natural killer (NK) cells are the key contributors of innate immune response and the effector functions of these cells are enhanced by cytokines such as interleukine 2 (IL2). We utilized genome-wide transcriptional profiling to identify gene expression signatures and pathways in resting and IL2 activated NK cell isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors.

Results

Gene expression profiling of resting NK cells showed high expression of a number of cytotoxic factors, cytokines, chemokines and inhibitory and activating surface NK receptors. Resting NK cells expressed many genes associated with cellular quiescence and also appeared to have an active TGFbeta (TGFB1) signaling pathway. IL2 stimulation induced rapid downregulation of quiescence associated gene

SUBMITTER: Dybkaer K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1959522 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature