NK cells suppress experimental cholestatic liver injury by an interleukin-6-mediated, Kupffer cell-dependent mechanism.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune effector cells first characterized by their ability to lyse susceptible tumor cells. Recent studies demonstrated their role in initiating and modulating adaptive immunity. NK cells represent a larger percentage of the lymphoid population in liver than other organs, suggesting that hepatic NK cells express some unique function. Here, we examined the response of NK cells to liver injury that occurs in a mouse model of biliary obstruction.

Methods

Bile duct ligations (BDL) were performed in mice previously depleted or not depleted of NK cells. NK cell activation, interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA expression and protein production by Kupffer cells, and the ability of exogenous IL-6 to ameliorate liver injury in NK cell-depleted

SUBMITTER: Cheng CW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3060960 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature