Effects of fractalkine on NK cell activity and NK cell-mediated damage to endothelial cells

Abstract

Chemokines were initially reported as chemoattractant cytokines synthesized at inflammation sites and have been shown to induce leukocyte activation in various diseases. We have investigated the effects of a novel chemokine, fractalkine on NK cell activity. NK cells expressed fractalkine receptors and adhered efficiently to immobilized fractalkine. Immobilized fractalkine enhanced NK cell granular exocytosis in a dose-dependent manner. NK cells exhibited increased adherence and enhanced NK cytolytic activity against fractalkine-transfected endothelial cells compared with control endothelial cells. These results suggest that fractalkine may play an important role in NK cell-mediated endotheilal damage, leading to vasculopathy and organ failure.