Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Human NK cells are divided into CD56(bright)CD16(-) cells and CD56(dim)CD16(+) cells. We tested the hypothesis that CD56(bright) NK cells can differentiate into CD56(dim) cells by prospectively isolating and culturing each NK subset in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that CD56(bright) cells can differentiate into CD56(dim) both in vitro, in the presence of synovial fibroblasts, and in vivo, upon transfer into NOD-SCID mice. In vitro, this differentiation was inhibited by fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 Ab, demonstrating a role of the CD56 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 interaction in this process. Differentiated CD56(dim) cells had reduced IFN-gamma production but increased perforin expression and cytolysis of cell line K562 targets. Flow cytometric fluorescent in situ hybridization demonstrated that CD56(bright) NK cells had longer telomere length compared with CD56(dim) NK cells, implying the former are less mature. Our data support a linear differentiation model of human NK development in which immature CD56(bright) NK cells can differentiate into CD56(dim) cells.

Original publication

DOI

10.4049/jimmunol.179.1.89

Type

Journal article

Journal

J immunol

Publication Date

01/07/2007

Volume

179

Pages

89 - 94

Keywords

Adult, Antibodies, Monoclonal, CD56 Antigen, Cell Communication, Cell Differentiation, Cell Proliferation, Cells, Cultured, Coculture Techniques, Cytotoxicity, Immunologic, Fibroblasts, Growth Inhibitors, Humans, Killer Cells, Natural, Lymphocyte Subsets, Models, Immunological, Prospective Studies, Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Synovial Membrane