The interactions of multiple cytokines control NK cell maturation

Abstract

Although NK cells are well known for their cytotoxic functions, they also produce an array of immunoregulatory cytokines and chemokines. During an immune response, NK cells are exposed to complex combinations of cytokines that influence their differentiation and function. In this study, we have examined the phenotypic and functional consequences of exposing mouse NK cells to IL-4, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and IL-21 and found that although all factors induced signs of maturation, characterized by decreased proliferation and IFN-g secretion, distinct combinations induced unique cytokine secretion profiles. In contrast, the immunosuppressive factors IL-10 and TGF-b had little direct effect on NK ce..