Defective Natural Killer and Phagocytic Activities in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Are Restored by Glycophosphopeptical (Inmunoferón)

Abstract

We have investigated both modifications in natural (innate) immunity caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the effects of a glycophosphopeptical immunomodulator (Inmunoferón) treatment on COPD-associated immunoalterations. In a double-blinded clinical trial, 60 patients with COPD received glycophosphopeptical or placebo during 90 consecutive days at oral doses of 3 g/d. Fifty-six sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects were included as a reference group for immunologic parameters. Peripheral blood natural killer (PBNK) cell cytotoxic activity and phagocytic activity of peripheral monocytes/macrophages (Mo/Ma) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells were assessed at baseline and then again at the end of treatments. We found both PBNK activity and phagocytic activity to be significantly decreased in patients with COPD compared with levels in healthy volunteers. The treatment with glycophosphopeptical provoked significant stimulatory effects on PBNK cytotoxic activity. This stimulation was not mediated by an increase in CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cells. Further, glycophosphopeptical significantly increased the percentage of monocytes and PMNs that phagocytize Escherichia coli in vitro, as well as increased phagocytic indices. We conclude that peripheral blood cells of patients with COPD show clear defects in natural immunity that are partially rescued by glycophosphopeptical.

Alveolar macrophage proteinase/antiproteinase expression in lung function and emphysema

“…It is unclear what mechanism underlies this ''paradoxical'' relationship. However, CTSL expression in thymocytes is essential for natural killer T-cell development [44], and natural killer cells, which have an essential role in immunity against viral infection [45], are decreased in the peripheral blood in COPD [46]. Similarly, CTSL is involved in antigen processing [47,48] and T-helper cell development [49,50].…”

Systemic manifestations and comorbidities of COPD

“…A reduction of cytotoxic and phagocytic function of circulating natural killer cells has been reported in COPD, but the significance of this observation is uncertain [57,58].…”

Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils Move into the Fast Lane in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

“…The contribution of the excessive and inaccurate migration of COPD PMNs to COPD progression also is not clear. Patients with COPD have other PMN functional abnormalities, including defective phagocytosis of bacteria (17) and increased production of oxidants (14), and also have functional abnormalities in other leukocytes germane to COPD pathogenesis, including macrophages and T lymphocytes (18,19). Nevertheless, the study by Sapey and colleagues confirms the utility of studying the functional characteristics of peripheral blood PMNs as a surrogate for airway and lung PMNs.…”