Hormone specific regulation of natural killer cells by cortisol Direct inactivation of the cytotoxic function of cloned human NK cells without an effect on cellular proliferation

Abstract

tZorticosteroids have previously been reported to partially inhibit the natural cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes. I-Iowever, since onIy a few percent of peripheral Iymphocytes are natural killer (NK) cells, it has not been possible to determine whether corticosteroids directly inhibit NK cells or mediate this effect via other cell types. This report documents direct functional inactivation, but unimpeded proliferation, of cloned human NK cells by subphysiologic levels of cortisol. In contrast, high concentrations of testosterone, progesterone or estradiol had no significI-bt effect on proliferation or cytotoxic activity of the cloned NK cells. The kinetics of inhibition of NK function by cortisol are consistent with a transcription-dependent mechanism.

Increased susceptibility to metastasis during pro-oestrus/oestrus in rats: possible role of oestradiol and natural killer cells

“…Although NK cells do not appear to respond directly to sex hormones in vitro (Callewaert et al, 1991), changes in levels of interleukins, which are known to regulate LGL/NK cell activity, were reported to occur during the oestrous cycle and in response to sex hormones (Polan et al, 1994). The effects of sex hormones can also be mediated via interaction with the stress response.…”

“…To our knowledge, no consistent short-term in vivo or in vitro effects of oestradiol, progesterone or testosterone on NK activity have been reported. One study reported a lack of in vitro effects of these hormones on a cloned human NK cell line (Callewaert et al, 1991), and another study, using oestradiol and tamoxifen in rats, indicated dose-dependent alterations in NK cytotoxicity (Baral et al, 1991).…”

Interactions Between Natural Killer Cells, Cortisol and Prolactin in Malaria During Pregnancy

“…75 Cortisol, an adrenocortical hormone in humans suppresses the immune system and directly inhibits NK cell activity. [76][77][78] Conversely, prolactin, a 24 kDa single chain hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, is an immunostimulatory "cytokine" 79,80 that directly affects NK cell function. 81 NK cell cytolytic activity decreases significantly during pregnancy and NK cytotoxic activity defect has been reported in pregnant women.…”

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor and Substance P Antagonist Enhancement of Natural Killer Cell Innate Immunity in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

“…This is potentially important because virus-induced apoptosis of lymphocytes is implicated in T-cell depletion during HIV infection. Cortisol can inhibit NK cell activity in vitro (48), and the effects of glucocorticoids on NK cell function have been studied in the context of HIV infection. There is a synergistic effect of cortisol-and HIVderived soluble products causing T-lymphocyte apoptosis (49), a finding consistent with the concept that distress and circulating human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) derived products may be involved in the pathogenesis of HIV infection.…”