Recent interest has focused on natural killer T (NKT) cells as effector cells in a possible new form of immunotherapy. NKT cells express T cell and natural killer cell receptors. They are CD1d-dependent and can be stimulated by α-galactosylceramide. We have studied peripheral blood levels of NKT cells simultaneously with CD8+ cells and natural killer cells in 54 patients with prostatic carcinoma. Levels of NKT cells in patients with androgen withdrawal and stable PSA levels were 211.8 ± 138.4 cells/µl and in patients with rising PSA levels were 27.0 ± 22.1 cells/µl. A similar but less pronounced difference in CD8+ cells between these groups was found (656.4 vs. 212.0 cells/µl). Comparing all 54 patients studied, a positive correlation was found between the levels of NKT cells and CD8+ cells (r = 0.83). Our results suggest an important and regulatory role of NKT cells in patients with prostatic carcinoma.

Keywords:
Natural killer T cells, NKT cells, MHC non-restricted cytotoxicity, CD8+ cells, Natural killer cells, Prostatic carcinoma, Androgen withdrawal
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© 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel
2003
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