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The effect of recombinant alpha₂-interferon on defective natural killer cell activity in multiple sclerosis

Departments of Neurology and Microbiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Research Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, MD.

Natural killer (NK) cell activity was evaluated in exacerbating/remitting MS patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) from MS patients had impaired NK-cell cytotoxicity against the K562 myeloid target cell. NK activity was depressed, irrespective of the interval (2 to 13 months) after the last exacerbation. Recombinant alpha₂-interferon (100 U/ml) enhanced NK activity of both MS and control MNC. Cytotoxicity mediated by interferon-treated MS MNC was increased to the level of untreated control MNC. These studies show that MNC from exacerbating/remitting MS patients possess a defect in NK-cell activity that can be corrected in vitro by treatment with interferon.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Hirsch, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Supported in part by grants from the Kroc Foundation, USPHS (NS-20022–01), and the Veterans Administration.

Accepted for publication July 23, 1984.

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