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Effects of Ziram on the Tumor Binding Capacity of NK Cells
Author(s) -
Taylor Thyneice Rochelle,
Whalen Margaret M
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a246-b
Subject(s) - lytic cycle , cytotoxicity , cytotoxic t cell , chemistry , lysis , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , immunology , in vitro , biochemistry , virus
Human natural killer (NK) cells are able to lyse tumor cells, virally infected cells and antibody coated cells. Increases in tumor formation and viral infection may occur if NK cytotoxic function is disrupted. Ziram is used as an accelerating agent in the production of latex rubber and as an antifungal agent in agriculture. Previous studies have shown that ziram exposure decreased ability of NK cells to lyse tumor cells. 1 h exposures of NK cells to 2 μM or 1 μM ziram followed by 24h in ziram‐free media decreased the lytic function of NK cells by 95% and 20%, respectively. Exposure of NK cells to 2 μM ziram for 24 h completely blocked lytic function while a 24 h exposure to 1 μM caused a 38% decrease. To examine the mechanism by which ziram exposure decreases NK lytic function, we have assessed the effects of ziram exposure on the ability of NK cells to bind to tumor cells. When NK cells were exposed to 2 μM or 1 μM ziram followed by 24 h in ziram free‐media, the ability of NK cells to bind to tumor cells was decreased by 100% (2 μM) or 40% (1 μM). Continuous exposure of NK cells to 2 μM ziram for 24 h caused a 64% decrease in NK binding function. A 24 h exposure to 1 μM ziram had no effect on NK binding capacity. Key cell surface markers were also evaluated after exposure to ziram. A 1 h exposure to 2 μM ziram followed by 24 h in ziram free‐media caused a 72% decrease in CD16 cell surface marker expression. These results suggest that loss of cytotoxic function in response to ziram exposure may be in part due to loss of ability to bind to tumor cells.