Human natural killer cells enhance a mixed leukocyte reaction

Natural killer cells (NK) have been reported to down-regulate the initiation of T cell responses in animal models. In the current study, highly purified CD16+ human NK cells were obtained by cell sorting and their effect on the stimulation of allogeneic T cells (MLR) determined. NK cells did not directly stimulate T cell proliferation. However, when added to a population of loosely adherent mononuclear cells (LAM), NK enhanced the ability of these accessory cells to stimulate T proliferation. This effect was not reproduced by the addition of sorted CD5+ T cells, sorted CD16- cells, or control lymphocytes to the MLR. The effect of NK on the MLR was not restricted by class II antigens and was similar to the effect of adding IL-1 to MLR cultures. These results demonstrate that human NK cells are capable of enhancing a T cell response.