Lymphokine and NK Cell Activity in Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Patients with childhood sickle cell disease (SCD) had in vitro interferon alpha (IFN-α) and gamma (IFN-γ), lymphotoxin (LT) expression, and natural killer (NK) cell function measured. The corresponding measurements were also made for age-matched and gender-matched controls. IFN-α in both patient groups and in controls appeared normal, IFN-γ was decreased compared to matched controls independent of patient group status, and the assessment of LT activity demonstrated equal abnormal and normal results. In vitro NK cell lytic function in SCD was approximately 50% that of the controls. We conclude that combined IFN-γ and NK cell abnormalities result in heightened risk for sickle cell morbidity.