NZ researchers make natural killer cell discovery

New Zealand researchers have discovered an unexpected role for a white blood cell called the natural killer (NK) cell — a critical cell for ridding the body of infection and cancer.

The University of Otago researchers’ new work shows that violent ‘vigilante’ NK cells act as helper cells to start up the immune response.

Otago Associate Professor Alex McLellan said NK cells patrol the body and destroy abnormal cells, especially infected or cancer cells. NK cells closely examine the surface of all cells and look for molecules that are present on healthy cells.

“Certain molecules act like identity cards, and NK cell are vigilantes, ready to respond if they don’t see an ID card on cells. During infections or with cancer, the absence of these molecules triggers the NK cells to destroy the cells,” said Associate Professor McLellan.

Dr Sarah Saunderson and Associate Professor McLellan, who both work in Otago’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, have identified a new way in which NK cells act during infections or cancer.

“A few years ago we showed that NK cells were required for the vaccination response against cancer.” The group has now recognised that NK cells enhance the ability of the immune system to recognise fragments of tumour cells released into the blood, Associate Professor McLellan said.

“These fragments induce potent immune responses against cancer,” he said.

“Our new work shows that NK cells are absolutely critical for the immune activity of these cell fragments.”

These latest findings also explain how such potent immune responses arise against cell fragments.

The group is currently looking at ways to improve NK cell function through living vaccines and growth factors to enhance the immune response to cancer. The findings appear in the Journal of Immunology.

Associate Professor Alex McLellan. Image courtesy of University of Otago.