Suppression of natural killer cell activity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity of peripheral blood lymphocytes in children infected with measles virus

Abstract

There were many studies on antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and natural killer (Nk) cell activity of human peripheral blood lymphocytes. These activities have been recognized to be the important defence mechanisms of our bodies against tumors and viral infections. The changes of both activities of lymphocytes were studied in children with measles virus infection, which was one of the fatal viral infection of young or immunosuppressed children. No significant change was observed in the infected cases without serious complications. In the ones with pneumonia, however, ADCC and NK cell activity were found to be significantly decreased in the “rash”period and to be returned to normal in the “convalescene”.These results could suggest the possibility that serious complications might occur when ADCC and NK cell activity of lymphocytes as well as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity were decreased and/or depressed in measles virus infection.