Interferons antagonize gamma-ray-induced depression of natural immunity

Methods and Materials: Mononuclear cells (MNC) were obtained from intact or in vitro irradiated (20 Gy) peripheral blood collected from healthy donors, Alternatively, MNC were irradiated (20 Gy) after separation from intact whole blood, The in vitro treatment of MNC with IFNs (alpha, beta, or gamma 200 UI/ml) was performed at different times after or before radiation, The NK activity (4 h-Cr-51 release test), the percentage of CD16(+)/CD56(+) cells and apoptosis (cytometric analysis), and binding (microscopic observation) were evaluated on Days 0, 1, 2, and 5 from gamma-ray exposure and IFNs treatment.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the inhibitory effects of in vitro radiation on the number and function of natural killer (NK) cells and to investigate the capability of interferons (IFNs) to restore the activity of NK, depressed by gamma-rays.