Table I.
Effects of different cytokines on NK cells.
| Cytokine | Effect | (Refs.) |
|---|---|---|
| IL-2 | Promotes expansion of NK cells | (17) |
| IL-12 | Promotes activation of NK cells | (34) |
| IL-15 | Promotes activation of NK cells | (16,37–40) |
| IL-15 + CD40 | Enhances the infiltration of NK cells and T cells to tumors agonist | (41) |
| IL-21 | Enhances the ADCC effect of NK cells | (32) |
| IL-22 | Produces immunosuppressive factors, including IL-10 and TGF-β | (32,37) |
| CCL-21 | Decreases the number of tumor cells mediated by NK cells in local and remote locations in mice | (42) |
| IL-4 | Synergistically enhances both IL-2- and IL-12-induced IFN-γ expression in NK cells | (35,36) |
| IL-8 | Impairs the function of NK cells via the STAT3 pathway | (43,44) |
NK, natural killer; ADCC, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.