Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Suppresses NKG2D mRNA Expression and Presentation on Human Natural Killer Cells

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a multi-functional cytokine secreted from cells such as lymphocytes and hepatocytes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of LIF on natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptors' expression and presentation on natural killer (NK) cells. For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells taken from 4 young male healthy blood donors were isolated and the effect of LIF (25 ng/mL) after 12, 24, and 48 hours of incubation, on NKG2D receptors expression and presentation was investigated using flow cytometry and real-time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All of the steps of the experiment were performed in duplicate. After periods of 12, 24, and 48 hours, LIF reduced both the expression and presentation of the NKG2D receptor on NK cells. The results suggest that this cytokine has a direct modulating activity on the body’s immune response through suppression of NKG2D receptor expression and presentation on NK cells.