Abstract
Natural killer cells play a key role in the defence of organisms against virus infections and in the control of tumor onset. Interleukin-2 is a multifunctional inflammatory cytokine able to activate natural killer cells, essentially inducing cell proliferation, lymphokine-activated-killer cell generation and cytokine production. Here we discuss some signaling events generated by interleukin-2 in the cell nucleus of primary human natural killer cells, specifically focusing on the lipid signal transduction and the induction of the cyclic adenosine-5'-monophosphate response element binding protein transcription factor. The implications of these nuclear events in the response of natural killer cells to interleukin-2 are also discussed.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Nucleus / physiology
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Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / metabolism
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Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / physiology
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Humans
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Interleukin-2 / physiology*
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Isoenzymes / physiology
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Killer Cells, Natural / physiology*
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Killer Cells, Natural / ultrastructure
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / physiology
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Phospholipase C beta
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Phosphorylation
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Serine / metabolism
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Serine / physiology
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Signal Transduction / physiology
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Translocation, Genetic / genetics
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Translocation, Genetic / physiology
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Type C Phospholipases / physiology
Substances
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Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
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Interleukin-2
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Isoenzymes
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Serine
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
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Type C Phospholipases
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Phospholipase C beta