NK Cell-Derived IFN-γ Protects against Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Infection.

In developed countries, pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are more prevalent than infections. Given the differences in the pathogenesis of NTM and infections, separate studies are needed to investigate the pathological effects of NTM pathogens. Our previous study showed that anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies are detected in NTM-infected patients.

Immunomodulatory properties of medicinal mushrooms: differential effects of water and ethanol extracts on NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in Asian countries owing to their beneficial effects on health and longevity. Previous studies have reported that a single medicinal mushroom may produce both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on immune cells, depending on conditions, but the factors responsible for this apparent dichotomy remain obscure. We show here that water and ethanol extracts of cultured mycelium from various species (Agaricus blazei Murrill, Antrodia cinnamomea, Ganoderma lucidum and Hirsutella sinensis) produce opposite effects on NK cells.

NK cells kill mycobacteria directly by releasing perforin and granulysin.

Although the mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic effect of NK cells on tumor cells and intracellular bacteria have been studied extensively, it remains unclear how these cells kill extracellular bacterial pathogens. In this study, we examine how human NK cells kill Mycobacterium kansasii and M.tb.

Activation of NK cell cytotoxicity by the natural compound 2,3-butanediol.

The natural compound 2,3-BTD has diverse physiological effects in a range of organisms, including acting as a detoxifying product of liver alcohol metabolism in humans and ameliorating endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in rats. In this study, we reveal that 2,3-BTD enhances NK cell cytotoxic activity in human pNK cells and NK92 cells. Treatment of NK cells with 2,3-BTD increased perforin expression in a dose-dependent manner.

Using novel subcision technique for the treatment of primary essential cutis verticis gyrata.

Background: Primary essential cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is characterized by folds and furrows of the scalp, resembling the convoluted appearance of the brain, and is not associated with other abnormalities. Most patients with CVG are treated with surgical methods, such as scalp reduction; however, surgery may not be suitable for patients in whom the area involved is large.

Methods: A 37-year-old man with primary essential CVG was treated with a scalp subcision technique under local anesthesia.