Effects of leptin and ghrelin on the expression of membrane molecules and cytokine production by NK cells from the peripheral blood

Abstract

The influence of leptin and ghrelin, as well as their combined effects, on the expression of membrane molecules and cytokine production by NK cells from peripheral blood was studied in vitro. The effects of hormones were assayed at the concentrations corresponding to their peripheral blood levels in the course of physiological pregnancy. It was established that the investigated hormones exerted significant effects only at the concentrations typical of the II–III trimester of pregnancy. In particular, leptin and ghrelin and their combination increased the number of CD56^brightNKp46⁺NK cells in the suspension of mononuclear cells and inhibited the expression of homing molecules CCR7 and inhibitor molecules LILRB in NKp46⁺NK cells. Leptin and its combination with ghrelin increased the expression of L-selectin in CD56^brightNKp46⁺NK cells but inhibited the secretion of IL-10 by NKp46⁺NK cells. Leptin reduced the production of IL-4 by NKp46⁺ cells, while ghrelin eliminated this effect. The hormones did not influence the expression of inhibitory molecules NKG2A in NKp46⁺ cells and the production of TGF-β1, IL-17A, and IFN-γ by these cells. Thus, the investigated hormones at the concentrations typical of the II–III trimester of pregnancy effectively regulate the expression of membrane molecules and cytokine production by NK cells of the peripheral blood.