Natural Killer Cells

Our team’s pioneering work continues to redefine the limits of what stem cell therapies can achieve. Stem cells are the foundation of regenerative medicine. At Cellebration Wellness, we help patients tap into this powerful potential.

Natural killer cells, also known as NK cells, are a type of cell in the human body. These cells typically constitute approximately 5 to 15 percent of peripheral blood lymphocytes. They are also present in the bone marrow, liver, spleen, uterus, and lungs in relative abundance. NK cells can also be found in mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues, secondary lymphoid tissues, and the thymus. These cells have the ability to self-renew and are generally derived from the pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells that are in the bone marrow.

How do Natural Killer Cells Function?

Natural killer cells, or NK cells, are located in various parts of the body. These include the assignments, the spleen, the bone marrow, the lymph nodes, the uterus, the liver, and peripheral blood. These cells have the natural ability to detect dying tumor cells and cells that have been infected with viruses. These cells also have the unique ability to be able to distinguish between cells that are transformed and normal based on the major histocompatibility complex class I molecule expressions.

In the human body, natural killer cells play a vital role when it comes to fighting viral infections in transformed or mutated cells. They can also be incredibly beneficial when it comes to fighting viruses and other pathogens within the body, such as fungi and bacteria. However, there is increasing evidence that shows that NK cells actually promote disease in some patients.

When natural killer cells do not function correctly, a person is known to have a natural killer cell deficiency. This is a type of primary immunodeficiency disorder. This condition is characterized by abnormalities within the natural killer cells due to a major immunological defect.

Problems Caused by Natural Killer Cells

There has been increasing evidence that shows that natural killer cells can cause complications within the human body. Studies have found that NK cells can actually encourage the development of several autoimmune diseases in the body. Some of the most common include:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): This condition can cause incredibly painful inflammation within the body. Lupus may affect the skin, blood cells, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain of patients. SLE, also known as lupus, can cause overwhelming pain and suffering for patients who are afflicted with it.
Type I Diabetes M ellitus: Type I diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition that generally starts in childhood. This condition is characterized by the pancreas producing little to no insulin in people who have this condition. This can result in frequent urination, vision problems, increased thirst, fatigue, and, in severe cases, death.
Autoimmune Liver Disease: This is a type of disease that results in the body’s own immune system attacking the liver. This condition results in significant inflammation, which can cause cirrhosis of the liver. In severe cases, autoimmune liver disease can lead to liver cancer or failure.
Systemic Sclerosis: This condition, also known as scleroderma, is characterized by chronic hardening in the tightening of connective tissues and This rare disease mostly affects women between the ages of 30 and 50. It can result in joint pain, skin tightening, heartburn, and Raynaud's disease.

Any of these conditions can be incredibly painful and potentially life-threatening. Unfortunately, most of the treatment options to help people who suffer from these and other conditions brought on by natural killer cells are designed only to alleviate the impact of the condition, not cure it. There is typically no cure for these conditions. However, we have seen scientists across the globe turn to the use of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells to help patients who suffer from these and other conditions brought on by complications of natural killer cells. Thus far, the studies have proven beneficial for patients.

What are Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?

Umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, commonly referred to as UCT-MSCs, are a type of adult stem cell that is isolated from the Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord. This is one of the best locations to isolate the stem cells from due to its high level of potency.

These types of stem cells, in particular, have the ability to differentiate into a variety of different cell types. These include:

Chondrocytes
Myocytes
Endothelial cells
Osteoblasts
Neurons

These stem cells also have exceptional anti-inflammatory qualities, which makes them a truly remarkable option when it comes to treating various inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders and diseases.

Additionally, the use of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells presents an attractive option compared to donor sources, as it is safe and can be obtained quickly without requiring complex ethical considerations.

Given the abilities of the umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells when it comes to effectively treating autoimmune disorders, it only makes sense that these stem cells would also be beneficial when it comes to tackling the complications brought on by natural killer cells. Over the years, there have been studies about their use, many of which have been remarkable.

How Do Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Function?

It is now known that umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells are effective when it comes to repairing damaged tissues and modulating the immune system. These cells are transported to affected tissues within the body by chemokines that are released from damaged tissue in the body. After reaching the affected area, the mesenchymal stem cells immediately begin tissue regeneration. They continually differentiate into organ-specific mature cells, thus improving the overall quality of the affected area and reducing the damage to the tissues.

How UCT-MSCs Can Help with Natural Killer Cell Deficiencies

A natural killer cell deficiency is generally caused by the mutation of the FCGR3A gene encoding CD16. When a person is found to have this type of mutation, they may have dangerously low levels of natural killer cells, which can lead to chronic infections and other health complications.

Over the years, there have been several studies to learn more about the effects of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on natural killer cells within the body. Studies focus on the inhibitory effects of the stem cells onto NK cell proliferation.

One specific study determined that the use of mesenchymal stem cells on inactive and IL-15-activated natural killer cells found that the stem cells were able to proliferate the resting cells in all of the ratios tested. The use of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells from the Wharton jelly specifically found that the cells significantly inhibited natural killer cell proliferation activated with the IL-12, IL-2, IL-21, and IL-15. These findings demonstrated that umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells were effective in achieving the desired goal.

In cases where a patient’s body has too many natural killer cells that are mutated, it can lead to the development of dangerous autoimmune disorders. Umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells are effective when it comes to treating patients who suffer from this type of deficiency or mutation.

One study in particular, published in 2013, found that umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells were effective when it comes to suppressing natural killer cells in the body. This study found that the use of mesenchymal stem cells was effective when it comes to preventing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation. Furthermore, these stem cells helped with the acquisition of lymphoblastic characteristics. Conclusively, these stem cells effectively prevented NK cells from acquiring lymphoblastic characteristics and prevented them from activating.

A study in 2022 was published that focused on the effects that mesenchymal stem cells had on natural killer cells and how they interacted with one another. The study effectively determined that mesenchymal stem cells were able to inhibit the proliferation of activated NK cells. However, when the NK cells were determined to be allogeneic, the umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells induced apoptosis.

What Does this Mean For Patients?

These findings clearly demonstrate that umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells have great potential to become an effective treatment when it comes to treating diseases and disorders associated with natural killer cells. When patients suffer from natural killer cell deficiencies, the use of these stem cells can be beneficial for the proliferation of NK cell counts. We know that UCT-MSCs can effectively boost the number of natural killer cells within the body, allowing patients to experience the benefits that these cells can provide.

Conversely, when patients suffer from mutations of natural killer cells, umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells are effective when it comes to eliminating the body of these mutated cells, which helps prevent life-threatening illnesses from developing.

If you suffer from a disease that is related to natural killer cells, you may be able to benefit greatly by utilizing umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. These stem cells have the promising ability to decrease inflammation and repair damaged areas within the body in order to provide you with relief. This type of treatment will be beneficial when it comes to providing relief to patients who suffer from these and other conditions brought on by natural killer cell problems.

Join the Cellebration Wellness family and experience the future of healthcare. Schedule your consultation now at 1.800.601.8290!