NK Lymphocytes
Also known as: CD16+ Cells; CD56+ Cells; NK Cells; Natural Killer Cells; Natural Killer Lymphocytes
Description
NK Lymphocytes are a type of Lymphocyte Agranulocyte White Blood Cell. They comprise approximately 15% of all human White Blood Cells.
Biological and Beneficial Functions of NK Lymphocytes
Aging & Life Extension
NK Lymphocytes may help to retard the Aging Process and above average levels may possess Life Extension properties. [1]
Immune System
NK Lymphocytes destroy most types of Microorganisms - Detrimental including: [2]
Viruses (NK Lymphocytes locate and destroy Cells that are infected with Viruses). [5]
Persistently low levels of NK Lymphyocytes or low levels of NK Lymphocyte activity increase the body’s susceptibility to Bacterial & Viral Diseases and strategies that increase NK Lymphocytes production or activity are often effective for suppressing lingering Bacterial & Viral Diseases (infections): [6]
Persistently low levels of NK Lymphocytes or low levels of NK Lymphocyte activity are associated with lowered resistance to Influenza.
NK Lymphocytes help to destroy Cancer cells - when stimulated by Interferons, NK Lymphocytes release Perforin (an endogenous enzyme) that perforates the outer Cell Membrane of Cancer Cells, causing them to leak and eventually die: [7]
Cancer patients usually have sub-optimal blood levels of NK Lymphocytes or sub-optimal levels of NK Lymphocytes activity.
These Substances may Enhance the Function of NK Lymphocytes
Alkaloids
Swainsonine may enhance the function of and activates NK Lymphocytes. [8]
Amino Acids
Arginine may increase the activity (cytotoxicity) of NK Lymphocytes against Cancer cells. [9]
Glutamine may enhance the function of NK Lymphocytes. [10]
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) may enhance the activity of NK Lymphocytes. [11]
Thioproline may enhance the activity of NK Lymphocytes. [12]
Carbohydrates
Acemannan (1,000 mg per day) may increase NK Lymphocyte levels (in approximately 50% of people).
Astragalan B may enhance the function of NK Lymphocytes.
Alpha 1,3 Glucan may activate and enhance the function of NK Lymphocytes. [13]
Beta 1,6 Glucan may activate NK Lymphocytes.
Fucoidan may enhance the function of NK Lymphocytes. [14]
Inulin may increase the activity of NK Lymphocytes. [15]
Kureha (a Peptidomannan) may activate NK Lymphocytes in Cancer patients. [16]
Larch Arabinogalactan may enhance the function of NK Lymphocytes and may enhance the ability of NK Lymphocytes to destroy Cancer cells. [17]
Lentinan may activate NK Lymphocytes. [18]
MGN-3 may activate NK Lymphocytes. [19]
Modified Citrus Pectin may enhance the function (cytotoxicity) of NK Lymphocytes (due to its Rhamnogalacturonan content). [20]
Rhamnogalacturonan may enhance the cytotoxicity of NK Lymphocytes.
Carotenoids
Astaxanthin may increase the activity of NK Lymphocytes. [21]
Beta-Carotene may enhance the function/activity of NK Lymphocytes. [22]
Hormones
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) (50 mg per day) may increase the number and activity of NK Lymphocytes. [23]
Human Growth Hormone (hGH) may enhance the activity of NK Lymphocytes and may increase the body’s production of NK Lymphocytes. [24]
Melatonin may increase the production of NK Lymphocytes. [25]
Low NK Lymphocytes levels/activity may occur as a result of low Triiodothyronine (T3) levels. [26]
Immune System Chemicals
Interferons stimulate NK Lymphocytes to release Perforin (an endogenous enzyme that perforates and kills Cancer cells).
Interferon Alpha activates NK Lymphocytes. [27]
Interleukin 2 (IL-2) stimulates the conversion (activation) of T-Lymphocytes to NK Lymphocytes. [28]
Interleukin 15 stimulates the activation of NK Lymphocytes.
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