Ca²⁺- dependent CTL and NK cell cytotoxicity

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and Natural Killer (NK) cells form intimate contacts with tumor cells. We have shown that CTL and NK cells kill tumor cells most efficiently during contact formation at a surprisingly low cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration.

We will analyze the molecular mechanisms of this process. Considering the importance of CTL and NK cells in cellular immune therapy of cancer, we will screen natural compounds for their ability to modulate Ca²⁺-dependent cytotoxicity. Finally, we will analyze the role of Ca²⁺ in human cytotoxicity diseases