SOLUBLE PRODUCTS OF THE AUTOLOGOUS LYMPHOCYTES

When lymphocytes are activated, they release a number of cytokines and proteins that in turn will activate other effector cells, thus triggering the activation of the immune response. These cytokines are released to the outside of the cell and can be processed and purified for self-application in a safe and effective way.

This effector molecules or cytokines when produced by activated cells have different functions in each of the different cell populations, so we have:

INF Ϫ (gamma interferon): is produced by TH1 and cytotoxic lymphocytes, inhibits the growth of Th2 lymphocytes, produces macrophage activation and increases the expression of MHC class I and II, activates NK cells.

IL-2 (Interleukin-2): is produced by TH0, TH1 cells and some cytotoxic T lymphocytes, stimulates the growth of T cells and NK cells.

TNFα (Tumor Necrosing Factor alpha): is produced by TH1, some TH2 and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, it activates macrophages and induces the production of NO, it can activate the micro vascular endothelium.

GM-CSF (GM Growth Factor): is produced by TH1 , some TH2 and cytotoxic T lymphocytes it promotes differentiation of B cells, inhibits the growth of T cells, it activates macrophages, induces differentiation into dendritic cells, on hematopoietic cells it increases the production of granulocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells.

Other biological effects have been demonstrated in these products such as:

• – Favor the arrival of macrophages to the site of inflammation.
• – Promote phagocytosis by macrophages.
• – Stimulate the DNA of lymphocytes.
• – Produce cytotoxicity in tumor cells.
• – They can facilitate the mobility of eosinophils into the circulation.
• – Activate the complement cascade.

Continuous activation of the immune system helps to decrease the rate of progression of the neoplastic cells, thereby contributing to improvement in quality of life.