Natural Killer (NK) Cell Functionality after human Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): protocol of a prospective, longitudinal study

BMC Neurology, 2016 · DOI: 10.1186/s12883-016-0681-5 · Published: August 26, 2016

Simple Explanation

Natural killer (NK) cells are important for immunity, especially against infections. This study looks at how spinal cord injury (SCI) affects NK cell function. SCI can lead to a weakened immune system, called SCI-IDS, making people more prone to infections. The study aims to understand if SCI impairs NK cell function and how this relates to the severity of the injury. The study will compare NK cell function in SCI patients, patients with vertebral fractures but no SCI, and healthy individuals to differentiate the effects of SCI from general trauma and surgery.

Study Duration

10 weeks

Participants

SCI patients, patients with neurologically silent vertebral fracture, and healthy controls

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The primary endpoint of the study is CD107a expression by NK cells (cytotoxicity marker) 8–12 weeks following SCI.
2
Secondary endpoints are the NK cell’s TNF-α and IFN-γ production by the NK cells 8–12 weeks following SCI.
3
The study aims to identify functional NK cells impairment as a component of lymphocyte-mediated non-specific immunity at different stages after injury.

Research Summary

This prospective study investigates the influence of SCI on NK cell activity, considering disease phases and lesion level dependency. The study hypothesizes that SCI impairs NK cell function, and this impairment relates to lesion height and severity. By characterizing SCI-IDS, the study aims to establish potential prognostic criteria for SCI-associated infections and suggest novel preventive therapeutic approaches.

Practical Implications

Infection Prevention

A deeper understanding of SCI-IDS can enable strategies for prevention of infections.

Prognostic Markers

Monitoring the functional status of NK cells may reveal prognostic markers for individuals at high risk of developing infections.

Therapeutic Approaches

Findings may suggest novel preventive therapeutic approaches for SCI patients, including vaccination.

Study Limitations

1
Patients with extensive polytrauma or TBI are to be excluded.
2
Exclusion of patients with conditions that chronically induce changes on the immune system limits the number of possible confounding factors.
3
The estimated frequency of patients initially treated with methylprednisolone in the recruiting centres is expected to be between 5 and 10 %.

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