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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and are classified as large granular leukocytes. In this review, a functional and repeatable protocol to measure NK cell activity in avian blood samples is discussed. The cell line LSCC-RP9, a retrovirus transformed B cell line, is used as the target cells. The basic methodology involved incubation of effector cells, containing NK cells, with labelled LSCC-RP9 cells. A red fluorescent DNA dye (propidium iodide) was added to label the target cells that had their plasma membrane permeabilised by NK activity. Results were analysed by flow cytometric technique to determine percent cytotoxicity of various effector to target cell ratios. The cells that showed both red and green fluorescence were the dead target cells. Three other cell populations were also visible: live target cells (green), live effector cells and dead effector cells. Based on this technique, immunomodulation in NK cell activity due to factors such as nutrition or environment can be determined in different species, including avian species.
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