Antimetastatic effect of NK1+ T cells on experimental haematogenous tumour metastases in the liver and lungs of mice.

Depletion of both natural killer 1.1+ (NK1+) intermediate alpha beta T-cell receptor (int T) cells and NK cells by in vivo treatment with anti-NK1 antibody greatly increased hepatic metastases of intravenously injected EL4 cells as well as pulmonary metastases of 3LL cells in C57BL/6 mice. However, depletion of NK cells alone by anti-asialo GM1 (AGM1) antibody treatment did not increase the metastases in either organ. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) administration into mice induced strong cytotoxicities of NK cell-depleted liver and lung mononuclear cells (MNC) comparable to those without NK-cell depletion and inhibited metastases in either organ. In contrast, in both NK cell- and NK1+ int T-cell-depleted mice, IL-12 could not induce cytotoxic activity of liver and lung MNC and metastases in both organs increased with or without IL-12 treatment. These results confirmed the fact that NK+ int T cells are more potent antitumour effectors than NK cells against experimental haematogenous tumour metastases.     

Role of CD4+ lymphocytes in resistance to mucosal candidiasis.

The role of CD4+ lymphocytes in resistance of N:NIH(S) III bg/bg nu/+ mice to mucosal candidiasis was evaluated. Alimentary tract colonization with a pure culture of Candida albicans induced a population of lymphocytes in both the Peyer's patches and spleens of bg/bg nu/+ mice, but not bg/bg nu/nu mice, that proliferated and produced interleukin-2 (IL-2) in response to C. albicans antigens. The induction of candida-specific lymphocytes correlated with the clearance of C. albicans from the esophagus and tongue of resistant bg/bg nu/+ mice. Isogenic bg/bg nu/nu mice which do not develop candida-reactive lymphocytes were unable to clear C. albicans from their tongues and esophagi. Treatment of bg/bg nu/+ mice with anti-CD4+ monoclonal antibodies depleted their CD4+ lymphocytes and increased their susceptibility to mucosal candidiasis of the tongue and esophagus. In vivo treatment of bg/bg nu/+ mice with anti-IL-2, anti-gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), or both anti-IL-2 and anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibodies did not abrogate their resistance to mucosal candidiasis. Furthermore, treatment of C. albicans-susceptible bg/bg nu/nu mice with IFN-gamma and IL-2 did not protect them from mucosal candidiasis. Thus, CD4+ cells apparently play a critical role in resistance to mucosal candidiasis; however, we were unable to demonstrate a role for IL-2 and IFN-gamma in mediating resistance to mucosal candidiasis.     

Characterization of Subpopulations of T-Cell Receptor Intermediate (TCRint) T Cells

CD1-autoreactive T cells of two types have been demonstrated among T cells expressing the T-cell receptor (TCR) alphabeta at intermediate levels (TCRint cells). One type constitutes a major fraction of the natural killer (NK)1.1+ TCRint population in C57BL/6 (B6) mice and carries a restricted TCR composed of an alpha-chain with an invariant Valpha14-J281 rearrangement, and a beta-chain using Vbeta8. 2, 7 or 2. The second type utilises a variety of TCR and was derived from CD4+ cells in mice lacking MHC class II. To increase our understanding of the two different CD1-reactive subsets, we have investigated and compared the populations of origin: NK1.1+ and NK1. 1- TCRint subsets from MHC class II-deficient mice and CD4+NK1.1+ T cells from B6 mice. The three TCRint populations shared a phenotype indicating previous activation, and contained low frequencies of cells expressing NK receptors of the Ly49 family. In contrast to control CD4+ cells, the three TCRint subsets produced high amounts of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma after activation. Importantly, no IL-10 could be detected in either TCRint population, implying a distinct function for these cells, different from those of conventional CD8+ and CD4+ cells, including the typical T-helper 2 (Th2) cell. Analysis of TCR expression indicated that the proportion of cells using the semi-invariant Valpha14/Vbeta8.2-type TCR was lower in NK1.1+ cells from MHC class II-negative mice than in CD4+NK1.1+ B6 cells. Further, usage of the Valpha14-J281 rearrangement was also demonstrated among NK1.1- TCRint cells.     

Syngeneic pregnancy induces overexpression of natural killer T cells in maternal liver

Conditions such as stress, infection, autoimmune disease, etc. elevate the number and function of extrathymic T cells that are generated mainly in the liver. As primitive, self-reactive clones of T cells that coexpress receptors of the natural killer (NK) lineage, they mediate cytotoxicity against altered self, malignant and infected cells and have the unique potential to rapidly secrete large amount of T helper 1 (Th1) or Th2 cytokines. To elucidate whether some of these changes occur even during the syngeneic pregnancy, we made phenotypic and functional characterization of mononuclear lymphatic cells (MNLCs) isolated from the liver and spleen of pregnant C57BL/6 mice, testing their cytotoxicity against syngeneic thymocytes as well as against NK- and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK)-sensitive targets. The data have shown that on the sixteenth day of syngeneic pregnancy TCRint, NK1.1+ and IL-2Rbeta+ cells were accumulated in the liver, while the quantities of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and total number classical NK (NK1.1+CD3- or IL-2Rbeta+CD3-) cells were increased in the spleen. Pregnancy-activated hepatic and splenic MNLCs were more cytotoxic against syngeneic thymocytes, YAC-1 and P815 targets, suggesting that the maternal liver is a main producer of autoreactive NKT clones, which subsequently augment NK- and LAK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in the liver and spleen.     

Recombinant interleukin-2 inhibits growth of human tumor xenografts in congenitally athymic mice

Administration of human recombinant interleukin-2 (RIL-2) into congenitally athymic (nu/nu) mice carrying subcutaneous transplants of HeLa, HU 609T and T24B human carcinoma cells partially inhibited growth of the human tumor xenografts. In vitro activation of nu/nu spleen cells with human RIL-2 resulted in generation of killer cells showing in the 51Cr cytotoxicity assay similar levels of cytolysis as RIL-2-activated spleen cells from heterozygous (nu/+) mice. The RIL-2-activated (LAK) cells were cytotoxic for a variety of mouse and human tumors, reaching the peak of their cytotoxic activity after 3 days of cultivation in the RIL-2-containing medium. The cytotoxic activity of activated nu/nu spleen cells was significantly reduced by treatment with antibody against glycolipid asialo GM1, the differentiation antigen of natural killer (NK) cells. This finding suggests that in addition to the conventional, asialo GM1- LAK cells, asialo GM1+ activated NK cells participated in the cytotoxicity displayed by the IL-2-activated nu/nu killer spleen cells.     

Enhancement of the synthetic ligand-mediated function of liver NK1.1Ag+ T cells in mice by interleukin-12 pretreatment

We previously reported that mouse NK1.1 Ag+ T (NKT) cells activated by interleukin-12 (IL-12) act as anti-tumour/anti-metastatic effectors. However, IL-12 reportedly induces a rapid disappearance of liver NKT cells by activation-induced apoptosis. In the present study, however, we show that injection of IL-12 into mice merely down-regulates the NK1.1 expression of liver NKT cells and Vbeta8+ intermediate T-cell receptor cells and CD1d/alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer)-tetramer reactive cells in the liver remained and did not decrease. Furthermore, when IL-12-pretreated (24 hr before) mice were injected with alpha-GalCer, not only serum interferon-gamma but also serum IL-4 concentrations increased several-fold in comparison to the control alpha-GalCer-injected mice. However, IL-12 pretreatment markedly up-regulated serum ALT levels and Fas-ligand expression on NKT cells after alpha-GalCer injection in middle-aged mice only. Consistently, the liver mononuclear cells (MNC) from IL-12-pretreated mice stimulated with alpha-GalCer in vitro produced much greater amounts of interferon-gamma and IL-4, and also showed a more potent cytotoxicity against tumour targets than those from mice pretreated with phosphate-buffered saline. Liver MNC from middle-aged mice, but not from young mice pretreated with IL-12, also showed increased cytotoxicity following in vitro alpha-GalCer stimulation against cultured hepatocytes. Furthermore, IL-12 treatment of middle-aged mice enhanced tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 mRNA expression in liver Vbeta8+ T cells, and in vitro experiments also revealed that IL-12 pretreatment of liver MNC from middle-aged mice enhanced their tumour necrosis factor-alpha production after alpha-GalCer stimulation. Synthetic ligand-mediated functions of NKT cells, including IL-4 production, are thus enhanced by IL-12 pretreatment.     

Role of IFN-alpha/beta and IL-12 in the activation of natural killer cells and interferon-gamma production during experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi

Control of Trypanosoma cruzi infection depends largely upon the production of interferon (IFN)-gamma. During experimental infection this cytokine is produced early, mainly by natural killer (NK) cells and later by T cells. As NK cells have been reported to participate in defence against T. cruzi, it is of importance to study the regulation of NK cell functions during infection with the parasite. Several innate cytokines regulate NK cell activity, among them being interferon (IFN)-alpha and IFN-beta (type 1 IFNs) and interleukin (IL)-12, which have all been reported to be involved in protection against T. cruzi. The role of these cytokines in regulation of NK cell functions and disease outcome were studied by infection of mutant mice lacking the IFN-alpha/beta receptor (IFNalpha/betaR-/-) or IL-12 (IL-12-/-) with T. cruzi. IFNalpha/betaR-/- mice were unable to activate the cytotoxic response but produced IFN-gamma, and were not more susceptible than controls. IL-12-/- mice were extremely susceptible and failed to produce T cell-derived IFN-gamma and nitric oxide (NO), although NK cytotoxicity was induced. The results indicate that IL-12 protects against T. cruzi by initiating T cell-mediated production of IFN-gamma, but that endogenous IFN-alpha/beta and NK cell cytotoxicity are not of major importance in defence.     

Gamma interferon levels during Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia in mice.

Host defense against murine Chlamydia trachomatis (mouse pneumonitis agent [MoPn]) in a murine model was investigated. Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) was produced in the lungs by both MoPn-susceptible nude athymic (nu/nu) and MoPn-resistant heterozygous (nu/+) mice. In vivo depletion of IFN-gamma in nu/nu mice led to exacerbation of infection. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis disclosed induction of GL3 antibody-positive cells (putatively gamma/delta+ T cells) in nu/nu mouse lung during infection with MoPn. Treatment of nu/nu mice in vivo with antibody to NK cells (anti-asialo GM1 antibody) or to gamma/delta cells (UC7-13D5) did not significantly decrease IFN-gamma production in the lung. However, treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency mice (which lack gamma/delta cells) with antibody to NK cells significantly reduced lung IFN-gamma levels.     

Absence of a role for natural killer cells in the control of acute infection by Toxoplasma gondii oocysts.

The active phase of primary and challenge oral infections of Toxoplasma gondii was investigated with respect to natural killer (NK) activity against YAC-1 tumour cell targets in vitro and serum interferon (IFN) titres. Primary (non-lethal) oral infection of BALB/c mice with Me49 oocysts resulted in a rapid increase of serum IFN titres, followed by augmented NK activity. NK levels became depressed, rising again by 15 days after infection to normal levels, again preceded by elevated IFN titres. In challenge infections NK was not augmented and IFN titres rose only if a high dose of oocysts was given. IFN activity was pH2-labile in all cases and considered to be due to IFN-gamma. Cold target inhibition studies indicated that T. gondii did not bind to NK cells. A bioassay for the effects of NK cells on T. gondii tachyzoites was developed and there was no evidence of killing in vitro by cells with NK function; T. gondii survived better when cultured with NK cells than when cultured alone. Studies using C57BL/6bg/bg,bg/+ and +/+ mice showed that there was no difference in mean time to death after administration of a lethal ME49 oocyst infection by mouth. Cytotoxicity against YAC-1 in both spleen and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cell populations was highly augmented in bg/+ and +/+, but not in bg/bg mice. Genetic deficiency of NK activity had no effect on survival of mice after infection. Therefore NK has at best a minimal role to play in protection during the acute phase of Toxoplasma infection.     

An allogeneic microenvironment influences the phenotype of intermediate T-cell receptor cells expanding in MRL-lpr/lpr mice.

MRL-lpr/lpr (lpr) mice fall victim to autoimmune disease owing to a lymphoproliferative disorder mainly of double-negative (DN) CD4- CD8- alpha beta T cells expressing a low density of interleukin-2 receptor beta-chain (IL-2R beta). It was previously revealed that the lpr gene is a defective Fas gene, into which an early transposon (ETn) of retrovirus is transfected. As a result of the failure of apoptosis, intermediate T-cell receptor (TCR) cells (i.e. TCRint cells) with DN phenotype abnormally accumulate in the periphery of lpr mice. We investigated herein how these TCRint cells are selected in terms of CD4, CD8 and TCR in lpr mice. When a whole fraction of mononuclear cells (MNC) in various immune organs of lpr mice was injected into scid mice (allogeneic circumstance), CD8+ TCRint cells mainly expanded. They had a high density of IL-2R beta. This was true when bone marrow cells of lpr mice were injected into scid mice. On the other hand, when MNC of the spleen and bone marrow in lpr mice were injected into irradiated (9 Gy) lpr mice (syngeneic circumstance), the major expanding cells were DN TCRint cells expressing a low density of IL-2R beta. A cell-sorting experiment for purified fractions demonstrated that only CD8- cells reconstituted TCRint cells in scid mice. Namely, DN CD4- CD8- cells as well as CD4+ cells which once acquired the mature phenotype, no longer switched their phenotype. These results suggest that the phenotype of TCRint cells is influenced by the surrounding microenvironment.     

Adhesion mediated by LFA-1 is required for efficient IL-12-induced NK and NKT cell cytotoxicity

Interleukin 12 (IL-12)-activated NK1.1+TCRalpha beta+ (NKT2) and NK1.1+TCRalpha beta- (NK) cells exhibit cytotoxic activity against a wide variety of tumor cells in the absence of prior sensitization. Here we demonstrate that the integrin adhesion receptor LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) regulates the cytotoxic activity of IL-12-activated NKT and NK cells against YAC-1 and EL-4 tumor cells. Differentiation in vivo and the expression of the cytolytic effector molecules perforin and Fas-L were comparable in both IL-12-activated NKT and NK cells from LFA-1-/ - and LFA-1+/+ mice. However, LFA-1-/-IL-12-activated NKT and NK cells showed impaired conjugate formation with target cells. These results provide the first genetic evidence for a role for an adhesion receptor in killing by IL-12-activated NK cells.     

IL-10 enhances NK cell proliferation, cytotoxicity and production of IFN-gamma when combined with IL-18.

Previous studies have shown that IL-10 inhibits the accessory cell functions required for production of IFN-gamma by T cells and NK cells. Our results show that although IL-10 did not induce the production of IFN-gamma by NK cells, it did enhance the ability of IL-18 to stimulate NK cell production of IFN-gamma. In addition, IL-10 augmented NK cell proliferation and cytotoxic activity when combined with IL-18. However, IL-10 did not affect the ability of IL-12 to stimulate NK cells to produce IFN-gamma or proliferate, but there was an additive effect with IL-12 to increase NK cell cytotoxic activity. Interestingly, the type I IFN, whose receptors (R) are related to the IL-10R, also enhanced the effects of IL-18 on NK cell production of IFN-gamma and NK cell cytotoxicity. The ability of IL-10 to elevate the production of IFN-gamma appeared to be specific for NK cells since IL-10 had no effect on the production of IFN-gamma by Th1 clones stimulated with IL-18 or IL-12 in the presence of a monoclonal antibody specific for CD3. These latter results correlated with lower mRNA levels for the alpha and beta chains of the IL-10R in Th1 cells than observed in NK cells. Thus, the ability of IL-10 and IL-18 to up-regulate NK cell function, but not Th1 cell activity, appears to be based on expression of the IL-10R.     

Perforin-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity is sufficient for anti-metastatic effect of IL-12

IL-12 exerts a potent anti-tumor effect, which is possibly mediated by multiple mechanisms including activation of NK and NKT cells, induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and inhibition of angiogenesis. In the present study, we characterized the cytotoxic effector cells and mechanisms responsible for the anti-metastatic effect of IL-12. Administration of IL-12 had a comparable inhibitory effect on experimental lung metastasis of B16 melanoma cells in wild-type C57BL/6 mice and RAG-2-/- mice that lack T and NKT cells, which was abolished by depletion of NK cells. Cytotoxic activity of liver and splenic mononuclear cells against B16 was induced by IL-12 administration in RAG-2-/- mice at a level comparable to that in wild-type mice, which was also abolished by depletion of NK cells. Moreover, the anti-metastatic effect of IL-12 was abrogated by perforin deficiency, but not by Fas ligand deficiency, in association with a lack of IL-12-induced cytotoxic activity of liver and splenic mononuclear cells against B16. These results suggest that perforin-dependent cytotoxicity of IL-12-activated NK cells is sufficient for the anti-metastatic effect of IL-12.     

Interleukin-15 enhances cytotoxicity, receptor expression, and expansion of neonatal natural killer cells in long-term culture

Newborn infants have a higher susceptibility to various pathogens due to developmental defects in their host defense system, including deficient natural killer (NK) cell function. In this study, the effects of interleukin-15 (IL-15) on neonatal NK cells was examined for up to 12 weeks in culture. The cytotoxicity of fresh neonatal mononuclear cells (MNC) as assayed by K562 cell killing is initially much less than that of adult MNC but increases more than eightfold after 2 weeks of culture with IL-15 to a level equivalent to that of adult cells. This high level of cytotoxicity was maintained for up to 12 weeks. In antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays using CEM cells coated with human immunodeficiency virus gp120 antigen, IL-15 greatly increased ADCC lysis by MNC from cord blood. IL-15 increased expression of the CD16+ CD56+ NK markers of cord MNC fivefold after 5 weeks of incubation. Cultures of neonatal MNC with IL-15 for up to 10 weeks resulted in a unique population of CD3- CD8+ CD56+ cells (more than 60%), which are not present in fresh cord MNC. These results show that IL-15 can stimulate neonatal NK cells and sustain their function for several weeks, which has implications for the clinical use of IL-15.     

Effects of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-2 administration on NK1.1(+) cells in mice

We studied the effects of M-CSF and IL-2 on NK1.1(+) cell activity in vivo and in vitro. Administration of M-CSF increased the number of splenic NK1.1(+) cells (vs. saline: P<0.01). Moreover, the combination of M-CSF and IL-2 (M-CSF+IL-2) produced a synergistic expansion of the number of NK1.1(+) cells compared with each single treatment (vs. saline: P<0.001). The NK1.1(+) cells were isolated from the spleen of each treated mouse (four treatment groups: saline, IL-2 alone, M-CSF alone, M-CSF+IL-2) and their functions (IL-2-induced proliferation, IFN-gamma production and cytostatic activity) were evaluated in vitro. The NK1.1(+) cells from M-CSF alone and M-CSF+IL-2 treated mice showed greater responsiveness in terms of IL-2-induced proliferation, production of IFN-gamma and cytostatic activity than the cells from saline and IL-2 alone treated mice. The NK activity in vivo was enhanced by the administration of M-CSF and IL-2, as assessed by the 'Lung clearance assay' (clearance of Yac-1 cells in lung). And the M-CSF+IL-2 treatment induced the highest NK activity of the four treatments. To show a practical effect of upregulation of NK activity in vivo by M-CSF and IL-2 administration, the effect of the four treatments on an experimental tumor metastasis model was examined. The IL-2 alone, M-CSF alone and M-CSF+IL-2 treatment reduced the metastasis of B16 melanoma. And the M-CSF+IL-2 treatment proved of greater benefit to the antimetastatic activity than each single treatment. Our results demonstrated that the administration of M-CSF increases the number of NK1.1(+) cells, which have good responsiveness to IL-2. Furthermore, the combination treatment of M-CSF and IL-2 in vivo augments the increase of NK1.1(+) cells. And these effects can contribute to the antimetastatic activity in vivo.     

Gamma interferon-mediated cytotoxicity related to murine Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

After infection with the mouse pneumonitis agent (MoPn; murine Chlamydia trachomatis), heterozygous (nu/+) but not nude athymic (nu/nu) mice produced enhanced amounts of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) in vitro in response to MoPn antigen that exhibited cytotoxic activity when added to host cells already infected with chlamydiae. Antibody-complement lysis showed the cytotoxic activity to be dependent, at least in part, on L3T4+ T cells for production. The cytotoxic responses were directed primarily against Chlamydia-infected target cells, but a second type of toxicity was demonstrable against uninfected target cells after treatment of the generating cell population with anti-Lyt-2 antibody plus complement at certain time points after infection. This additional nonspecific cytotoxic activity was presumably due to a second factor (factor X) acting in concert with IFN-gamma. Lyt-2+ cells, however, also were shown to play a role in IFN-gamma production and cytotoxicity directed against infected targets at later time points after infection. Neutralization of IFN-gamma in the samples containing cytotoxic activity abrogated the cytotoxicity against both infected and uninfected targets, but cloned murine IFN-gamma exhibited toxicity in a dose-dependent manner only against infected target cells. The data provides evidence that cytotoxicity against infected targets is due to antigen-specific induction of IFN-gamma, but other cytokine activity, most demonstrable after removal of Lyt-2.2+ cells and cytotoxic to uninfected targets, also is present.     

Production of gamma interferon by natural killer cells from Toxoplasma gondii-infected SCID mice: regulation by interleukin-10, interleukin-12, and tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Previous studies of mice have implicated natural killer (NK) cells as mediators of protective activity against Toxoplasma gondii through their production of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). In the present study, we have compared NK-cell activity in infected and uninfected SCID mice. Our data reveal that infection results in increased levels of IFN-gamma in serum and elevated NK-cell activity but that these NK cells were not cytotoxic for T. gondii-infected P815 cells. Treatment with anti-IFN-gamma antibody abrogated the increase in NK-cell activity and resulted in earlier mortality of infected mice. In vivo treatment with anti-asialo GM1 antiserum reduced NK cell activity and levels of IFN-gamma in serum but did not alter time to death. Spleen cells from infected mice produced higher levels of IFN-gamma than those from uninfected mice when stimulated in vitro with live T. gondii or parasite antigen preparations. Further analysis revealed that interleukin 10 (IL-10) inhibited, whereas tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and IL-12 enhanced, IFN-gamma production by spleen cells from infected or uninfected mice. The combination of IL-12 and TNF-alpha induced higher levels of IFN-gamma from whole spleen cells of infected mice than from those of uninfected mice. Depletion of the adherent cell population from the spleen cells of infected mice led to a significant reduction in the levels of IFN-gamma produced after stimulation with IL-12 plus TNF-alpha. Similar results did not occur with cells from uninfected mice. These data indicate that other cytokines produced by the adherent cell population from infected mice may be involved in maximal production of IFN-gamma by NK cells stimulated with IL-12 and TNF-alpha. To assess the importance of endogenous IL-12, a polyclonal anti-IL-12 was administered to infected SCID mice. This treatment led to earlier mortality, indicating that endogenous IL-12 mediates resistance to T. gondii.     

NK cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity occur independently of the SLP-76 adaptor protein.

The adapter protein SLP-76 is required for T cell development and TCR signal transduction. SLP-76 is also expressed in NK cells, yet splenic populations of NK cells develop normally in SLP-76-deficient mice. We examined the effects of SLP-76 deficiency upon cellular activation through studies of NK function in SLP-76(-/-) mice. This study presents evidence that NK populations in both spleen and liver of SLP-76(-/-) mice remain intact. Natural cytotoxic responses of SLP-76(-/-) splenocytes proceed in a manner comparable to those of wild-type control splenocytes. Similar to controls, SLP-76(-/-) splenocytes exhibit enhanced survival and augmented cytotoxic capacity after in vitro culture with IL-2. IL-2-stimulated SLP-76(-/-) splenocytes also retain normal antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and the ability to secrete IFN-gamma in response to IL-12 stimulation. These results indicate that, unlike events stimulated by TCR engagement, signaling cascades engaged by IL-2 and IL-12 receptors, by Fc gammaRIIIA (which mediates antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity), and by natural cytotoxicity-associated receptors on murine NK cells can occur independently of SLP-76.