The role of IL‐18 in the modulation of matrix metalloproteinases and migration of human natural killer (NK) cells

Abstract

In this study, we examined whether interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) affects natural killer (NK) cells' migration and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) production. We demonstrated that chemotaxis of human NK cells through basement membrane‐like Matrigel was augmented by IL‐18. As well, IL‐18 stimulation induces the production of activated forms of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) as well as the production of pro‐MMP‐2 from NK cells. We also demonstrated that MT1‐MMP expression on human NK cells, which is a major activator of MMP‐2, was induced by IL‐18 stimulation coordinated with MMP‐2 activation. These data suggest that the MT1‐MMP/MMP‐2 system participates in the degradation of basement membrane components and thus contributes to NK cell migration.