The immunostatus of natural killer cells in people exposed to sulfur mustard.

Sulfur mustard (2,2-dichloroethyl sulfide, SM) has been documented as an alkylating agent. It has been widely used as a chemical weapon during the last two decades. Despite extensive worldwide research, no effective therapy has yet been devised for the treatment of patients exposed to SM. A severe suppression of the immune system still remains as the major cause of opportunistic infections, septicemia and death in such patients. The aim of this study was to determine the possible effect of SM on natural killer (NK) cells in patients suffering from SM injuries. Patients were classified into three groups: mild, moderate and severe. Blood sample obtained from each patient was examined using flowcytometric technique. Results showed that the percentage of NK cells (CD45+/CD56+) is significantly lower in severe patients than that of the control group (P<0.05). It was also observed that the activity of NK cells (CD56+/CD25+) in severe alkylating group is noticeably higher compared with the control group (P<0.1).