Distinct NK cell function and gene expression in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission before and after acute exercise: an exploratory stud

Abstract

Brief bouts of exercise mobilize natural killer (NK) cells and influence their function and gene expression in adults. However, little is known about these effects in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in remission. This study investigated the effect of acute exercise on NK gene expression and cytotoxic activity (NKCA) in children with ALL in remission. Acute exercise may improve NK cell function in ALL children in remission and has the potential to be used as adjunctive therapy in ALL. The differential gene expression response to exercise suggests that NK cells in ALL may adopt a different molecular strategy to fight infections or tumors.