176
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Terabe M, Swann J, Ambrosino E, Sinha P, Takaku S, Hayakawa Y, Godfrey DI, Ostrand-Rosenberg S, Smyth MJ, Berzofsky JA. A nonclassical non-Valpha14Jalpha18 CD1d-restricted (type II) NKT cell is sufficient for down-regulation of tumor immunosurveillance. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 202:1627-33. [PMID: 16365146 PMCID: PMC2212961 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20051381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The importance of immunoregulatory T cells has become increasingly apparent. Both CD4+CD25+ T cells and CD1d-restricted NKT cells have been reported to down-regulate tumor immunity in mouse tumor models. However, the relative roles of both T cell populations have rarely been clearly distinguished in the same tumor models. In addition, CD1d-restricted NKT cells have been reported to play a critical role not only in the down-regulation of tumor immunity but also in the promotion of the immunity. However, the explanation for these apparently opposite roles in different tumor models remains unclear. We show that in four mouse tumor models in which CD1d-restricted NKT cells play a role in suppression of tumor immunity, depletion of CD4+CD25+ T cells did not induce enhancement of immunosurveillance. Surprisingly, among the two subpopulations of CD1d-restricted NKT cells, Vα14Jα18+ (type I) and Vα14Jα18− (type II) NKT cells, type I NKT cells were not necessary for the immune suppression. These unexpected results may now resolve the paradox in the role of CD1d-restricted NKT cells in the regulation of tumor immunity, in that type II NKT cells may be sufficient for negative regulation, whereas protection has been found to be mediated by α-galactosylceramide–responsive type I NKT cells.
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177
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Uldrich AP, Berzins SP, Malin MA, Bouillet P, Strasser A, Smyth MJ, Boyd RL, Godfrey DI. Antigen challenge inhibits thymic emigration. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 176:4553-61. [PMID: 16585545 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.176.8.4553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
T cell development in the thymus involves a series of TCR-mediated control points including TCR-beta selection and positive and negative selection. Approximately half of the thymic sojourn is spent in the medulla, where thymocytes undergo final maturation before emigrating to the periphery. Although it is acknowledged that thymic emigration is an active process, relatively little is known about how this is regulated, why it takes so long, and whether TCR-mediated signaling can influence this step. Using wild-type and TCR transgenic mice, we found that Ag injected i.v. or intrathymically led to a striking reduction in the number of recent thymic emigrants (RTE) in the periphery. This was caused by inhibition of T cell export rather than peripheral deletion, because a cohort of RTE that was already released before in vivo Ag challenge was not depleted, and similar results were observed in Bim-deficient mice, which have impaired T cell deletion. Within the thymus, the loss of RTE was associated with retention of medullary thymocytes rather than increased negative selection. In addition to Ag-specific inhibition of export, some TCR-independent suppression of emigration was also observed that appeared to be partly the result of the inflammatory cytokine TNF. Thus, in addition to its accepted role in intrathymic selection events, TCR signaling can also play an important role in the regulation of thymic emigration.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens/administration & dosage
- Cell Movement/immunology
- Enterotoxins/administration & dosage
- Enterotoxins/immunology
- Injections, Intralymphatic
- Injections, Intravenous
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Superantigens/administration & dosage
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/physiology
- Thymus Gland/cytology
- Thymus Gland/immunology
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178
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Smyth MJ, Teng MWL, Swann J, Kyparissoudis K, Godfrey DI, Hayakawa Y. CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells suppress NK cell-mediated immunotherapy of cancer. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 176:1582-7. [PMID: 16424187 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.176.3.1582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) that suppress T cell-mediated immune responses may also regulate other arms of an effective immune response. In particular, in this study we show that Treg directly inhibit NKG2D-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo, effectively suppressing NK cell-mediated tumor rejection. In vitro, Treg were shown to inhibit NKG2D-mediated cytolysis largely by a TGF-beta-dependent mechanism and independently of IL-10. Adoptively transferred Treg suppressed NK cell antimetastatic function in RAG-1-deficient mice. Depletion of Treg before NK cell activation via NKG2D and the activating IL-12 cytokine, dramatically enhanced NK cell-mediated suppression of tumor growth and metastases. Our data illustrate at least one mechanism by which Treg can suppress NK cell antitumor activity and highlight the effectiveness of combining Treg inhibition with subsequent NK cell activation to promote strong innate antitumor immunity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/immunology
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/therapy
- Cell Communication/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Interleukin-12/physiology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Ligands
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/prevention & control
- Lung Neoplasms/secondary
- Lymphoma/immunology
- Lymphoma/therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/therapy
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K
- Neoplasm Transplantation/immunology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
- Spleen/cytology
- Spleen/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/transplantation
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/physiology
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179
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Kjer-Nielsen L, Borg NA, Pellicci DG, Beddoe T, Kostenko L, Clements CS, Williamson NA, Smyth MJ, Besra GS, Reid HH, Bharadwaj M, Godfrey DI, Rossjohn J, McCluskey J. A structural basis for selection and cross-species reactivity of the semi-invariant NKT cell receptor in CD1d/glycolipid recognition. J Exp Med 2006; 203:661-73. [PMID: 16505140 PMCID: PMC2118261 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20051777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2005] [Accepted: 02/01/2006] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known regarding the basis for selection of the semi-invariant alphabeta T cell receptor (TCR) expressed by natural killer T (NKT) cells or how this mediates recognition of CD1d-glycolipid complexes. We have determined the structures of two human NKT TCRs that differ in their CDR3beta composition and length. Both TCRs contain a conserved, positively charged pocket at the ligand interface that is lined by residues from the invariant TCR alpha- and semi-invariant beta-chains. The cavity is centrally located and ideally suited to interact with the exposed glycosyl head group of glycolipid antigens. Sequences common to mouse and human invariant NKT TCRs reveal a contiguous conserved "hot spot" that provides a basis for the reactivity of NKT cells across species. Structural and functional data suggest that the CDR3beta loop provides a plasticity mechanism that accommodates recognition of a variety of glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d. We propose a model of NKT TCR-CD1d-glycolipid interaction in which the invariant CDR3alpha loop is predicted to play a major role in determining the inherent bias toward CD1d. The findings define a structural basis for the selection of the semi-invariant alphabeta TCR and the unique antigen specificity of NKT cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigen Presentation/genetics
- Antigen Presentation/immunology
- Antigens, CD1/genetics
- Antigens, CD1/immunology
- Genes, T-Cell Receptor alpha/genetics
- Genes, T-Cell Receptor alpha/immunology
- Genes, T-Cell Receptor beta/genetics
- Genes, T-Cell Receptor beta/immunology
- Glycolipids/immunology
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Mice
- Protein Binding/genetics
- Protein Binding/immunology
- Protein Structure, Quaternary
- Protein Structure, Tertiary/physiology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Species Specificity
- Structural Homology, Protein
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
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180
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Berzins SP, McNab FW, Jones CM, Smyth MJ, Godfrey DI. Long-Term Retention of Mature NK1.1+ NKT Cells in the Thymus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 176:4059-65. [PMID: 16547241 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.176.7.4059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The NKT cell pool in the thymus contains immature (NK1.1(-)) and mature (NK1.1(+)) subsets that represent distinct linear stages of a linear developmental pathway. An unexplained paradox is why immature NK1.1(-) NKT cells are mainly exported to the periphery instead of the more mature and more abundant NK1.1(+) NKT cells. In this study we have determined that mature NK1.1(+) NKT cells are retained by the thymus to form an extremely long-lived resident population capable of rapid and prolonged production of IFN-gamma and IL-4. The retention of mature NKT cells provides an explanation for why the periphery is mainly seeded by immature NK1.1(-) cells despite mature NK1.1(+) NKT cells being more abundant in the thymus. This is the first study to identify a mature T cell subset retained within the thymus and is additional evidence of the distinct developmental pathways of mainstream T cells and NKT cells.
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181
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Crowe NY, Coquet JM, Berzins SP, Kyparissoudis K, Keating R, Pellicci DG, Hayakawa Y, Godfrey DI, Smyth MJ. Differential antitumor immunity mediated by NKT cell subsets in vivo. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 202:1279-88. [PMID: 16275765 PMCID: PMC1459911 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20050953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We showed previously that NKT cell–deficient TCR Jα18−/− mice are more susceptible to methylcholanthrene (MCA)-induced sarcomas, and that normal tumor surveillance can be restored by adoptive transfer of WT liver-derived NKT cells. Liver-derived NKT cells were used in these studies because of their relative abundance in this organ, and it was assumed that they were representative of NKT cells from other sites. We compared NKT cells from liver, thymus, and spleen for their ability to mediate rejection of the sarcoma cell line (MCA-1) in vivo, and found that this was a specialized function of liver-derived NKT cells. Furthermore, when CD4+ and CD4− liver-derived NKT cells were administered separately, MCA-1 rejection was mediated primarily by the CD4− fraction. Very similar results were achieved using the B16F10 melanoma metastasis model, which requires NKT cell stimulation with α-galactosylceramide. The impaired ability of thymus-derived NKT cells was due, in part, to their production of IL-4, because tumor immunity was clearly enhanced after transfer of IL-4–deficient thymus-derived NKT cells. This is the first study to demonstrate the existence of functionally distinct NKT cell subsets in vivo and may shed light on the long-appreciated paradox that NKT cells function as immunosuppressive cells in some disease models, whereas they promote cell-mediated immunity in others.
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MESH Headings
- Adoptive Transfer
- Animals
- CD4 Antigens/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Galactosylceramides/immunology
- Immunity, Cellular
- Interleukin-4/metabolism
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Liver/cytology
- Liver/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/secondary
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/secondary
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Sarcoma, Experimental/immunology
- Sarcoma, Experimental/pathology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- Thymus Gland/cytology
- Thymus Gland/immunology
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182
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Cornish AL, Keating R, Kyparissoudis K, Smyth MJ, Carbone FR, Godfrey DI. NKT cells are not critical for HSV‐1 disease resolution. Immunol Cell Biol 2005; 84:13-9. [PMID: 16277640 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1711.2005.01396.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
NKT cells are a minor subset of T cells that have important roles in controlling immune responses in disease states including cancer, autoimmunity and pathogenic infections. In contrast to conventional T cells, NKT cells express an invariant TCR and respond to glycolipids presented by CD1d. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of NKT cells in regulating the response to infection with HSV-1, and the mechanism involved, in well-established mouse models. Previous studies of HSV-1 disease in mice have shown clear roles for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The role of NKT cells in the resolution of HSV-1 (KOS strain) infection was investigated through flank zosteriform or footpad infection in wild-type versus CD1d-deficient mice, by measurement of viral plaque-forming units at different sites after infection, lesion severity and HSV-1-specific T-cell responses. In contrast to a previous study using a more virulent strain of HSV-1 (SC16 strain), no differences were observed in disease magnitude or resolution, and furthermore, the T-cell response to HSV-1 (KOS strain) was unaltered in the absence of NKT cells. In conclusion, this study shows that NKT cells do not play a general role in controlling the resolution or severity of HSV-1 infection. Instead, the resolution or severity of the infection may depend on the HSV-1 strain under investigation.
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183
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Brodnicki TC, Fletcher AL, Pellicci DG, Berzins SP, McClive P, Quirk F, Webster KE, Scott HS, Boyd RL, Godfrey DI, Morahan G. Localization of Idd11 is not associated with thymus and nkt cell abnormalities in NOD mice. Diabetes 2005; 54:3453-7. [PMID: 16306361 DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.54.12.3453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Congenic mouse strains provide a unique resource for genetic dissection and biological characterization of chromosomal regions associated with diabetes progression in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse. Idd11, a mouse diabetes susceptibility locus, was previously localized to a region on chromosome 4. Comparison of a panel of subcongenic NOD mouse strains with different intervals derived from the nondiabetic C57BL/6 (B6) strain now maps Idd11 to an approximately 8-Mb interval. B6-derived intervals protected congenic NOD mice from diabetes onset, even though lymphocytic infiltration of pancreatic islets was similar to that found in NOD mice. In addition, neither thymic structural irregularities nor NKT cell deficiencies were ameliorated in diabetes-resistant congenic NOD mice, indicating that Idd11 does not contribute to these abnormalities, which do not need to be corrected to prevent disease.
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184
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McNab FW, Berzins SP, Pellicci DG, Kyparissoudis K, Field K, Smyth MJ, Godfrey DI. The influence of CD1d in postselection NKT cell maturation and homeostasis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:3762-8. [PMID: 16148122 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.6.3762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
After being positively selected on CD1d-expressing thymocytes, NKT cells undergo a series of developmental changes that can take place inside or outside the thymus. We asked whether CD1d continues to play a role in late-stage NKT cell development and, in particular, during the functionally significant acquisition of NK1.1 that is indicative of NKT cell maturity. We report that CD1d is indeed crucial for this step, because immature NK1.1(-) NKT cells fail to fully mature when transferred to a CD1d-deficient environment. Surprisingly, however, the lack of CD1d did not greatly affect the long-term survival of NKT cells, and they continued to express CD69 and slowly proliferate. This directly contradicts the currently held view that these phenomena are caused by autoreactivity directed against CD1d/TCR-restricted self-Ags. Our findings demonstrate an ongoing role for TCR-mediated signaling throughout NKT cell development, but the characteristic semiactivated basal state of NKT cells is controlled by CD1d-independent factors or is intrinsic to the cells themselves.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD
- Antigens, CD1/genetics
- Antigens, CD1/physiology
- Antigens, CD1d
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Survival
- Homeostasis
- Killer Cells, Natural/cytology
- Killer Cells, Natural/physiology
- Lectins, C-Type
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
- Signal Transduction
- T-Lymphocytes
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185
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Berzins SP, Smyth MJ, Godfrey DI. Working with NKT cells--pitfalls and practicalities. Curr Opin Immunol 2005; 17:448-54. [PMID: 15963710 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2005.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2005] [Accepted: 05/30/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of NKT cells has been rapidly advancing over recent years, with many research groups studying how these cells behave and how they can be manipulated to prevent disease. Although good progress has been made, a difficulty is the lack of a clear consensus about how to assay, or even identify, NKT cells. The different approaches have been an ongoing source of uncertainty about the biological behaviour and function of NKT cells and have complicated efforts to define their role in immunity. An important step towards reaching agreement on the behaviour of NKT cells is to have a clear appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches that are employed in this field of study. This should help determine the most appropriate ways to investigate NKT cell function, thus bringing us closer to successfully exploiting these cells in the treatment of human diseases.
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186
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Uldrich AP, Crowe NY, Kyparissoudis K, Pellicci DG, Zhan Y, Lew AM, Bouillet P, Strasser A, Smyth MJ, Godfrey DI. NKT cell stimulation with glycolipid antigen in vivo: costimulation-dependent expansion, Bim-dependent contraction, and hyporesponsiveness to further antigenic challenge. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:3092-3101. [PMID: 16116198 PMCID: PMC1360163 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.5.3092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Activation of NKT cells using the glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) has availed many investigations into their immunoregulatory and therapeutic potential. However, it remains unclear how they respond to stimulation in vivo, which costimulatory pathways are important, and what factors (e.g., Ag availability and activation-induced cell death) limit their response. We have explored these questions in the context of an in vivo model of NKT cell dynamics spanning activation, population expansion, and subsequent contraction. Neither the B7/CD28 nor the CD40/CD40L costimulatory pathway was necessary for cytokine production by activated NKT cells, either early (2 h) or late (3 days) after initial stimulation, but both pathways were necessary for normal proliferative expansion of NKT cells in vivo. The proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bim was necessary for normal contraction of the NKT cell population between days 3-9 after stimulation, suggesting that the pool size is regulated by apoptotic death, similar to that of conventional T cells. Ag availability was not the limiting factor for NKT cell expansion in vivo, and a second alpha-GalCer injection induced a very blunted response, whereby cytokine production was reduced and further expansion did not occur. This appeared to be a form of anergy that was intrinsic to NKT cells and was not associated with inhibitory NK receptor signaling. Furthermore, NKT cells from mice pre-challenged with alpha-GalCer in vivo showed little cytokine production and reduced proliferation in vitro. In summary, this study significantly enhances our understanding of how NKT cells respond to primary and secondary antigenic challenge in vivo.
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187
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Morris ES, MacDonald KPA, Rowe V, Banovic T, Kuns RD, Don ALJ, Bofinger HM, Burman AC, Olver SD, Kienzle N, Porcelli SA, Pellicci DG, Godfrey DI, Smyth MJ, Hill GR. NKT cell-dependent leukemia eradication following stem cell mobilization with potent G-CSF analogs. J Clin Invest 2005; 115:3093-103. [PMID: 16224535 PMCID: PMC1253626 DOI: 10.1172/jci25249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2005] [Accepted: 08/09/2005] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
NKT cells have pivotal roles in immune regulation and tumor immunosurveillance. We report that the G-CSF and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt-3L) chimeric cytokine, progenipoietin-1, markedly expands the splenic and hepatic NKT cell population and enhances functional responses to alpha-galactosylceramide. In a murine model of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, donor NKT cells promoted host DC activation and enhanced perforin-restricted CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity against host-type antigens. Following leukemic challenge, donor treatment with progenipoietin-1 significantly improved overall survival when compared with G-CSF or control, attributable to reduced graft-versus-host disease mortality and paradoxical augmentation of graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects. Enhanced cellular cytotoxicity was dependent on donor NKT cells, and leukemia clearance was profoundly impaired in recipients of NKT cell-deficient grafts. Enhanced cytotoxicity and GVL effects were not associated with Flt-3L signaling or effects on DCs but were reproduced by prolonged G-CSF receptor engagement with pegylated G-CSF. Thus, modified G-CSF signaling during stem cell mobilization augments NKT cell-dependent CD8+ cytotoxicity, effectively separating graft-versus-host disease and GVL and greatly expanding the potential applicability of allogeneic stem cell transplantation for the therapy of malignant disease.
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188
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Pellicci DG, Hammond KJL, Coquet J, Kyparissoudis K, Brooks AG, Kedzierska K, Keating R, Turner S, Berzins S, Smyth MJ, Godfrey DI. DX5/CD49b-positive T cells are not synonymous with CD1d-dependent NKT cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2005; 175:4416-25. [PMID: 16177083 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.7.4416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
NKT cells are typically defined as CD1d-dependent T cells that carry an invariant TCR alpha-chain and produce high levels of cytokines. Traditionally, these cells were defined as NK1.1+ T cells, although only a few mouse strains express the NK1.1 molecule. A popular alternative marker for NKT cells has been DX5, an Ab that detects the CD49b integrin, expressed by most NK cells and a subset of T cells that resemble NKT cells. Interpretation of studies using DX5 as an NKT cell marker depends on how well DX5 defines NKT cells. Using a range of DX5 and other anti-CD49b Abs, we reveal major differences in reactivity depending on which Ab and which fluorochrome are used. The brightest, PE-conjugated reagents revealed that while most CD1d-dependent NKT cells expressed CD49b, they represented only a minority of CD49b+ T cells. Furthermore, CD49b+ T cell numbers were near normal in CD1d-/- mice that are completely deficient for NKT cells. CD1d tetramer- CD49b+ T cells differ from NKT cells by their activation and memory marker expression, tissue distribution, and CD4/CD8 coreceptor profile. Interestingly, both NKT cells and CD1d tetramer- CD49b+ T cells produce cytokines, but the latter are clearly biased toward Th1-type cytokines, in contrast to NKT cells that produce both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Finally, we demonstrate that expression of CD49b by NKT cells does not dramatically alter with age, contrasting with earlier reports proposing DX5 as a maturation marker for NKT cells. In summary, our data demonstrate that DX5/CD49b is a poor marker for identifying CD1d-dependent NKT cells.
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189
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Berzins SP, Smyth MJ, Godfrey DI. Working with NKT cells — pitfalls and practicalities [Curr. Opin. Immunol. 17 (2005) 448]. Curr Opin Immunol 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2005.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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190
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Smyth MJ, Wallace ME, Nutt SL, Yagita H, Godfrey DI, Hayakawa Y. Sequential activation of NKT cells and NK cells provides effective innate immunotherapy of cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 201:1973-85. [PMID: 15967825 PMCID: PMC1364507 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20042280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The CD1d reactive glycolipid, α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), potently activates T cell receptor-α type I invariant NKT cells that secondarily stimulate the proliferation and activation of other leukocytes, including NK cells. Here we report a rational approach to improving the antitumor activity of α-GalCer by using delayed interleukin (IL)-21 treatment to mature the α-GalCer–expanded pool of NK cells into highly cytotoxic effector cells. In a series of experimental and spontaneous metastases models in mice, we demonstrate far superior antitumor activity of the α-GalCer/IL-21 combination above either agent alone. Superior antitumor activity was critically dependent upon the increased perforin-mediated cytolytic activity of NK cells. Transfer of α-GalCer–pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) followed by systemic IL-21 caused an even more significant reduction in established (day 8) metastatic burden and prolonged survival. In addition, this combination prevented chemical carcinogenesis more effectively. Combinations of IL-21 with other NK cell–activating cytokines, such as IL-2 and IL-12, were much less effective in the same experimental metastases models, and these cytokines did not substitute effectively for IL-21 in combination with α-GalCer. Overall, the data suggest that NK cell antitumor function can be enhanced greatly by strategies that are designed to expand and differentiate NK cells via DC activation of NKT cells.
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191
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Pao LI, Sumaria N, Kelly JM, van Dommelen S, Cretney E, Wallace ME, Anthony DA, Uldrich AP, Godfrey DI, Papadimitriou JM, Mullbacher A, Degli-Esposti MA, Smyth MJ. Functional Analysis of Granzyme M and Its Role in Immunity to Infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:3235-43. [PMID: 16116214 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.5.3235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic lymphocytes express a large family of granule serine proteases, including one member, granzyme (Grz)M, with a unique protease activity, restricted expression, and distinct gene locus. Although a number of Grzs, including GrzM, have been shown to mediate target cell apoptosis in the presence of perforin, the biological activity of Grz has been restricted to control of a number of viral pathogens, including two natural mouse pathogens, ectromelia, and murine CMV (MCMV). In this article, we describe the first reported gene targeting of GrzM in mice. GrzM-deficient mice display normal NK cell/T cell development and homeostasis and intact NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity of tumor targets as measured by membrane damage and DNA fragmentation. GrzM-deficient mice demonstrated increased susceptibility to MCMV infection typified by the presence of more viral inclusions and transiently higher viral burden in the visceral organs of GrzM-deficient mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. The cytotoxicity of NK cells from MCMV-infected GrzM-deficient mice remained unchanged and, like WT control mice, GrzM-deficient mice eventually effectively cleared MCMV infection from the visceral organs. In contrast, GrzM-deficient mice were as resistant as WT control mice to mouse pox ectromelia infection, as well as challenge with a number of NK cell-sensitive tumors. These data confirm a role for GrzM in the host response to MCMV infection, but suggest that GrzM is not critical for NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
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192
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Berzins SP, Cochrane AD, Pellicci DG, Smyth MJ, Godfrey DI. Limited correlation between human thymus and blood NKT cell content revealed by an ontogeny study of paired tissue samples. Eur J Immunol 2005; 35:1399-407. [PMID: 15816002 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200425958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
NKT cells are a CD1d-restricted T cell subset with strong immunoregulatory properties. Human NKT deficiencies are associated with autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and several types of cancer, yet there is little understanding of how the human NKT cell pool develops or is maintained. In this study, we present the first detailed analysis of human NKT cells from donor-matched postnatal thymus and blood samples. In mice, NKT cells are a thymus-dependent population that migrates to the periphery at an immature stage. Our data show that human NKT cells also undergo early stages of development in the thymus, forming a CD4(+)CD161(-/low) population that predominates neonatal thymic and blood NKT cell pools. CD4(-) and CD161(+) NKT cells accumulate with age in the blood, but not thymus, to the point that they dominate the NKT cell compartment in adult blood. This is consistent with the post-thymic maturation of NKT cells exported from the thymus at the putatively immature CD4(+)CD161(-/low) stage. Interestingly, while thymus and peripheral NKT cell frequencies vary widely between patients and are relatively stable between age groups, there is no clear relationship between the NKT cell frequency in thymus and blood.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Antigens, Surface/immunology
- Antigens, Surface/metabolism
- CD4 Antigens/immunology
- CD4 Antigens/metabolism
- CD8 Antigens/immunology
- CD8 Antigens/metabolism
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Flow Cytometry
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant, Newborn
- Ki-67 Antigen/immunology
- Ki-67 Antigen/metabolism
- Killer Cells, Natural/cytology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Lectins, C-Type/immunology
- Lectins, C-Type/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Subsets/cytology
- Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B
- Receptors, Interleukin-2/immunology
- Receptors, Interleukin-2/metabolism
- Thymus Gland/cytology
- Thymus Gland/growth & development
- Thymus Gland/immunology
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Cole TJ, Liddicoat DR, Godfrey DI. Intrathymic glucocorticoid production and thymocyte survival: another piece in the puzzle. Endocrinology 2005; 146:2499-500. [PMID: 15897268 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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195
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Berzins SP, Kyparissoudis K, Pellicci DG, Hammond KJ, Sidobre S, Baxter A, Smyth MJ, Kronenberg M, Godfrey DI. Systemic NKT cell deficiency in NOD mice is not detected in peripheral blood: implications for human studies. Immunol Cell Biol 2004; 82:247-52. [PMID: 15186254 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1711.2004.01238.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In the diabetes-prone NOD mouse, there is a proven association between a systemic deficiency of NKT cells and the onset of type 1 diabetes. Numerous reports of similar defects within the NKT cell compartment of human type 1 diabetes patients suggested NKT cell levels might be a valuable predictor of susceptibility and could provide a target for therapeutic intervention. Two recent studies, however, found no association between type 1 diabetes and blood NKT cell levels in humans and consequently rejected a link between the onset of diabetes and NKT cell deficiency. This cast considerable doubts on the potential for NKT cell-based clinical applications and challenged the validity of the NOD mouse as a model of human type 1 diabetes. We now report that NKT cell levels in blood are a poor representation of those in other organs. Strikingly, systemic NKT cell deficiencies were identified in NOD mice with normal, or even raised, blood levels. This re-establishes the correlation between NKT cell deficiency and type 1 diabetes and raises important questions regarding the assaying of NKT cell levels in humans.
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196
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Swann J, Crowe NY, Hayakawa Y, Godfrey DI, Smyth MJ. Regulation of antitumour immunity by CD1d-restricted NKT cells. Immunol Cell Biol 2004; 82:323-31. [PMID: 15186264 DOI: 10.1111/j.0818-9641.2004.01254.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An understanding of the complex interactions occurring between tumours and the immune system is a prerequisite for the rational design of effective cancer immunotherapies. To date, attention has focused mainly on the role the adaptive immune system plays in controlling tumourigenesis, with conventional T cells, which recognize peptide antigens presented by classical MHC molecules, coming under close scrutiny. Accumulating reports now suggest that an additional T-cell subset, known as CD1d-restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells, also plays a pivotal role in modulating antitumour responses. Found in both humans and mice, CD1d-restricted NKT cells are a highly specialized cell type that, in contrast to conventional T cells, recognize lipid/glycolipid antigens presented by the non-classical MHC molecule CD1d. Several features of NKT cells, including their ability to rapidly produce large quantities of cytokines upon primary stimulation, make them ideal targets for developing anticancer immunotherapies. This intriguing cell type is the focus of this review.
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197
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Godfrey DI, Kronenberg M. Going both ways: immune regulation via CD1d-dependent NKT cells. J Clin Invest 2004; 114:1379-88. [PMID: 15545985 PMCID: PMC525753 DOI: 10.1172/jci23594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
NKT cells are a unique T lymphocyte sublineage that has been implicated in the regulation of immune responses associated with a broad range of diseases, including autoimmunity, infectious diseases, and cancer. In stark contrast to both conventional T lymphocytes and other types of Tregs, NKT cells are reactive to the nonclassical class I antigen-presenting molecule CD1d, and they recognize glycolipid antigens rather than peptides. Moreover, they can either up- or downregulate immune responses by promoting the secretion of Th1, Th2, or immune regulatory cytokines. This review will explore the diverse influences of these cells in various disease models, their ability to suppress or enhance immunity, and the potential for manipulating these cells as a novel form of immunotherapy.
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198
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Godfrey DI, Kronenberg M. Going both ways: immune regulation via CD1d-dependent NKT cells. J Clin Invest 2004. [PMID: 15545985 DOI: 10.1172/jci200423594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 603] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
NKT cells are a unique T lymphocyte sublineage that has been implicated in the regulation of immune responses associated with a broad range of diseases, including autoimmunity, infectious diseases, and cancer. In stark contrast to both conventional T lymphocytes and other types of Tregs, NKT cells are reactive to the nonclassical class I antigen-presenting molecule CD1d, and they recognize glycolipid antigens rather than peptides. Moreover, they can either up- or downregulate immune responses by promoting the secretion of Th1, Th2, or immune regulatory cytokines. This review will explore the diverse influences of these cells in various disease models, their ability to suppress or enhance immunity, and the potential for manipulating these cells as a novel form of immunotherapy.
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200
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Purton JF, Monk JA, Liddicoat DR, Kyparissoudis K, Sakkal S, Richardson SJ, Godfrey DI, Cole TJ. Expression of the glucocorticoid receptor from the 1A promoter correlates with T lymphocyte sensitivity to glucocorticoid-induced cell death. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 173:3816-24. [PMID: 15356129 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.173.6.3816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC) hormones cause pronounced T cell apoptosis, particularly in immature thymic T cells. This is possibly due to tissue-specific regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene. In mice the GR gene is transcribed from five separate promoters designated: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E. Nearly all cells express GR from promoters 1B-1E, but the activity of the 1A promoter has only been reported in the whole thymus or lymphocyte cell lines. To directly assess the role of GR promoter use in sensitivity to glucocorticoid-induced cell death, we have compared the activity of the GR 1A promoter with GC sensitivity in different mouse lymphocyte populations. We report that GR 1A promoter activity is restricted to thymocyte and peripheral lymphocyte populations and the cortex of the brain. The relative level of expression of the 1A promoter to the 1B-1E promoters within a lymphocyte population was found to directly correlate with susceptibility to GC-induced cell death, with the extremely GC-sensitive CD4+CD8+ thymocytes having the highest levels of GR 1A promoter activity, and the relatively GC-resistant alphabetaTCR+CD24(int/low) thymocytes and peripheral T cells having the lowest levels. DNA sequencing of the mouse GR 1A promoter revealed a putative glucocorticoid-response element. Furthermore, GR 1A promoter use and GR protein levels were increased by GC treatment in thymocytes, but not in splenocytes. These data suggest that tissue-specific differences in GR promoter use determine T cell sensitivity to glucocorticoid-induced cell death.
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