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Santiago-Lamelas L, Castro-Santos P, Carracedo Á, Olloquequi J, Díaz-Peña R. Unveiling the Significance of HLA and KIR Diversity in Underrepresented Populations. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1333. [PMID: 38927540 PMCID: PMC11202227 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules and their relationships with natural killer (NK) cells, specifically through their interaction with killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), exhibit robust associations with the outcomes of diverse diseases. Moreover, genetic variations in HLA and KIR immune system genes offer limitless depths of complexity. In recent years, a surge of high-powered genome-wide association studies (GWASs) utilizing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays has occurred, significantly advancing our understanding of disease pathogenesis. Additionally, advances in HLA reference panels have enabled higher resolution and more reliable imputation, allowing for finer-grained evaluation of the association between sequence variations and disease risk. However, it is essential to note that the majority of these GWASs have focused primarily on populations of Caucasian and Asian origins, neglecting underrepresented populations in Latin America and Africa. This omission not only leads to disparities in health care access but also restricts our knowledge of novel genetic variants involved in disease pathogenesis within these overlooked populations. Since the KIR and HLA haplotypes prevalent in each population are clearly modelled by the specific environment, the aim of this review is to encourage studies investigating HLA/KIR involvement in infection and autoimmune diseases, reproduction, and transplantation in underrepresented populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Santiago-Lamelas
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, SERGAS, Grupo de Medicina Xenomica-USC, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (L.S.-L.); (P.C.-S.); (Á.C.)
| | - Patricia Castro-Santos
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, SERGAS, Grupo de Medicina Xenomica-USC, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (L.S.-L.); (P.C.-S.); (Á.C.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Ángel Carracedo
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, SERGAS, Grupo de Medicina Xenomica-USC, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (L.S.-L.); (P.C.-S.); (Á.C.)
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Olloquequi
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
- Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roberto Díaz-Peña
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, SERGAS, Grupo de Medicina Xenomica-USC, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (L.S.-L.); (P.C.-S.); (Á.C.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
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2
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Farias TD, Brugiapaglia S, Croci S, Magistroni P, Curcio C, Zguro K, Fallerini C, Fava F, Pettini F, Kichula KM, Pollock NR, Font-Porterias N, Palmer WH, Marin WM, Baldassarri M, Bruttini M, Hollenbach JA, Hendricks AE, Meloni I, Novelli F, Renieri A, Furini S, Norman PJ, Amoroso A. HLA-DPB1*13:01 associates with enhanced, and KIR2DS4*001 with diminished protection from developing severe COVID-19. HLA 2024; 103:e15251. [PMID: 37850268 PMCID: PMC10873037 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Extreme polymorphism of HLA and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) differentiates immune responses across individuals. Additional to T cell receptor interactions, subsets of HLA class I act as ligands for inhibitory and activating KIR, allowing natural killer (NK) cells to detect and kill infected cells. We investigated the impact of HLA and KIR polymorphism on the severity of COVID-19. High resolution HLA class I and II and KIR genotypes were determined from 403 non-hospitalized and 1575 hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected patients from Italy collected in 2020. We observed that possession of the activating KIR2DS4*001 allotype is associated with severe disease, requiring hospitalization (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.20-1.85, pc = 0.017), and this effect is greater in individuals homozygous for KIR2DS4*001 (OR = 3.74, 95% CI 1.75-9.29, pc = 0.003). We also observed the HLA class II allotype, HLA-DPB1*13:01 protects SARS-CoV-2 infected patients from severe disease (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.33-0.74, pc = 0.019). These association analyses were replicated using logistic regression with sex and age as covariates. Autoantibodies against IFN-α associated with COVID-19 severity were detected in 26% of 156 hospitalized patients tested. HLA-C*08:02 was more frequent in patients with IFN-α autoantibodies than those without, and KIR3DL1*01502 was only present in patients lacking IFN-α antibodies. These findings suggest that KIR and HLA polymorphism is integral in determining the clinical outcome following SARS-CoV-2 infection, by influencing the course both of innate and adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ticiana D.J. Farias
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Silvia Brugiapaglia
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Susanna Croci
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Paola Magistroni
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Claudia Curcio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Kristina Zguro
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Chiara Fallerini
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Francesca Fava
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Francesco Pettini
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Katherine M. Kichula
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Nicholas R. Pollock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Neus Font-Porterias
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - William H. Palmer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Wesley M. Marin
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Margherita Baldassarri
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Mirella Bruttini
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Jill A. Hollenbach
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Audrey E. Hendricks
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, and Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Ilaria Meloni
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Francesco Novelli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Renieri
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Simone Furini
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Antonio Amoroso
- Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, 10126, Italy
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Montero-Martin G, Kichula KM, Misra MK, Vargas LB, Marin WM, Hollenbach JA, Fernández-Viña MA, Elfishawi S, Norman PJ. Exceptional diversity of KIR and HLA class I in Egypt. HLA 2024; 103:e15177. [PMID: 37528739 PMCID: PMC11068459 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Genetically determined variation of killer cell immunoglobulin like receptors (KIR) and their HLA class I ligands affects multiple aspects of human health. Their extreme diversity is generated through complex interplay of natural selection for pathogen resistance and reproductive health, combined with demographic structure and dispersal. Despite significant importance to multiple health conditions of differential effect across populations, the nature and extent of immunogenetic diversity is under-studied for many geographic regions. Here, we describe the first high-resolution analysis of KIR and HLA class I combinatorial diversity in Northern Africa. Analysis of 125 healthy unrelated individuals from Cairo in Egypt yielded 186 KIR alleles arranged in 146 distinct centromeric and 79 distinct telomeric haplotypes. The most frequent haplotypes observed were KIR-A, encoding two inhibitory receptors specific for HLA-C, two that are specific for HLA-A and -B, and no activating receptors. Together with 141 alleles of HLA class I, 75 of which encode a KIR ligand, we identified a mean of six distinct interacting pairs of inhibitory KIR and HLA allotypes per individual. We additionally characterize 16 KIR alleles newly identified in the study population. Our findings place Egyptians as one of the most highly diverse populations worldwide, with important implications for transplant matching and studies of immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine M. Kichula
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Maneesh K. Misra
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Luciana B. Vargas
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Wesley M. Marin
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jill A. Hollenbach
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Sally Elfishawi
- BMT lab unit, Clinical Pathology Dept., National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Nersesian S, Carter EB, Lee SN, Westhaver LP, Boudreau JE. Killer instincts: natural killer cells as multifactorial cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269614. [PMID: 38090565 PMCID: PMC10715270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells integrate heterogeneous signals for activation and inhibition using germline-encoded receptors. These receptors are stochastically co-expressed, and their concurrent engagement and signaling can adjust the sensitivity of individual cells to putative targets. Against cancers, which mutate and evolve under therapeutic and immunologic pressure, the diversity for recognition provided by NK cells may be key to comprehensive cancer control. NK cells are already being trialled as adoptive cell therapy and targets for immunotherapeutic agents. However, strategies to leverage their naturally occurring diversity and agility have not yet been developed. In this review, we discuss the receptors and signaling pathways through which signals for activation or inhibition are generated in NK cells, focusing on their roles in cancer and potential as targets for immunotherapies. Finally, we consider the impacts of receptor co-expression and the potential to engage multiple pathways of NK cell reactivity to maximize the scope and strength of antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily B. Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacey N. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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5
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Wang T, Qi J, Wang M, Xu H, Wu J, Shang L, Chen L, Li Y. Correlation between human leukocyte antigen ligands and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors in aplastic anemia patients from Shaanxi Han. Immunogenetics 2023; 75:445-454. [PMID: 37592108 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01316-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Regulating natural killer (NK) cell responses in hematological malignancies largely depend on molecular interactions between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands. The goal of the current study was to examine the key functions of KIR genes, gene combinations of KIR-HLA, and KIR genotypes in genetic predisposition to aplastic anemia (AA). Herein, the genotyping of 16 KIR genes and HLA-A, -B, and -C ligands were performed in 72 AA patients and 150 healthy controls using PCR evaluations with sequence-specific primers using standard assays. According to the obtained results, AA patients had an increased incidence of activating KIR and KIR2DS4 (P = 0.465 × 10-4, Pc = 0.837 × 10-3, OR = 20.81, 95% CI = 2.786-155.5) compared to controls. KIR/HLA class I ligand profile KIR2DS4/C1 (P = 0.350 × 10-4, Pc = 0.630 × 10-3, OR = 8.944, 95% CI = 2.667-29.993) was significantly elevated in AA patients compared to healthy controls. Genotype AA1 (P = 0.003, OR = 2.351, 95% CI = 1.325-4.172) were increased, and AA195 (P = 0.006, OR = 0.060, 95% CI = 0.004-1.023) was decreased among AA cases compared to controls. Our findings indicated that KIR2DS4 may play a role in the pathogenesis of AA. This study revealed the contribution of KIR genes in the etiology of AA cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianju Wang
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Blood Center of the Shaanxi Province, Institute of Xi'an Blood Bank, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Jun Qi
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Blood Center of the Shaanxi Province, Institute of Xi'an Blood Bank, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
| | - Manni Wang
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Blood Center of the Shaanxi Province, Institute of Xi'an Blood Bank, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Hua Xu
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Blood Center of the Shaanxi Province, Institute of Xi'an Blood Bank, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Junhua Wu
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Blood Center of the Shaanxi Province, Institute of Xi'an Blood Bank, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Lixia Shang
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Blood Center of the Shaanxi Province, Institute of Xi'an Blood Bank, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Le Chen
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Blood Center of the Shaanxi Province, Institute of Xi'an Blood Bank, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Yuhui Li
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Blood Center of the Shaanxi Province, Institute of Xi'an Blood Bank, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
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Razizadeh MH, Zafarani A, Taghavi-Farahabadi M, Khorramdelazad H, Minaeian S, Mahmoudi M. Natural killer cells and their exosomes in viral infections and related therapeutic approaches: where are we? Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:261. [PMID: 37749597 PMCID: PMC10519079 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is the first line of the host immune system to fight against infections. Natural killer cells are the innate immunity lymphocytes responsible for fighting against virus-infected and cancerous cells. They have various mechanisms to suppress viral infections. On the other hand, viruses have evolved to utilize different ways to evade NK cell-mediated responses. Viruses can balance the response by regulating the cytokine release pattern and changing the proportion of activating and inhibitory receptors on the surface of NK cells. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles that are involved in intercellular communication. Most cell populations can release these nano-sized vesicles, and it was shown that these vesicles produce identical outcomes to the originating cell from which they are released. In recent years, the role of NK cell-derived exosomes in various diseases including viral infections has been highlighted, drawing attention to utilizing the therapeutic potential of these nanoparticles. In this article, the role of NK cells in various viral infections and the mechanisms used by viruses to evade these important immune system cells are initially examined. Subsequently, the role of NK cell exosomes in controlling various viral infections is discussed. Finally, the current position of these cells in the treatment of viral infections and the therapeutic potential of their exosomes are reviewed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Razizadeh
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zafarani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Taghavi-Farahabadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Sara Minaeian
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Mahmoudi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Jennifer Zhang Q. Donor selection based on NK alloreactivity for patients with hematological malignancies. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:695-703. [PMID: 35965181 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important defender against infections and tumors. Their function is regulated by the balance of inhibitory and activating receptors. Among all inhibitory NK receptors: killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and CD94/NKG2A recognize human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I molecules, allowing NK cells to be 'licensed' to avoid autoreactivity, but be fully functional at the same time. Licensed NK cells can target malignant cells with altered or downregulated/missing 'self' antigens. NK cell attacking malignant cells is one of the mechanisms of graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Numerous studies have demonstrated that NK cells improve hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) survival by reducing relapse mortality through GVL effect. Therapeutic strategies, such as adoptive alloreactive NK cell transfer, CAR-NK cells, antibodies against NKG2A and KIR2DL1-3, have been utilized to treat hematological malignancies in HCT. In this review, NK cell functions, NK cell receptors and ligands, as well as common alloreactive NK donor selection algorithms for patients with hematological malignancies in the setting of HCT are discussed. The goal of this review is to provide insights on the controversial results and provide better understanding and resources on how to perform alloreactive donor NK cell selection in HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuheng Jennifer Zhang
- UCLA Immunogenetics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA.
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8
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Vollmers S, Lobermeyer A, Niehrs A, Fittje P, Indenbirken D, Nakel J, Virdi S, Brias S, Trenkner T, Sauer G, Peine S, Behrens GM, Lehmann C, Meurer A, Pauli R, Postel N, Roider J, Scholten S, Spinner CD, Stephan C, Wolf E, Wyen C, Richert L, Norman PJ, Sauter J, Schmidt AH, Hoelzemer A, Altfeld M, Körner C. Host KIR/HLA-C Genotypes Determine HIV-Mediated Changes of the NK Cell Repertoire and Are Associated With Vpu Sequence Variations Impacting Downmodulation of HLA-C. Front Immunol 2022; 13:922252. [PMID: 35911762 PMCID: PMC9334850 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.922252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a pivotal role in viral immunity, utilizing a large array of activating and inhibitory receptors to identify and eliminate virus-infected cells. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) represent a highly polymorphic receptor family, regulating NK cell activity and determining the ability to recognize target cells. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules serve as the primary ligand for KIRs. Herein, HLA-C stands out as being the dominant ligand for the majority of KIRs. Accumulating evidence indicated that interactions between HLA-C and its inhibitory KIR2DL receptors (KIR2DL1/L2/L3) can drive HIV-1-mediated immune evasion and thus may contribute to the intrinsic control of HIV-1 infection. Of particular interest in this context is the recent observation that HIV-1 is able to adapt to host HLA-C genotypes through Vpu-mediated downmodulation of HLA-C. However, our understanding of the complex interplay between KIR/HLA immunogenetics, NK cell-mediated immune pressure and HIV-1 immune escape is still limited. Therefore, we investigated the impact of specific KIR/HLA-C combinations on the NK cell receptor repertoire and HIV-1 Vpu protein sequence variations of 122 viremic, untreated HIV-1+ individuals. Compared to 60 HIV-1- controls, HIV-1 infection was associated with significant changes within the NK cell receptor repertoire, including reduced percentages of NK cells expressing NKG2A, CD8, and KIR2DS4. In contrast, the NKG2C+ and KIR3DL2+ NK cell sub-populations from HIV-1+ individuals was enlarged compared to HIV-1- controls. Stratification along KIR/HLA-C genotypes revealed a genotype-dependent expansion of KIR2DL1+ NK cells that was ultimately associated with increased binding affinities between KIR2DL1 and HLA-C allotypes. Lastly, our data hinted to a preferential selection of Vpu sequence variants that were associated with HLA-C downmodulation in individuals with high KIR2DL/HLA-C binding affinities. Altogether, our study provides evidence that HIV-1-associated changes in the KIR repertoire of NK cells are to some extent predetermined by host KIR2DL/HLA-C genotypes. Furthermore, analysis of Vpu sequence polymorphisms indicates that differential KIR2DL/HLA-C binding affinities may serve as an additional mechanism how host genetics impact immune evasion by HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pia Fittje
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Sebastien Brias
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- First Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Gabriel Sauer
- Department I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sven Peine
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Georg M.N. Behrens
- Department for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Clara Lehmann
- Department I for Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anja Meurer
- Center for Internal Medicine and Infectiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Ramona Pauli
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum (MVZ) am Isartor, Munich, Germany
| | - Nils Postel
- Prinzmed, Practice for Infectious Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Roider
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Department of Infectious Diseases, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Christoph D. Spinner
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Internal Medicine II, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Stephan
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Wyen
- Department I for Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Praxis am Ebertplatz, Cologne, Germany
| | - Laura Richert
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm U1219 Bordeaux Population Health, Inria Sistm, Bordeaux, France
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | | | - Angelique Hoelzemer
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- First Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Körner
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christian Körner,
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9
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Zamir MR, Shahi A, Salehi S, Amirzargar A. Natural killer cells and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors in solid organ transplantation: Protectors or opponents? Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2022; 36:100723. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2022.100723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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10
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Xie M, Li Y, Meng YZ, Xu P, Yang YG, Dong S, He J, Hu Z. Uterine Natural Killer Cells: A Rising Star in Human Pregnancy Regulation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918550. [PMID: 35720413 PMCID: PMC9198966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are an immune subset located in the uterus. uNK cells have distinct tissue-specific characteristics compared to their counterparts in peripheral blood and lymphoid organs. Based on their location and the pregnancy status of the host, uNK cells are classified as endometrial NK (eNK) cells or decidua NK (dNK) cells. uNK cells are important in protecting the host from pathogen invasion and contribute to a series of physiological processes that affect successful pregnancy, including uterine spiral artery remodeling, fetal development, and immunity tolerance. Abnormal alterations in uNK cell numbers and/or impaired function may cause pregnancy complications, such as recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, or even infertility. In this review, we introduce recent advances in human uNK cell research under normal physiological or pathological conditions, and summarize their unique influences on the process of pregnancy complications or uterine diseases. Finally, we propose the potential clinical use of uNK cells as a novel cellular immunotherapeutic approach for reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xie
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi-Zi Meng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jin He
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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11
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Meazza R, Falco M, Canevali P, Loiacono F, Colomar-Carando N, Muntasell A, Rea A, Mingari MC, Locatelli F, Moretta L, Lopez-Botet M, Pende D. Characterization of KIR + NK cell subsets with a monoclonal antibody selectively recognizing KIR2DL1 and blocking the specific interaction with HLA-C. HLA 2022; 100:119-132. [PMID: 35439359 PMCID: PMC9543057 DOI: 10.1111/tan.14640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The phenotypic identification of different NK cell subsets allows more in‐depth characterization of KIR repertoire and function, which are of potential interest in KIR and disease association studies. KIR genes are highly polymorphic, but a great homology exists among the various sequences and few monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specifically recognize a single KIR. This is the case of HP‐DM1 which was demonstrated by analysis of cell transfectants and epitope mapping to be exclusively KIR2DL1‐specific, covering all allotypes identified to date, except for KIR2DL1*022 and *020, and also to react with KIR2DS1*013. Here, we compared in immunofluorescence analyses the staining of HP‐DM1 with other available mAbs to precisely identify KIR2DL1+ NK cells in potential donors for αβT/B‐depleted haplo‐HSCT, with known KIR genotype. HP‐DM1 mAb was used in combination with EB6 or 11PB6 (anti‐KIR2DL1/S1 and anti‐KIR2DL3*005), 143211 (anti‐KIR2DL1/S5), and HP‐MA4 (anti‐KIR2DL1/S1/S3/S5) mAbs, allowing the accurate identification of different KIR+ NK cell subsets. These phenotypic evaluations appeared useful to dissect the expression pattern of various KIR2D in NK cells from KIR2DL3*005+ individuals, particularly if KIR2DS1 is present. HP‐DM1 mAb remarkably refined NK cell phenotyping of donors carrying KIR2DS5, either in the centromeric or telomeric region. Functional assays with KIR2DL1+/S1+/S5+ NK cells confirmed that only HP‐DM1 exclusively reacts with KIR2DL1. Finally, we demonstrated that HP‐DM1 mAb blocked KIR2DL1 recognition of C2+ HLA‐C. Altogether, the data support that HP‐DM1 is a unique reagent valuable for characterizing KIR+ NK cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Natalia Colomar-Carando
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Aura Muntasell
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Anna Rea
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.,Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Miguel Lopez-Botet
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniela Pende
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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12
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Maruthamuthu S, Rajalingam K, Kaur N, Morvan MG, Soto J, Lee N, Kong D, Hu Z, Reyes K, Ng D, Butte AJ, Chiu C, Rajalingam R. Individualized Constellation of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptors and Cognate HLA Class I Ligands that Controls Natural Killer Cell Antiviral Immunity Predisposes COVID-19. Front Genet 2022; 13:845474. [PMID: 35273641 PMCID: PMC8902362 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.845474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in some individuals, while the majority remain asymptomatic. Natural killer (NK) cells play an essential role in antiviral defense. NK cell maturation and function are regulated mainly by highly polymorphic killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and cognate HLA class I ligands. Herein, we tested our hypothesis that the individualized KIR and HLA class I ligand combinations that control NK cell function determine the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: We characterized KIR and HLA genes in 200 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and 195 healthy general population controls. Results: The KIR3DL1+HLA-Bw4+ [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.65, p = 0.03] and KIR3DL2+HLA-A3/11+ (OR = 0.6, p = 0.02) combinations were encountered at significantly lower frequency in COVID-19 patients than in the controls. Notably, 40% of the patients lacked both of these KIR+HLA+ combinations compared to 24.6% of the controls (OR = 2.04, p = 0.001). Additionally, activating receptors KIR2DS1+KIR2DS5+ are more frequent in patients with severe COVID-19 than patients with mild disease (OR = 1.8, p = 0.05). Individuals carrying KIR2DS1+KIR2DS5+ genes but missing either KIR3DL1+HLA-Bw4+ combination (OR = 1.73, p = 0.04) or KIR3DL2+HLA-A3/11+ combination (OR = 1.75, p = 0.02) or both KIR3DL1+HLA-Bw4+ and KIR2DL2+HLA-A3/11+ combinations (OR = 1.63, p = 0.03) were more frequent in the COVID-19 cohort compared to controls. Conclusions: The absence of KIR3DL1+HLA-Bw4+ and KIR3DL2+HLA-A3/11+ combinations presumably yields inadequate NK cell maturation and reduces anti-SARS-CoV-2 defense, causing COVID-19. An increased frequency of KIR2DS1+KIR2DS5+ in severe COVID-19 patients suggests vigorous NK cell response triggered via these activating receptors and subsequent production of exuberant inflammatory cytokines responsible for severe COVID-19. Our results demonstrate that specific KIR-HLA combinations that control NK cell maturation and function are underlying immunogenetic variables that determine the dual role of NK cells in mediating beneficial antiviral and detrimental pathologic action. These findings offer a framework for developing potential host genetic biomarkers to distinguish individuals prone to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stalinraja Maruthamuthu
- Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Karan Rajalingam
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Navchetan Kaur
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Maelig G Morvan
- Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jair Soto
- Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nancy Lee
- Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Denice Kong
- Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Zicheng Hu
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kevin Reyes
- UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Dianna Ng
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Atul J Butte
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Charles Chiu
- UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Raja Rajalingam
- Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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13
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Influence of Fetomaternal Microchimerism on Maternal NK Cell Reactivity against the Child’s Leukemic Blasts. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030603. [PMID: 35327405 PMCID: PMC8945103 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistence of fetal cells in the circulation of the mother (fetal microchimerism, FM) is associated with increased survival and reduced relapse of children with leukemia receiving a haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (hHSCT). NK cells play an important role in maternal tolerance towards the unborn child. In this study, 70 mother–child pairs were prospectively analyzed for the occurrence of FM, KIR genotype and HLA-C type. We found that occurrence and level of FM were influenced by three maternal genetic factors: presence of an HLA-C1 allele, absence of KIR2DL3 and presence of a cen-B/B motif. Furthermore, an HLA-C match between mother and child favored persistence of FM. NK cells from FM+ mothers showed a 40% higher specific degranulation against their filial leukemic blasts than NK cells from FM− mothers, suggesting the presence of educated maternal NK cells. Nevertheless, cytotoxicity of parental NK cells against filial leukemic blasts was independent of KIR genetics (haplotype, B content score, centromeric and telomeric KIR gene regions) and independent of FM, indicating that additional immune effector mechanisms contribute to the beneficial effect of persisting FM in hHSCT.
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14
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Downing J, D'Orsogna L. High-resolution human KIR genotyping. Immunogenetics 2022; 74:369-379. [PMID: 35050404 PMCID: PMC9262774 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-021-01247-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) regulate the function of natural killer cells through interactions with various ligands on the surface of cells, thereby determining whether natural killer (NK) cells are to be activated or inhibited from killing the cell being interrogated. The genes encoding these proteins display extensive variation through variable gene content, copy number and allele polymorphism. The combination of KIR genes and their ligands is implicated in various clinical settings including haematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplant and infectious disease progression. The determination of KIR genes has been used as a factor in the selection of optimal stem cell donors with haplotype variations in recipient and donor giving differential clinical outcomes. Methods to determine KIR genes have primarily involved ascertaining the presence or absence of genes in an individual. With the more recent introduction of massively parallel clonal next-generation sequencing and single molecule very long read length third-generation sequencing, high-resolution determination of KIR alleles has become feasible. Determining the extent and functional impact of allele variation has the potential to lead to further optimisation of clinical outcomes as well as a deeper understanding of the functional properties of the receptors and their interactions with ligands. This review summarizes recently published high-resolution KIR genotyping methods and considers the various advantages and disadvantages of the approaches taken. In addition the application of allele level genotyping in the setting of transplantation and infectious disease control is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Downing
- Department of Clinical Immunology, PathWest, Perth, WA, Australia. .,School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Lloyd D'Orsogna
- Department of Clinical Immunology, PathWest, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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15
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Vollmers S, Lobermeyer A, Körner C. The New Kid on the Block: HLA-C, a Key Regulator of Natural Killer Cells in Viral Immunity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113108. [PMID: 34831331 PMCID: PMC8620871 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The human leukocyte antigen system (HLA) is a cluster of highly polymorphic genes essential for the proper function of the immune system, and it has been associated with a wide range of diseases. HLA class I molecules present intracellular host- and pathogen-derived peptides to effector cells of the immune system, inducing immune tolerance in healthy conditions or triggering effective immune responses in pathological situations. HLA-C is the most recently evolved HLA class I molecule, only present in humans and great apes. Differentiating from its older siblings, HLA-A and HLA-B, HLA-C exhibits distinctive features in its expression and interaction partners. HLA-C serves as a natural ligand for multiple members of the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family, which are predominately expressed by natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are crucial for the early control of viral infections and accumulating evidence indicates that interactions between HLA-C and its respective KIR receptors determine the outcome and progression of viral infections. In this review, we focus on the unique role of HLA-C in regulating NK cell functions and its consequences in the setting of viral infections.
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16
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Vargas LDB, Beltrame MH, Ho B, Marin WM, Dandekar R, Montero-Martín G, Fernández-Viña MA, Hurtado AM, Hill KR, Tsuneto LT, Hutz MH, Salzano FM, Petzl-Erler ML, Hollenbach JA, Augusto DG. Remarkably low KIR and HLA diversity in Amerindians reveals signatures of strong purifying selection shaping the centromeric KIR region. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 39:6388041. [PMID: 34633459 PMCID: PMC8763117 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) recognize human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules to regulate the cytotoxic and inflammatory responses of natural killer cells. KIR genes are encoded by a rapidly evolving gene family on chromosome 19 and present an unusual variation of presence and absence of genes and high allelic diversity. Although many studies have associated KIR polymorphism with susceptibility to several diseases over the last decades, the high-resolution allele-level haplotypes have only recently started to be described in populations. Here, we use a highly innovative custom next-generation sequencing method that provides a state-of-art characterization of KIR and HLA diversity in 706 individuals from eight unique South American populations: five Amerindian populations from Brazil (three Guarani and two Kaingang); one Amerindian population from Paraguay (Aché); and two urban populations from Southern Brazil (European and Japanese descendants from Curitiba). For the first time, we describe complete high-resolution KIR haplotypes in South American populations, exploring copy number, linkage disequilibrium, and KIR-HLA interactions. We show that all Amerindians analyzed to date exhibit the lowest numbers of KIR-HLA interactions among all described worldwide populations, and that 83-97% of their KIR-HLA interactions rely on a few HLA-C molecules. Using multiple approaches, we found signatures of strong purifying selection on the KIR centromeric region, which codes for the strongest NK cell educator receptors, possibly driven by the limited HLA diversity in these populations. Our study expands the current knowledge of KIR genetic diversity in populations to understand KIR-HLA coevolution and its impact on human health and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana de Brito Vargas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Marcia H Beltrame
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Brenda Ho
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Wesley M Marin
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Ravi Dandekar
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Gonzalo Montero-Martín
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | | | - A Magdalena Hurtado
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Kim R Hill
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Luiza T Tsuneto
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Mara H Hutz
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Francisco M Salzano
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Petzl-Erler
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Jill A Hollenbach
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Danillo G Augusto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 81531-980, Brazil.,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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17
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Margolis DJ, Mitra N, Hoffstad OJ, Kim BS, Monos DS, Phillips EJ. Association of KIR Genes and MHC Class I Ligands with Atopic Dermatitis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:1522-1529. [PMID: 34408014 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic illness that is associated with immune dysregulation. NK cell function has previously been associated with AD. NK cells directly interact with polymorphic HLA class I ligand variants using killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs). The purpose of this study was to identify potential associations between NK cell function and AD by evaluating variation in the presence of KIR genes as well as KIR gene interactions with the appropriate HLA class I KIR-specific ligands. Human DNA from the genetics of AD case-control study was used to genotype HLA class I KIR-specific ligands and the presence of KIR genes. In the full cohort, an increased risk of AD was noted for KIR2DL5 (1.51 [1.13, 2.01]), KIR2DS5 (1.72 [1.26, 2.34]), and KIR2DS1 (1.41 [1.04, 1.91]). Individuals with KIR2DS5 or KIR2DS1 and the HLA-C*C2 epitope were at an increased risk of AD (1.74 [1.21, 2.51] and 1.48 [1.04, 2.12], respectively). The HLA-B*-21T (TT) leader sequence increased the risk of AD across ethnicity. African Americans with KIR2DL2, KIR2DS1, KIR2DL5, and KIR2DS5 are more likely to have AD, and the risk increased for KIR2DS1 and KIR2DS5 in the presence of appropriate HLA-C C2 epitope. The risk of AD also increased for individuals with the HLA-B*-21T leader sequence. Future studies should focus on KIR gene allelic variation as well as consider cell-based measurements of KIR and the associated HLA class I epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Margolis
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; .,Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nandita Mitra
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ole J Hoffstad
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Brian S Kim
- Center for the Study of Itch, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Dimitri S Monos
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; and
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18
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Guethlein LA, Beyzaie N, Nemat-Gorgani N, Wang T, Ramesh V, Marin WM, Hollenbach JA, Schetelig J, Spellman SR, Marsh SGE, Cooley S, Weisdorf DJ, Norman PJ, Miller JS, Parham P. Following Transplantation for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, Donor KIR Cen B02 Better Protects against Relapse than KIR Cen B01. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:3064-3072. [PMID: 34117109 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, we previously demonstrated that there is a greater protection from relapse of leukemia when the hematopoietic cell transplantation donor has either the Cen B/B KIR genotype or a genotype having two or more KIR B gene segments. In those earlier analyses, KIR genotyping could only be assessed at the low resolution of gene presence or absence. To give the analysis greater depth, we developed high-resolution KIR sequence-based typing that defines all the KIR alleles and distinguishes the expressed alleles from those that are not expressed. We now describe and analyze high-resolution KIR genotypes for 890 donors of this human transplant cohort. Cen B01 and Cen B02 are the common CenB haplotypes, with Cen B02 having evolved from Cen B01 by deletion of the KIR2DL5, 2DS3/5, 2DP1, and 2DL1 genes. We observed a consistent trend for Cen B02 to provide stronger protection against relapse than Cen B01 This correlation indicates that protection depends on the donor having inhibitory KIR2DL2 and/or activating KIR2DS2, and is enhanced by the donor lacking inhibitory KIR2DL1, 2DL3, and 3DL1. High-resolution KIR typing has allowed us to compare the strength of the interactions between the recipient's HLA class I and the KIR expressed by the donor-derived NK cells and T cells, but no clinically significant interactions were observed. The trend observed between donor Cen B02 and reduced relapse of leukemia points to the value of studying ever larger transplant cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth A Guethlein
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Niassan Beyzaie
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Neda Nemat-Gorgani
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Tao Wang
- Division of Biostatistics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | | | - Wesley M Marin
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jill A Hollenbach
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Stephen R Spellman
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Steven G E Marsh
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom.,University College London Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Cooley
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; and
| | - Daniel J Weisdorf
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; and
| | - Paul J Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, Aurora, CO
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; and
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA; .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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19
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Abstract
In all human cells, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I glycoproteins assemble with a peptide and take it to the cell surface for surveillance by lymphocytes. These include natural killer (NK) cells and γδ T cells of innate immunity and αβ T cells of adaptive immunity. In healthy cells, the presented peptides derive from human proteins, to which lymphocytes are tolerant. In pathogen-infected cells, HLA class I expression is perturbed. Reduced HLA class I expression is detected by KIR and CD94:NKG2A receptors of NK cells. Almost any change in peptide presentation can be detected by αβ CD8+ T cells. In responding to extracellular pathogens, HLA class II glycoproteins, expressed by specialized antigen-presenting cells, present peptides to αβ CD4+ T cells. In comparison to the families of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, MHC class II and αβ T cell receptors, the antigenic specificity of the γδ T cell receptors is incompletely understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakia Djaoud
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; ,
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; ,
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20
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Liu Y, Gao S, Zhao Y, Wang H, Pan Q, Shao Q. Decidual Natural Killer Cells: A Good Nanny at the Maternal-Fetal Interface During Early Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:663660. [PMID: 34054831 PMCID: PMC8149889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.663660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidual natural killer (dNK) cells are the tissue-resident and major subpopulation of NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface. It has been demonstrated that dNK cells play pivotal roles in pregnancy, including keeping maternal-fetal immune tolerance, promoting extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell invasion, and driving uterine spiral artery remodeling. However, the molecular mechanisms haven't been elucidated until recent years. In this review, we systemically introduce the generation, subsets, and surface or soluble molecules of dNK cells, which are critical for maintaining the functions of dNK cells. Further, new functions of dNK cells including well-controlled cytotoxicity, immunosurveillance and immunotrophism supporting via the cell-cell interaction between dNK cells and EVT cells are mainly focused. The molecular mechanisms involved in these functions are also illustrated. Moreover, pregnancy-associated diseases caused by the dNK cells abnormalities are discussed. It will be important for future investigations about the mechanism of maintenance of pregnancy and parturition and potential clinical applications of dNK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuefang Liu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, the Huai'an Maternity and Child Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shujun Gao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yangjing Zhao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qiong Pan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, the Huai'an Maternity and Child Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Qixiang Shao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
- Jiangsu College of Nursing, School of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Huai'an, China
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21
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Martínez-Sánchez MV, Fuster JL, Campillo JA, Galera AM, Bermúdez-Cortés M, Llinares ME, Ramos-Elbal E, Pascual-Gázquez JF, Fita AM, Martínez-Banaclocha H, Galián JA, Gimeno L, Muro M, Minguela A. Expression of NK Cell Receptor Ligands on Leukemic Cells Is Associated with the Outcome of Childhood Acute Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102294. [PMID: 34064810 PMCID: PMC8151902 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural killer cells (NK cells) of the innate immune system are suspected of playing an important role in eliminating residual leukemia cells during maintenance chemotherapy given to children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia for about two years. This study analyzes the expression of ligands for the receptors that regulate the function of NK cells on leukemic cells of more than one hundred children with acute lymphoid and myeloid leukemia. Our results show that the loss of expression of some molecules involved in the activation of NK cells is associated with poorer survival. In addition, a genetic combination of molecules that interact to regulate NK cell function seems to be associated with a higher relapse rate during/after chemotherapy and shorter patient survival. Children who carry this genetic combination are refractory to current chemotherapy treatments, and stem cell transplantation does not seem to contribute to their cure either, and therefore, they should be considered as candidates for alternative biological therapies that might offer better results. Abstract Acute leukemia is the most common malignancy in children. Most patients are cured, but refractory/relapsed AML and ALL are the first cause of death from malignancy in children. Maintenance chemotherapy in ALL has improved survival by inducing leukemic cell apoptosis, but immune surveillance effectors such as NK cells might also contribute. The outcome of B-ALL (n = 70), T-ALL (n = 16), and AML (n = 16) pediatric patients was evaluated according to leukemic cell expression of ligands for activating and inhibiting receptors that regulate NK cell functioning. Increased expression of ULBP-1, a ligand for NKG2D, but not that of CD112 or CD155, ligands for DNAM-1, was associated with poorer 5-year event-free survival (5y-EFS, 77.6% vs. 94.9%, p < 0.03). Reduced expression of HLA-C on leukemic cells in patients with the KIR2DL1/HLA-C*04 interaction was associated with a higher rate of relapse (17.6% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.035) and lower 5y-EFS (70.6% vs. 92.6%, p < 0.002). KIR2DL1/HLA-C*04 interaction was an independent predictive factor of events (HR = 4.795, p < 0.005) or death (HR = 6.731, p < 0.005) and might provide additional information to the current risk stratification. Children who carry the KIR2DL1/HLA-C*04 interaction were refractory to current chemotherapy treatments, including allogeneic stem cell transplantation; therefore, they should be considered as candidates for alternative biological therapies that might offer better results.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Martínez-Sánchez
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - José Luis Fuster
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - José Antonio Campillo
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Ana María Galera
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Mar Bermúdez-Cortés
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - María Esther Llinares
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Eduardo Ramos-Elbal
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Juan Francisco Pascual-Gázquez
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Ana María Fita
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Helios Martínez-Banaclocha
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - José Antonio Galián
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Lourdes Gimeno
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
- Human Anatomy Department, University of Murcia (UM), 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-968-395-379
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Coexistence of inhibitory and activating killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors to the same cognate HLA-C2 and Bw4 ligands confer breast cancer risk. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7932. [PMID: 33846431 PMCID: PMC8041876 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86964-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I-specific killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) regulate natural killer (NK) cell function in eliminating malignancy. Breast cancer (BC) patients exhibit reduced NK-cytotoxicity in peripheral blood. To test the hypothesis that certain KIR-HLA combinations impairing NK-cytotoxicity predispose to BC risk, we analyzed KIR and HLA polymorphisms in 162 women with BC and 278 controls. KIR-Bx genotypes increased significantly in BC than controls (83.3% vs. 71.9%, OR 1.95), and the increase was more pronounced in advanced-cancer (OR 5.3). No difference was observed with inhibitory KIR (iKIR) and HLA-ligand combinations. The activating KIR (aKIR) and HLA-ligand combinations, 2DS1 + C2 (OR 2.98) and 3DS1 + Bw4 (OR 2.6), were significantly increased in advanced-BC. All patients with advanced-cancer carrying 2DS1 + C2 or 3DS1 + Bw4 also have their iKIR counterparts 2DL1 and 3DL1, respectively. Contrarily, the 2DL1 + C2 and 3DL1 + Bw4 pairs without their aKIR counterparts are significantly higher in controls. These data suggest that NK cells expressing iKIR to the cognate HLA-ligands in the absence of putative aKIR counterpart are instrumental in antitumor response. These data provide a new framework for improving the utility of genetic risk scores for individualized surveillance.
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23
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Chen J, Madireddi S, Nagarkar D, Migdal M, Vander Heiden J, Chang D, Mukhyala K, Selvaraj S, Kadel EE, Brauer MJ, Mariathasan S, Hunkapiller J, Jhunjhunwala S, Albert ML, Hammer C. In silico tools for accurate HLA and KIR inference from clinical sequencing data empower immunogenetics on individual-patient and population scales. Brief Bioinform 2020; 22:5906908. [PMID: 32940337 PMCID: PMC8138874 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunogenetic variation in humans is important in research, clinical diagnosis and increasingly a target for therapeutic intervention. Two highly polymorphic loci play critical roles, namely the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, which is the human version of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and the Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) that are relevant for responses of natural killer (NK) and some subsets of T cells. Their accurate classification has typically required the use of dedicated biological specimens and a combination of in vitro and in silico efforts. Increased availability of next generation sequencing data has led to the development of ancillary computational solutions. Here, we report an evaluation of recently published algorithms to computationally infer complex immunogenetic variation in the form of HLA alleles and KIR haplotypes from whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing data. For both HLA allele and KIR gene typing, we identified tools that yielded >97% overall accuracy for four-digit HLA types, and >99% overall accuracy for KIR gene presence, suggesting the readiness of in silico solutions for use in clinical and high-throughput research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieming Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
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24
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Nakanjako D, Zalwango F, Wairagala P, Luboga F, Andia Biraro I, Bukirwa VD, Mboowa MG, Cose S, Seeley J, Elliott A. Career development for infection and immunity research in Uganda: a decade of experience from the Makerere University - Uganda Virus Research Institute research and training programme. AAS Open Res 2020; 3:26. [PMID: 32734140 PMCID: PMC7372530 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13066.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The Makerere University/Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) Centre of Excellence for Infection & Immunity Research and Training (MUII) is a collaborative programme supporting excellence in Infection and Immunity (I&I) research in Uganda. Set up in 2008, MUII aims to produce internationally competitive Ugandan and East African I&I research leaders, and develop human and infrastructural resources to support research and training excellence. We undertook an internal evaluation of MUII’s achievements, challenges and lessons learned between 08-2008 and 12-2019, to inform programmes seeking to build Africa’s health research expertise. Methods: Quantitative data were abstracted from programme annual reports. Qualitative data were obtained in 03-04/2019: a cross-sectional evaluation was undertaken among a purposefully selected representative sample of 27 trainees and two programme staff. Qualitative data was analysed according to pre-determined themes of achievements, challenges, lessons learned and recommendations for improvement. Results: By 12-2019, MUII had supported 68 fellowships at master’s-level and above (50% female: 23 Masters, 27 PhD, 15 post-doctoral, three group-leaders) and over 1,000 internships. Fellows reported career advancement, mentorship by experts, and improved research skills and outputs. Fellows have published over 300 papers, secured grants worth over £20m, established over 40 international collaborations, and taken on research and academic leadership positions in the country. Key lessons were: i) Efficient administration provides a conducive environment for high quality research; ii) Institutions need supportive policies for procurement, including provisions for purchases of specific biological research reagents from international manufacturers; iii) Strong international and multi-disciplinary collaboration provides a critical mass of expertise to mentor researchers in development; and iv) Mentorship catalyses young scientists to progress from graduate trainees to productive academic researchers, relevant to society’s most pressing health challenges. Conclusions: Sustainable academic productivity can be achieved through efficient operational support, global collaboration and mentorship to provide solutions to Africa’s health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damalie Nakanjako
- Makerere University-Uganda Virus Research Institute Infection and Immunity (MUII), Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Flavia Zalwango
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit,, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Pamela Wairagala
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit,, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Fiona Luboga
- Makerere University-Uganda Virus Research Institute Infection and Immunity (MUII), Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Irene Andia Biraro
- Makerere University-Uganda Virus Research Institute Infection and Immunity (MUII), Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Victoria Diana Bukirwa
- Makerere University-Uganda Virus Research Institute Infection and Immunity (MUII), Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Mary Gorrethy Mboowa
- Makerere University-Uganda Virus Research Institute Infection and Immunity (MUII), Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Steve Cose
- Makerere University-Uganda Virus Research Institute Infection and Immunity (MUII), Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda.,Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit,, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Janet Seeley
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit,, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda.,Global Health and Development Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alison Elliott
- Makerere University-Uganda Virus Research Institute Infection and Immunity (MUII), Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda.,Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit,, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
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25
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Nakanjako D, Zalwango F, Wairagala P, Luboga F, Andia Biraro I, Bukirwa VD, Mboowa MG, Cose S, Seeley J, Elliott A. Career development for infection and immunity research in Uganda: a decade of experience from the Makerere University – Uganda Virus Research Institute research and training programme. AAS Open Res 2020; 3:26. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13066.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The Makerere University/Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) Centre of Excellence for Infection & Immunity Research and Training (MUII) is a collaborative programme supporting excellence in Infection and Immunity (I&I) research in Uganda. Set up in 2008, MUII aims to produce internationally competitive Ugandan and East African I&I research leaders, and develop human and infrastructural resources to support research and training excellence. We undertook an internal evaluation of MUII’s achievements, challenges and lessons learned between August 2008 and December 2019, to inform programmes seeking to build Africa’s health research expertise. Methods: Quantitative data were abstracted from programme annual reports. Qualitative data were obtained in March and April 2019: a cross-sectional evaluation was undertaken among a purposefully selected representative sample of 27 trainees and two programme staff. Qualitative data was analysed according to pre-determined themes of achievements, challenges, lessons learned and recommendations for improvement. Results: By December 2019, MUII had supported 68 fellowships at master’s-level and above (50% female: 23 Masters, 27 PhD, 15 post-doctoral, three group-leader fellows) and over 1,000 internships. Fellows reported career advancement, mentorship by experts, and improved research skills and outputs. Fellows have published over 300 papers, secured grants worth over £20m, established over 40 international collaborations, and taken on research and academic leadership positions in the country. Key lessons for success include the following: efficient administration provides an enabling environment; institutions need supportive policies for procurement, including provisions for purchases of specific biological research reagents from international manufacturers; strong international, multi-disciplinary collaboration provides a critical mass of expertise to mentor researchers in development; and mentorship catalyses young scientists to progress from graduate trainees to productive academic researchers, relevant to society’s most pressing health challenges. Conclusions: Sustainable academic productivity can be achieved through efficient operational support, global collaboration and mentorship to provide solutions to Africa’s health challenges.
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26
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KIR3DL1 and HLA-Bw4 Interaction Showed a Favorable Role in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes in Chinese Southern Han. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:6215435. [PMID: 32420357 PMCID: PMC7210520 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6215435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The association studies of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) with the occurrence of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are limited worldwide; this study investigated the genetic risk/protective factors of MDS in KIR and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) systems to gain a better understanding of the role played by KIR and their cognate HLA ligands in MDS pathogenesis. Methods We genotyped a total number of 77 patients with MDS from Chinese Southern Han and 745 healthy controls for the KIR loci and HLA class I. The carrier frequencies of KIR genes, KIR genotypes, class I HLA ligands, and KIR-HLA combinations were calculated by direct counting. The effect of individual KIR genes and HLA ligands on MDS risk was evaluated by logistic regression analyses using SAS 9.2 software. Results We found that neither the KIR genes nor the KIR genotypes were associated with the occurrence of MDS. However, we observed that the frequencies for the strong inhibitory ligand HLA-Bw4 as well as KIR3DL1-HLA-Bw4 combination were significantly higher in healthy controls than those in the MDS patient group, respectively (73.42% vs. 62.34%, P = 0.038; 70.87% vs. 59.74%, P = 0.043). Conclusion Our results showed that HLA-Bw4 ligand and KIR3DL1-HLA-Bw4 combination could confer a protective effect against MDS in Chinese Southern Han.
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27
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Blunt MD, Khakoo SI. Activating killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors: Detection, function and therapeutic use. Int J Immunogenet 2020; 47:1-12. [PMID: 31755661 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) have a central role in the control of natural killer (NK) cell function. The functions of the activating KIRs, as compared to those of the inhibitory KIR, have been more difficult to define due to difficulties in antibody-mediated identification and their apparent low affinities for HLA class I. Immunogenetic studies have shown associations of activating KIRs with the outcome of autoimmune diseases, pregnancy-associated disorders, infectious diseases and cancers. Activating KIR are thus thought to have important roles in the control of natural killer cell functions and their role in disease. In this review, we discuss current knowledge on activating KIR, their ligands and, their roles in the pathogenesis and potential therapy of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Blunt
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Papúchová H, Meissner TB, Li Q, Strominger JL, Tilburgs T. The Dual Role of HLA-C in Tolerance and Immunity at the Maternal-Fetal Interface. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2730. [PMID: 31921098 PMCID: PMC6913657 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To establish a healthy pregnancy, maternal immune cells must tolerate fetal allo-antigens and remain competent to respond to infections both systemically and in placental tissues. Extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) are the most invasive cells of extra-embryonic origin to invade uterine tissues and express polymorphic Human Leucocyte Antigen-C (HLA-C) of both maternal and paternal origin. Thus, HLA-C is a key molecule that can elicit allogeneic immune responses by maternal T and NK cells and for which maternal-fetal immune tolerance needs to be established. HLA-C is also the only classical MHC molecule expressed by EVT that can present a wide variety of peptides to maternal memory T cells and establish protective immunity. The expression of paternal HLA-C by EVT provides a target for maternal NK and T cells, whereas HLA-C expression levels may influence how this response is shaped. This dual function of HLA-C requires tight transcriptional regulation of its expression to balance induction of tolerance and immunity. Here, we critically review new insights into: (i) the mechanisms controlling expression of HLA-C by EVT, (ii) the mechanisms by which decidual NK cells, effector T cells and regulatory T cells recognize HLA-C allo-antigens, and (iii) immune recognition of pathogen derived antigens in context of HLA-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrieta Papúchová
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Torsten B Meissner
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jack L Strominger
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Tamara Tilburgs
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Division of Immunobiology, Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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29
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Bao X, Zhang T, Wu X, Yuan X, Li Y, Chen L, He J. Population‐specific criterion to distinguish killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor genotypes and haplotypes in a large Eastern Han population. HLA 2019; 95:15-22. [PMID: 31496074 DOI: 10.1111/tan.13686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Bao
- Department of HLA Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou Jiangsu PR China
| | - Tengteng Zhang
- Department of HLA Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou Jiangsu PR China
| | - Xiaojin Wu
- Department of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou Jiangsu PR China
| | - Xiaoni Yuan
- Department of HLA Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou Jiangsu PR China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of HLA Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou Jiangsu PR China
| | - Luyao Chen
- Department of HLA Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou Jiangsu PR China
| | - Jun He
- Department of HLA Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology Center for Clinical Laboratory, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou Jiangsu PR China
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30
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The impact of KIR/HLA genes on the risk of developing multibacillary leprosy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007696. [PMID: 31525196 PMCID: PMC6762192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are a group of regulatory molecules able to activate or inhibit natural killer cells upon interaction with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. Combinations of KIR and HLA may contribute to the occurrence of different immunological and clinical responses to infectious diseases. Leprosy is a chronic neglected disease, both disabling and disfiguring, caused mainly by Mycobacterium leprae. In this case–control study, we examined the influence of KIRs and HLA ligands on the development of multibacillary leprosy. Methodology/Principal findings Genotyping of KIR and HLA genes was performed in 264 multibacillary leprosy patients and 518 healthy unrelated controls (238 healthy household contacts and 280 healthy subjects). These are unprecedented results in which KIR2DL2/KIR2DL2/C1/C2 and KIR2DL3/2DL3/C1/C1 indicated a risk for developing lepromatous and borderline leprosy, respectively. Concerning to 3DL2/A3/A11+, our study demonstrated that independent of control group (contacts or healthy subjects), this KIR receptor and its ligand act as a risk factor for the borderline clinical form. Conclusions/Significance Our finding suggests that synergetic associations of activating and inhibitory KIR genes may alter the balance between these receptors and thus interfere in the progression of multibacillary leprosy. Leprosy is a neglected disease with the highest worldwide prevalence, and remains a public health problem in Brazil. The innate immune mechanisms are determinants in the management of leprosy and its different clinical manifestations. Accordingly, genetic association study provides information about the contribution of host genetic factors and the environment in which the individual lives on the development of leprosy. The individuals considered most affected and associated with a major risk for developing leprosy are household contacts with an intimate relation to patients living in crowded households. For this reason, we chose the contacts as one of our control groups, since they are more exposed to infection compared to the general population. We investigated the influence of KIR and HLA genes on the susceptibility to multibacillary leprosy. Our results reinforce the importance of host genetic background in the susceptibility to leprosy demonstrating that, independent from the control group (contacts or healthy subjects) the KIR and HLA act as risk factors in the development of lepromatous and borderline leprosy.
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31
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Pende D, Falco M, Vitale M, Cantoni C, Vitale C, Munari E, Bertaina A, Moretta F, Del Zotto G, Pietra G, Mingari MC, Locatelli F, Moretta L. Killer Ig-Like Receptors (KIRs): Their Role in NK Cell Modulation and Developments Leading to Their Clinical Exploitation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1179. [PMID: 31231370 PMCID: PMC6558367 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to the first line of defense against viruses and to the control of tumor growth and metastasis spread. The discovery of HLA class I specific inhibitory receptors, primarily of killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs), and of activating receptors has been fundamental to unravel NK cell function and the molecular mechanisms of tumor cell killing. Stemmed from the seminal discoveries in early '90s, in which Alessandro Moretta was the major actor, an extraordinary amount of research on KIR specificity, genetics, polymorphism, and repertoire has followed. These basic notions on NK cells and their receptors have been successfully translated to clinical applications, primarily to the haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to cure otherwise fatal leukemia in patients with no HLA compatible donors. The finding that NK cells may express the PD-1 inhibitory checkpoint, particularly in cancer patients, may allow understanding how anti-PD-1 therapy could function also in case of HLA class Ineg tumors, usually susceptible to NK-mediated killing. This, together with the synergy of therapeutic anti-checkpoint monoclonal antibodies, including those directed against NKG2A or KIRs, emerging in recent or ongoing studies, opened new solid perspectives in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pende
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Alice Bertaina
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Francesca Moretta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Genny Del Zotto
- Core Facilities, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Oncohematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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32
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Biassoni R, Malnati MS. Human Natural Killer Receptors, Co-Receptors, and Their Ligands. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 121:e47. [PMID: 30040219 DOI: 10.1002/cpim.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the last 20 years, the study of human natural killer (NK) cells has moved from the first molecular characterizations of very few receptor molecules to the identification of a plethora of receptors displaying surprisingly divergent functions. We have contributed to the description of inhibitory receptors and their signaling pathways, important in fine regulation in many cell types, but unknown until their discovery in the NK cells. Inhibitory function is central to regulating NK-mediated cytolysis, with different molecular structures evolving during speciation to assure its persistence. More recently, it has become possible to characterize the NK triggering receptors mediating natural cytotoxicity, unveiling the existence of a network of cellular interactions between effectors of both natural and adaptive immunity. This unit reviews the contemporary history of molecular studies of receptors and ligands involved in NK cell function, characterizing the ligands of the triggering receptor and the mechanisms for finely regulating their expression in pathogen-infected or tumor cells. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Biassoni
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Genova, Italy
| | - Mauro S Malnati
- IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Unit of Human Virology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Milan, Italy
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33
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Nemat-Gorgani N, Guethlein LA, Henn BM, Norberg SJ, Chiaroni J, Sikora M, Quintana-Murci L, Mountain JL, Norman PJ, Parham P. Diversity of KIR, HLA Class I, and Their Interactions in Seven Populations of Sub-Saharan Africans. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:2636-2647. [PMID: 30918042 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
HLA class I and KIR sequences were determined for Dogon, Fulani, and Baka populations of western Africa, Mbuti of central Africa, and Datooga, Iraqw, and Hadza of eastern Africa. Study of 162 individuals identified 134 HLA class I alleles (41 HLA-A, 60 HLA-B, and 33 HLA-C). Common to all populations are three HLA-C alleles (C1+C*07:01, C1+C*07:02, and C2+C*06:02) but no HLA-A or -B Unexpectedly, no novel HLA class I was identified in these previously unstudied and anthropologically distinctive populations. In contrast, of 227 KIR detected, 22 are present in all seven populations and 28 are novel. A high diversity of HLA A-C-B haplotypes was observed. In six populations, most haplotypes are represented just once. But in the Hadza, a majority of haplotypes occur more than once, with 2 having high frequencies and 10 having intermediate frequencies. The centromeric (cen) part of the KIR locus exhibits an even balance between cenA and cenB in all seven populations. The telomeric (tel) part has an even balance of telA to telB in East Africa, but this changes across the continent to where telB is vestigial in West Africa. All four KIR ligands (A3/11, Bw4, C1, and C2) are present in six of the populations. HLA haplotypes of the Iraqw and Hadza encode two KIR ligands, whereas the other populations have an even balance between haplotypes encoding one and two KIR ligands. Individuals in these African populations have a mean of 6.8-8.4 different interactions between KIR and HLA class I, compared with 2.9-6.5 for non-Africans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Nemat-Gorgani
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Lisbeth A Guethlein
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Brenna M Henn
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY 11794
| | | | - Jacques Chiaroni
- UMR 7268-Anthropologie Bio-Culturelle, Droit, Éthique et Santé, Aix-Marseille Université, l'Etablissement Français du Sang, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 13344 Marseille, France
| | - Martin Sikora
- Center for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Paul J Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, CO 80045; and.,Department of Immunology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO 80045
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305;
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34
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Jayaraman J, Kirgizova V, Di D, Johnson C, Jiang W, Traherne JA. qKAT: Quantitative Semi-automated Typing of Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Genes. J Vis Exp 2019:10.3791/58646. [PMID: 30907867 PMCID: PMC6794157 DOI: 10.3791/58646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are a set of inhibitory and activating immune receptors, on natural killer (NK) and T cells, encoded by a polymorphic cluster of genes on chromosome 19. Their best-characterized ligands are the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules that are encoded within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus on chromosome 6. There is substantial evidence that they play a significant role in immunity, reproduction, and transplantation, making it crucial to have techniques that can accurately genotype them. However, high-sequence homology, as well as allelic and copy number variation, make it difficult to design methods that can accurately and efficiently genotype all KIR genes. Traditional methods are usually limited in the resolution of data obtained, throughput, cost-effectiveness, and the time taken for setting up and running the experiments. We describe a method called quantitative KIR semi-automated typing (qKAT), which is a high-throughput multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction method that can determine the gene copy numbers for all genes in the KIR locus. qKAT is a simple high-throughput method that can provide high-resolution KIR copy number data, which can be further used to infer the variations in the structurally polymorphic haplotypes that encompass them. This copy number and haplotype data can be beneficial for studies on large-scale disease associations, population genetics, as well as investigations on expression and functional interactions between KIR and HLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyothi Jayaraman
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge
| | | | - Da Di
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge; Department of Genetics & Evolution, University of Geneva
| | | | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge; Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
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35
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Wroblewski EE, Parham P, Guethlein LA. Two to Tango: Co-evolution of Hominid Natural Killer Cell Receptors and MHC. Front Immunol 2019; 10:177. [PMID: 30837985 PMCID: PMC6389700 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have diverse roles in hominid immunity and reproduction. Modulating these functions are the interactions between major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules that are ligands for two NK cell surface receptor types. Diverse killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) bind specific motifs encoded within the polymorphic MHC class I cell surface glycoproteins, while, in more conserved interactions, CD94:NKG2A receptors recognize MHC-E with bound peptides derived from MHC class I leader sequences. The hominid lineage presents a choreographed co-evolution of KIR with their MHC class I ligands. MHC-A, -B, and -C are present in all great apes with species-specific haplotypic variation in gene content. The Bw4 epitope recognized by lineage II KIR is restricted to MHC-B but also present on some gorilla and human MHC-A. Common to great apes, but rare in humans, are MHC-B possessing a C1 epitope recognized by lineage III KIR. MHC-C arose from duplication of MHC-B and is fixed in all great apes except orangutan, where it exists on approximately 50% of haplotypes and all allotypes are C1-bearing. Recent study showed that gorillas possess yet another intermediate MHC organization compared to humans. Like orangutans, but unlike the Pan-Homo species, duplication of MHC-B occurred. However, MHC-C is fixed, and the MHC-C C2 epitope (absent in orangutans) emerges. The evolution of MHC-C drove expansion of its cognate lineage III KIR. Recently, position −21 of the MHC-B leader sequence has been shown to be critical in determining NK cell educational outcome. In humans, methionine (−21M) results in CD94:NKG2A-focused education whereas threonine (−21T) produces KIR-focused education. This is another dynamic position among hominids. Orangutans have exclusively −21M, consistent with their intermediate stage in lineage III KIR-focused evolution. Gorillas have both −21M and −21T, like humans, but they are unequally encoded by their duplicated B genes. Chimpanzees have near-fixed −21T, indicative of KIR-focused NK education. Harmonious with this observation, chimpanzee KIR exhibit strong binding and, compared to humans, smaller differences between binding levels of activating and inhibitory KIR. Consistent between these MHC-NK cell receptor systems over the course of hominid evolution is the evolution of polymorphism favoring the more novel and dynamic KIR system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Wroblewski
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Peter Parham
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Lisbeth A Guethlein
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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36
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Bono M, Pende D, Bertaina A, Moretta A, Della Chiesa M, Sivori S, Zecca M, Locatelli F, Moretta L, Bottino C, Falco M. Analysis of KIR3DP1 Polymorphism Provides Relevant Information on Centromeric KIR Gene Content. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:1460-1467. [PMID: 30068594 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Four killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) genes, collectively referred to as framework genes, characterize almost all KIR haplotypes. In particular, KIR3DL3 and KIR3DL2 mark the ends of the locus, whereas KIR3DP1 and KIR2DL4 are located in the central part. A recombination hot spot, mapped between KIR3DP1 and KIR2DL4, splits the haplotypes into two regions: a centromeric (Cen) region (spanning from KIR3DL3 to KIR3DP1) and a telomeric region (from KIR2DL4 to KIR3DL2), both varying in KIR gene content. In this study, we analyzed KIR3DP1 polymorphism in a cohort of 316 healthy, unrelated individuals. To this aim, we divided KIR3DP1 alleles into two groups by the use of a sequence-specific primer- PCR approach. Our data clearly indicated that KIR3DP1 alleles present on haplotypes carrying Cen-A or Cen-B1 regions differ from those having Cen-B2 motifs. Few donors (∼3%) made exceptions, and they were all, except one, characterized by uncommon haplotypes, including either KIR deletions or KIR duplications. Consequently, as KIR2DL1 is present in Cen-A and Cen-B1 regions but absent in Cen-B2 regions, we demonstrated that KIR3DP1 polymorphism might represent a suitable marker for KIR2DL1 gene copy number analysis. Moreover, because Cen-B1 and Cen-B2 regions are characterized by different KIR3DP1 alleles, we showed that KIR3DP1 polymorphism analysis also provides information to dissect between Cen-B1/Cen-B1 and Cen-B1/Cen-B2 donors. Taken together, our data suggest that the analysis of KIR3DP1 polymorphism should be included in KIR repertoire evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bono
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- Dipartimento delle Terapie Oncologiche Integrate, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Alice Bertaina
- Dipartimento di Oncoematologia e Terapia Cellulare e Genica, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy.,Centro di Eccellenza per le Ricerche Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy.,Centro di Eccellenza per le Ricerche Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy.,Centro di Eccellenza per le Ricerche Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Zecca
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo Oncoematologia Pediatrica, 27100 Pavia, Italy; and
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Dipartimento di Oncoematologia e Terapia Cellulare e Genica, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Area di Ricerca Immunologica, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
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37
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Nemat-Gorgani N, Hilton HG, Henn BM, Lin M, Gignoux CR, Myrick JW, Werely CJ, Granka JM, Möller M, Hoal EG, Yawata M, Yawata N, Boelen L, Asquith B, Parham P, Norman PJ. Different Selected Mechanisms Attenuated the Inhibitory Interaction of KIR2DL1 with C2 + HLA-C in Two Indigenous Human Populations in Southern Africa. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 200:2640-2655. [PMID: 29549179 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The functions of human NK cells in defense against pathogens and placental development during reproduction are modulated by interactions of killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs) with HLA-A, -B and -C class I ligands. Both receptors and ligands are highly polymorphic and exhibit extensive differences between human populations. Indigenous to southern Africa are the KhoeSan, the most ancient group of modern human populations, who have highest genomic diversity worldwide. We studied two KhoeSan populations, the Nama pastoralists and the ≠Khomani San hunter-gatherers. Comprehensive next-generation sequence analysis of HLA-A, -B, and -C and all KIR genes identified 248 different KIR and 137 HLA class I, which assort into ∼200 haplotypes for each gene family. All 74 Nama and 78 ≠Khomani San studied have different genotypes. Numerous novel KIR alleles were identified, including three arising by intergenic recombination. On average, KhoeSan individuals have seven to eight pairs of interacting KIR and HLA class I ligands, the highest diversity and divergence of polymorphic NK cell receptors and ligands observed to date. In this context of high genetic diversity, both the Nama and the ≠Khomani San have an unusually conserved, centromeric KIR haplotype that has arisen to high frequency and is different in the two KhoeSan populations. Distinguishing these haplotypes are independent mutations in KIR2DL1, which both prevent KIR2DL1 from functioning as an inhibitory receptor for C2+ HLA-C. The relatively high frequency of C2+ HLA-C in the Nama and the ≠Khomani San appears to have led to natural selection against strong inhibitory C2-specific KIR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Nemat-Gorgani
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Hugo G Hilton
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Brenna M Henn
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - Meng Lin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - Christopher R Gignoux
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, CO 80045.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO 80045
| | - Justin W Myrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - Cedric J Werely
- South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | - Julie M Granka
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Marlo Möller
- South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | - Eileen G Hoal
- South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | - Makoto Yawata
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 117609, Singapore
| | - Nobuyo Yawata
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Medicine, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka 814-0193, Japan; and
| | - Lies Boelen
- Section of Immunology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, United Kingdom
| | - Becca Asquith
- Section of Immunology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Paul J Norman
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305; .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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Cooley S, Parham P, Miller JS. Strategies to activate NK cells to prevent relapse and induce remission following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Blood 2018; 131:1053-1062. [PMID: 29358179 PMCID: PMC5863700 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-08-752170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of innate immunity that respond to virus infected and tumor cells. After allogeneic transplantation, NK cells are the first reconstituting lymphocytes, but are dysfunctional. Manipulating this first wave of lymphocytes could be instrumental in reducing the 40% relapse rate following transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning. NK cells express numerous activating and inhibitory receptors. Some recognize classical or nonclassical HLA class I ligands, others recognize class I-like ligands or unrelated ligands. Dominant in the NK-cell transplant literature are killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), encoded on chromosome 19q. Inhibitory KIR recognition of the cognate HLA class I ligand is responsible for NK-cell education, which makes them tolerant of healthy cells, but responsive to unhealthy cells having reduced expression of HLA class I. KIR A and KIR B are functionally distinctive KIR haplotype groups that differ in KIR gene content. Allogeneic transplant donors having a KIR B haplotype and lacking a recipient HLA-C epitope provide protection against relapse from acute myeloid leukemia. Cytomegalovirus infection stimulates and expands a distinctive NK-cell population that expresses the NKG2C receptor and exhibits enhanced effector functions. These adaptive NK cells display immune memory and methylation signatures like CD8 T cells. As potential therapy, NK cells, including adaptive NK cells, can be adoptively transferred with, or without, agents such as interleukin-15 that promote NK-cell survival. Strategies combining NK-cell infusions with CD16-binding antibodies or immune engagers could make NK cells antigen specific. Together with checkpoint inhibitors, these approaches have considerable potential as anticancer therapies.
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MESH Headings
- Adoptive Transfer
- Allografts
- Animals
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19/immunology
- Cytomegalovirus Infections/genetics
- Cytomegalovirus Infections/immunology
- Cytomegalovirus Infections/pathology
- Cytomegalovirus Infections/therapy
- HLA Antigens/genetics
- HLA Antigens/immunology
- Haplotypes/immunology
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/pathology
- Killer Cells, Natural/transplantation
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Lymphocyte Activation
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C/genetics
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C/immunology
- Receptors, KIR/genetics
- Receptors, KIR/immunology
- Recurrence
- Tissue Donors
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cooley
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, and
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; and
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, and
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; and
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Parham P, Guethlein LA. Genetics of Natural Killer Cells in Human Health, Disease, and Survival. Annu Rev Immunol 2018; 36:519-548. [PMID: 29394121 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-042617-053149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have vital functions in human immunity and reproduction. In the innate and adaptive immune responses to infection, particularly by viruses, NK cells respond by secreting inflammatory cytokines and killing infected cells. In reproduction, NK cells are critical for genesis of the placenta, the organ that controls the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus. Controlling NK cell functions are interactions of HLA class I with inhibitory NK cell receptors. First evolved was the conserved interaction of HLA-E with CD94:NKG2A; later established were diverse interactions of HLA-A, -B, and -C with killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors. Characterizing the latter interactions is rapid evolution, which distinguishes human populations and all species of higher primate. Driving this evolution are the different and competing selections imposed by pathogens on NK cell-mediated immunity and by the constraints of human reproduction on NK cell-mediated placentation. Promoting rapid evolution is independent segregation of polymorphic receptors and ligands throughout human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA; ,
| | - Lisbeth A Guethlein
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA; ,
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40
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Mehta RS, Randolph B, Daher M, Rezvani K. NK cell therapy for hematologic malignancies. Int J Hematol 2018; 107:262-270. [PMID: 29383623 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-018-2407-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and represent the first line of defense against infections and tumors. In contrast to T cells, NK cells do not require prior antigen sensitization to induce cytotoxicity and do not cause graft-versus-host disease. These, along with other advantages, make NK cells an attractive candidate for adoptive cellular therapy. Herein, we describe the mechanisms of NK cell cytotoxicity, which is governed by an intricate balance between various activating and inhibitory receptors, including the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). We illustrate the advantages of NK alloreactivity as demonstrated in various types of hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT), such as haploidentical, human leukocyte antigen-matched related or unrelated donor and umbilical cord blood transplant. We elaborate on different models used to predict NK cell alloreactivity in these studies, which are either based on the absence of the ligands for inhibitory KIRs, presence of activating NK cell receptors and KIR genes content in donors, or a combination of these. We will review clinical studies demonstrating anti-tumor efficacy of NK cells used either as a stand-alone immunotherapy or as an adjunct to HSCT and novel genetic engineering strategies to improve the anti-tumor activity of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohtesh S Mehta
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 0423, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Brion Randolph
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 0423, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - May Daher
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 0423, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 0423, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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41
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Hilton HG, Parham P. Missing or altered self: human NK cell receptors that recognize HLA-C. Immunogenetics 2017; 69:567-579. [PMID: 28695291 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-017-1001-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are fast-acting and versatile lymphocytes that are critical effectors of innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and placental development. Controlling NK cell function are the interactions between killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C ligands. Due to the extensive polymorphism of both KIR and HLA class I, these interactions are highly diversified and specific combinations correlate with protection or susceptibility to a range of infectious, autoimmune, and reproductive disorders. Evolutionary, genetic, and functional studies are consistent with the interactions between KIR and HLA-C being the dominant control mechanism of human NK cells. In addition to their recognition of the C1 and C2 epitopes, increasing evidence points to KIR having a previously unrecognized selectivity for the peptide presented by HLA-C. This selectivity appears to be a conserved feature of activating KIR and may partly explain the slow progress made in identifying their HLA class I ligands. The peptide selectivity of KIR allows NK cells to respond, not only to changes in the surface expression of HLA-C, but also to the more subtle changes in the HLA-C peptidome, such as occur during viral infection and malignant transformation. Here, we review recent advances in understanding of human-specific KIR evolution and how the inhibitory and activating HLA-C receptors allow NK cells to respond to healthy cells, diseased cells, and the semi-allogeneic cells of the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo G Hilton
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University, Fairchild D-159, 299 Campus Drive West, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Peter Parham
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University, Fairchild D-159, 299 Campus Drive West, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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