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Shinzawa M, Moseman EA, Gossa S, Mano Y, Bhattacharya A, Guinter T, Alag A, Chen X, Cam M, McGavern DB, Erman B, Singer A. Reversal of the T cell immune system reveals the molecular basis for T cell lineage fate determination in the thymus. Nat Immunol 2022; 23:731-742. [PMID: 35523960 PMCID: PMC9098387 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
T cell specificity and function are linked during development, as MHC-II-specific TCR signals generate CD4 helper T cells and MHC-I-specific TCR signals generate CD8 cytotoxic T cells, but the basis remains uncertain. We now report that switching coreceptor proteins encoded by Cd4 and Cd8 gene loci functionally reverses the T cell immune system, generating CD4 cytotoxic and CD8 helper T cells. Such functional reversal reveals that coreceptor proteins promote the helper-lineage fate when encoded by Cd4, but promote the cytotoxic-lineage fate when encoded in Cd8—regardless of the coreceptor proteins each locus encodes. Thus, T cell lineage fate is determined by cis-regulatory elements in coreceptor gene loci and is not determined by the coreceptor proteins they encode, invalidating coreceptor signal strength as the basis of lineage fate determination. Moreover, we consider that evolution selected the particular coreceptor proteins that Cd4 and Cd8 gene loci encode to avoid generating functionally reversed T cells because they fail to promote protective immunity against environmental pathogens. To determine how T cell lineage fates are determined in the thymus, Singer and colleagues generated ‘FlipFlop’ mice with a functionally reversed T cell immune system that distinguishes TCR signal strength versus TCR signal duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Shinzawa
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - E Ashley Moseman
- Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Selamawit Gossa
- Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yasuko Mano
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Abhisek Bhattacharya
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Terry Guinter
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amala Alag
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xiongfong Chen
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Office of the Director, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,CCR-SF Bioinformatics Group, Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Biomedical Informatics and Data Science Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Maggie Cam
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Office of the Director, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dorian B McGavern
- Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Batu Erman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alfred Singer
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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The inhibitory NK receptor Ly49Q protects plasmacytoid dendritic cells from pyroptotic cell death. Mol Immunol 2021; 135:217-225. [PMID: 33932686 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ly49Q is an ITIM-bearing MHC class I receptor that is highly expressed in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Ly49Q is required for the TLR9-mediated IFN-I production in pDCs, although the mechanism is not fully understood. We here demonstrate that Ly49Q protects pDCs from pyroptotic cell death induced by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG). In the Ly49Q-deficient (Klra17-/-) mouse spleen, the number of ssDNA-positive pDCs increased significantly after CpG treatment, strongly suggesting that Klra17-/- pDCs were susceptible to CpG-induced cell death. In Klra17-/- bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), CpG-induced cell death was accompanied by increased cathepsin B leakage from the vesicular compartments into the cytoplasm. Concurrently, IL-1β secretion increased in the CpG-treated Klra17-/- BMDCs, strongly suggesting that the CpG-induced cell death in these cells is pyroptotic in nature. Consistent with these observations, inhibiting cathepsin B or caspase 1 in CpG-stimulated Klra17-/- BMDCs reversed the increase in cell death. Pyroptotic cell death and IL-1β secretion were also observed in BMDCs derived from transgenic mice expressing an ITIM-less Ly49Q (Ly49Q-YF Tg). CpG also increased the IL-1β production and cell death in B2m-/- BMDCs. These results suggest that Ly49Q and MHC class I play important roles for protecting pyroptosis-like cell death of DCs by influencing lysosome state.
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Rahim MMA, Makrigiannis AP. Ly49 receptors: evolution, genetic diversity, and impact on immunity. Immunol Rev 2016; 267:137-47. [PMID: 26284475 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells express cell surface receptors that recognize class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) molecules to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy cells. The multigenic and polymorphic nature of the MHC-I genes has influenced the convergent evolution of similarly polymorphic and diversified NK cell receptor families: the C-type lectin-like Ly49 receptors in mice, and the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) in humans. Although structurally distinct, both receptor families have similar functions in terms of MHC-I recognition and downstream signal transduction, and they regulate multiple aspects of NK cell biology during development and after maturation as fully differentiated and functionally competent cells. The Ly49 gene locus has undergone rapid, lineage-specific expansions and contractions resulting in multiple distinct haplotypes of variable gene number, allelic diversity, and MHC-I ligand specificity. This in turn has influenced the type and degree of Ly49 receptor expression on NK cells, and their contribution to immunity in different mouse strains. In this review, we have attempted to describe the evolutionary processes that have shaped strain-specific Ly49 receptor repertoires, and their impact on NK cell functions during health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir Munir A Rahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew P Makrigiannis
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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4
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Loomis WP, Johnson ML, Brasfield A, Blanc MP, Yi J, Miller SI, Cookson BT, Hajjar AM. Temporal and anatomical host resistance to chronic Salmonella infection is quantitatively dictated by Nramp1 and influenced by host genetic background. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111763. [PMID: 25350459 PMCID: PMC4211889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The lysosomal membrane transporter, Nramp1, plays a key role in innate immunity and resistance to infection with intracellular pathogens such as non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS). NTS-susceptible C57BL/6 (B6) mice, which express the mutant Nramp1D169 allele, are unable to control acute infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium following intraperitoneal or oral inoculation. Introducing functional Nramp1G169 into the B6 host background, either by constructing a congenic strain carrying Nramp1G169 from resistant A/J mice (Nramp-Cg) or overexpressing Nramp1G169 from a transgene (Nramp-Tg), conferred equivalent protection against acute Salmonella infection. In contrast, the contributions of Nramp1 for controlling chronic infection are more complex, involving temporal and anatomical differences in Nramp1-dependent host responses. Nramp-Cg, Nramp-Tg and NTS-resistant 129×1/SvJ mice survived oral Salmonella infection equally well for the first 2–3 weeks, providing evidence that Nramp1 contributes to the initial control of NTS bacteremia preceding establishment of chronic Salmonella infection. By day 30, increased host Nramp1 expression (Tg>Cg) provided greater protection as indicated by decreased splenic bacterial colonization (Tg<Cg). However, despite controlling bacterial growth within MLN as effectively as 129×1/SvJ mice, Nramp-Cg and Nramp-Tg mice eventually succumbed to infection. These data indicate: 1) discrete, anatomically localized host resistance is conferred by Nramp1 expression in NTS-susceptible mice, 2) restriction of systemic bacterial growth in the spleens of NTS-susceptible mice is enhanced by Nramp1 expression and dose-dependent, and 3) host genes other than Nramp1 also contribute to the ability of NTS-resistant 129×1/SvJ mice to control bacterial replication during chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy P. Loomis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Matthew L. Johnson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Alicia Brasfield
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Marie-Pierre Blanc
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jaehun Yi
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Samuel I. Miller
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Departments of Medicine and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Brad T. Cookson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Adeline M. Hajjar
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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The activating Ly49W and inhibitory Ly49G NK cell receptors display similar affinities for identical MHC class I ligands. Immunogenetics 2014; 66:467-77. [DOI: 10.1007/s00251-014-0777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Rahim MMA, Tu MM, Mahmoud AB, Wight A, Abou-Samra E, Lima PDA, Makrigiannis AP. Ly49 receptors: innate and adaptive immune paradigms. Front Immunol 2014; 5:145. [PMID: 24765094 PMCID: PMC3980100 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ly49 receptors are type II C-type lectin-like membrane glycoproteins encoded by a family of highly polymorphic and polygenic genes within the mouse natural killer (NK) gene complex. This gene family is designated Klra, and includes genes that encode both inhibitory and activating Ly49 receptors in mice. Ly49 receptors recognize class I major histocompatibility complex-I (MHC-I) and MHC-I-like proteins on normal as well as altered cells. Their functional homologs in humans are the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors, which recognize HLA class I molecules as ligands. Classically, Ly49 receptors are described as being expressed on both the developing and mature NK cells. The inhibitory Ly49 receptors are involved in NK cell education, a process in which NK cells acquire function and tolerance toward cells that express “self-MHC-I.” On the other hand, the activating Ly49 receptors recognize altered cells expressing activating ligands. New evidence shows a broader Ly49 expression pattern on both innate and adaptive immune cells. Ly49 receptors have been described on multiple NK cell subsets, such as uterine NK and memory NK cells, as well as NKT cells, dendritic cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and cells of the adaptive immune system, such as activated T cells and regulatory CD8+ T cells. In this review, we discuss the expression pattern and proposed functions of Ly49 receptors on various immune cells and their contribution to immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir Munir A Rahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada
| | - Megan M Tu
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada
| | - Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada ; College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University , Madinah Munawwarah , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Andrew Wight
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada
| | - Elias Abou-Samra
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada
| | - Patricia D A Lima
- Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University , Kingston, ON , Canada
| | - Andrew P Makrigiannis
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada
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7
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Schenkel AR, Kingry LC, Slayden RA. The ly49 gene family. A brief guide to the nomenclature, genetics, and role in intracellular infection. Front Immunol 2013; 4:90. [PMID: 23596445 PMCID: PMC3627126 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the Ly49 gene family can be challenging in terms of nomenclature and genetic organization. The Ly49 gene family has two major gene nomenclature systems, Ly49 and Killer Cell Lectin-like Receptor subfamily A (klra). Mice from different strains have varying numbers of these genes with strain specific allelic variants, duplications, deletions, and pseudogene sequences. Some members activate NK lymphocytes, invariant NKT (iNKT) lymphocytes and γδ T lymphocytes while others inhibit killing activity. One family member, Ly49Q, is expressed only on myeloid cells and is not found on NK, iNKT, or γδ T cells. There is growing evidence that these receptors may regulate not just the immune response to viruses, but other intracellular pathogens as well. Thus, this review’s primary goal is to provide a guide for researchers first encountering the Ly49 gene family and a foundation for future studies on the role that these gene products play in the immune response, particularly the response to intracellular viral and bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Rowe Schenkel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO, USA
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8
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Impaired natural killer cell self-education and "missing-self" responses in Ly49-deficient mice. Blood 2012; 120:592-602. [PMID: 22661698 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-02-408732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ly49-mediated recognition of MHC-I molecules on host cells is considered vital for natural killer (NK)-cell regulation and education; however, gene-deficient animal models are lacking because of the difficulty in deleting this large multigene family. Here, we describe NK gene complex knockdown (NKC(KD)) mice that lack expression of Ly49 and related MHC-I receptors on most NK cells. NKC(KD) NK cells exhibit defective killing of MHC-I-deficient, but otherwise normal, target cells, resulting in defective rejection by NKC(KD) mice of transplants from various types of MHC-I-deficient mice. Self-MHC-I immunosurveillance by NK cells in NKC(KD) mice can be rescued by self-MHC-I-specific Ly49 transgenes. Although NKC(KD) mice display defective recognition of MHC-I-deficient tumor cells, resulting in decreased in vivo tumor cell clearance, NKG2D- or antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity-induced tumor cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production induced by activation receptors was efficient in Ly49-deficient NK cells, suggesting MHC-I education of NK cells is a single facet regulating their total potential. These results provide direct genetic evidence that Ly49 expression is necessary for NK-cell education to self-MHC-I molecules and that the absence of these receptors leads to loss of MHC-I-dependent "missing-self" immunosurveillance by NK cells.
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9
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Corbett AJ, Coudert JD, Forbes CA, Scalzo AA. Functional consequences of natural sequence variation of murine cytomegalovirus m157 for Ly49 receptor specificity and NK cell activation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 186:1713-22. [PMID: 21187440 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1003308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Ly49H activating receptor on C57BL/6 (B6) NK cells plays a key role in early resistance to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection through specific recognition of the MCMV-encoded MHC class I-like molecule m157 expressed on infected cells. The m157 molecule is also recognized by the Ly49I inhibitory receptor from the 129/J mouse strain. The m157 gene is highly sequence variable among MCMV isolates, with many m157 variants unable to bind Ly49H(B6). In this study, we have sought to define if m157 variability leads to a wider spectrum of interactions with other Ly49 molecules and if this modifies host susceptibility to MCMV. We have identified novel m157-Ly49 receptor interactions, involving Ly49C inhibitory receptors from B6, BALB/c, and NZB mice, as well as the Ly49H(NZB) activation receptor. Using an MCMV recombinant virus in which m157(K181) was replaced with m157(G1F), which interacts with both Ly49H(B6) and Ly49C(B6), we show that the m157(G1F)-Ly49C interactions cause no apparent attenuating effect on viral clearance in B6 mice. Hence, when m157 can bind both inhibitory and activation NK cell receptors, the outcome is still activation. Thus, these data indicate that whereas m157 variants predominately interact with inhibitory Ly49 receptors, these interactions do not profoundly interfere with early NK cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J Corbett
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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10
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Development and function of CD94-deficient natural killer cells. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15184. [PMID: 21151939 PMCID: PMC2997080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 10/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The CD94 transmembrane-anchored glycoprotein forms disulfide-bonded heterodimers with the NKG2A subunit to form an inhibitory receptor or with the NKG2C or NKG2E subunits to assemble a receptor complex with activating DAP12 signaling proteins. CD94 receptors expressed on human and mouse NK cells and T cells have been proposed to be important in NK cell tolerance to self, play an important role in NK cell development, and contribute to NK cell-mediated immunity to certain infections including human cytomegalovirus. We generated a gene-targeted CD94-deficient mouse to understand the role of CD94 receptors in NK cell biology. CD94-deficient NK cells develop normally and efficiently kill NK cell-susceptible targets. Lack of these CD94 receptors does not alter control of mouse cytomegalovirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, vaccinia virus, or Listeria monocytogenes. Thus, the expression of CD94 and its associated NKG2A, NKG2C, and NKG2E subunits is dispensable for NK cell development, education, and many NK cell functions.
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Sasawatari S, Yoshizaki M, Taya C, Tazawa A, Furuyama-Tanaka K, Yonekawa H, Dohi T, Makrigiannis AP, Sasazuki T, Inaba K, Toyama-Sorimachi N. The Ly49Q Receptor Plays a Crucial Role in Neutrophil Polarization and Migration by Regulating Raft Trafficking. Immunity 2010; 32:200-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2010.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2009] [Revised: 11/11/2009] [Accepted: 01/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Yokoyama WM, Altfeld M, Hsu KC. Natural killer cells: tolerance to self and innate immunity to viral infection and malignancy. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2010; 16:S97-S105. [PMID: 19835969 PMCID: PMC3900292 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2009.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes whose ability to identify and kill virally infected and malignant cells while sparing normal cells was poorly understood until the late 1980’s and the introduction of the “missing self’ hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules during viral infection or malignant transformation triggers NK activation (1 ). Since this hypothesis was first proposed, much has been learned about NK cell surface receptors, their role in the molecular basis of missing-self recognition, and the mechanisms underlying NK cell tolerance. In this review, we will discuss these mechanisms, as well as their relevance to viral infection and tumor immunity and stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne M Yokoyama
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rheumatology Division, Washington University Medical Center, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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13
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Orr MT, Lanier LL. Inhibitory Ly49 receptors on mouse natural killer cells. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2010; 350:67-87. [PMID: 20680808 DOI: 10.1007/82_2010_85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Ly49 receptors, which are expressed in a stochastic manner on subsets of murine natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and other cells, are encoded by the Klra gene family and include receptors with either inhibitory or activating function. All of the inhibitory Ly49 receptors are characterized by an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif in their cytoplasmic domain, which upon phosphorylation recruits tyrosine or lipid phosphatases to dampen signals transmitted through other activating receptors. Most of the inhibitory Ly49 receptors recognize polymorphic epitopes on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins as ligands. Here, we review the polymorphism, ligand specificity, and signaling capacity of the inhibitory Ly49 receptors and discuss how these molecules regulate NK cell development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Orr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Cancer Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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14
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Yokoyama WM, Altfeld M, Hsu KC. Natural killer cells: tolerance to self and innate immunity to viral infection and malignancy. BIOLOGY OF BLOOD AND MARROW TRANSPLANTATION : JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR BLOOD AND MARROW TRANSPLANTATION 2009. [PMID: 19835969 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne M Yokoyama
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rheumatology Division, Washington University Medical Center, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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15
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Rouhi A, Lai CB, Cheng TP, Takei F, Yokoyama WM, Mager DL. Evidence for high bi-allelic expression of activating Ly49 receptors. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 37:5331-42. [PMID: 19605564 PMCID: PMC2760814 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Stochastic expression is a hallmark of the Ly49 family that encode the main MHC class-I-recognizing receptors of mouse natural killer (NK) cells. This highly polygenic and polymorphic family includes both activating and inhibitory receptor genes and is one of genome's fastest evolving loci. The inhibitory Ly49 genes are expressed in a stochastic mono-allelic manner, possibly under the control of an upstream bi-directional early promoter and show mono-allelic DNA methylation patterns. To date, no studies have directly addressed the transcriptional regulation of the activating Ly49 receptors. Our study shows differences in DNA methylation pattern between activating and inhibitory genes in C57BL/6 and F1 hybrid mouse strains. We also show a bias towards bi-allelic expression of the activating receptors based on allele-specific single-cell RT–PCR in F1 hybrid NK cells for Ly49d and Ly49H expression in Ly49h+/− mice. Furthermore, we have identified a region of high sequence identity with possible transcriptional regulatory capacity for the activating Ly49 genes. Our results also point to a likely difference between NK and T-cells in their ability to transcribe the activating Ly49 genes. These studies highlight the complex regulation of this rapidly evolving gene family of central importance in mouse NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arefeh Rouhi
- The Terry Fox laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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16
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Spatiotemporal regulation of intracellular trafficking of Toll-like receptor 9 by an inhibitory receptor, Ly49Q. Blood 2009; 114:1518-27. [PMID: 19528537 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-12-192344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 recognizes unmethylated microorganismal cytosine guanine dinucleotide (CpG) DNA and elicits innate immune responses. However, the regulatory mechanisms of the TLR signaling remain elusive. We recently reported that Ly49Q, an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif-bearing inhibitory receptor belonging to the natural killer receptor family, is crucial for TLR9-mediated type I interferon production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Ly49Q is expressed in plasmacytoid dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, but not natural killer cells. In this study, we showed that Ly49Q regulates TLR9 signaling by affecting endosome/lysosome behavior. Ly49Q colocalized with CpG in endosome/lysosome compartments. Cells lacking Ly49Q showed a disturbed redistribution of TLR9 and CpG. In particular, CpG-induced tubular endolysosomal extension was impaired in the absence of Ly49Q. Consistent with these findings, cells lacking Ly49Q showed impaired cytokine production in response to CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide. Our data highlight a novel mechanism by which TLR9 signaling is controlled through the spatiotemporal regulation of membrane trafficking by the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif-bearing receptor Ly49Q.
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Abstract
Armed with potent cytotoxic and immunostimulatory effector functions, natural killer (NK) cells have the potential to cause significant damage to normal self cells unless controlled by self-tolerance mechanisms. NK cells identify and attack target cells based on integration of signals from activation and inhibitory receptors, whose ligands exhibit complex expression and/or binding patterns. Preservation of NK cell self-tolerance must therefore go beyond mere engagement of inhibitory receptors during effector functions. Herein, we review recent work that has uncovered a number of mechanisms to ensure self-tolerance of NK cells. For example, licensing of NK cells allows only NK cells that can engage self-MHC to become functionally competent, or licensed. The molecular mechanism of this phenomenon appears to require signaling by receptors that were originally identified in effector inhibition. However, the nature of the signaling event has not yet been defined, but new interpretations of several published experiments provide valuable clues. In addition, several other cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms of NK cell tolerance are discussed, including activation receptor cooperation and synergy, cytokine stimulation, and the opposing roles of accessory and regulatory cells. Finally, NK cell tolerance is discussed as it relates to the clinic, such as KIR-HLA disease associations, tumor immunotherapy, and fetal tolerance.
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Tai LH, Goulet ML, Belanger S, Toyama-Sorimachi N, Fodil-Cornu N, Vidal SM, Troke AD, McVicar DW, Makrigiannis AP. Positive regulation of plasmacytoid dendritic cell function via Ly49Q recognition of class I MHC. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 205:3187-99. [PMID: 19075287 PMCID: PMC2605222 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20080718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are an important source of type I interferon (IFN) during initial immune responses to viral infections. In mice, pDCs are uniquely characterized by high-level expression of Ly49Q, a C-type lectin-like receptor specific for class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Despite having a cytoplasmic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif, Ly49Q was found to enhance pDC function in vitro, as pDC cytokine production in response to the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 agonist CpG-oligonucleotide (ODN) could be blocked using soluble monoclonal antibody (mAb) to Ly49Q or H-2Kb. Conversely, CpG-ODN–dependent IFN-α production by pDCs was greatly augmented upon receptor cross-linking using immobilized anti-Ly49Q mAb or recombinant H-2Kb ligand. Accordingly, Ly49Q-deficient pDCs displayed a severely reduced capacity to produce cytokines in response to TLR7 and TLR9 stimulation both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, TLR9-dependent antiviral responses were compromised in Ly49Q-null mice infected with mouse cytomegalovirus. Thus, class I MHC recognition by Ly49Q on pDCs is necessary for optimal activation of innate immune responses in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Hwa Tai
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Clinical Research Institute of Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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19
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Abstract
Abstract
The Ly49 natural killer (NK)–cell receptor family comprises both activating and inhibitory members, which recognize major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or MHC class I–related molecules and are involved in target recognition. As previously shown, the Ly49E receptor fails to bind to a variety of soluble or cell-bound MHC class I molecules, indicating that its ligand is not an MHC class I molecule. Using BWZ.36 reporter cells, we demonstrate triggering of Ly49E by the completely distinct, non–MHC-related protein urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). uPA is known to be secreted by a variety of cells, including epithelial and hematopoietic cells, and levels are up-regulated during tissue remodeling, infections, and tumorigenesis. Here we show that addition of uPA to Ly49E-positive adult and fetal NK cells inhibits interferon-γ secretion and reduces their cytotoxic potential, respectively. These uPA-mediated effects are Ly49E-dependent, as they are reversed by addition of anti-Ly49E monoclonal antibody and by down-regulation of Ly49E expression using RNA interference. Our results suggest that uPA, besides its established role in fibrinolysis, tissue remodeling, and tumor metastasis, could be involved in NK cell–mediated immune surveillance and tumor escape.
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20
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Brown MG, Scalzo AA. NK gene complex dynamics and selection for NK cell receptors. Semin Immunol 2008; 20:361-8. [PMID: 18640056 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2008.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2008] [Accepted: 06/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in innate defense against infectious agents particularly viruses and also tumors. They mediate their effects through direct cytolysis, release of cytokines and regulation of subsequent adaptive immune responses. NK cells are equipped with sophisticated arrays of inhibitory and activation receptors that regulate their function. In this review we illustrate some of the major evolutionary relationships between NK cell receptors among different animal species and what some of the major mechanisms are that give rise to this diversity in receptor families, including the potential roles of pathogens such as viruses in driving receptor evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Brown
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
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21
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Carlyle JR, Mesci A, Fine JH, Chen P, Bélanger S, Tai LH, Makrigiannis AP. Evolution of the Ly49 and Nkrp1 recognition systems. Semin Immunol 2008; 20:321-30. [PMID: 18595730 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2008.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Accepted: 05/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Ly49 and Nkrp1 loci encode structurally and functionally related cell surface proteins that positively or negatively regulate natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Yet despite their clear relatedness and genetic linkage within the NK gene complex (NKC), these two multi-gene families have adopted dissimilar evolutionary strategies. The Ly49 genes are extremely polymorphic and evolutionarily dynamic, with distinct gene numbers, remarkable allelic diversity, and varying MHC-I-ligand specificities and affinities among different murine haplotypes. In contrast, the Nkrp1 genes have opted for overall conservation of genomic organization, sequences, and ligand specificities, with only limited and focused allelic polymorphism. Possible selection pressures driving such varied evolution of the two gene families may include disequilibrium from ligand co-inheritance, pathogen immunoevasin strategies, flexibility in host counter-evolution mechanisms, and the prevalence and dynamics of inherent repetitive elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Carlyle
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto & Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue (S-236), Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
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22
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a fundamental role in the innate immune response through their ability to secrete cytokines and kill target cells without prior sensitization. These effector functions are central to NK cell anti-viral and anti-tumor abilities. Due to their cytotoxic nature, it is vital that NK cells have the capacity to recognize normal self-tissue and thus prevent their destruction. In addition to their role in host defense, NK cells accumulate at the maternal-fetal interface and are thought to play a critical role during pregnancy. The close proximity of uterine NK (uNK) cells to fetal trophoblast cells of the placenta would seemingly lead to catastrophic consequences, as the trophoblast cells are semi-allogeneic. A fundamental enigma of pregnancy is that the fetal cells constitute an allograft but, in normal pregnancies, they are in effect not perceived as foreign and are not rejected by the maternal immune system. Although the mechanisms involved in achieving NK cell tolerance are becoming increasingly well-defined, further clarification is required, given the clinical implications of this work in the areas of infection, transplantation, cancer and pregnancy. Herein, we discuss several mechanisms of NK cell tolerance and speculate as to how they may apply to uNK cells at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan K Riley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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23
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Rivera J, Tessarollo L. Genetic background and the dilemma of translating mouse studies to humans. Immunity 2008; 28:1-4. [PMID: 18199409 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2007.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
C57BL/6 genetically modified mouse models are the accepted gold standard in biological studies. However, an increasing failure of translating the findings to human (patho)physiology casts doubt on using a single strain to address many questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Rivera
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Signaling, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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24
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Pascal V, Nathan NR, Claudio E, Siebenlist U, Anderson SK. NF-kappa B p50/p65 affects the frequency of Ly49 gene expression by NK cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 179:1751-9. [PMID: 17641041 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.3.1751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In mice, acquisition of Ly49 receptors characterizes one of the developmental stages of NK cells. We previously described a novel Ly49 promoter, Pro1, involved in Ly49 gene regulation in immature NK cells. Pro1 transcriptional activity requires a NF-kappaB binding site; however, only NF-kappaB/p50 binding to this element was observed. Cotransfection of NF-kappaB/p65 with Ly49g Pro1 in LNK cells induced a decrease in the transcriptional activity of the core promoter. Moreover, decreasing NF-kappaB/p65 protein expression by RNA interference increases Pro1 transcriptional activity. A high rate of NF-kappaB/p65 degradation in LNK cells correlates with Pro1 activity, since treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 increased levels of NF-kappaB/p65 protein and decreased Pro1 activity. In addition, analysis of the Ly49 repertoire in NF-kappaB/p50 null mice reveals a decrease in the proportion of NK cells expressing a given Ly49 molecule. The defect in Ly49 expression is observed in the bone marrow and the spleen with a similar altered pattern of developmental stages in each tissue. The frequency of Ly49 expression in NF-kappaB/p52 null mice is slightly increased, indicating the specific role of NF-kappaB/p50 in Ly49 gene activation. These results suggest that NF-kappaB p50/p65 plays a major role in the initiation of Ly49 gene expression in NK cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Ly/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Ly/genetics
- Cell Aggregation/genetics
- Cell Aggregation/immunology
- Cell Line
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/genetics
- Down-Regulation/genetics
- Down-Regulation/immunology
- Gene Expression Regulation/immunology
- Gene Frequency/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lectins, C-Type/antagonists & inhibitors
- Lectins, C-Type/biosynthesis
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- NF-kappa B p50 Subunit/deficiency
- NF-kappa B p50 Subunit/genetics
- NF-kappa B p50 Subunit/physiology
- NF-kappa B p52 Subunit/biosynthesis
- NF-kappa B p52 Subunit/genetics
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily A
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/immunology
- Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like
- Transcription Factor RelA/physiology
- Transcriptional Activation/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Pascal
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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25
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Scarpellino L, Oeschger F, Guillaume P, Coudert JD, Lévy F, Leclercq G, Held W. Interactions of Ly49 family receptors with MHC class I ligands in trans and cis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 178:1277-84. [PMID: 17237373 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.178.3.1277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Ly49A NK cell receptor interacts with MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules on target cells and negatively regulates NK cell-mediated target cell lysis. We have recently shown that the MHC-I ligand-binding capacity of the Ly49A NK cell receptor is controlled by the NK cells' own MHC-I. To see whether this property was unique to Ly49A, we have investigated the binding of soluble MHC-I multimers to the Ly49 family receptors expressed in MHC-I-deficient and -sufficient C57BL/6 mice. In this study, we confirm the binding of classical MHC-I to the inhibitory Ly49A, C and I receptors, and demonstrate that detectable MHC-I binding to MHC-I-deficient NK cells is exclusively mediated by these three receptors. We did not detect significant multimer binding to stably transfected or NK cell-expressed Ly49D, E, F, G, and H receptors. Yet, we identified the more distantly related Ly49B and Ly49Q, which are not expressed by NK cells, as two novel MHC-I receptors in mice. Furthermore, we show using MHC-I-sufficient mice that the NK cells' own MHC-I significantly masks the Ly49A and Ly49C, but not the Ly49I receptor. Nevertheless, Ly49I was partly masked on transfected tumor cells, suggesting that the structure of Ly49I is compatible in principal with cis binding of MHC-I. Finally, masking of Ly49Q by cis MHC-I was minor, whereas masking of Ly49B was not detected. These data significantly extend the MHC-I specificity of Ly49 family receptors and show that the accessibility of most, but not all, MHC-I-binding Ly49 receptors is modulated by the expression of MHC-I in cis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léonardo Scarpellino
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch; University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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26
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Pascal V, Stulberg MJ, Anderson SK. Regulation of class I major histocompatibility complex receptor expression in natural killer cells: one promoter is not enough! Immunol Rev 2007; 214:9-21. [PMID: 17100872 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2006.00452.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) receptors expressed by natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in regulating their function. The number and type of inhibitory receptors expressed by NK cells must be tightly controlled in order to avoid the generation of dominantly inhibited NK cells. The selective stochastic expression of the class I MHC receptors generates a variegated NK cell population capable of discriminating subtle changes in MHC expression on potential target cells. The molecular mechanisms controlling the cell-specific and probabilistic expression of these receptors are without doubt very complex. The traditional approach of considering a core promoter modulated by upstream enhancer elements is likely too simplistic a paradigm to adequately explain the regulation of these genes, as well as other gene clusters that are not expressed in an 'all or none' fashion. Our studies on the regulation of the mouse Ly49 and human killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) clusters of class I MHC receptor genes have revealed the presence of multiple transcripts in both sense and antisense orientations. In both systems, an antisense promoter overlaps a promoter that produces sense transcripts, creating a bidirectional element. In the Ly49 genes, the competing promoters behave as probabilistic switches, and it is likely that the human bidirectional promoters will have a similar property. The antisense transcripts generated in the Ly49 genes are far removed from the promoter responsible for Ly49 expression in mature NK cells, whereas the antisense KIR transcripts detected are within the adult promoter region. This finding suggests that the mechanism of promoter regulation in the KIR genes may be quite different from that of the Ly49 genes. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding class I MHC receptor gene regulation. The models proposed for the control of the probabilistic expression of the Ly49 and KIR genes are discussed in the context of current knowledge regarding the complex control of other well-studied gene clusters such as the beta-globin and cytokine clusters.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Ly/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Ly/genetics
- Antigens, Ly/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/biosynthesis
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lectins, C-Type/biosynthesis
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Lectins, C-Type/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Receptors, Immunologic/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, KIR
- Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Pascal
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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27
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have potent capacities to immediately kill cellular targets and produce cytokines that may potentially damage normal self-tissues unless they are kept in check. Such tolerance mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we discuss recent studies suggesting that NK cells undergo a host major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-dependent functional maturation process, termed 'licensing'. Ironically, licensing directly involves inhibitory receptors that recognize target cell MHC class I molecules and block activation of NK cells in effector responses. This process results in two types of tolerant NK cells: functionally competent (licensed) NK cells, whose effector responses are inhibited by self-MHC class I molecules through the same receptors that conferred licensing, and functionally incompetent (unlicensed) NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne M Yokoyama
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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28
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Johansson MH, Taylor MA, Jagodic M, Tus K, Schatzle JD, Wakeland EK, Bennett M. Mapping of quantitative trait loci determining NK cell-mediated resistance to MHC class I-deficient bone marrow grafts in perforin-deficient mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 177:7923-9. [PMID: 17114464 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.11.7923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
NK cells reject allogeneic and MHC class I-deficient bone marrow (BM) grafts in vivo. The mechanisms used by NK cells to mediate this rejection are not yet thoroughly characterized. Although perforin plays a major role, perforin-independent mechanisms are involved as well. C57BL/6 mice deficient in perforin (B6 perforin knockout (PKO)) reject class I-deficient TAP-1 KO BM cells as efficiently as normal B6 mice. In contrast, perforin-deficient 129S6/SvEvTac mice (129 PKO) cannot mediate this rejection while normal 129 mice efficiently reject. This suggests that in 129, but not in B6, mice, perforin is crucial for NK cell-mediated rejection of MHC class I-deficient BM grafts. To identify loci linked to BM rejection in perforin-deficient mice, we generated backcross 1 progeny by crossing (129 x B6)F(1) PKO mice to 129 PKO mice. In transplantation experiments, >350 backcross 1 progeny were analyzed and displayed a great variation in ability to reject TAP-1 KO BM grafts. PCR-based microsatellite mapping identified four quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosomes 2, 4, and 8, with the QTL on chromosome 8 showing the highest significance, as well as a fifth epistatic QTL on chromosome 3. This study describes the first important step toward identifying BM graft resistance gene(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria H Johansson
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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29
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Du Z, Gjertson DW, Reed EF, Rajalingam R. Receptor-ligand analyses define minimal killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) in humans. Immunogenetics 2006; 59:1-15. [PMID: 17103212 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-006-0168-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2006] [Accepted: 10/15/2006] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (iKIR) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules regulate natural killer (NK) cell responses to eliminate infected and transformed cells while maintaining tolerance to healthy cells. Unlinked polymorphic gene families encode KIR receptors and HLA class I ligands and their independent segregation results in a variable number and type of iKIR + HLA pairs inherited in individuals. The diversity in the co-inheritance of iKIR + HLA pairs and activating KIR (aKIR) genes in 759 unrelated individuals from four ethnic populations was analyzed. Every individual studied inherited a minimum of one iKIR + HLA pair; suggesting that major histocompatibility complex class I-dependent inhibitory KIR signaling is essential for human NK cell function. In contrast, 13.4% of the study group lacked all aKIR genes. Twenty percent of the study group carried only one of the four iKIR + HLA pairs. Interestingly, 3% of the study group carrying only KIR2DL3 + HLA-C1 as an iKIR + HLA pair lacked aKIR genes. These data suggest that a single iKIR can constitute the minimal KIR repertoire for human NK cells. Genotypes carrying an equal number of iKIR + HLA pairs and aKIR genes represented 20% of the study group. The remaining individuals had either a dominant inhibitory KIR genotype (iKIR + HLA > aKIR) or a dominant activating KIR genotype (iKIR + HLA < aKIR). Genotypes encoding these imbalanced inhibitory and activating interactions may contribute to susceptibility or resistance to human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeying Du
- UCLA Immunogenetics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, 1000 Veteran Avenue, Room No. 1-536, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1652, USA
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30
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a vital role in innate immune responses to infection; they express activation receptors that recognize virus-infected cells. Highly related to receptors recognizing tumor cells, the activation receptors trigger cytotoxicity and cytokine production. NK cells also express inhibitory receptors for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules that block the action of the activation receptors. Although many ligands for NK cell receptors have MHC class I folds, recent studies also indicate ligands resembling the NK cell receptors themselves. A combination of immunologic, genetic, biophysical, and in vivo approaches is being employed to understand fully how these receptors contribute to NK cell activities in innate immunity to pathogens and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne M Yokoyama
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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31
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells provide innate defense against tumors and infections by virtue of potent capacities to immediately kill cellular targets and produce cytokines. These effector functions may potentially damage normal self-tissues unless they are kept in check by tolerance mechanisms that need clarification. Here, we discuss recent studies indicating that the NK cells acquire functional competence directly through engagement of their MHC-specific receptors by self-MHC. Ironically, these receptors were first identified in terms of recognizing target cell MHC class I molecules and inhibiting NK cells in effector responses. Other studies of NK cell tolerance are also discussed. Although these studies begin to clarify the means by which NK cell tolerance is achieved, much more investigation is needed because NK cell tolerance is relevant to clinical observations in patients with infections and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne M Yokoyama
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
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32
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Plougastel BFM, Yokoyama WM. Extending missing-self? Functional interactions between lectin-like NKrp1 receptors on NK cells with lectin-like ligands. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2006; 298:77-89. [PMID: 16323412 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-27743-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The functions of natural killer (NK) cells are clearly regulated by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on their cellular targets. In mice, this is due to the action of MHC-specific inhibitory receptors belonging to the Ly49 family oflectin-like molecules. The Ly49 receptors are encoded in the NK gene complex (NKC) that contains clusters of genes for other lectin-like receptors on NK cells and other hematopoietic cells. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that some of these lectin-like receptors, belonging to the Nkrpl family, can recognize other lectin-like molecules, termed Clr, also encoded in the NKC. These genetically linked loci for receptor-ligand pairs suggest a genetic strategy to preserve this interaction and show several other contrasts with Ly49-MHC interactions. In this review, we discuss these issues and summarize recent developments concerning this non-MHC-dependent regulation of NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- B F M Plougastel
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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33
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Abstract
Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells and cytomegalovirus have been locked in an evolutionary arms race for millions of years in an attempt to overwhelm each other. Cytomegaloviruses deploy cunning disguises to avoid detection by NK cells. Studies of the mouse model of infection have shown that NK cells deploy multiple mechanisms to deal with mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection, which involve receptors of the C-lectin type superfamily. Remarkably, these receptors have two additional common features: They map to the same genetic region, known as the NK cell gene complex; and they recognize MHC class I-related structures. While reviewing these attack-counterattack measures, this chapter points to the central role that recognition of the MCMV-infected cells by NK cells plays in host resistance to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Vidal
- McGill Center for Host Resistance, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 University St., Montreal Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
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34
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Gays F, Martin K, Kenefeck R, Aust JG, Brooks CG. Multiple cytokines regulate the NK gene complex-encoded receptor repertoire of mature NK cells and T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:2938-47. [PMID: 16116180 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.5.2938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Mature NK cells comprise a highly diverse population of lymphocytes that express different permutations of receptors to facilitate recognition of diseased cells and perhaps pathogens themselves. Many of these receptors, such as those belonging to the NKRP1, NKG2, and Ly49 families are encoded in the NK gene complex (NKC). It is generally thought that these NKC-encoded receptors are acquired by a poorly understood stochastic mechanism, which operates exclusively during NK cell development, and that following maturation the repertoire is fixed. However, we report a series of observations that demonstrates that the mature NK cell repertoire in mice can in fact be radically remodeled by multiple cytokines. Thus, both IL-2 and IL-15 selectively induce the de novo expression of Ly49E on the majority of mature NK cells. By contrast, IL-4 not only blocks this IL-2-induced acquisition of Ly49E, but reduces the proportion of mature NK cells that expresses pre-existing Ly49 receptors and abrogates the expression of NKG2 receptors while leaving the expression of several NKRP1 receptors unaltered. IL-21 also abrogates NKG2 expression on mature NK cells and selectively down-regulates Ly49F. IL-4 and IL-21 additionally cause dramatic and selective alterations in the NKC-encoded receptor repertoire of IL-2-activated T cells but these are quite different to the changes induced on NK cells. Collectively these findings reveal an unexpected aspect of NKC receptor expression that has important implications for our understanding of the function of these receptors and of the genetic mechanisms that control their expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Gays
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Cell and Molecular Biosciences, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle, United Kingdom
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35
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Stevenaert F, Van Beneden K, De Colvenaer V, Franki AS, Debacker V, Boterberg T, Deforce D, Pfeffer K, Plum J, Elewaut D, Leclercq G. Ly49 and CD94/NKG2 receptor acquisition by NK cells does not require lymphotoxin-β receptor expression. Blood 2005; 106:956-62. [PMID: 15827137 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2004-10-4159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractA crucial step in murine natural killer (NK) cell development, mediated by bone marrow stromal cells, is the induction of Ly49 and CD94/NKG2 receptor expression. The signals that regulate Ly49 receptor expression are still largely undetermined. It has been shown that interaction between lymphotoxin α1β2 (LTα1β2) and LTβ receptor (LTβR), expressed on lymphoid progenitor cells and nonlymphoid bone marrow stromal cells, respectively, is important for both quantitative and functional NK cell development. Therefore, we have investigated the role of LT-LTβR–mediated signaling in Ly49 and CD94/NKG2 receptor acquisition. We show that the NK receptor repertoire of LTβR–/– mice can only be partially analyzed because of the residual 129/Ola mouse genetic background, due to a physical linkage of the LTβR locus and the loci encoding the Ly49 and CD94/NKG2 receptors. Therefore, we transferred wild-type B6 lymphoid-committed progenitor cells into LTβR–/– mice, which differentiated into NK cells with a normal NK cell receptor repertoire. Also, administration of LTβR-immunoglobulin (Ig), which acts as a soluble receptor for LTα1β2, resulted in reduced NK cell percentages but did not influence the Ly49 and CD94/NKG2 receptor acquisition on remaining NK cells. These results indicate that LTβR-mediated signals are not required for Ly49 and CD94/NKG2 receptor acquisition.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD
- Antigens, Ly/analysis
- Antigens, Ly/genetics
- Bone Marrow Cells
- Cell Differentiation
- Gene Expression
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/physiology
- Killer Cells, Natural/chemistry
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lectins, C-Type
- Lymphotoxin beta Receptor
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice, Knockout
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D
- Receptors, Immunologic/analysis
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Stevenaert
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ghent, University Hospital, Blok A, 4th Floor, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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36
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Carrington M. Antiviral synergism. Nat Genet 2005; 37:565-6. [PMID: 15920514 DOI: 10.1038/ng0605-565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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37
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Toyama-Sorimachi N, Omatsu Y, Onoda A, Tsujimura Y, Iyoda T, Kikuchi-Maki A, Sorimachi H, Dohi T, Taki S, Inaba K, Karasuyama H. Inhibitory NK receptor Ly49Q is expressed on subsets of dendritic cells in a cellular maturation- and cytokine stimulation-dependent manner. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:4621-9. [PMID: 15814685 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.8.4621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Ly49Q is a member of the Ly49 family that is expressed on Gr-1+ cells but not on NK and NKT cells. Ly49Q appears to be involved in regulating cytoskeletal architectures through ITIM-mediated signaling. We provide evidence that dendritic cells (DCs) of certain maturational states expressed Ly49Q, and that IFN-alpha plays an important role in its regulation. Freshly prepared murine plasmacytoid pre-DCs as well as Flt3L-induced plasmacytoid pre-DCs expressed Ly49Q, whereas freshly prepared myeloid DCs did not. However, GM-CSF-induced myeloid DCs showed low levels of Ly49Q expression, and this was significantly enhanced by IFN-alpha. In contrast, other cytokines and ligands for TLRs such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, LPS, and CpG-ODN had little or no effect on Ly49Q expression. Plasmacytoid pre-DCs in all mouse strains examined expressed Ly49Q. Constitutive expression of Ly49Q on myeloid DCs was observed in three restricted mouse strains including 129, NZB, and NZW. As can be seen in other Ly49 family members, Ly49Q expression was affected by MHC class I expression. At the same time, Ly49Q possessed polymorphisms, including at least three alleles. The polymorphic residues lay within the stalk and carbohydrate recognition domain, and two of them, in loop 3 and loop 6 of the carbohydrate recognition domain, are located in the region implicated in the interaction of Ly49A with H-2D(d). Therefore, depending on IFN-alpha, our results imply that Ly49Q serves a role for the biological functions of certain DC subsets through recognition of MHC class I or related molecules.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antigens, Ly/genetics
- Base Sequence
- Cell Differentiation
- Cytokines/pharmacology
- DNA/genetics
- Dendritic Cells/classification
- Dendritic Cells/cytology
- Dendritic Cells/drug effects
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism
- In Vitro Techniques
- Interferon Type I/pharmacology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Lectins, C-Type
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice, Knockout
- Molecular Sequence Data
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily A
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like
- Recombinant Proteins
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
- Species Specificity
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Toyama-Sorimachi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Research Institute, International Medical Center of Japan, Toyama, Tokyo, Japan.
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38
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Desrosiers MP, Kielczewska A, Loredo-Osti JC, Adam SG, Makrigiannis AP, Lemieux S, Pham T, Lodoen MB, Morgan K, Lanier LL, Vidal SM. Epistasis between mouse Klra and major histocompatibility complex class I loci is associated with a new mechanism of natural killer cell-mediated innate resistance to cytomegalovirus infection. Nat Genet 2005; 37:593-9. [PMID: 15895081 PMCID: PMC1200556 DOI: 10.1038/ng1564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2004] [Accepted: 04/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Experimental infection with mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) has been used to elucidate the intricate host-pathogen mechanisms that determine innate resistance to infection. Linkage analyses in F(2) progeny from MCMV-resistant MA/My (H2 (k)) and MCMV-susceptible BALB/c (H2 (d)) and BALB.K (H2 (k)) mouse strains indicated that only the combination of alleles encoded by a gene in the Klra (also called Ly49) cluster on chromosome 6, and one in the major histocompatibility complex (H2) on chromosome 17, is associated with virus resistance. We found that natural killer cell-activating receptor Ly49P specifically recognized MCMV-infected cells, dependent on the presence of the H2 (k) haplotype. This binding was blocked using antibodies to H-2D(k) but not antibodies to H-2K(k). These results are suggestive of a new natural killer cell mechanism implicated in MCMV resistance, which depends on the functional interaction of the Ly49P receptor and the major histocompatibility complex class I molecule H-2D(k) on MCMV-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pierre Desrosiers
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada
- McGill Centre for the Study of Host Resistance, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Agnieszka Kielczewska
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada
- McGill Centre for the Study of Host Resistance, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - J-C Loredo-Osti
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Sonia Girard Adam
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada
- McGill Centre for the Study of Host Resistance, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Andrew P Makrigiannis
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, Quebec, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | | | - Trung Pham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program and the Cancer Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0414, San Francisco, California 94143-0414, USA
| | - Melissa B Lodoen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program and the Cancer Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0414, San Francisco, California 94143-0414, USA
| | - Kenneth Morgan
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada
- McGill Centre for the Study of Host Resistance, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lewis L Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program and the Cancer Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0414, San Francisco, California 94143-0414, USA
| | - Silvia M Vidal
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1B1, Canada
- McGill Centre for the Study of Host Resistance, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
- Correspondence should be addressed to S.M.V. ()
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39
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Scalzo AA, Manzur M, Forbes CA, Brown MG, Shellam GR. NK gene complex haplotype variability and host resistance alleles to murine cytomegalovirus in wild mouse populations. Immunol Cell Biol 2005; 83:144-9. [PMID: 15748210 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1711.2005.01311.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The NK gene complex (NKC) on mouse chromosome 6 encodes receptors that are expressed on NK cells, such as Ly49H, and is involved in regulating NK cell control of virus infections, such as murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). In the present study, we investigated the level of allelic heterogeneity in NKC loci in populations of outbred wild mice. This work revealed extensive levels of heterogeneity within two wild mouse populations. Analysis of MCMV replication in a population of specific pathogen-free outbred wild mice revealed that low viral titres, which are normally associated with the Cmv1(r) allele of the Cmv1 host resistance locus, were not prevalent in the mice tested. Hence, NKC-mediated resistance associated with Cmv1(r)/Ly49H-like effects was rare in this population. Overall, these data indicate that the NKC region is highly polymorphic and thus it is very likely that it confers on mice sufficient variability to cope with infection by a range of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A Scalzo
- Immunology and Virology Program, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.
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40
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Nylenna O, Naper C, Vaage JT, Woon PY, Gauguier D, Dissen E, Ryan JC, Fossum S. The genes and gene organization of the Ly49 region of the rat natural killer cell gene complex. Eur J Immunol 2005; 35:261-72. [PMID: 15593300 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200425429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We here report the cDNA sequences of 11 new rat Ly49 genes with full and three with incomplete open reading frames. Although obtained from different inbred rat strains, these as well as six previously published cDNA represent non-allelic genes matching different loci in the Brown Norway (BN) rat genome, which is predicted to contain 34 Ly49 loci distributed over the distal part of the NK cell gene complex. Some of the cloned genes appear to be mutated to non-function in the BN genome, which harbors additional genes with full open reading frames, suggesting at least 26 non-allelic functional Ly49 genes in the rat. Of the encoded receptors, 13 are predicted to be inhibitory, eight to be activating, whereas five may be both ('bifunctional'). Phylogenetic analysis bears evidence of a highly dynamic genetic region, in which only the most distally localized Ly49 gene has a clear-cut mouse ortholog. In phylograms, the majority of the genes cluster into three subgroups with the genes mapping together, defining three chromosomal regions that seem to have undergone recent expansions. When comparing the lectin-like domains, the receptors form smaller subgroups, most containing at least one inhibitory and one activating or 'bifunctional' receptor, where close sequence similarities suggest recent homogenization events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyvind Nylenna
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, N-0317 Oslo, Norway
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41
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Osman MS, Silver ET, Varghese JC, Chang CS, Gong DE, Audette GF, Hazes B, Kane KP. Epitope mapping of Ly-49G and G-like receptors: CK-1 antibody defines a polymorphic site of functional interaction with class I ligand. J Leukoc Biol 2005; 77:644-51. [PMID: 15703200 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0704407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ly-49 receptors regulate mouse natural killer cell functions. Members of the polymorphic Ly-49 multigene family recognize specific alleles of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) or MHC I-like proteins. Previous studies have provided insight into the nature of Ly-49A and -C interaction with their high-affinity MHC I ligands, H-2Dd and Kb, respectively. Unlike Ly-49C, recognition of MHC I by Ly-49A is regulated in part by residues within the beta4-beta5 loop of its ectodomain. Ly-49A and -G are within the same Ly-49 subfamily, and both receptors recognize Dd. However, there have been no studies that define specific sites on Ly-49G that mediate class I MHC recognition. The Ly-49G receptors of different inbred mouse strains can differ as a result of amino acid polymorphisms within their ectodomains. In this report, we have generated a novel antibody, CK-1, which recognizes Ly-49G(B6) and a Ly-49G(B6)-like receptor, Ly-49M(nonobese diabetic), but not Ly-49G(BALB/c). By exploiting the differences within ectodomains of C57BL/6 and BALB/c Ly-49G allele products, we identified epitopes recognized by the Ly-49G-specific antibodies CK-1 and Cwy-3, whose epitopes mapped within the beta4-beta5 loop and the beta1 strand, respectively, and were nonoverlapping. Although both antibodies specifically recognized the Ly-49G(B6) ectodomain, Cwy-3 was unable to block its interaction with MHC I, and CK-1 significantly inhibited it. The importance of residues within the beta4-beta5 loop in Ly-49G recognition demonstrates that its interaction with MHC I is similar to that of Ly-49A but not Ly-49C.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antigens, Ly/chemistry
- Antigens, Ly/genetics
- Antigens, Ly/immunology
- COS Cells
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Epitope Mapping
- Flow Cytometry
- Genes, MHC Class I/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/cytology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Lectins, C-Type
- Lymphocyte Subsets/cytology
- Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like
- Sequence Alignment
- Species Specificity
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S Osman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2S2
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42
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Makrigiannis AP, Patel D, Goulet ML, Dewar K, Anderson SK. Direct sequence comparison of two divergent class I MHC natural killer cell receptor haplotypes. Genes Immun 2005; 6:71-83. [PMID: 15674375 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gene.6364154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The murine Ly49 gene family encoding natural killer cell receptors for class I MHC is an example of a rapidly evolving cluster of immune response genes. Determining the genomic sequence of the 129S6/SvEvTac (129S6) Ly49 cluster and comparing it to the known sequence of the C57BL/6 (B6) region provided insight into the mechanisms of Ly49 gene evolution. 129S6 contains 20 Ly49, many of which are pseudogenes and 40% of the genes have no counterpart in the B6 genome. The difference in gene content between these two strains is primarily the result of distinct patterns of gene duplication. Phylogenetic analyses of individual exons showed that Ly49 genes form distinct sub-families and an ancestral haplotype can be surmised. Dotplot analysis supports limited allelism in the two haplotypes; however, large regions of variation punctuate these islands of co-linearity. These variable regions contain a high concentration of repetitive elements that are predicted to contribute to the dynamic evolution of this cluster. The extreme variation in Ly49 haplotype content between mouse strains provides a genetic explanation for the documented differences in natural killer cell phenotype, and also indicates that differences in natural killer cell function observed between B6 and 129-derived gene-targeted mice should be interpreted with caution.
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43
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Proteau MF, Rousselle E, Makrigiannis AP. Mapping of the BALB/c Ly49 cluster defines a minimal natural killer cell receptor gene repertoire. Genomics 2004; 84:669-77. [PMID: 15475244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2004.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2004] [Accepted: 05/13/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The BALB/c inbred mouse strain is one of the most commonly used for immunological studies and is an animal model for natural killer (NK) cell function during pathogen infection and tumorigenesis. To understand better NK cell function in this strain, the complete BALB/c Ly49 haplotype was deduced. The BALB/c haplotype spans approximately 300 kb with a gene order and content of Ly49q, e, x, i, g, l, c, and a. Functional BALB/c alleles of Ly49q and e were isolated and found to be conserved. The BALB/c cluster represents a minimal haplotype as it contains many fewer functional genes than the 129 or B6 mouse strains. The small number of BALB/c Ly49 genes is due mainly to an absent group of genes (relative to B6 and 129) between Ly49x and i, although other smaller deletions are present. These gene deletions provide a genetic basis for the lack of certain Ly49-associated NK cell functions in this mouse strain. Finally, the mapping of a third Ly49 haplotype reveals that the basic murine Ly49 repertoire is composed of three framework gene pairs (Ly49q and e, Ly49i and g, and Ly49c and a) that are interspersed with variable numbers of strain-specific Ly49.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-France Proteau
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montreal, Room 1340, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montreal, QC, Canada H2W 1R7
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44
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Saleh A, Davies GE, Pascal V, Wright PW, Hodge DL, Cho EH, Lockett SJ, Abshari M, Anderson SK. Identification of probabilistic transcriptional switches in the Ly49 gene cluster: a eukaryotic mechanism for selective gene activation. Immunity 2004; 21:55-66. [PMID: 15345220 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2004.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2004] [Revised: 05/11/2004] [Accepted: 05/18/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Murine natural killer cells selectively express members of the Ly49 family of class I MHC receptors; however, the molecular mechanism controlling probabilistic expression of Ly49 proteins has not been defined. A pair of overlapping, divergent promoters discovered in the Ly49g gene functions as a molecular switch that can produce a forward transcript containing the coding region of the gene (on position) or a noncoding transcript in the opposite direction (off position), and this element maintains transcription in the chosen direction. Competition of C/EBP and TBP transcription factors for overlapping binding sites determines the relative strength of the competing promoters and the probability of transcription in a given direction. Similar elements precede all Ly49 family members, and the relative strength of the forward promoter in each inhibitory Ly49 gene correlates with the percentage of natural killer cells that express a given receptor, supporting a promoter competition model of selective gene activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saleh
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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45
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Wilhelm BT, Mager DL. Rapid expansion of the Ly49 gene cluster in rat. Genomics 2004; 84:218-21. [PMID: 15203220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2004.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2003] [Accepted: 01/26/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The cytotoxic activity of mouse natural killer cells is regulated in part through cell surface molecules belonging to the Ly49 multigene family. In mice, the genomic sequence of the Ly49 gene cluster has been examined in detail and this analysis provided a model of the expansion of this multigene family. In the present study, we have analyzed a 1.8-Mb region of the draft rat genome revealing surprising differences in size and gene content between the mouse and the rat Ly49 clusters. The rat cluster contains at least 36 Ly49 genes, including pseudogenes, while dot-plot analysis of the cluster reveals an equidistant spacing of genes, suggesting that duplication of genes in the cluster occurred through a mechanism similar to that in the mouse. Phylogenetic analysis of the predicted rat genes reveals a number of distinct gene clusters and indicates that the majority of gene duplication events occurred after the divergence of mice and rats. Thus, the rodent Ly49 locus is subject to extremely rapid gene amplification and diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Wilhelm
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, 601 W 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
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46
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Ma BJ, Silver ET, Hazes B, Kane KP. Reciprocal transfer of class I MHC allele specificity between activating Ly-49P and Ly-49W receptors by exchange of beta 4-beta 5 loop residues. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 171:5337-44. [PMID: 14607936 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.171.10.5337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Receptors of the Ly-49 multigene family regulate rodent NK cell functions. Ly-49Rs are highly polymorphic and exist in either activating or inhibitory forms. Examples of both Ly-49 receptor types have been shown to recognize class I MHC ligands. Ly-49Rs can distinguish between class I alleles, but the molecular basis of this discrimination is unknown. Two activating receptors, Ly-49P and Ly-49W, differ in class I recognition, recognizing H-2D(d), or H-2D(d) and D(k), respectively. In this report, we demonstrate that specificity for H-2D(k) can be transferred from Ly-49W to Ly-49P by substituting 3 aa predicted to reside in the beta4-beta5 loop of Ly-49W into Ly-49P. Replacement of these same residues of Ly-49W with corresponding residues in Ly-49P eliminates H-2D(k) recognition while still preserving H-2D(d) recognition. Further mutagenesis indicates that all 3 aa facilitate optimal class I specificity exchange. These results provide the first evidence for a specific site on Ly-49Rs, the beta4-beta5 loop, in determining class I MHC allele specificity.
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MESH Headings
- Alleles
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Amino Acid Substitution/genetics
- Amino Acid Substitution/immunology
- Animals
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity/genetics
- Antigens, Ly/genetics
- Antigens, Ly/metabolism
- Antigens, Ly/pharmacology
- Aspartic Acid/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Epitopes/genetics
- Epitopes/metabolism
- Female
- Glycine/genetics
- H-2 Antigens/genetics
- H-2 Antigens/metabolism
- Histocompatibility Antigen H-2D
- Lymphocyte Activation/genetics
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Mice, Inbred DBA
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Protein Structure, Secondary/genetics
- Rats
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Ma
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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47
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Makrigiannis AP, Rousselle E, Anderson SK. Independent Control ofLy49gAlleles: Implications for NK Cell Repertoire Selection and Tumor Cell Killing. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 172:1414-25. [PMID: 14734717 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.172.3.1414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A novel murine NK cell-reactive mAb, AT8, was generated. AT8 recognizes Ly49G from 129/J, BALB/c, and related mouse strains, but does not bind to Ly49G(B6). Costaining with AT8 and a Ly49G(B6)-restricted Ab (Cwy-3) provides the first direct evidence that Ly49G protein is expressed from both alleles on a significant proportion of NK cells from four different types of F(1) hybrid mice. The observed level of biallelic Ly49G expression reproducibly followed the product rule in both freshly isolated and cultured NK cells. Surprisingly, the percentage of NK cells expressing both Ly49G alleles could be dramatically increased in vitro and in vivo through IL-2R- and IFN receptor-dependent signaling pathways, respectively. Unexpectedly, Ly49G(B6+) NK cells in an H-2(d), but not H-2(b), background were more likely to lyse D(d+) and Chinese hamster ovary tumor cells than Ly49G(BALB/129+) NK cells. Furthermore, Ly49G(B6+) NK cells also proliferated to a higher degree in response to poly(I:C) than NK cells expressing a non-Ly49G(B6) allele in an H-2(d), but not H-2(b), background. These results suggest that Ly49G(B6) has a lower affinity for H-2D(d) than Ly49G(BALB/129), and the genetic background calibrates the responsiveness of NK cells bearing self-specific Ly49. Other H-2D(d) receptors on the different Ly49G(+) NK cell subsets were unequally coexpressed, possibly explaining the disparate responses of Ly49G(B6+) NK cells in different hybrid mice. These data indicate that the stochastic mono- and biallelic expression of divergent Ly49G alleles increases the range of MHC affinities and the functional potential in the total NK cell population of heterozygous mice.
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MESH Headings
- Aging/genetics
- Aging/immunology
- Alleles
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antigens, Ly/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Ly/genetics
- Antigens, Ly/immunology
- Antigens, Ly/physiology
- Cell Division/genetics
- Cell Division/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation/immunology
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/cytology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lectins, C-Type
- Lymphocyte Activation/genetics
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Multigene Family/immunology
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily A
- Rats
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/physiology
- Receptors, KIR
- Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like
- Species Specificity
- Spleen/cytology
- Spleen/immunology
- Spleen/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Makrigiannis
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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48
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Toyama-Sorimachi N, Tsujimura Y, Maruya M, Onoda A, Kubota T, Koyasu S, Inaba K, Karasuyama H. Ly49Q, a member of the Ly49 family that is selectively expressed on myeloid lineage cells and involved in regulation of cytoskeletal architecture. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:1016-21. [PMID: 14732700 PMCID: PMC327143 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0305400101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we identified and characterized a Ly49 family member, designated as Ly49Q. The Ly49q gene encodes a 273-aa protein with an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) at the N terminus of its cytoplasmic domain. We show that the ITIM of Ly49Q can recruit SHP-2 and SHP-1 in a tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent manner. In contrast to other known members of the Ly49 family, Ly49Q was found not to be expressed on NK1.1(+) cells, but instead was detectable on virtually all Gr-1(+) cells, such as myeloid precursors in bone marrow. Monocytes/macrophages also expressed low levels of Ly49Q, and the expression was enhanced by the treatment of cells with IFN-gamma. Treatment of activated macrophages with anti-Ly49Q mAb induced rapid formation of polarized actin structures, showing filopodia-like structure on one side and lamellipodial-like structure on the other side. A panel of proteins became tyrosine-phosphorylated in myeloid cells when treated with the mAb. Induction of the phosphorylation depends on the ITIM of Ly49Q. Thus, Ly49Q has unique features different from other known Ly49 family members and appears to be involved in regulation of cytoskeletal architecture of macrophages through ITIM-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Toyama-Sorimachi
- Department of Immune Regulation, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan.
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Abstract
NK cells are crucial components of the innate immune system, capable of directly eliminating infected or tumorigenic cells and regulating down-stream adaptive immune responses. Unlike T cells, where the key recognition event driving activation is mediated by the unique T cell receptor (TCR) expressed on a given cell, NK cells express multiple activating and inhibitory cell-surface receptors (NKRs), often with overlapping ligand specificities. NKRs display two ectodomain structural homologies, either immunoglobulin- or C-type lectin-like (CTLD). The CTLD immunoreceptor NKG2D is found on NK cells but is also widely expressed on T cells and other immune system cells, providing stimulatory or co-stimulatory signals. NKG2D drives target cell killing following engagement of diverse, conditionally expressed MHC class I-like protein ligands whose expression can signal cellular distress due to infection or transformation. The symmetric, homodimeric receptor interacts with its asymmetric, monomeric ligands in similar 2:1 complexes, with an equivalent surface on each NKG2D monomer binding extensively and intimately to distinct, structurally divergent surfaces on the ligands. Thus, NKG2D ligand-binding site recognition is highly degenerate, further demonstrated by NKG2D's ability to simultaneously accommodate multiple non-conservative allelic or isoform substitutions in the ligands. In TCRs, "induced-fit" recognition explains cross-reactivity, but structural, computational, thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of multiple NKG2D-ligand pairs show that rather than classical "induced-fit" binding, NKG2D degeneracy is achieved using distinct interaction mechanisms at each rigid interface: recognition degeneracy by "rigid adaptation." While likely forming similar complexes with their ligand (HLA-E), other NKG2x NKR family members do not require such recognition degeneracy.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/immunology
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Ligands
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K
- Phylogeny
- Protein Binding
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland K Strong
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
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Iizuka K, Naidenko OV, Plougastel BFM, Fremont DH, Yokoyama WM. Genetically linked C-type lectin-related ligands for the NKRP1 family of natural killer cell receptors. Nat Immunol 2003; 4:801-7. [PMID: 12858173 DOI: 10.1038/ni954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2003] [Accepted: 06/13/2003] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The natural killer (NK) gene complex (NKC) encodes orphan lectin-like NK cell receptors that may explain uncharacterized NK cell specificities. Unlike other NKC-encoded receptors that recognize molecules with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I folds, here we show that mouse Nkrp1d and Nkrp1f bind specific C-type lectin-related (Clr) molecules. Nkrp1d mediated inhibition when recognizing Clrb, a molecule expressed in dendritic cells and macrophages. Nkrp1 (official gene name, Klrb1) and Clr are intertwined in a genetically conserved NKC region showing recombination suppression, reminiscent of plant self-incompatibility loci. Thus, these findings broaden the 'missing-self' hypothesis from solely involving MHC class I to including related NK cell receptors for lectin-like ligands, and reflect genetic strategies for biological self-recognition processes in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koho Iizuka
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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