Changes in NK and NKT cells in mesenteric lymph nodes after a Schistosoma japonicum infection

Development of a Lipid-encapsulated TGFβRI-siRNA Drug for Liver Fibrosis Induced by Schistosoma mansoni

Schistosoma mansoni infection leads to chronic schistosomiasis and severe hepatic fibrosis. We designed a liver-targeted lipid nanoparticle (LNP) carrying siRNA against type I TGF-β receptor (TGFβRI) mRNA to treat schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis in BALB/c mice. Knockdown of TGFβRI by LNP-siTGFβRI reduced LX-2 cell activation in vitro and alleviated liver fibrosis in S. mansoni-infected mice. αSMA and Col1a1 fibrotic markers in the liver tissues of infected mice were significantly suppressed in the treatment groups. In the serum of the LNP-siTGFβRI-treated groups, cytokines IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-12, RANTES (CCL5), and TNFα increased, while GM-CSF, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and KC (CXCL1) decreased compared to the control. Cell proportions were significantly altered in S. mansoni-infected mice, with increased CD56d NK cells and decreased CD19+ B cells and CD4+ T cells compared to naïve mice. Following LNP-siTGFβRI treatment, CD56d NK cells were downregulated, while B and memory Th cell populations were upregulated. The density of fibrotic regions significantly decreased with LNP-siTGFβRI treatment in a dose-dependent manner, and no systemic toxicity was observed in the major organs. This targeted siRNA delivery strategy effectively reduced granulomatous lesions in schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis without detectable side effects.

Characteristics of Th9 cells in Schistosoma japonicum-infected C57BL/6 mouse mesenteric lymph node

Interleukin 9 (IL-9) is an effective cytokine secreted by newly defined Th9 cells, which is involved in allergic and infectious diseases. In this study, lymphocytes were isolated from mesenteric lymph node (MLN), spleen, liver, lung, and Peyer's patches (PP) of C57BL/6 mice 5-6 weeks after S. japonicum infection, intracellular cytokine staining was done to detect the percentage of IL-9-producing CD4⁺ T cells. The qPCR and ELISA were used to verify the content of IL-9 in MLN. The population of IL-9-producing lymphocyte subset was identified by FACS. In addition, the dynamic changes and cytokine profiles of Th9 cells in the MLN of infected mice were detected by FACS. ELISA was used to detect IL-9 induced by soluble egg antigen (SEA) from isolated lymphocytes in mouse MLN. The results showed that the percentage of IL-9-secreting Th9 cells in the MLN of the infected mouse was higher than that in the spleen, liver, lung, or PP. Though CD8⁺ Tc cells, NKT cells, and γδT cells could secrete IL-9, CD4⁺ Th cells were the main source of IL-9 in S. japonicum-infected C57BL/6 mice (P < 0.05). The percentage of Th9 cells in MLN of infected mouse increased from week 3-4, and reached a peak at week 5-6, then began to decrease from week 7-8 (P < 0.05). Moreover, Th9 cells could also secrete a small amount of IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-5, and IL-10. Our results suggested a higher percentage of Th9 cells was induced in the MLN of S. japonicum-infected mice, which might play an important role in the early stage of S. japonicum-induced disease.

MHC II - EGFP knock-in mouse model is a suitable tool for systems and quantitative immunology

Immunology is a rapidly evolving field of research with sophisticated models and methods. However, detailed data on total immune cell counts and population distributions remain surprisingly scarce. Nevertheless, recently established quantitative approaches could help us understand the overall complexity of the immune system. Here, we studied a major histocompatibility complexclass II - enhanced green fluorescent protein knock-in mouse model to precisely identify and manipulate lymphoid structures. By combining flow cytometry with light sheet microscopy, we quantified MHC II⁺ populations of the small intestine and associated individual mesenteric lymph nodes, with 36.7 × 10⁶ cells in lamina propria, 3.0 × 10⁵ cells in scattered lymphoid tissue and 1.1 × 10⁶ cells in Peyer's patches. In addition to these whole-organ cell counts, we assessed approximately 1 × 10⁶ total villi in the small intestine and 450 scattered lymphoid tissue follicles. By direct noninvasive microscopic observation of a naturally fully translucent mouse organ, the cornea, we quantified 12 ± 4 and 35 ± 7 cells/mm² Langerhans- and macrophage-like populations, respectively. Ultimately, our findings show that flow cytometry with quantitative imaging data analysis enables us to avoid methodological discrepancies while gaining new insights into the relevance of organ-specific quantitative approaches for immunology.

Lymph Node Delivery Strategy Enables the Activation of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and Natural Killer Cells to Augment Cancer Immunotherapy

Lymph nodes are the main sites for immune activation and surveillance. Effective delivery of immunomodulators into lymph nodes to trigger antitumor immunity is essential for cancer treatment. Here, we propose a lymph node delivery strategy to modulate the immune response by activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells simultaneously. Novel pH/redox dual-sensitive micelles were prepared using poly(l-histidine)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLH-PEG) as a skeleton, which can effectively deliver immunomodulators to the lymph nodes due to their suitable particle size. At 48 h after subcutaneous injection, the accumulation efficiency in lymph nodes increased 8.12-fold compared with the control group. Subsequently, Trp2/CpG-coloaded pH/redox dual-sensitive micelles (Trp2/CpG-NPs) acted on antigen-presenting cells, fully promoting CTL activation through dendritic cell antigen cross-presentation and macrophage repolarization. IL-15-loaded pH/redox dual-sensitive micelles (IL-15-NPs) were developed to activate the killing effect of NK cells by interacting with IL-15 receptors. In the tumor-bearing mice model, this lymph node delivery strategy showed significant antitumor efficiency and the tumor inhibition rate reached 93.76%. Meanwhile, the infiltration of CTLs and NK cells in tumor tissues increased, and the immunosuppressive microenvironment was relieved by the repolarization of macrophages from M2-type to M1-type. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of the lymph node delivery strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Functional Inhibition of Natural Killer Cells in a BALB/c Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis Induced by Schistosoma japonicum Infection

Background and Aims

Schistosomiasis japonica is a widespread human zoonotic disease, and in China, there are many patients with schistosomiasis suffering from liver fibrosis. Many studies have shown that natural killer (NK) cells could reduce the progression of hepatic fibrosis by directly killing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, NK cells could not inhibit the progress of liver fibrosis induced by Schistosoma japonicum infection. We aimed to investigate the function of NK cells in schistosomiasis.

Methods

BALB/c mice were infected with S. japonicum cercariae. The receptors and their proportions expressed on NK cells in the liver and spleen from infected mice were detected using flow cytometry. Levels of IFN-γ, perforin, and granzyme of NK cells, and collagen I, III, and α-SMA of hepatic tissue, were detected using quantitative real-time PCR. Changes in cytokine levels in sera were detected using a cytometric bead array. Liver fibrosis was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. NK function in the schistosomiasis model was analyzed.

Results

From 2 to 4 weeks post-infection, NK cells were activated, with significantly increased levels of effector molecules (IFN-γ, perforin, and granzyme) that peaked at 4 weeks after infection. The proportion of NK cells increased in the liver and spleen from 6 to 10 weeks post-infection. However, the function of NK cells was inhibited from 6 to 10 weeks post-infection with significantly decreased levels of activated receptors (AR), inhibitory receptors (IR), and effector molecules. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-6 in mouse serum peaked at 6 weeks post-infection, and IL-10 and IL-21 levels peaked at 8 weeks post-infection. Hepatic fibrosis markers increased significantly at 6 weeks after infection.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that NK cells were activated from 2 to 4 weeks post-infection and participated in inflammation in the mouse model. After the S. japonicum laid their eggs, NK cells became inhibited, with decreased levels of both activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors, as well as cytotoxic molecules. In addition, liver fibrosis formed. In mice infected with S. japonicum, the process of liver fibrosis might be alleviated by removing the functional inhibition of NK cells.

TLR7 Modulated T Cell Response in the Mesenteric Lymph Node of Schistosoma japonicum-Infected C57BL/6 Mice

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in regulating immune responses during pathogen infection. However, roles of TLRs on T cells reside in the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) were not be fully elucidated in the course of S. japonicum infection. In this study, T lymphocytes from the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) of S. japonicum-infected mice were isolated and the expression and roles of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7 on both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells were compared. We found that the expression of TLR7 was increased in the MLN cells of S. japonicum-infected mice, particularly in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells (P < 0.05). R848, a TLR7 agonist, could enhance the production of IFN-γ from MLN T cells of infected mice (P < 0.05), especially in CD8⁺ T cells (P < 0.01). In TLR7 gene knockedout (KO) mice, the S. japonicum infection caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) of the expression of CD25 and CD69, as well as the production of IFN-γ and IL-4 inducted by PMA plus ionomycin on both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. Furthermore, the decreased level of IFN-γ and IL-4 in the supernatants of SEA- or SWA-stimulated mesenteric lymphocytes was detected (P < 0.05). Our results indicated that S. japonicum infection could induce the TLR7 expression on T cells in the MLN of C57BL/6 mice, and TLR7 mediates T cell response in the early phase of infection.

Decreased Frequencies of Th17 and Tc17 Cells in Patients Infected with Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

The outbreak of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus infection, with a high mortality rate, has caused concern worldwide. Although interleukin-17- (IL-17-) secreting CD4⁺ T (Th17) and CD8⁺ T (Tc17) cells have been proven to play crucial roles in influenza virus infection, the changes and roles of Th17 and Tc17 cells in immune responses to H7N9 infection remain controversial. In this study, we found that the frequencies of Th17 and Tc17 cells among human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as well as IL-17A protein and mRNA levels were markedly decreased in patients with acute H7N9 virus infection. A positive correlation was found between the serum IL-17A level and the frequency of these two cell groups. In vitro infection experiments revealed decreased Th17 and Tc17 cell frequency and IL-17A levels at various time points postinfection. In addition, Th17 cells were the predominant sources of IL-17A in PBMCs of patients infected with H7N9 virus. Taken together, our results indicate immune disorder in acute H7N9 infection and a restored Th17 and Tc17 cell frequency might serve as a biomarker for predicting recovery in patients infected with this virus.

Human NK Cells Lyse Th2-Polarizing Dendritic Cells via NKp30 and DNAM-1

Cross-talk between NK cells and dendritic cells (DCs) is important in Th1 immune responses, including antitumor immunity and responses to infections. DCs also play a crucial role in polarizing Th2 immunity, but the impact of NK cell-DC interactions in this context remains unknown. In this study, we stimulated human monocyte-derived DCs in vitro with different pathogen-associated molecules: LPS or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, which polarize a Th1 response, or soluble egg Ag from the helminth worm Schistosoma mansoni, a potent Th2-inducing Ag. Th2-polarizing DCs were functionally distinguishable from Th1-polarizing DCs, and both showed distinct morphology and dynamics from immature DCs. We then assessed the outcome of autologous NK cells interacting with these differently stimulated DCs. Confocal microscopy showed polarization of the NK cell microtubule organizing center and accumulation of LFA-1 at contacts between NK cells and immature or Th2-polarizing DCs but not Th1-polarizing DCs, indicative of the assembly of an activating immune synapse. Autologous NK cells lysed immature DCs but not DCs treated with LPS or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid as reported previously. In this study, we demonstrated that NK cells also degranulated in the presence of Th2-polarizing DCs. Moreover, time-lapse live-cell microscopy showed that DCs that had internalized fluorescently labeled soluble egg Ag were efficiently lysed. Ab blockade of NK cell-activating receptors NKp30 or DNAM-1 abrogated NK cell lysis of Th2-polarizing DCs. Thus, these data indicate a previously unrecognized role of NK cell cytotoxicity and NK cell-activating receptors NKp30 and DNAM-1 in restricting the pool of DCs involved in Th2 immune responses.

TLR3 Modulates the Response of NK Cells against Schistosoma japonicum

Natural killer (NK) cells are classic innate immune cells that play roles in many types of infectious diseases. NK cells possess many kinds of TLRs that allow them to sense and respond to invading pathogens. Our previous study found that NK cells could modulate the immune response induced by Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) in C57BL/6 mice. In the present study, the role of TLRs in the progress of S. japonicum infection was investigated. Results showed that the expression of TLR3 on NK cells increased significantly after S. japonicum infection by using RT-PCR and FACS (P < 0.05). TLR3 agonist (Poly I:C) increased IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in the supernatant of cultured splenocytes and induced a higher percentage of IFN-γ- and IL-4-secreting NK cells from infected mouse splenocytes (P < 0.05). Not only the percentages of MHC II-, CD69-, and NKG2A/C/E-expressing cells but also the percentages of IL-4-, IL-5-, and IL-17-producing cells in TLR3⁺ NK cells increased significantly after infection (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of NKG2A/C/E, NKG2D, MHC II, and CD69 on the surface of splenic NK cells was changed in S. japonicum-infected TLR3^-/- (TLR3 KO mice, P < 0.05); the abilities of NK cells in IL-4, IL-5, and IL-17 secretion were decreased too (P < 0.05). These results indicate that TLR3 is the primary molecule which modulates the activation and function of NK cells during the course of S. japonicum infection in C57BL/6 mice.

Differential pulmonic NK and NKT cell responses in Schistosoma japonicum-infected mice

Natural killer cells (NK cells) and natural killer T cells (NKT cells) play a role in anti-infection, anti-tumor, transplantation immunity, and autoimmune regulation. However, the role of NK and NKT cells during Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection has not been widely reported, especially regarding lung infections. The aim of this study was to research the NK and NKT cell response to S. japonicum infection in the lungs of mice. Using immunofluorescent histological analysis, NK and NKT cells were found near pulmonary granulomas. Moreover, flow cytometry revealed that the percentage and number of pulmonic NK cells in S. japonicum-infected mice were significantly increased (P < 0.05). However, the percentage and cell number of NKT cells were decreased compared to those of normal mice (P < 0.05). The expression of CD69 on pulmonic NK and NKT cells was increased after infection (P < 0.05), and CD25 expression increased only on NKT cells (P < 0.05). Intracellular cytokine staining showed a higher percentage of IFN-γ⁺ and lower percentage of IL-5⁺ pulmonic NK cells (P < 0.05) compared to controls. However, the percentage of IL-17⁺, IL-10⁺, and IL-5⁺ pulmonic NKT cells significantly increased (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in NKG2A/C/E (CD94) expression and an increase of NKG2D (CD314) expression on pulmonic NKT cells (P < 0.05), which might serve as a mechanism for NKT cell activation during S. japonicum infection.

Effects of Invariant NKT Cells on Parasite Infections and Hygiene Hypothesis

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are unique subset of innate-like T cells recognizing glycolipids. iNKT cells can rapidly produce copious amounts of cytokines upon antigen stimulation and exert potent immunomodulatory activities for a wide variety of immune responses and diseases. We have revealed the regulatory effect of iNKT cells on autoimmunity with a serial of publications. On the other hand, the role of iNKT cells in parasitic infections, especially in recently attractive topic “hygiene hypothesis,” has not been clearly defined yet. Bacterial and parasitic cell wall is a cellular structure highly enriched in a variety of glycolipids and lipoproteins, some of which may serve as natural ligands of iNKT cells. In this review, we mainly summarized the recent findings on the roles and underlying mechanisms of iNKT cells in parasite infections and their cross-talk with Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, and innate lymphoid cells. In most cases, iNKT cells exert regulatory or direct cytotoxic roles to protect hosts against parasite infections. We put particular emphasis as well on the identification of the natural ligands from parasites and the involvement of iNKT cells in the hygiene hypothesis.

The characteristics of NK cells in Schistosoma japonicum-infected mouse spleens

Natural killer (NK) cells are classic innate immune cells that play roles in many types of infectious disease. Recently, some new characteristics of NK cells were discovered. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were infected with Schistosoma japonicum for 5-6 weeks and lymphocytes were isolated from the spleen to detect some of the NK cell characteristics by multiparametric flow cytometry. The results revealed that the S. japonicum infection induced a large amount of NK cells, although the percentage of NK cells was not increased significantly. At the same time, the results showed that infected mouse splenic NK cells expressed increased levels of CD25 and CD69 and produced more IL-2, IL-4, and IL-17 and less IFN-γ after stimulation with PMA and ionomycin. This meant that NK cells played a role in S. japonicum infection. Moreover, decreased NKG2A/C/E (CD94) expression levels were detected on the surface of NK cells from infected mouse spleens, which might serve as a NK cell activation mechanism. Additionally, high levels of IL-10, but not PD-1, were expressed on the infected mouse NK cells, which implied that functional exhaustion might exist in the splenic NK cells from S. japonicum-infected mice. Collectively, our results suggest that NK cells play important roles in the course of S. japonicum infection.

Vaccines and diagnostics for zoonotic schistosomiasis japonica

Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent, insidious and serious of the tropical parasitic diseases. Although the effective anthelmintic drug, praziquantel, is widely available and cheap, it does not protect against re-infection, drug-resistant schistosome may evolve and mass drug administration programmes based around praziquantel are probably unsustainable long term. Whereas protective anti-schistosome vaccines are not yet available, the zoonotic nature of Schistosoma japonicum provides a novel approach for developing a transmission-blocking veterinary vaccine in domestic animals, especially bovines, which are major reservoir hosts, being responsible for up to 90% of environmental egg contamination in China and the Philippines. However, a greater knowledge of schistosome immunology is required to understand the processes associated with anti-schistosome protective immunity and to reinforce the rationale for vaccine development against schistosomiasis japonica. Importantly as well, improved diagnostic tests, with high specificity and sensitivity, which are simple, rapid and able to diagnose light S. japonicum infections, are required to determine the extent of transmission interruption and the complete elimination of schistosomiasis following control efforts. This article discusses aspects of the host immune response in schistosomiasis, the current status of vaccine development against S. japonicum and reviews approaches for diagnosing and detecting schistosome infections in mammalian hosts.

Characteristics of γδ T cells in Schistosoma japonicum-infected mouse mesenteric lymph nodes

Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are mainly present in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues, which play an important role in mucosal immunity. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were infected by Schistosoma japonicum and lymphocytes were isolated from the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) to identify changes in the phenotype and function of γδ T cells using flow cytometry. Our results indicated that the absolute number of γδ T cells from the MLNs of infected mice was significantly higher compared with normal mice (P < 0.05). In addition, the infected γδ T cells expressed a high level of the activated molecule CD69 (P < 0.01) and demonstrated an increasing population of CD4(+) γδ T cells (P < 0.05). MLN γδ T cells secrete interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-9, and IL-17 in response to propylene glycol monomethyl acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin simulation, and the levels of IL-4, IL-9, and IL-17 increased significantly after S. japonicum infection (P < 0.05). Taken together, these findings indicated that S. japonicum infection could induce γδ T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation in the MLN. Moreover, our results indicated that the expression of NKG2D (CD314) was not increased in γδ T cells after infection, suggesting that other mechanisms are involved in activating γδ T cells. Furthermore, higher expression of programmed death-1 (CD279) but not IL-10 was detected in the γδ T cells isolated from infected mice (P < 0.05), suggesting that the function of γδ T cells is inhibited gradually over the course of S. japonicum infection.