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Yang K, Zhu Y, Chen J, Zhou W. Interleukin-8 in HepG2 cells: Enhancing antiviral proteins in uninfected cells but promoting HBV replication in infected cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 734:150455. [PMID: 39083972 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
In vitro studies have revealed that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection upregulates interleukin-8 (IL-8), which enhances HBV replication. Clinically, elevated IL-8 levels in chronic HBV patients are associated with diminished therapeutic efficacy of interferon-α (IFN-α). Our study advances these findings by demonstrating that IL-8 promotes the expression of myxovirus resistance A (MxA) and protein kinase R (PKR) in HepG2 cells via the PI3K-AKT pathway. However, HBV-infected cells fail to exhibit IL-8-induced upregulation of MxA and PKR, likely due to HBV's upregulation of PP2A that inhibits the PI3K-AKT pathway. Notably, IL-8 targets the C/EBPα transcription factor, increasing HBV promoter activity and viral replication, which in turn partially suppresses the expression of MxA and PKR induced by IFN-α. Our findings uncover a mechanism by which HBV may evade immune responses, suggesting potential new strategies for immunotherapy against chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- School of Medical Technology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - Yukai Zhu
- School of Medical Technology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Jin Chen
- School of Medical Technology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Weifeng Zhou
- School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, 230601, China
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2
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Galectin-9 and Interferon-Gamma Are Released by Natural Killer Cells upon Activation with Interferon-Alpha and Orchestrate the Suppression of Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071538. [PMID: 35891518 PMCID: PMC9317111 DOI: 10.3390/v14071538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells mount an immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and can be activated by several cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-15, and interferon-alpha (IFN-α). By exploiting the Huh7.5 hepatoma cell line infected with the HCV JFH1 genome, we provide novel insights into the antiviral effector functions of human primary NK cells after cytokine stimulation. NK cells activated with IFN-α (IFNα-NKs) had enhanced contact-dependent and -independent responses as compared with NK cells activated with IL-2/IL-15 (IL2/IL15-NKs) and could inhibit HCV replication both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, IFN-α, but not IL-2/IL-15, protected NK cells from the functional inhibition exerted by HCV. By performing flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine profiling, and mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, we discovered that IFNα-NKs secreted high levels of galectin-9 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and by conducting neutralization assays, we confirmed the major role of these molecules in HCV suppression. We speculated that galectin-9 might act extracellularly to inhibit HCV binding to host cells and downstream infection. In silico approaches predicted the binding of HCV envelope protein E2 to galectin-9 carbohydrate-recognition domains, and co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed physical interaction. IFN-γ, on the other hand, triggered the intracellular expressions of two antiviral gate-keepers in target cells, namely, myxovirus-1 (MX1) and interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1). Collectively, our data add more complexity to the antiviral innate response mediated by NK cells and highlight galectin-9 as a key molecule that might be exploited to neutralize productive viral infection.
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3
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HCMV-controlling NKG2C+ NK cells originate from novel circulating inflammatory precursors. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 147:2343-2357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.12.648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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4
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Rosen HR, Golden-Mason L. Control of HCV Infection by Natural Killer Cells and Macrophages. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:a037101. [PMID: 31871225 PMCID: PMC7447067 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Host defense against invading pathogens within the liver is dominated by innate immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells have been implicated at all stages of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, from providing innate protection to contributing to treatment-induced clearance. Decreased NK cell levels, altered NK cell subset distribution, activation marker expression, and functional polarization toward a cytolytic phenotype are hallmarks of chronic HCV infection. Interferon α (IFN-α) is a potent activator of NK cells; therefore, it is not surprising that NK cell activation has been identified as a key factor associated with sustained virological response (SVR) to IFN-α-based therapies. Understanding the role of NK cells, macrophages, and other innate immune cells post-SVR remains paramount for prevention of disease pathogenesis and progression. Novel strategies to treat liver disease may be aimed at targeting these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R Rosen
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
- USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
- USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
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5
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The Evolutionary Arms Race between Virus and NK Cells: Diversity Enables Population-Level Virus Control. Viruses 2019; 11:v11100959. [PMID: 31627371 PMCID: PMC6832630 DOI: 10.3390/v11100959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses and natural killer (NK) cells have a long co-evolutionary history, evidenced by patterns of specific NK gene frequencies in those susceptible or resistant to infections. The killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) ligands together form the most polymorphic receptor-ligand partnership in the human genome and govern the process of NK cell education. The KIR and HLA genes segregate independently, thus creating an array of reactive potentials within and between the NK cell repertoires of individuals. In this review, we discuss the interplay between NK cell education and adaptation with virus infection, with a special focus on three viruses for which the NK cell response is often studied: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Through this lens, we highlight the complex co-evolution of viruses and NK cells, and their impact on viral control.
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Kuo J, Bobardt M, Chatterji U, Mayo PR, Trepanier DJ, Foster RT, Gallay P, Ure DR. A Pan-Cyclophilin Inhibitor, CRV431, Decreases Fibrosis and Tumor Development in Chronic Liver Disease Models. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 371:231-241. [PMID: 31406003 PMCID: PMC6815936 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.261099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies show that cyclophilins contribute to many pathologic processes, and cyclophilin inhibitors demonstrate therapeutic activities in many experimental models. However, no drug with cyclophilin inhibition as the primary mode of action has advanced completely through clinical development to market. In this study, we present findings on the cyclophilin inhibitor, CRV431, that highlight its potential as a drug candidate for chronic liver diseases. CRV431 was found to potently inhibit all cyclophilin isoforms tested—A, B, D, and G. Inhibitory constant or IC50 values ranged from 1 to 7 nM, which was up to 13 times more potent than the parent compound, cyclosporine A (CsA), from which CRV431 was derived. Other CRV431 advantages over CsA as a nontransplant drug candidate were significantly diminished immunosuppressive activity, less drug transporter inhibition, and reduced cytotoxicity potential. Oral dosing to mice and rats led to good blood exposures and a 5- to 15-fold accumulation of CRV431 in liver compared with blood concentrations across a wide range of CRV431 dosing levels. Most importantly, CRV431 decreased liver fibrosis in a 6-week carbon tetrachloride model and in a mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Additionally, CRV431 administration during a late, oncogenic stage of the NASH disease model resulted in a 50% reduction in the number and size of liver tumors. These findings are consistent with CRV431 targeting fibrosis and cancer through multiple, cyclophilin-mediated mechanisms and support the development of CRV431 as a safe and effective drug candidate for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kuo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California (J.K., M.B., U.C., P.G.); and Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Edison, New Jersey (P.R.M., D.J.T., R.T.F., D.R.U.)
| | - Michael Bobardt
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California (J.K., M.B., U.C., P.G.); and Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Edison, New Jersey (P.R.M., D.J.T., R.T.F., D.R.U.)
| | - Udayan Chatterji
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California (J.K., M.B., U.C., P.G.); and Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Edison, New Jersey (P.R.M., D.J.T., R.T.F., D.R.U.)
| | - Patrick R Mayo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California (J.K., M.B., U.C., P.G.); and Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Edison, New Jersey (P.R.M., D.J.T., R.T.F., D.R.U.)
| | - Daniel J Trepanier
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California (J.K., M.B., U.C., P.G.); and Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Edison, New Jersey (P.R.M., D.J.T., R.T.F., D.R.U.)
| | - Robert T Foster
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California (J.K., M.B., U.C., P.G.); and Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Edison, New Jersey (P.R.M., D.J.T., R.T.F., D.R.U.)
| | - Philippe Gallay
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California (J.K., M.B., U.C., P.G.); and Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Edison, New Jersey (P.R.M., D.J.T., R.T.F., D.R.U.)
| | - Daren R Ure
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California (J.K., M.B., U.C., P.G.); and Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Edison, New Jersey (P.R.M., D.J.T., R.T.F., D.R.U.)
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NKG2A is a NK cell exhaustion checkpoint for HCV persistence. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1507. [PMID: 30944315 PMCID: PMC6447531 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09212-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exhaustion of cytotoxic effector natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells have important functions in the establishment of persistent viral infections, but how exhaustion is induced during chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains poorly defined. Here we show, using the humanized C/OTg mice permissive for persistent HCV infection, that NK and CD8+ T cells become sequentially exhausted shortly after their transient hepatic infiltration and activation in acute HCV infection. HCV infection upregulates Qa-1 expression in hepatocytes, which ligates NKG2A to induce NK cell exhaustion. Antibodies targeting NKG2A or Qa-1 prevents NK exhaustion and promotes NK-dependent HCV clearance. Moreover, reactivated NK cells provide sufficient IFN-γ that helps rejuvenate polyclonal HCV CD8+ T cell response and clearance of HCV. Our data thus show that NKG2A serves as a critical checkpoint for HCV-induced NK exhaustion, and that NKG2A blockade sequentially boosts interdependent NK and CD8+ T cell functions to prevent persistent HCV infection. Immune cells may become less responsive, or ‘exhausted’, upon chronic viral infection, but the underlying mechanism and crosstalk are still unclear. Here the authors show that, upon chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, natural killer cell exhaustion is induced by NKG2A signalling to instruct downstream exhaustion of CD8+ T cells and HCV persistence.
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Shan Z, Huang J, Liao Q, Huang K, Wang M, Xu R, Tang X, Zhang W, Nelson K, Fu Y, Li C, Rong X. Association of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus in the Chinese population. Transfusion 2018; 58:1028-1035. [PMID: 29446443 DOI: 10.1111/trf.14527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are critical components in innate immune response to viral infection. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are involved in regulating the balance of activation or inhibitory function of NK cells. However, the association of KIRs with the spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains unclear in the Chinese population. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 407 HCV-seropositive voluntary blood donors were recruited, including 203 with spontaneous viral clearance and 204 with chronic infection. The presence of KIR genes was detected individually by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers. Data of HLA and interleukin-28B (IL28B) genotypes were extracted from our previous study. RESULTS Our results showed that KIR2DL2, 2DS2, 2DL2/2DL3, and 2DL5A-/2DL5B+ were more frequent in subjects with HCV clearance than those with chronic infection (odds ratio [OR], 1.640, p = 0.034; OR, 1.664, p = 0.032; OR, 1.636, p = 0.040; and OR, 2.601, p = 0.012, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that KIR2DL5A-/2DL5B+ associated with HCV clearance (OR, 2.448, p = 0.027), independent of sex, IL28B, and other KIRs. In contrast, KIR2DL3/2DL3 (OR, 0.610, p = 0.034) as well as 2DL3/2DL3+HLA-C1 or C1C1 (OR, 0.580, p = 0.017; and OR, 0.639, p = 0.025, respectively) was found associated with chronic HCV infection. The presence of the homozygous KIR2DL3 with or without its HLA ligand increased the OR of developing chronic HCV infection in the context of IL28B. CONCLUSIONS In this study we identified KIR2DL5A-/2DL5B+ associated with HCV spontaneous clearance, while KIR2DL3/2DL3, 2DL3/2DL3+HLA-C1, or C1C1 associated with chronic infection. Our study highlighted the fact that the roles of KIR and KIR-HLA contributed to the control of HCV infection by innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xi Tang
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University; and
| | - Weiyun Zhang
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University; and
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command of PLA, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kenrad Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yongshui Fu
- Guangzhou Blood Center
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University; and
| | - Chengyao Li
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University; and
| | - Xia Rong
- Guangzhou Blood Center
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University; and
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Pollmann J, Götz JJ, Rupp D, Strauss O, Granzin M, Grünvogel O, Mutz P, Kramer C, Lasitschka F, Lohmann V, Björkström NK, Thimme R, Bartenschlager R, Cerwenka A. Hepatitis C virus-induced natural killer cell proliferation involves monocyte-derived cells and the OX40/OX40L axis. J Hepatol 2018; 68:421-430. [PMID: 29100993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells are found at increased frequencies in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). NK cell activation has been shown to correlate with HCV clearance and to predict a favourable treatment response. The aim of our study was to dissect mechanisms leading to NK cell activation and proliferation in response to HCV. METHODS NK cell phenotype, proliferation, and function were assessed after the 6-day co-culture of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with either HCV replicon-containing HuH6 hepatoblastoma cells or HCV-infected HuH7.5 cells. The results obtained were confirmed by immunohistochemistry of liver biopsies from patients with HCV and from HCV-negative controls. RESULTS In HCV-containing co-cultures, a higher frequency of NK cells upregulated the expression of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor chain CD25, proliferated more rapidly, and produced higher amounts of interferon γ compared with NK cells from control co-cultures. This NK cell activation was dependent on IL-2, cell-cell contact-mediated signals, and HCV replicon-exposed monocytes. The tumour necrosis factor-receptor superfamily member OX40 was induced on the activated CD25± NK cell subset and this induction was abrogated by the depletion of CD14+ monocytes. Moreover, OX40L was upregulated on CD14± monocyte-derived cells co-cultured with HCV-containing cells and also observed in liver biopsies from patients with HCV. Importantly, blocking of the OX40/OX40L interaction abolished both NK cell activation and proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Our results uncover a previously unappreciated cell-cell contact-mediated mechanism of NK cell activation and proliferation in response to HCV, mediated by monocyte-derived cells and the OX40/OX40L axis. These results reveal a novel mode of crosstalk between innate immune cells during viral infection. LAY SUMMARY Using a cell-culture model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, our study revealed that natural killer (NK) cells become activated and proliferate when they are co-cultured with HCV-containing liver cells. The mechanism of this activation involves crosstalk with other innate immune cells and a cell-cell contact interaction mediated by the cell surface molecules OX40 and OX40L. Our study reveals a novel pathway leading to NK cell proliferation and activation against virus-infected cells that might be of relevance in antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pollmann
- Innate Immunity Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jana-Julia Götz
- Innate Immunity Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Otto Strauss
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Markus Granzin
- Miltenyi Biotec Inc. Clinical Research, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Oliver Grünvogel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pascal Mutz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Catharina Kramer
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix Lasitschka
- Institute of Pathology, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Lohmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niklas K Björkström
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Innate Immunity Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Immunbiochemistry, University Heidelberg, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Germany.
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Control of the HIV-1 DNA Reservoir Is Associated In Vivo and In Vitro with NKp46/NKp30 (CD335 CD337) Inducibility and Interferon Gamma Production by Transcriptionally Unique NK Cells. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00647-17. [PMID: 28956765 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00647-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The size of lentiviral DNA reservoirs reflects the effectiveness of immune responses against lentiviruses. So far, abundant information has been gathered on the control of HIV-1 replication. Understanding the innate mechanisms contributing to containment of the HIV DNA reservoir, however, are only partly clarified and are relevant to guiding interventions for reservoir containment or eradication. We studied the contribution of natural killer (NK) cell functional features in HIV patients controlling replication either spontaneously (HIV controllers [HIC]) or after progression and antiretroviral treatment (progressor patients [PP]). An inverse correlation between HIV DNA copy numbers (either total or integrated) in circulating CD4+ cells and NK cell function was observed. Induced interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production and NKp46/NKp30 activating receptor-induced expression correlated inversely with reservoir size. The correlation was present not only for a homogeneous cohort of HIC patients but also when PP were included in the analysis. Adaptive (NKG2C+ CD57+) NK cell features were not associated with reservoir size. However, a distinct set of 370 differentially expressed transcripts was found to underlie functional differences in NK cells controlling HIV DNA reservoir size. In proof-of-principle in vitro experiments of CD4+ cell infection with HIV-1, purified NK cells with the above-mentioned functional/transcriptional features displayed 10- and 30-fold higher abilities to control HIV replication and DNA burdens in vitro, respectively, than those of other NK cells. Thus, NK cells with a specific functional and transcriptional signature contribute to control of the HIV reservoir in CD4+ cells. Their selection, expansion, and/or adoptive transfer may support strategies to eradicate HIV-1 infection or to safely deescalate antiretroviral treatment.IMPORTANCE The most relevant feature of HIV-1 infection is represented by its DNA reservoir size in the body, which guarantees lifelong infection and resumption of virus replication after antiretroviral treatment interruption. So far, there has been little success in the identification of factors contributing to HIV-1 reservoir containment. In this study, by studying quantitative total and integrated HIV-1 DNA levels and NK cells in HIV-1 patients with either progressive or nonprogressive disease, we observed that inducible IFN-γ and natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) expression in a specific subset of NK cells with a characteristic transcriptional signature represents a correlate for HIV-1 reservoir control. This represents an advance in our understanding of the mechanism(s) that controls the lentivirus reservoir. Monitoring, selection, expansion, and adoptive transfer of these NK cells may allow monitoring of treatment efficacy and the likelihood of reservoir control and may support protocols for HIV-1 eradication.
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11
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He Y, Guo Y, Fan C, Lei Y, Zhou Y, Zhang M, Ye C, Ji G, Ma L, Lian J, Moorman JP, Yao ZQ, Wang J, Hao C, Zhang Y, Jia Z. Interferon-α-Enhanced CD100/Plexin-B1/B2 Interactions Promote Natural Killer Cell Functions in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1435. [PMID: 29163508 PMCID: PMC5676449 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CD100, also known as Sema4D, is an immune semaphorin constitutively expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and T cells. As an immune activation molecule, CD100 has important immunoregulatory effects on NK functions by enhancing the interactions between NK cells and target cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects CD100 expression, and whether interferon-α treatment enhances NK killing activity to facilitate HCV clearance via CD100. Methods Expression of CD100 on NK cells was evaluated by flow cytometry in patients with chronic HCV infection, with or without pegylated interferon-α-based therapy. NK cell cytotoxicity and interferon (IFN)-γ production were measured by flow cytometry upon culturing the NK cells with K562 and Huh7.5 or HCV JFH-1-infected Huh7.5 cells. Results The frequency of CD100+ NK cells in HCV-infected individuals was slightly suppressed compared to healthy subjects. IFN-α treatment could significantly upregulate CD100 expression, which was confirmed by in vitro studies using peripheral blood mononuclear cells cocultured with HCV-expressing Huh7.5 cells or IFN-α. Importantly, the expression of CD100 on NK cells from HCV patients was inversely associated with the HCV-RNA levels in the early phase of IFN-α therapy, and the IFN-α upregulated CD100 led to an enhanced NK killing activity through ligations with its receptors plexin-B1/B2 on target cells. Conclusion These results implied a novel mechanism by which IFN-α enhanced CD100/Plexin-B1/B2 interaction plays an important role in promoting NK functions in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yonghong Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chao Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yingfeng Lei
- Department of Microbiology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- HANK Biological Engineering Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuantao Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guangxi Ji
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianqi Lian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jonathan P Moorman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Diseases, and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Zhi Q Yao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Diseases, and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Jiuping Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunqiu Hao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhansheng Jia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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12
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Almishri W, Santodomingo-Garzon T, Le T, Stack D, Mody CH, Swain MG. TNFα Augments Cytokine-Induced NK Cell IFNγ Production through TNFR2. J Innate Immun 2016; 8:617-629. [PMID: 27560480 DOI: 10.1159/000448077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a central role in innate immunity, acting directly through cell-mediated cytotoxicity and by secreting cytokines. TNFα activation of TNFR2 enhances NK cell cytotoxicity, but its effects on the other essential function of NK cells - cytokine production, for which IFNγ is paramount - are poorly defined. We identify the expression of both TNFα receptors on human peripheral blood NK cells (TNFR2 > TNFR1) and show that TNFα significantly augments IFNγ production from IL-2-/IL-12-treated NK cells in vitro, an effect mimicked by a TNFR2 agonistic antibody. TNFα also enhanced murine NK cell IFNγ production via TNFR2 in vitro. In a mouse model characterized by the hepatic recruitment and activation of NK cells, TNFR2 also regulated NK cell IFNγ production in vivo. Specifically, in this model, after activation of an innate immune response, hepatic numbers of TNFR2-expressing and IFNγ-producing NK cells were both significantly increased; however, the frequency of IFNγ-producing hepatic NK cells was significantly reduced in TNFR2-deficient mice. We delineate an important role for TNFα, acting through TNFR2, in augmenting cytokine-induced NK cell IFNγ production in vivo and in vitro, an effect with significant potential implications for the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wagdi Almishri
- Immunology Research Group, Snyder Institute, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta., Canada
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13
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Tatsumi T, Takehara T. Impact of natural killer cells on chronic hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Res 2016; 46:416-22. [PMID: 26574168 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are involved in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent immunological progresses have revealed the molecular mechanisms of activation or inhibition of NK cells. In patients infected with HCV, the percentages of NK cells are decreased and the NK receptor expression and function of NK cells including cytotoxicity and cytokine production are altered. These alterations in NK cells are associated with persistent infection with HCV, liver injury, liver fibrosis and liver carcinogenesis. In HCV treatment, NK cells play a role in the eradication of HCV in both interferon (IFN)-based therapy and IFN-free therapy using direct-acting antivirals (DAA). In HCC patients, the exhaustion of NK cells that represents lower cytotoxicity and impaired cytokine production may contribute to the progression of HCC. Several immunotherapies targeting NK cells have been reported. NK cell transfer and NK-activating gene therapy have been demonstrated to be effective in mouse liver cancer models and several clinical trials are ongoing. Recently, the role of major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A (MICA), a human ligand of NKG2D, has attracted attention in the development of HCC. The expression of MICA could be controlled by anti-HCC drugs including sorafenib. A new chemo-immunotherapy may be expected in the treatment of HCC. In this review, we summarize the impact of NK cells on chronic hepatitis C and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohide Tatsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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14
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El Sobky SA, El-Ekiaby NM, Mekky RY, Elemam NM, Mohey Eldin MA, El-Sayed M, Esmat G, Abdelaziz AI. Contradicting roles of miR-182 in both NK cells and their host target hepatocytes in HCV. Immunol Lett 2015; 169:52-60. [PMID: 26518141 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2015.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Natural killer cells are part of the innate immunity involved in viral eradication and were shown to be greatly affected by HCV infection. Epigenetic regulation of NK cell function by microRNAs was not efficiently studied before and was never studied in HCV infection; therefore the aim of this study was to assess for the first time the role of microRNAs in regulating the function of NK cells of HCV-infected patients and hence viral replication in the target HCV-infected Huh7 cells. METHODOLOGY NK cells were isolated from PBMCs of HCV-infected patients as well as controls, and HCV-infected liver biopsies as well as Huh7 cells infected with the virus were used. For the infection of Huh7 cells, first viral vector was in-vitro transcribed into viral RNA that was then used to infect naїve Huh7 cells. Supernatant from the infected cells was then collected and used for further infection. For manipulation of NK cells or Huh7 cells, miR-182 mimics and inhibitors were transfected via lipofection method. RNA was extracted from each cell population, reverse transcribed. Gene expression as well as viral load was quantified using qPCR. RESULTS Screening of NKG2A and NKG2D between patients and controls showed no difference in expression of NKG2A, while NKG2D was found to be downregulated. In view of that, bioinformatics analysis was performed and showed that miR-182 has potential binding sites on both the inhibitory receptor NKG2A and the activating receptor NKG2D, and on its ligand ULBP2, as well as on the viral genome itself. In NK cells of HCV-infected patients, miR-182 was found to be over-expressed compared to controls; its ectopic expression was found to decrease NKG2D mRNA level, while miR-182 inhibitors were able to decrease NKG2A mRNA compared to untransfected cells. In addition, co-culturing genotype 4 or 2 HCV-infected Huh7 cells with miR-182 mimicked NK cells of HCV-infected patients showed decreased viral replication, suggesting an enhanced NK cell function. On the other hand, miR-182 and ULBP2 were both found to be downregulated in HCV liver tissues and HCV-infected Huh7 cells compared to their controls. miR-182 mimics were found to decrease ULBP2 mRNA and increase viral replication in genotypes 4 and 2 HCV-infected target (Huh7) cells compared to controls, while miR-182 inhibitor decreased viral replication in the cell models. CONCLUSION miR-182 was never investigated before, neither in HCV infection nor in NK cells, and we found it to have dysregulated expression in both liver tissues and NK cells of HCV-infected patients compared to control. In addition to that, miR-182 was found to have a contradicting effect in both effector cell and its HCV-infected target cell regarding HCV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shereen A El Sobky
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Main Entrance Al Tagamoa Al Khames, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nada M El-Ekiaby
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Main Entrance Al Tagamoa Al Khames, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Radwa Y Mekky
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Main Entrance Al Tagamoa Al Khames, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha M Elemam
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Main Entrance Al Tagamoa Al Khames, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammad A Mohey Eldin
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Hepatology, Cairo University Kasr El-Aini St, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammed El-Sayed
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Hepatology, Cairo University Kasr El-Aini St, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gamal Esmat
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Hepatology, Cairo University Kasr El-Aini St, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I Abdelaziz
- Department of Biology, American University in Cairo New Cairo, Egypt.
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15
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Cantoni C, Grauwet K, Pietra G, Parodi M, Mingari MC, Maria AD, Favoreel H, Vitale M. Role of NK cells in immunotherapy and virotherapy of solid tumors. Immunotherapy 2015; 7:861-82. [PMID: 26314197 DOI: 10.2217/imt.15.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although natural killer (NK) cells are endowed with powerful cytolytic activity against cancer cells, their role in different therapies against solid tumors has not yet been fully elucidated. Their interactions with various elements of the tumor microenvironment as well as their possible effects in contributing to and/or limiting oncolytic virotherapy render this potential immunotherapeutic tool still difficult to exploit at the bedside. Here, we will review the current literature with the aim of providing new hints to manage this powerful cell type in future innovative therapies, such as the use of NK cells in combination with new cytokines, specific mAbs (inducing ADCC), Tyr-Kinase inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs and/or the design of oncolytic viruses aimed at optimizing the effect of NK cells in virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Korneel Grauwet
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Parodi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST Genova, Genova, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Herman Favoreel
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
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16
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Ascierto ML, Bozzano F, Bedognetti D, Marras F, Schechterly C, Matsuura K, Picciotto A, Marenco S, Zhao Y, DeGiorgi V, Sommariva M, Moretta L, Wang E, Alter HJ, Marincola FM, De Maria A. Inherent transcriptional signatures of NK cells are associated with response to IFNα + rivabirin therapy in patients with Hepatitis C Virus. J Transl Med 2015; 13:77. [PMID: 25849716 PMCID: PMC4353456 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0428-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in the expression of Natural Killer cell receptors have been reported to reflect divergent clinical courses in patients with chronic infections or tumors. However, extensive molecular characterization at the transcriptional level to support this view is lacking. The aim of this work was to characterize baseline differences in purified NK cell transcriptional activity stratified by response to treatment with PEG-IFNα/RBV in patients chronically infected with HCV. METHODS To this end we here studied by flow cytometer and gene expression profile, phenotypic and transcriptional characteristics of purified NK cells in patients chronically infected with HCV genotype-1 virus who were subsequently treated with PEG-IFNα/RBV. Results were further correlated with divergent clinical response obtained after treatment. RESULTS The pre-treatment transcriptional patterns of purified NK cells from patients subsequently undergoing a sustained virologic response (SVR) clearly segregated from those of non-responder (NR) patients. A set of 476 transcripts, including molecules involved in RNA processing, ubiquitination pathways as well as HLA class II signalling were differently expressed among divergent patients. In addition, treatment outcome was associated with differences in surface expression of NKp30 and NKG2D. A complex relationship was observed that suggested for extensive post-transcriptional editing. Only a small number of the NK cell transcripts identified were correlated with chronic HCV infection/replication indicating that inherent transcriptional activity prevails over environment effects such as viral infection. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, inherent/genetic modulation of NK cell transcription is involved in setting the path to divergent treatment outcomes and could become useful to therapeutic advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Libera Ascierto
- />Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- />Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, CRB II, Room 506, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231 USA
| | - Federica Bozzano
- />Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- />Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Cathy Schechterly
- />Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Kentaro Matsuura
- />Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Antonino Picciotto
- />IRCCS Az.Osp.Univ. San Martino-IST Istituto Nazionale Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Marenco
- />IRCCS Az.Osp.Univ. San Martino-IST Istituto Nazionale Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Yingdong Zhao
- />Biometric Research Branch, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Valeria DeGiorgi
- />Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Michele Sommariva
- />Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | | | - Ena Wang
- />Sidra Medical and Research Centre, Doha, Qatar
| | - Harvey J Alter
- />Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | | | - Andrea De Maria
- />Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- />Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- />IRCCS Az.Osp.Univ. San Martino-IST Istituto Nazionale Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
- />Universita’ degli Studi di Genova, Largo R Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
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17
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De Re V, Caggiari L, De Zorzi M, Repetto O, Zignego AL, Izzo F, Tornesello ML, Buonaguro FM, Mangia A, Sansonno D, Racanelli V, De Vita S, Pioltelli P, Vaccher E, Beretta M, Mazzaro C, Libra M, Gini A, Zucchetto A, Cannizzaro R, De Paoli P. Genetic diversity of the KIR/HLA system and susceptibility to hepatitis C virus-related diseases. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117420. [PMID: 25700262 PMCID: PMC4336327 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The variability in the association of host innate immune response to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection requires ruling out the possible role of host KIR and HLA genotypes in HCV-related disorders: therefore, we therefore explored the relationships between KIR/HLA genotypes and chronic HCV infection (CHC) as they relate to the risk of HCV-related hepatocarcinoma (HCC) or lymphoproliferative disease progression. Methods and Findings We analyzed data from 396 HCV-positive patients with CHC (n = 125), HCC (118), and lymphoproliferative diseases (153), and 501 HCV-negative patients. All were HIV and HBV negative. KIR-SSO was used to determine the KIR typing. KIR2DL5 and KIR2DS4 variants were performed using PCR and GeneScan analysis. HLA/class-I genotyping was performed using PCR-sequence-based typing. The interaction between the KIR gene and ligand HLA molecules was investigated. Differences in frequencies were estimated using Fisher’s exact test, and Cochran-Armitage trend test. The non-random association of KIR alleles was estimated using the linkage disequilibrium test. We found an association of KIR2DS2/KIR2DL2 genes, with the HCV-related lymphoproliferative disorders. Furthermore, individuals with a HLA-Bw6 KIR3DL1+ combination of genes showed higher risk of developing lymphoma than cryoglobulinemia. KIR2DS3 gene was found to be the principal gene associated with chronic HCV infection, while a reduction of HLA-Bw4 + KIR3DS1+ was associated with an increased risk of developing HCC. Conclusions Our data highlight a role of the innate-system in developing HCV-related disorders and specifically KIR2DS3 and KIR2D genes demonstrated an ability to direct HCV disease progression, and mainly towards lymphoproliferative disorders. Moreover the determination of KIR3D/HLA combination of genes direct the HCV progression towards a lymphoma rather than an hepatic disease. In this contest IFN-α therapy, a standard therapy for HCV-infection and lymphoproliferative diseases, known to be able to transiently enhance the cytotoxicity of NK-cells support the role of NK cells to counterstain HCV-related and lymphoproliferative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valli De Re
- Facility Bio-proteomica/Dir. Sc, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Laura Caggiari
- Facility Bio-proteomica/Dir. Sc, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Mariangela De Zorzi
- Facility Bio-proteomica/Dir. Sc, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Ombretta Repetto
- Facility Bio-proteomica/Dir. Sc, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Anna Linda Zignego
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Izzo
- Hepatobiliary Unit, National Cancer Institute “Fondazione Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology, National Cancer Institute “Fondazione Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Franco Maria Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology, National Cancer Institute “Fondazione Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mangia
- Liver, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Domenico Sansonno
- Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Vita
- Medical and Biological Sciences, University Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy
| | - Pietro Pioltelli
- Hematology and Transplant Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Emanuela Vaccher
- Medical Oncology, Centro di riferimento oncologico, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | | | - Cesare Mazzaro
- Medical Oncology, Centro di riferimento oncologico, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Gini
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Antonella Zucchetto
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Renato Cannizzaro
- Gastroenterology, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Paolo De Paoli
- Facility Bio-proteomica/Dir. Sc, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
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Paolini R, Bernardini G, Molfetta R, Santoni A. NK cells and interferons. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2014; 26:113-20. [PMID: 25443799 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The role of Natural Killer cells in host defense against infections as well as in tumour surveillance has been widely appreciated for a number of years. Upon recognition of "altered" cells, NK cells release the content of cytolytic granules, leading to the death of target cells. Moreover, NK cells are powerful producers of chemokines and cytokines, particularly Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), of which they are the earliest source upon a variety of infections. Despite being armed to fight against pathogens, NK cells become fully functional upon an initial phase of activation that requires the action of several cytokines, including type I IFNs. Type I IFNs are now recognized as key players in antiviral defense and immune regulation, and evidences from both mouse models of disease and in vitro studies support the existence of an alliance between type I IFNs and NK cells to ensure effective protection against viral infections. This review will focus on the role of type I IFNs in regulating NK cell functions to elicit antiviral response and on NK cell-produced IFN-γ beneficial and pathological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Paolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bernardini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Molfetta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy; IRCCS, Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy.
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Serti E, Werner JM, Chattergoon M, Cox AL, Lohmann V, Rehermann B. Monocytes activate natural killer cells via inflammasome-induced interleukin 18 in response to hepatitis C virus replication. Gastroenterology 2014; 147:209-220.e3. [PMID: 24685721 PMCID: PMC4469643 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Production of interferon (IFN)-γ by natural killer (NK) cells is attenuated during chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). We investigated whether this is due to intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms of NK cells. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from patients with chronic HCV infection or uninfected blood donors (controls); NK cells and monocytes were isolated or eliminated. We cultured hepatoma cells that express luciferase-tagged subgenomic HCV replicons (Huh7/HCV replicon cells) or their HCV-negative counterparts (Huh7) with NK cells in the presence or absence of other populations of PBMCs. Antiviral activity, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production were assessed. RESULTS NK cells produced greater amounts of IFN-γ when PBMC were cocultured with Huh7/HCV replicon cells than with Huh7 cells; NK cells and PBMCs from controls suppressed HCV replication to a greater extent than those from patients with chronic HCV infection. This antiviral effect was predominantly mediated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IFN-γ. The antiviral activity of NK cells and their production of IFN-γ were reduced when they were used in coculture alone (rather than with PBMC), or after depletion of CD14(+) monocytes, after knockdown of the inflammasome in monocytes, or after neutralization of interleukin-18, which is regulated by the inflammasome. These findings indicate a role for monocytes in NK cell activation. Compared with control monocytes, monocytes from patients with chronic HCV infection had reduced TNF-α-mediated (direct) and reduced NK cell-mediated (indirect) antiviral effects. Control monocytes increased the antiviral effects of NK cells from patients with chronic HCV infection and their production of IFN-γ. CONCLUSIONS Monocytes sense cells that contain replicating HCV and respond by producing interleukin-18 via the inflammasome and by activating NK cells. Patients with chronic HCV infection have reduced monocyte function, attenuating NK cell IFN-γ-mediated responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisavet Serti
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes
and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD,
USA
| | - Jens M. Werner
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes
and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD,
USA
| | - Michael Chattergoon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine,
Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea L. Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine,
Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Volker Lohmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University of
Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Rehermann
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland.
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20
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Meng Q, Rani MRS, Sugalski JM, Judge CJ, Phat S, Rodriguez B, Blanton RE, Anthony DD. Natural cytotoxicity receptor-dependent natural killer cytolytic activity directed at hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is associated with liver inflammation, African American race, IL28B genotype, and response to pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy in chronic HCV infection. J Infect Dis 2014; 209:1591-601. [PMID: 24302757 PMCID: PMC3997579 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and outcome of interferon (IFN)-α based therapy, although mechanisms remain unclear. METHODS To evaluate NK ability to control HCV infection, we analyzed healthy donor and HCV-infected donor NK-cell cytolytic activity directed at HCV-infected target cells. RESULTS HCV-infected subjects' natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR)-dependent NK-cell cytolytic activity directed at HCV-infected and uninfected Huh7.5 target cells was greater than that of cells from healthy donors, and this localized to the African American subset. However, IFN-α-enhanced NK cytolytic function was lower in HCV-infected subjects, again localized mainly to the African American subset. Additionally, whereas HCV-infected Huh7.5 cells were more readily targeted than uninfected cells, the selectivity of cytolytic activity for infected targets was lower during HCV infection and after IFN-α stimulation, and lower selectivity was in part attributable to greater NKp46 expression. Furthermore, cytolytic activity was associated with higher serum aspartate aminotransferase, rs12979860 IL28B genotype, and in vivo response to pegylated IFN/ribavirin therapy. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that during chronic HCV infection, race-associated increase in NCR expression and IL28B-associated cytolytic activity may participate in host response to IFN-α-containing HCV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. R. Sandhya Rani
- Center for Global Health and Disease, Divisions of Infectious and Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Veterans Administration Medical Center, and Case CFAR, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | | | | | | | - Ronald E. Blanton
- Center for Global Health and Disease, Divisions of Infectious and Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Veterans Administration Medical Center, and Case CFAR, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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Fénéant L, Levy S, Cocquerel L. CD81 and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Viruses 2014; 6:535-72. [PMID: 24509809 PMCID: PMC3939471 DOI: 10.3390/v6020535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a global public health problem affecting over 160 million individuals worldwide. Its symptoms include chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV is an enveloped RNA virus mainly targeting liver cells and for which the initiation of infection occurs through a complex multistep process involving a series of specific cellular entry factors. This process is likely mediated through the formation of a tightly orchestrated complex of HCV entry factors at the plasma membrane. Among HCV entry factors, the tetraspanin CD81 is one of the best characterized and it is undoubtedly a key player in the HCV lifecycle. In this review, we detail the current knowledge on the involvement of CD81 in the HCV lifecycle, as well as in the immune response to HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Fénéant
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, CNRS-UMR8204, Inserm-U1019, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut de Biologie de Lille, 1 rue du Pr Calmette, CS50447, 59021 Lille Cedex, France.
| | - Shoshana Levy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, CCSR, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, CNRS-UMR8204, Inserm-U1019, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut de Biologie de Lille, 1 rue du Pr Calmette, CS50447, 59021 Lille Cedex, France.
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Marras F, Bozzano F, Ascierto ML, De Maria A. Baseline and Dynamic Expression of Activating NK Cell Receptors in the Control of Chronic Viral Infections: The Paradigm of HIV-1 and HCV. Front Immunol 2014; 5:305. [PMID: 25071766 PMCID: PMC4078246 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell function is regulated by a balance between the triggering of activating and inhibitory receptors expressed on their surface. A relevant effort has been focused so far on the study of KIR carriage/expression setting the basis for NK cell education and self-tolerance. Focus on the evolution and regulation of activating NK receptors has lagged behind so far. Our understanding of activating receptor expression and regulation has recently improved by evidences derived from in vitro and in vivo studies. Virus infection - either acute or chronic - determines preferential expansion of NK cells with specific phenotype, activating receptors, and with recall-like functional activity. Studies on patients with viral infection (HIV and HCV) and specific diverging clinical courses confirm that inter-individual differences may exist in baseline expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors (NKp46 and NKp30). The findings that patients with divergent clinical courses have different kinetics of activating receptor density expression upon NK cell activation in vitro provide an additional, time-dependent, functional parameter. Kinetic changes in receptor expression thus represent an additional parameter to basal receptor density expression. Different expression and inducibilities of activating receptors on NK cells contribute to the high diversity of NK cell populations and may help our understanding of the inter-individual differences in innate responses that underlie divergent disease courses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica Bozzano
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Libera Ascierto
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS A.O.U. S. Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Andrea De Maria, University of Genova, Largo R. Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy e-mail:
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Kondo Y, Shimosegawa T. Direct effects of hepatitis C virus on the lymphoid cells. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:7889-7895. [PMID: 24307783 PMCID: PMC3848137 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i44.7889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that the direct binding of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and/or the replication of HCV in the extrahepatic organs and, especially, lymphoid cells, might affect the pathogenesis of extrahepatic diseases with HCV infection. More than one decade ago, several reports described the existence of HCV-RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Moreover, many reports describing the existence of HCV in B lymphocytes and B cell lymphoma have been published. In addition to B lymphocytes, it was reported that HCV replication could be detected in T lymphocytes and T cell lines. Among the extrahepatic diseases with HCV infection, mixed cryoglobulinemia-related diseases and autoimmune-related diseases are important for understanding the immunopathogensis of HCV persistent infection. Moreover, HCV persistent infection can cause malignant lymphoma. The biological significance of lymphotropic HCV has not yet become clear. However, several candidates have been considered for a long time. One is that lymphotropic HCV is an HCV reservoir that might contribute to the recurrence of HCV infection and difficult-to-treat disease status. The other important issue is the carcinogenesis of the lymphoid cells and disturbances of the immune responses. Therefore, the extrahepatic diseases might be induced by direct interaction between HCV and lymphoid cells. In this article, we summarize various studies showing the direct effect of HCV on lymphoid cells and discuss the biological significance of lymphotropic HCV.
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24
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Spengler U, Nischalke HD, Nattermann J, Strassburg CP. Between Scylla and Charybdis: The role of the human immune system in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:7852-7866. [PMID: 24307779 PMCID: PMC3848133 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i44.7852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) frequently elicits only mild immune responses so that it can often establish chronic infection. In this case HCV antigens persist and continue to stimulate the immune system. Antigen persistence then leads to profound changes in the infected host’s immune responsiveness, and eventually contributes to the pathology of chronic hepatitis. This topic highlight summarizes changes associated with chronic hepatitis C concerning innate immunity (interferons, natural killer cells), adaptive immune responses (immunoglobulins, T cells, and mechanisms of immune regulation (regulatory T cells). Our overview clarifies that a strong anti-HCV immune response is frequently associated with acute severe tissue damage. In chronic hepatitis C, however, the effector arms of the immune system either become refractory to activation or take over regulatory functions. Taken together these changes in immunity may lead to persistent liver damage and cirrhosis. Consequently, effector arms of the immune system will not only be considered with respect to antiviral defence but also as pivotal mechanisms of inflammation, necrosis and progression to cirrhosis. Thus, avoiding Scylla - a strong, sustained antiviral immune response with inital tissue damage - takes the infected host to virus-triggered immunopathology, which ultimately leads to cirrhosis and liver cancer - the realm of Charybdis.
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25
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Ahlenstiel G. The natural killer cell response to HCV infection. Immune Netw 2013; 13:168-76. [PMID: 24198741 PMCID: PMC3817297 DOI: 10.4110/in.2013.13.5.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few years major progress has been made in better understanding the role of natural killer (NK) cells in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This includes multiple pathways by which HCV impairs or limits NK cells activation. Based on current genetic and functional data, a picture is emerging where only a rapid and strong NK cell response early on during infection which results in strong T cell responses and possible subsequent clearance, whereas chronic HCV infection is associated with dysfunctional or biased NK cells phenotypes. The hallmark of this NK cell dysfunction is persistent activation promoting ongoing hepatitis and hepatocyte damage, while being unable to clear HCV due to impaired IFN-γ responses. Furthermore, some data suggests certain chronically activated subsets that are NKp46high may be particularly active against hepatic stellate cells, a key player in hepatic fibrogenesis. Finally, the role of NK cells during HCV therapy, HCV recurrence after liver transplant and hepatocellular carcinoma are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golo Ahlenstiel
- Storr Liver Unit, Westmead Millennium Institute and Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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26
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Lunemann S, Malone DFG, Hengst J, Port K, Grabowski J, Deterding K, Markova A, Bremer B, Schlaphoff V, Cornberg M, Manns MP, Sandberg JK, Ljunggren HG, Björkström NK, Wedemeyer H. Compromised function of natural killer cells in acute and chronic viral hepatitis. J Infect Dis 2013; 209:1362-73. [PMID: 24154737 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are an integral part of the innate immune system. They have been suggested to play an important role in both defense against viral hepatitis and the pathogenesis of other liver diseases. METHODS NK cells from 134 individuals including patients with acute hepatitis B and C as well as chronic hepatitis B, C, and delta (D) patients were studied. RESULTS Infection with viral hepatitis was associated with increased frequencies of NK cells in the peripheral blood; that NK cells showed a less activated phenotype and were compromised in cytolotytic function and cytokine production in all viral hepatitis infections: Hepatitis virus infections did not alter NK cell differentiation, and the activity and severity of liver disease were reflected by alterations of NK cell surface receptors as demonstrated by principal component analysis. CONCLUSION NK cell phenotypic and functional alterations can equally be observed in HBV, HCV, and HDV infections. Instead, patterns of NK cell alterations differ in acute and chronic infections. Thus, our data suggest a common mechanism in the alteration of NK cell phenotype and function with unique variations that depend on disease activity rather than virus-specific factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Lunemann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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27
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Howell J, Sawhney R, Testro A, Skinner N, Gow P, Angus P, Ratnam D, Visvanathan K. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus have inhibitory effects on toll-like receptor signaling after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2013; 19:1099-107. [PMID: 23894100 DOI: 10.1002/lt.23712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in transplantation biology. The effect of immunosuppression on TLR function after liver transplantation is unknown. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 113 post-liver transplant patients and 13 healthy controls were stimulated with TLR-specific ligands [lipopolysaccharide (TLR4), pan-3-cys (P3C) (TLR2), Poly (I:C) (PIC) (TLR3), R848 (TLR7/8), and CpG (TLR9)] for 24 hours. PBMCs from 5 healthy controls were also cultured with therapeutic concentrations of cyclosporine A (CYA) and tacrolimus (TAC). Cytokine production was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and flow cytometry. PBMCs from patients on calcineurin inhibitors after liver transplantation produced less interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in response to TLR2 stimulation (IL-6: P=0.02; TNFα: P=0.01), TLR4 stimulation (IL-6: P=0.02; TNFα: P=0.01), and TLR7/8 stimulation (IL-6: P=0.02; TNFα: P=0.02), compared with healthy controls. Both CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) natural killer (NK) cells from patients on calcineurin inhibitors also produced less interferon-γ (IFNγ) with TLR7/8 stimulation compared with healthy controls (CD56(bright) : P=0.002; CD56(dim) : P=0.004). Similar findings were demonstrated in healthy PBMCs cultured with CYA (PBMCs: TLR2, IL-6: P=0.005; TLR4, IL-6: P=0.03, TNFα: P=0.03; TLR7/8, IL-6: P=0.02, TNFα: P=0.01; CD56(dim) NK cells: TLR7/8, IFNγ: P=0.03). TAC impaired TLR4-mediated IL-6 and TNFα production by PBMCs (IL-6; P = 0.02; TNFα P = 0.009). In conclusion, patients on calcineurin inhibitors had impaired inflammatory cytokine production in response to TLR2, TLR4, and TLR7/8 stimulation compared comparison with healthy controls. Importantly, TAC and CYA appear to have different effects on TLR signaling. Impaired TLR function has important repercussions for risk of infection, graft rejection, and disease recurrence after transplantation, and the different immunosuppressive profiles of CYA and TAC may guide the choice of therapy to improve disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Howell
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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28
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Rehermann B. Pathogenesis of chronic viral hepatitis: differential roles of T cells and NK cells. Nat Med 2013; 19:859-68. [PMID: 23836236 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 357] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections account for 57% of cases of liver cirrhosis and 78% of cases of primary liver cancer worldwide and cause a million deaths per year. Although HBV and HCV differ in their genome structures, replication strategies and life cycles, they have common features, including their noncytopathic nature and their capacity to induce chronic liver disease, which is thought to be immune mediated. However, the rate of disease progression from chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis varies greatly among infected individuals, and the factors that regulate it are largely unknown. This review summarizes our current understanding of the roles of antigen-specific and nonspecific immune cells in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B and C and discusses recent findings that identify natural killer cells as regulators of T cell function and liver inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Rehermann
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, US National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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29
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Zhang S, Saha B, Kodys K, Szabo G. IFN-γ production by human natural killer cells in response to HCV-infected hepatoma cells is dependent on accessory cells. J Hepatol 2013; 59:442-9. [PMID: 23665181 PMCID: PMC3760030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a cytokine produced by activated natural killer cells (NK) and T lymphocytes, is an important regulator of innate and adaptive immunity during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the cellular sources and mechanisms of IFN-γ induction in HCV-infection are not fully understood. METHODS We cultured normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with different populations of immune cells and JFH-1 HCV-infected HuH7.5 (JFH-1/HuH7.5) cells. RESULTS We found that PBMCs produced large amounts of IFN-γ after co-culture with JFH-1/HuH7.5 cells. Using intracellular cytokine staining, we confirmed that NK cells and NKT cells (to a lesser extent) were the major IFN-γ producers within PBMCs. Purified NK/NKT cells did not produce IFN-γ in response to JFH-1/HuH7.5 cells and depletion of accessory (HLA-DR(+)) cells prevented IFN-γ induction in PBMCs. Through selective cell depletion of dendritic cells or monocytes from PBMCs, we determined that plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) were indispensable for NK-IFN-γ induction and the presence of monocytes was needed for maximal NK-IFN-γ induction. We further revealed that NK-IFN-γ induction depended on pDC-derived IFN-α while other IFN-γ inducing cytokines, IL-12, and IL-18, played minimal roles. Close contact between JFH-1/HuH7.5 cells and NK cells was required for IFN-γ production and monocyte-derived IL-15 significantly augmented IFN-γ induction. CONCLUSIONS We discovered a novel mechanism where NK cells interact with pDCs and monocytes, efficiently producing IFN-γ in response to HCV-infected cells. This indicates that co-operation between NK cells and accessory cells is critical for IFN-γ production and regulation of immunity during HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuye Zhang
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 10605,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Banishree Saha
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 10605
| | - Karen Kodys
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 10605
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 10605
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30
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Golden-Mason L, Rosen HR. Natural killer cells: multifaceted players with key roles in hepatitis C immunity. Immunol Rev 2013; 255:68-81. [PMID: 23947348 PMCID: PMC3765000 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NKs) are involved in every stage of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection, from protection against HCV acquisition and resolution in the acute phase to treatment-induced clearance. In addition to their direct antiviral actions, NKs are involved in the induction and priming of appropriate downstream T-cell responses. In the setting of chronic HCV, overall NK cell levels are decreased, subset distribution is altered, and changes in NK receptor (NKR) expression have been demonstrated, although the contribution of individual NKRs to viral clearance or persistence remains to be clarified. Enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity accompanied by insufficient interferon-γ production may promote liver damage in the setting of chronic infection. Treatment-induced clearance is associated with activation of NK cells, and it will be of interest to monitor NK cell responses to triple therapy. Activated NK cells also have anti-fibrotic properties, and the same hepatic NK cell populations that are actively involved in control of HCV may also be involved in control of HCV-associated liver damage. We still have much to learn, in particular: how do liver-derived NKs influence the outcome of HCV infection? Do NK receptors recognize HCV-specific components? And, are HCV-specific memory NK populations generated?
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Golden-Mason
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatitis C Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver (UCD), Aurora, CO, USA
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31
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Bozzano F, Marras F, Biassoni R, De Maria A. Natural killer cells in hepatitis C virus infection. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2013; 8:775-88. [PMID: 23167689 DOI: 10.1586/eci.12.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection induces the long-term risk of liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma and in adults represents the most common cause of liver transplantation. Natural killer (NK) cells participate in innate immune responses with efficient direct antitumor and antiviral defense. Over the years, their complex interaction with downstream adaptive responses and with the regulation of immune responses has been increasingly recognized. Considerable advances have been made particularly in understanding the role of NK cells in the pathophysiology of HCV infection and their possible use as biological markers for clinical purposes. This review summarizes the available data on the role of NK cells in the natural history of HCV infection and their role in the outcome of treatment. The main objective of this review is to summarize recent advancements in the basic understanding of NK cell function highlighting their possible translational use in clinical practice. An integrated practical view on the possible use of currently available predictive immunogenetic and NK cell functional tests is provided, to support clinical management choices for optimal treatment of patients with both standard and new drug regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Bozzano
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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32
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Howell J, Visvanathan K. The role of natural killer cells in hepatitis C infection. Antivir Ther 2013; 18:853-65. [PMID: 23559549 DOI: 10.3851/imp2565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
HCV infection is an exponentially growing health burden worldwide, with an estimated 170 million people infected. Although therapies for HCV are continually improving, there remain a considerable proportion of patients who do not achieve viral eradication and develop liver disease. Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for T-cell activation and are one of the first-line sentinel cell responders to viral infection. A recent explosion in studies exploring the role of NK cells in HCV infection has yielded important mechanistic information and intriguing potential therapeutic options for HCV infection. This review provides a general overview of normal NK cell function and outlines some of the important mechanisms characterizing the immune interplay between NK cells and HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Howell
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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33
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Wang L, Feng J, Da L, Li Y, Li Z, Zhao M. Adenovirus-mediated delivery of siRNA targeting TM4SF4 attenuated liver cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2013; 45:213-9. [PMID: 23296076 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gms115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene targeting using short interfering RNA (siRNA) has become a common strategy to explore gene function because of its prominent efficacy and specificity. The human transmembrane 4 superfamily member 4 (TM4SF4) was originally identified in intestine and liver as a cell proliferation-related gene. Recently, it showed an increased expression in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. In this study, we developed an adenoviral vector harboring an effective siRNA targeting TM4SF4 (AdSiTM4SF4) and identified its function in suppression of tumor cell growth. It was confirmed that TM4SF4 was overexpressed in HCC tissues compared with its paired non-tumor tissues by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Remarkably, it was more abundant on the cell surface of HCC cells. The signals of ectopically expressed TM4SF4 in four cell lines dramatically localized in the plasma membrane, slightly in the cytoplasm, and absent in the nucleus, demonstrating that TM4SF4 is a membrane protein. Targeting TM4SF4 by AdSiTM4SF4 successfully exerted a gene knockdown effect. The QGY-7701 and SMMC-7721 HCC cells infected with AdSiTM4SF4 displayed remarkably attenuated growth potential. Moreover, intratumoral injection of AdSiTM4SF4 significantly suppressed tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model using SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells. Our results indicated that targeting TM4SF4 might be a promising modality for inhibition of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are effector cells of the innate immune system and are important in the control of viral infections. Their relevance is reflected by the multiple mechanisms evolved by viruses to evade NK cell-mediated immune responses. Over recent years, our understanding of the interplay between NK cell immunity and viral pathogenesis has improved significantly. Here, we review the role of NK cells in the control of four important viral infections in humans: cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, HIV-1, and hepatitis C virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Jost
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Boston, Massachusetts 02129, USA.
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35
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Heeg M, Thimme R. Natural killer cells and hepatitis C: natural killer p46 expression linked to antiviral and antifibrotic activity. Hepatology 2012; 56:1197-200. [PMID: 22610395 DOI: 10.1002/hep.25858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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36
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Varchetta S, Mele D, Mantovani S, Oliviero B, Cremonesi E, Ludovisi S, Michelone G, Alessiani M, Rosati R, Montorsi M, Mondelli MU. Impaired intrahepatic natural killer cell cytotoxic function in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatology 2012; 56:841-9. [PMID: 22431186 DOI: 10.1002/hep.25723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis C virus (HCV) persistence in the host results from inefficiencies of innate and adaptive immune responses. Most studies addressing the role of innate immunity concentrated on peripheral blood (PB) natural killer (NK) cells, whereas only limited information is available on intrahepatic (IH) NK cells. We therefore examined phenotypic and functional features of IH and PB NK cells in paired liver biopsy and venous blood samples from 70 patients with chronic HCV infection and 26 control persons subjected to cholecystectomy for gallstones as controls. Ex vivo isolated IH NK cells from HCV-infected patients displayed unique phenotypic features, including increased expression of NKp46-activating receptor in the face of reduced tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and cluster of differentiation (CD) 107a expression, which resulted in impaired degranulation compared with controls. To gain insights into the effect of HCV on NK cells, we exposed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients and healthy donors to cell-culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) and measured NK cell degranulation, TRAIL, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) expression. Exposure of PBMCs to HCVcc significantly boosted NK degranulation, pERK1/2, and TRAIL expression in healthy donors, but not in patients with chronic HCV infection, a defect that was completely reversed by interferon-alpha. Purified NK cells showed a minimal, though significant, increase in degranulation and TRAIL expression, both in patients and controls, after exposure to HCVcc. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate dysfunctional IH NK cell cytotoxicity associated with TRAIL down-regulation in chronic HCV infection, which may contribute to virus persistence. PB NK cell impairment upon exposure to HCVcc suggests the existence of an accessory cell-dependent NK cell lytic defect in chronic HCV infection predominantly involving the TRAIL pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Varchetta
- Research Laboratories Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Brenndörfer ED, Sällberg M. Hepatitis C virus-mediated modulation of cellular immunity. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2012; 60:315-29. [PMID: 22911132 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-012-0184-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease globally. A chronic infection can result in liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure in a significant ratio of the patients. About 170 million people are currently infected with HCV. Since 80 % of the infected patients develop a chronic infection, HCV has evolved sophisticated escape strategies to evade both the innate and the adaptive immune system. Thus, chronic hepatitis C is characterized by perturbations in the number, subset composition and/or functionality of natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and T cells. The balance between HCV-induced immune evasion and the antiviral immune response results in chronic liver inflammation and consequent immune-mediated liver injury. This review summarizes our current understanding of the HCV-mediated interference with cellular immunity and of the factors resulting in HCV persistence. A profound knowledge about the intrinsic properties of HCV and its effects on intrahepatic immunity is essential to be able to design effective immunotherapies against HCV such as therapeutic HCV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Daniel Brenndörfer
- Division of Clinical Microbiology F68, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Marras F, Bozzano F, Bentivoglio G, Ugolotti E, Biassoni R, Moretta L, De Maria A. Receptor modulation and functional activation of human CD34+ Lin- -derived immature NK cells in vitro by Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). Eur J Immunol 2012; 42:2459-70. [PMID: 22736333 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201242375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
It is not yet clear whether immature NK (iNK) cells are bystanders to or rather participate in immune responses to pathogens that may colocalize in areas of NK-cell maturation such as bone marrow or lymph nodes. Mycobacteria, including Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), have been shown to interact with peripheral NK cells and in vivo may colocalize in areas of iNK-cell development. We studied infection with BCG of human cord blood CD34(+) Lin(-)-derived cultures containing myelomonocytes and iNK cells in vitro. Increased iNK-cell DNAM-1 expression, transient natural cytotoxicity receptor modulation, and production of IFN-γ were observed. Transcriptional receptor modulation was associated to BCG challenge, which determined increased iNK-cell cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines and also increased killing of immature dendritic cells (iDCs). No requirement for cell contact was recorded for BCG-induced iNK-cell activation, while cytokine production including IL-18, IL-10, GM-CSF, and TGF-β contributed to the observed effects. Thus, iNK cells are affected by mycobacteria in vitro and may contribute to shaping of adaptive mature innate responses through iDC-iNK cross-talk. In addition, iNK-cell activation by BCG may represent a novel additional mechanism contributing to the effects observed upon BCG administration in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, CD34/genetics
- Antigens, CD34/immunology
- Antigens, CD34/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- BCG Vaccine/immunology
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/genetics
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/metabolism
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/genetics
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/immunology
- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/metabolism
- Humans
- Interferon-gamma/genetics
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Interleukin-10/genetics
- Interleukin-10/immunology
- Interleukin-10/metabolism
- Interleukin-18/genetics
- Interleukin-18/immunology
- Interleukin-18/metabolism
- K562 Cells
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Monocytes/immunology
- Monocytes/metabolism
- Mycobacterium bovis/genetics
- Mycobacterium bovis/immunology
- Mycobacterium bovis/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/immunology
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism
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39
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Thimme R, Binder M, Bartenschlager R. Failure of innate and adaptive immune responses in controlling hepatitis C virus infection. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2012; 36:663-83. [PMID: 22142141 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2011.00319.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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40
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Lee CM, Yen YH, Hung CH, Lu SN, Wang JH, Wang JC, Chen CH, Kee KM, Hu TH, Changchien CS. Liver interleukin-8 messenger RNA expression and interferon sensitivity-determining region mutations relate to treatment response in hepatitis C 1b. Antivir Ther 2012; 16:825-32. [PMID: 21900714 DOI: 10.3851/imp1868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro study has shown that mechanisms for inhibiting interferon (IFN)-α antiviral action by non-structural 5A protein include interaction with IFN-induced RNA-dependent protein kinase and induction of interleukin (IL)-8 expression. Mutations in the non-structural 5A IFN sensitivity-determining region (ISDR) were reported to correlate with sustained virological response (SVR). IL-8 is associated with the inhibition of IFN-α action. We investigated whether pretreatment ISDR mutations and hepatic IL-8 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression had an effect on the SVR rate under combination therapy. METHODS A total of 53 HCV-1b patients who completed 24 weeks of pegylated-IFN-α2b plus ribavirin, a 24-week follow-up and had enough tissue specimens were enrolled. Liver biopsy was performed within 6 months before antiviral therapy. Hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression was measured by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. RESULTS Of 53 patients, 30 exhibited SVR. Multivariate analysis revealed that hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression <1.5×10(-4) (OR 6.66, 95% CI 1.77-25.05) and ISDR mutations ≥4 (OR 12.20, 95% CI 1.23-125.00) were independent predictors of SVR. Fibrosis scores and alanine aminotransferase levels were predictive of hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression by multiple linear regression analysis (r(2)=0.204). CONCLUSIONS SVR to combination therapy in hepatitis C 1b patients was associated with down-regulated hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression and ISDR mutations. Fibrosis scores and alanine aminotransferase levels were predictive of hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Mo Lee
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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41
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Horowitz A, Stegmann KA, Riley EM. Activation of natural killer cells during microbial infections. Front Immunol 2012; 2:88. [PMID: 22566877 PMCID: PMC3342047 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2011.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are large granular lymphocytes that express a diverse array of germline encoded inhibitory and activating receptors for MHC Class I and Class I-like molecules, classical co-stimulatory ligands, and cytokines. The ability of NK cells to be very rapidly activated by inflammatory cytokines, to secrete effector cytokines, and to kill infected or stressed host cells, suggests that they may be among the very early responders during infection. Recent studies have also identified a small number of pathogen-derived ligands that can bind to NK cell surface receptors and directly induce their activation. Here we review recent studies that have begun to elucidate the various pathways by which viral, bacterial, and parasite pathogens activate NK cells. We also consider two emerging themes of NK cell–pathogen interactions, namely their contribution to adaptive immune responses and their potential to take on regulatory and immunomodulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Horowitz
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine London, UK
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42
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Bozzano F, Picciotto A, Costa P, Marras F, Fazio V, Hirsch I, Olive D, Moretta L, De Maria A. Activating NK cell receptor expression/function (NKp30, NKp46, DNAM-1) during chronic viraemic HCV infection is associated with the outcome of combined treatment. Eur J Immunol 2011; 41:2905-14. [PMID: 21695691 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201041361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Specific NK cell killer inhibitory receptor (KIR):HLA haplotype combinations have been associated with successful clearance of acute and chronic HCV infection. Whether an imbalance of activating NK cell receptors also contributes to the outcome of treatment of chronic HCV infection, however, is not known. We studied peripheral NK cell phenotype and function in 28 chronically viraemic HCV genotype I treatment-naïve patients who underwent treatment with pegylated IFN-α and ribavirin. At baseline, chronically infected patients with sustained virological response (SVR) had reduced CD56(bright) CD16(+/-) cell populations, increased CD56(dull) CD16(+) NK cell proportions, and lower expression of NKp30, DNAM-1, and CD85j. Similarly, reduced NK cell IFN-γ production but increased degranulation was observed among nonresponding (NR) patients. After treatment, CD56(bright) CD16(+/-) NK cell numbers increased in both SVR and NR patients, with a parallel significant increase in activating NKp30 molecule densities in SVR patients only. In vitro experiments using purified NK cells in the presence of rIL-2 and IFN-α confirmed upregulation of NKp30 and also of NKp46 and DNAM-1 in patients with subsequent SVR. Thus, differences in patient NK cell receptor expression and modulation during chronic HCV-1 infection are associated with subsequent outcome of standard treatment. Individual activating receptor expression/function integrates with KIR:HLA genotype carriage to determine the clearance of HCV infection upon treatment.
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43
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Zeromski J, Mozer-Lisewska I, Kaczmarek M, Kowala-Piaskowska A, Sikora J. NK cells prevalence, subsets and function in viral hepatitis C. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2011; 59:449-55. [PMID: 21972016 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-011-0145-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Innate immunity appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis C. Among various cell subsets of this immunity natural killer (NK) cells raised particular interest. These cells are abundant in liver, possess significant cytotoxic potential and show links with adaptive immunity. They play important role, particularly in the acute phase of viral infections, including hepatitis C. They exhibit various types of receptors, either inhibitory or activating, that are able to react with distinct ligands on infected cells. Homozygosity of some receptors, namely KIR2DL3 reacting with recipient HLA-C1 antigens is a herald of good prognosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In the early stage of the latter, both the prevalence and the cytotoxicity of NK cells are increased. Their inhibitory receptors are down regulated whereas activating ones are up regulated. Interferon-γ secreted by NK56(+bright) NK cells has a direct cytotoxic effect on infected hepatocytes. In contrast, in the chronic phase of HCV liver disease both, the prevalence and function of NK cells are impaired. Nevertheless, their cytotoxicity contributes to liver injury. Cells show change in the polarization profile from NK1 to NK2, manifested by secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. Some HCV peptides are inhibitory for NK cells leading to the reduction of their antiviral activity. The unwanted effects of HCV peptides can be at least partly reversed by the antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Zeromski
- Chair and Department of Clinical Immunology, University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5D, 60-806, Poznan, Poland.
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45
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Abstract
Increased evidence of cross-talk between NK cells and other immune cells has enhanced the possibilities of exploiting the interplay between the activation and inhibition of NK cells for immunotherapeutic purposes. The battery of receptors possessed by NK cells help them to efficiently detect aberrant and infected cells and embark on the signaling pathways necessary to eliminate them. Endogenous expansion of NK cells and their effector mechanisms are under exploration for enhancing adoptive immunotherapy prospects in combination with immunostimulatory and cell-death-sensitizing treatments against cancer, viral infections and other pathophysiological autoimmune conditions. Various modes of NK cell manipulation are being undertaken to overcome issues such as relapse and graft rejections associated with adoptive immunotherapy. While tracing the remarkable properties of NK cells and the major developments in this field, we highlight the role of immune cooperativity in the betterment of current immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshu Malhotra
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Function, Department of Biochemistry & Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, 2005 Harold D West Basic Sciences Building, 1005 Dr DB Todd Jr Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Anil Shanker
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Function, Department of Biochemistry & Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, 2005 Harold D West Basic Sciences Building, 1005 Dr DB Todd Jr Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, 2200 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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46
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Cell-to-cell contact with hepatitis C virus-infected cells reduces functional capacity of natural killer cells. J Virol 2011; 85:12557-69. [PMID: 21937646 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00838-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The distinct feature of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a high incidence of chronicity. The reason for chronic HCV infection has been actively investigated, and impairment of innate and adaptive immune responses against HCV is proposed as a plausible cause. Whereas functional impairment of HCV-specific T cells is well characterized, the role and functional status of natural killer (NK) cells in each phase of HCV infection are still elusive. We therefore investigated whether direct interaction between NK cells and HCV-infected cells modulates NK cell function. HCV-permissive human hepatoma cell lines were infected with cell culture-generated HCV virions and cocultured with primary human NK cells. Cell-to-cell contact between NK cells and HCV-infected cells reduced NK cells' capacity to degranulate and lyse target cells, especially in the CD56(dim) NK cell subset, which is characterized by low-density surface expression of CD56. The decrease in degranulation capacity was correlated with downregulated expression of NK cell-activating receptors, such as NKG2D and NKp30, on NK cells. The ability of NK cells to produce and secrete gamma interferon (IFN-γ) also diminished after exposure to HCV-infected cells. The decline of IFN-γ production was consistent with the reduction of NK cell degranulation. In conclusion, cell-to-cell contact with HCV-infected cells negatively modulated functional capacity of NK cells, and the inhibition of NK cell function was associated with downregulation of NK-activating receptors on NK cell surfaces. These observations suggest that direct cell-to-cell interaction between NK cells and HCV-infected hepatocytes may impair NK cell function in vivo and thereby contribute to the establishment of chronic infection.
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47
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Involvement of activating NK cell receptors and their modulation in pathogen immunity. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:152430. [PMID: 21860586 PMCID: PMC3155793 DOI: 10.1155/2011/152430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are endowed with cell-structure-sensing receptors providing inhibitory protection from self-destruction (inhibitory NK receptors, iNKRs, including killer inhibitory receptors and other molecules) and rapid triggering potential leading to functional cell activation by Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytokine receptors, and activating NK cell receptors including natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs, i.e., NKp46, NKp46, and NKp44). NCR and NKG2D recognize ligands on infected cells which may be endogenous or may directly bind to some structures derived from invading pathogens. In this paper, we address the known direct or indirect interactions between activating receptors and pathogens and their expression during chronic HIV and HCV infections.
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Abstract
Tetraspanins are a superfamily of integral membrane proteins involved in the organization of microdomains that consist of both cell membrane proteins and cytoplasmic signalling molecules. These microdomains are important in regulating molecular recognition at the cell surface and subsequent signal transduction processes central to the generation of an efficient immune response. Tetraspanins, both immune-cell-specific, such as CD37, and ubiquitously expressed, such as CD81, have been shown to be imp-ortant in both innate and adaptive cellular immunity. This is via their molecular interaction with important immune cell-surface molecules such as antigen-presenting MHC proteins, T-cell co-receptors CD4 and CD8, as well as cytoplasmic molecules such as Lck and PKC (protein kinase C). Moreover, the generation of tetraspanin-deficient mice has enabled the study of these proteins in immunity. A variety of tetraspanins have a role in the regulation of pattern recognition, antigen presentation and T-cell proliferation. Recent studies have also begun to elucidate roles for tetraspanins in macrophages, NK cells (natural killer cells) and granulocytes.
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Dysfunction of Immune Systems and Host Genetic Factors in Hepatitis C Virus Infection with Persistent Normal ALT. HEPATITIS RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2011; 2011:713216. [PMID: 21760997 PMCID: PMC3132496 DOI: 10.1155/2011/713216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection who have persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels (PNALT) have mild inflammation and fibrosis in comparison to those with elevated ALT levels. The cellular immune responses to HCV are mainly responsible for viral clearance and the disease pathogenesis during infection. However, since the innate and adaptive immune systems are suppressed by various kinds of mechanisms in CHC patients, the immunopathogenesis of CHC patients with PNALT is still unclear. In this review, we summarize the representative reports about the immune suppression in CHC to better understand the immunopathogenesis of PNALT. Then, we summarize and speculate on the immunological aspects of PNALT including innate and adaptive immune systems and genetic polymorphisms of HLA and cytokines.
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50
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Petrovic D, Stamataki Z, Dempsey E, Golden-Mason L, Freeley M, Doherty D, Prichard D, Keogh C, Conroy J, Mitchell S, Volkov Y, McKeating JA, O'Farrelly C, Kelleher D, Long A. Hepatitis C virus targets the T cell secretory machinery as a mechanism of immune evasion. Hepatology 2011; 53:1846-53. [PMID: 21452285 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED T cell activation and the resultant production of interleukin (IL-2) is a central response of the adaptive immune system to pathogens, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV uses several mechanisms to evade both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune response. Here we demonstrate that liver biopsy specimens from individuals infected with HCV had significantly lower levels of IL-2 compared with those with other inflammatory liver diseases. Cell culture-grown HCV particles inhibited the production of IL-2 by normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as did serum from HCV-infected patients. This process was mediated by the interaction of HCV envelope protein E2 with tetraspanin CD81 coreceptor. HCV E2 attenuated IL-2 production at the level of secretion and not transcription by targeting the translocation of protein kinase C beta (PKCβ), which is essential for IL-2 secretion, to lipid raft microdomains. The lipid raft disruptor methyl-β-cyclodextrin reversed HCV E2-mediated inhibition of IL-2 secretion, but not in the presence of a PKCβ-selective inhibitor. HCV E2 further inhibited the secretion of other cytokines, including interferon-γ. CONCLUSION These data suggest that HCV E2-mediated disruption of the association of PKCβ with the cellular secretory machinery represents a novel mechanism for HCV to evade the human immune response and to establish persistent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Petrovic
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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