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Shin SK, Oh S, Chun SK, Ahn MJ, Lee SM, Kim K, Kang H, Lee J, Shin SP, Lee J, Jung YK. Immune signature and therapeutic approach of natural killer cell in chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024. [PMID: 38800890 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the key members of innate immunity that predominantly reside in the liver, potentiating immune responses against viral infections or malignant tumors. It has been reported that changes in cell numbers and function of NK cells are associated with the development and progression of chronic liver diseases (CLDs) including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and chronic viral hepatitis. Also, it is known that the crosstalk between NK cells and hepatic stellate cells plays an important role in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. In particular, the impaired functions of NK cells observed in CLDs consequently contribute to occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Chronic infections by hepatitis B or C viruses counteract the anti-tumor immunity of the host by producing the sheddases. Soluble major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A (sMICA), released from the cell surfaces by sheddases, disrupts the interaction and affects the function of NK cells. Recently, the MICA/B-NK stimulatory receptor NK group 2 member D (NKG2D) axis has been extensively studied in HCC. HCC patients with low membrane-bound MICA or high sMICA concentration have been associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, reversing the sMICA-mediated downregulation of NKG2D has been proposed as an attractive strategy to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses against HCC. This review aims to summarize recent studies on NK cell immune signatures and its roles in CLD and hepatocellular carcinogenesis and discusses the therapeutic approaches of MICA/B-NKG2D-based or NK cell-based immunotherapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kak Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Sooyeon Oh
- Chaum Life Center, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su-Kyung Chun
- Chaum Life Center, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min-Ji Ahn
- Center for Research and Development, CHA Advanced Research Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Min Lee
- Center for Research and Development, CHA Advanced Research Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kayun Kim
- School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hogyeong Kang
- School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeongwoo Lee
- School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suk Pyo Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jooho Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Young Kul Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, South Korea
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Dai L, Ye Y, Mugaany J, Hu Z, Huang J, Lu C. Leveraging pQTL-based Mendelian randomization to identify new treatment prospects for primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:9228-9250. [PMID: 38809509 PMCID: PMC11164478 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are autoimmune disorders characterized by progressive and chronic damage to the bile ducts, presenting clinicians with significant challenges. The objective of this study is to identify potential druggable targets to offer new avenues for treatment. A Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to identify druggable targets for PBC and PSC. This involved obtaining Cis-protein quantitative trait loci (Cis-pQTL) data from the deCODE database to serve as exposure. Outcome data for PBC (557 cases and 281,127 controls) and PSC (1,715 cases and 330,903 controls) were obtained from the FINNGEN database. Colocalization analysis was conducted to determine whether these features share the same associated SNPs. Validation of the expression level of druggable targets was done using the GSE119600 dataset and immunohistochemistry for clinical samples. Lastly, the DRUGBANK database was used to predict potential drugs. The MR analysis identified eight druggable targets each for PBC and PSC. Subsequent summary-data-based MR and colocalization analyses showed that LEFTY2 had strong evidence as a therapeutic candidate for PBC, while HSPB1 had moderate evidence. For PSC, only FCGR3B showed strong evidence as a therapeutic candidate. Additionally, upregulated expression of these genes was validated in PBC and PSC groups by GEO dataset and clinical samples. This study identifies two novel druggable targets with strong evidence for therapeutic candidates for PBC (LEFTY2 and HSPB1) and one for PSC (FCGR3B). These targets offer new therapeutic opportunities to address the challenging nature of PBC and PSC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Dai
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, China
| | - Yunyan Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, China
| | - Joseph Mugaany
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, China
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Zetong Hu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, China
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, China
| | - Changjiang Lu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, China
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Mondelli MU, Ottolini S, Oliviero B, Mantovani S, Cerino A, Mele D, Varchetta S. Hepatitis C Virus and the Host: A Mutual Endurance Leaving Indelible Scars in the Host's Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:268. [PMID: 38203436 PMCID: PMC10779088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has spread worldwide, and it is responsible for potentially severe chronic liver disease and primary liver cancer. Chronic infection remains for life if not spontaneously eliminated and viral persistence profoundly impairs the efficiency of the host's immunity. Attempts have been made to develop an effective vaccine, but efficacy trials have met with failure. The availability of highly efficacious direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has created hope for the progressive elimination of chronic HCV infections; however, this approach requires a monumental global effort. HCV elicits a prompt innate immune response in the host, characterized by a robust production of interferon-α (IFN-α), although interference in IFN-α signaling by HCV proteins may curb this effect. The late appearance of largely ineffective neutralizing antibodies and the progressive exhaustion of T cells, particularly CD8 T cells, result in the inability to eradicate the virus in most infected patients. Moreover, an HCV cure resulting from DAA treatment does not completely restore the normal immunologic homeostasis. Here, we discuss the main immunological features of immune responses to HCV and the epigenetic scars that chronic viral persistence leaves behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario U. Mondelli
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Ottolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Antonella Cerino
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Dalila Mele
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
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Bi W, Kraft A, Engelskircher S, Mischke J, Witte M, Klawonn F, van Ham M, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H, Hengst J, Jänsch L. Proteomics reveals a global phenotypic shift of NK cells in HCV patients treated with direct-acting antivirals. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250291. [PMID: 37515498 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections compromise natural killer (NK)-cell immunity. Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) effectively eliminate HCV, but the long-term effects on NK cells in cured patients are debated. We conducted a proteomic study on CD56+ NK cells of chronic HCV-infected patients before and 1 year after DAA therapy. Donor-variation was observed in NK-cell proteomes of HCV-infected patients, with 46 dysregulated proteins restored after DAA therapy. However, 30% of the CD56+ NK-cell proteome remained altered 1 year post-therapy, indicating a phenotypic shift with low donor-variation. NK cells from virus-negative cured patients exhibited global regulation of RNA-processing and pathways related to "stimuli response", "chemokine signaling", and "cytotoxicity regulation". Proteomics identified downregulation of vesicle transport components (CD107a, COPI/II complexes) and altered receptor expression profiles, indicating an inhibited NK-cell phenotype. Yet, activated NK cells from HCV patients before and after therapy effectively upregulated IFN-γ and recruited CD107a. Conversely, reduced surface expression levels of Tim-3 and 2B4 were observed before and after therapy. In conclusion, this study reveals long-term effects on the CD56+ NK-cell compartment in convalescent HCV patients 1 year after therapy, with limited abundance of vesicle transport complexes and surface receptors, associated with a responsive NK-cell phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Bi
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province & Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China
- Cellular Proteome Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Anke Kraft
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
- TWINCORE, A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Sophie Engelskircher
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Jasmin Mischke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
- TWINCORE, A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Moana Witte
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Frank Klawonn
- Cellular Proteome Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, Ostfalia University, Wolfenbüttel, Germany
| | - Marco van Ham
- Cellular Proteome Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
- TWINCORE, A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), A Joint Venture Between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Resolving Infection Susceptibility (RESIST; EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Hengst
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Lothar Jänsch
- Cellular Proteome Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
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Sugawara S, Hueber B, Woolley G, Terry K, Kroll K, Manickam C, Ram DR, Ndhlovu LC, Goepfert P, Jost S, Reeves RK. Multiplex interrogation of the NK cell signalome reveals global downregulation of CD16 signaling during lentivirus infection through an IL-18/ADAM17-dependent mechanism. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011629. [PMID: 37669308 PMCID: PMC10503717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite their importance, natural killer (NK) cell responses are frequently dysfunctional during human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infections, even irrespective of antiretroviral therapies, with poorly understood underlying mechanisms. NK cell surface receptor modulation in lentivirus infection has been extensively studied, but a deeper interrogation of complex cell signaling is mostly absent, largely due to the absence of any comprehensive NK cell signaling assay. To fill this knowledge gap, we developed a novel multiplex signaling analysis to broadly assess NK cell signaling. Using this assay, we elucidated that NK cells exhibit global signaling reduction from CD16 both in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) and SIV-infected rhesus macaques. Intriguingly, antiretroviral treatment did not fully restore diminished CD16 signaling in NK cells from PLWH. As a putative mechanism, we demonstrated that NK cells increased surface ADAM17 expression via elevated plasma IL-18 levels during HIV-1 infection, which in turn reduced surface CD16 downregulation. We also illustrated that CD16 expression and signaling can be restored by ADAM17 perturbation. In summary, our multiplex NK cell signaling analysis delineated unique NK cell signaling perturbations specific to lentiviral infections, resulting in their dysfunction. Our analysis also provides mechanisms that will inform the restoration of dysregulated NK cell functions, offering potential insights for the development of new NK cell-based immunotherapeutics for HIV-1 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Sugawara
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brady Hueber
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Griffin Woolley
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Karen Terry
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kyle Kroll
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cordelia Manickam
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. Ram
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lishomwa C. Ndhlovu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul Goepfert
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Jost
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - R. Keith Reeves
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Sharma D, Singh NK. The Biochemistry and Physiology of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinases (ADAMs and ADAM-TSs) in Human Pathologies. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 184:69-120. [PMID: 35061104 DOI: 10.1007/112_2021_67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metalloproteinases are a group of proteinases that plays a substantial role in extracellular matrix remodeling and its molecular signaling. Among these metalloproteinases, ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinases) and ADAM-TSs (ADAMs with thrombospondin domains) have emerged as highly efficient contributors mediating proteolytic processing of various signaling molecules. ADAMs are transmembrane metalloenzymes that facilitate the extracellular domain shedding of membrane-anchored proteins, cytokines, growth factors, ligands, and their receptors and therefore modulate their biological functions. ADAM-TSs are secretory, and soluble extracellular proteinases that mediate the cleavage of non-fibrillar extracellular matrix proteins. ADAMs and ADAM-TSs possess pro-domain, metalloproteinase, disintegrin, and cysteine-rich domains in common, but ADAM-TSs have characteristic thrombospondin motifs instead of the transmembrane domain. Most ADAMs and ADAM-TSs are activated by cleavage of pro-domain via pro-protein convertases at their N-terminus, hence directing them to various signaling pathways. In this article, we are discussing not only the structure and regulation of ADAMs and ADAM-TSs, but also the importance of these metalloproteinases in various human pathophysiological conditions like cardiovascular diseases, colorectal cancer, autoinflammatory diseases (sepsis/rheumatoid arthritis), Alzheimer's disease, proliferative retinopathies, and infectious diseases. Therefore, based on the emerging role of ADAMs and ADAM-TSs in various human pathologies, as summarized in this review, these metalloproteases can be considered as critical therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Sharma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Integrative Biosciences Center (IBio), Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nikhlesh K Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Integrative Biosciences Center (IBio), Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Han HT, Jin WL, Li X. Mesenchymal stem cells-based therapy in liver diseases. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:23. [PMID: 35895169 PMCID: PMC9326420 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple immune cells and their products in the liver together form a complex and unique immune microenvironment, and preclinical models have demonstrated the importance of imbalances in the hepatic immune microenvironment in liver inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases. Various immunotherapies have been attempted to modulate the hepatic immune microenvironment for the purpose of treating liver diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a comprehensive and plastic immunomodulatory capacity. On the one hand, they have been tried for the treatment of inflammatory liver diseases because of their excellent immunosuppressive capacity; On the other hand, MSCs have immune-enhancing properties in immunocompromised settings and can be modified into cellular carriers for targeted transport of immune enhancers by genetic modification, physical and chemical loading, and thus they are also used in the treatment of immunocompromised liver diseases such as chronic viral infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the immunological basis and recent strategies of MSCs for the treatment of the aforementioned liver diseases. Specifically, we update the immune microenvironment of the liver and summarize the distinct mechanisms of immune microenvironment imbalance in inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases, and how MSCs can fully exploit their immunotherapeutic role in liver diseases with both immune imbalance patterns.
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Soleimanian S, Yaghobi R, Karimi MH, Geramizadeh B, Roozbeh J. Altered Signatures of Plasma Inflammatory Proteins and Phonotypic Markers of NK Cells in Kidney Transplant Patients upon CMV Reactivation. Curr Microbiol 2022; 80:9. [PMID: 36445486 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-03116-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation remains a common opportunistic infection with a prominent role in immune reconstitution in organ transplant recipients. CMVs as important drivers of natural killer (NK) cell differentiation has been indicated to prompt several phenotypic and functional alteration in these cells. We aimed to monitor the reconstitution of NK cells and change the signature of inflammatory proteins at the critical phase of CMV reactivation over six months after kidney transplantation. The present study indicated that CMV reactivation is associated with the development of IL-6, IL-10, and cytotoxic granules, including granzyme-B and granulysin, and the drop in the frequency of CD16 + NKG2A-CD57 + NK cell subset in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with reactivation versus non- reactivated ones. Our findings describe distinct immune signatures that emerged with CMV reactivation after kidney transplantation, which may be helpful in the timely management of CMV infection in KTRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeede Soleimanian
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ramin Yaghobi
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | | | - Bita Geramizadeh
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jamshid Roozbeh
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Mele D, Pessino G, Trisolini G, Luchena A, Benazzo M, Morbini P, Mantovani S, Oliviero B, Mondelli MU, Varchetta S. Impaired intratumoral natural killer cell function in head and neck carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:997806. [PMID: 36341402 PMCID: PMC9630640 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are emerging as unique players in the immune response against cancer; however, only limited data are available on tumor infiltrating NK cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), one of the most common cancer. Occurrence of HNSCC is closely related to the immune microenvironment, and immunotherapy is increasingly being applied to this setting. However, the limited success of this type of treatment in this tumor calls for further investigation in the field. Surgical HNSSC specimens of 32 consecutive patients were mechanically and enzymatically dissociated. Tumor cells were separated from infiltrating cells by short centrifugation and infiltrating NK cells were phenotypically and functionally characterized by multiple antibody staining and flow cytometry. Tumor infiltrating NK cells in HNSCC showed a peculiar phenotype predominantly characterized by increased NKG2A and reduced Siglec-7, NKG2D, NKp30 and CD16 expression. This phenotype was associated with a decreased ability to perform antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, NK, CD4 and CD8 shared an increment of glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor-related (GITR) costimulatory receptor which could be exploited for immunotherapy with agonistic anti-GITR antibodies combined with checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Mele
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Trisolini
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Luchena
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Benazzo
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Morbini
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario U. Mondelli
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefania Varchetta, ; Mario U. Mondelli,
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefania Varchetta, ; Mario U. Mondelli,
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10
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Yang X, Zhang X, Zhao X, Yuan M, Zhang K, Dai J, Guan X, Qiu HJ, Li Y. Antibody-Dependent Enhancement: ″Evil″ Antibodies Favorable for Viral Infections. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081739. [PMID: 36016361 PMCID: PMC9412366 DOI: 10.3390/v14081739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemics caused by emerging viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 result in severe disruptions to public health. Vaccines and antibody drugs play essential roles in the control and prevention of emerging infectious diseases. However, in contrast with the neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), sub- or non-NAbs may facilitate the virus to enter the cells and enhance viral infection, which is termed antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). The ADE of most virus infections is mediated by the Fc receptors (FcRs) expressed on the myeloid cells, while others are developed by other mechanisms, such as complement receptor-mediated ADE. In this review, we comprehensively analyzed the characteristics of the viruses inducing FcRs-mediated ADE and the new molecular mechanisms of ADE involved in the virus entry, immune response, and transcription modulation, which will provide insights into viral pathogenicity and the development of safer vaccines and effective antibody drugs against the emerging viruses inducing ADE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoke Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Animal Medicine, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Mengqi Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Kehui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Jingwen Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Xiangyu Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Hua-Ji Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
- College of Animal Science and Animal Medicine, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
- Correspondence: (H.-J.Q.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yongfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
- Correspondence: (H.-J.Q.); (Y.L.)
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11
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Beaudoin-Bussières G, Arduini A, Bourassa C, Medjahed H, Gendron-Lepage G, Richard J, Pan Q, Wang Z, Liang C, Finzi A. SARS-CoV-2 Accessory Protein ORF8 Decreases Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061237. [PMID: 35746708 PMCID: PMC9230529 DOI: 10.3390/v14061237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses use many different strategies to evade host immune responses. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, its Spike mutates rapidly to escape from neutralizing antibodies. In addition to this strategy, ORF8, a small accessory protein encoded by SARS-CoV-2, helps immune evasion by reducing the susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells to the cytotoxic CD8+ T cell response. Interestingly, among all accessory proteins, ORF8 is rapidly evolving and a deletion in this protein has been linked to milder disease. Here, we studied the effect of ORF8 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Specifically, we found that ORF8 can bind monocytes as well as NK cells. Strikingly, ORF8 binds CD16a (FcγRIIIA) with nanomolar affinity and decreases the overall level of CD16 at the surface of monocytes and, to a lesser extent, NK cells. This decrease significantly reduces the capacity of PBMCs and particularly monocytes to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Overall, our data identifies a new immune-evasion activity used by SARS-CoV-2 to escape humoral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Beaudoin-Bussières
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (G.B.-B.); (C.B.); (H.M.); (G.G.-L.); (J.R.)
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Ariana Arduini
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; (A.A.); (Q.P.); (Z.W.)
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Catherine Bourassa
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (G.B.-B.); (C.B.); (H.M.); (G.G.-L.); (J.R.)
| | - Halima Medjahed
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (G.B.-B.); (C.B.); (H.M.); (G.G.-L.); (J.R.)
| | - Gabrielle Gendron-Lepage
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (G.B.-B.); (C.B.); (H.M.); (G.G.-L.); (J.R.)
| | - Jonathan Richard
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (G.B.-B.); (C.B.); (H.M.); (G.G.-L.); (J.R.)
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Qinghua Pan
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; (A.A.); (Q.P.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zhen Wang
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; (A.A.); (Q.P.); (Z.W.)
| | - Chen Liang
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; (A.A.); (Q.P.); (Z.W.)
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (A.F.)
| | - Andrés Finzi
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (G.B.-B.); (C.B.); (H.M.); (G.G.-L.); (J.R.)
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (A.F.)
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12
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Sajid M, Liu L, Sun C. The Dynamic Role of NK Cells in Liver Cancers: Role in HCC and HBV Associated HCC and Its Therapeutic Implications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887186. [PMID: 35669776 PMCID: PMC9165341 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains an important complication of chronic liver disease, especially when cirrhosis occurs. Existing treatment strategies include surgery, loco-regional techniques, and chemotherapy. Natural killer cells are distinctive cytotoxic lymphocytes that play a vital role in fighting tumors and infections. As an important constituent of the innate immune system against cancer, phenotypic and functional deviations of NK cells have been demonstrated in HCC patients who also exhibit perturbation of the NK-activating receptor/ligand axis. The rate of recurrence of tumor-infiltrating and circulating NK cells are positively associated with survival benefits in HCC and have prognostic significance, suggesting that NK cell dysfunction is closely related to HCC progression. NK cells are the first-line effector cells of viral hepatitis and play a significant role by directly clearing virus-infected cells or by activating antigen-specific T cells by producing IFN-γ. In addition, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered NK cells suggest an exclusive opportunity to produce CAR-NKs with several specificities with fewer side effects. In the present review, we comprehensively discuss the innate immune landscape of the liver, particularly NK cells, and the impact of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) on the function of NK cells and the biological function of HCC. Furthermore, the role of NK cells in HCC and HBV-induced HCC has also been comprehensively elaborated. We also elaborate on available NK cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches in HCC treatment and summarize current advancements in the treatment of HCC. This review will facilitate researchers to understand the importance of the innate immune landscape of NK cells and lead to devising innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for the systematic treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sajid
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Heifei, China
- Transplant and Immunology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Heifei, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Heifei, China
- Transplant and Immunology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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13
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Exploring the Utility of NK Cells in COVID-19. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051002. [PMID: 35625739 PMCID: PMC9138257 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can manifest as acute respiratory distress syndrome and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Extensive data now indicate that immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection determine the COVID-19 disease course. A wide range of immunomodulatory agents have been tested for the treatment of COVID-19. Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in antiviral innate immunity, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and antifibrotic activity are particularly critical for COVID-19 control. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 clearance rate, antibody response, and disease progression in COVID-19 correlate with NK cell status, and NK cell dysfunction is linked with increased SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. Thus, NK cells function as the key element in the switch from effective to harmful immune responses in COVID-19. However, dysregulation of NK cells has been observed in COVID-19 patients, exhibiting depletion and dysfunction, which correlate with COVID-19 severity; this dysregulation perhaps contributes to disease progression. Given these findings, NK-cell-based therapies with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, antifibrotic activity, and strong safety profiles for cancers may encourage the rapid application of functional NK cells as a potential therapeutic strategy to eliminate SARS-CoV-2-infected cells at an early stage, facilitate immune–immune cell interactions, and favor inflammatory processes that prevent and/or reverse over-inflammation and inhibit fibrosis progression, thereby helping in the fight against COVID-19. However, our understanding of the role of NK cells in COVID-19 remains incomplete, and further research on the involvement of NK cells in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is needed. The rationale of NK-cell-based therapies for COVID-19 has to be based on the timing of therapeutic interventions and disease severity, which may be determined by the balance between beneficial antiviral and potential detrimental pathologic actions. NK cells would be more effective early in SARS-CoV-2 infection and prevent the progression of COVID-19. Immunomodulation by NK cells towards regulatory functions could be useful as an adjunct therapy to prevent the progression of COVID-19.
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14
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Terrén I, Borrego F. Role of NK Cells in Tumor Progression. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:169-187. [PMID: 35165864 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are effector lymphocytes with the ability to generate an antitumor response. NK cells encompass a diverse group of subsets with different properties and have the capacity to kill cancer cells by different means. However, tumor cells have developed several mechanisms to evade NK cell-mediated killing. In this chapter, we summarize some aspects of NK cell biology with the aim to understand the competence of these cells and explore some of the challenges that NK cells have to face in different malignancies. Moreover, we will review the current knowledge about the role of NK cells in tumor progression and describe their phenotype and effector functions in tumor tissues and peripheral blood from cancer patients. Finally, we will recapitulate several findings from different studies focused on determining the prognostic value of NK cells in distinct cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Terrén
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Francisco Borrego
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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15
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Romanelli RG, Vitiello G, Gitto S, Giudizi MG, Biagiotti R, Carraresi A, Vizzutti F, Laffi G, Almerigogna F. Characterization of lymphocyte subsets in ascitic fluid and peripheral blood of decompensated cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease: A pivotal study. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 34:2058738420929587. [PMID: 32524881 PMCID: PMC7290250 DOI: 10.1177/2058738420929587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus and alcoholic liver disease are major causes of chronic liver diseases worldwide. Little is known about differences between chronic hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease in terms of lymphocytes’ sub-population. Aim of the present study was to compare the sub-populations of lymphocytes in both ascitic compartment and peripheral blood in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease. Patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus or alcoholic liver disease evaluated from April 2014 to October 2016 were enrolled. Whole blood and ascitic fluid samples were stained with monoclonal antibodies specific for human TCRɑβ, TCRɣδ, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CCR6, CD16, CD56, CD25, HLA-DR, Vɑ24. Sixteen patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis were recruited (9 with hepatitis C virus and 7 with alcoholic liver disease). In ascitic fluid, the percentage of both CD3+CD56− and CD3+CD56+iNKT cells resulted higher in hepatitis C virus patients than in alcoholic liver disease patients (1.82 ± 0.35% vs 0.70 ± 0.42% (p < 0.001) and 1.42 ± 0.35% vs 0.50 ± 0.30% (p < 0.001), respectively). Conversely, in peripheral blood samples, both CD3+CD56− and CD3+CD56+iNKT cells resulted significantly higher in alcoholic liver disease than in hepatitis C virus patients (4.70 ± 2.69% vs 1.50 ± 1.21% (p < 0.01) and 3.10 ± 1.76% vs 1.00 ± 0.70% (p < 0.01), respectively). Both elevation of iNKT cells in ascitic fluid and reduction in peripheral blood registered in hepatitis C virus but not in alcoholic liver disease patients might be considered indirect signals of tissutal translocation. In conclusion, we described relevant differences between the two groups. Alcoholic liver disease patients displayed lower number of CD3+CD4+ cells and a higher percentage of CD3−CD16+, Vα24+CD3+CD56− and Vα24+CD3+CD56+iNKT cells in ascitic fluid than hepatitis C virus positive subjects. Further studies might analyze the role of immune cells in the vulnerability toward infections and detect potential targets for new treatments especially for alcoholic liver disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Giulio Romanelli
- Internal Medicine and Liver Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Vitiello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Gitto
- Internal Medicine and Liver Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Giudizi
- Immunoallergology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Biagiotti
- Immunoallergology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Carraresi
- Immunoallergology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Vizzutti
- Internal Medicine and Liver Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giacomo Laffi
- Internal Medicine and Liver Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Almerigogna
- Immunoallergology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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16
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Mele D, Oliviero B, Mantovani S, Ludovisi S, Lombardi A, Genco F, Gulminetti R, Novati S, Mondelli MU, Varchetta S. Adaptive Natural Killer Cell Functional Recovery in Hepatitis C Virus Cured Patients. Hepatology 2021; 73:79-90. [PMID: 32281670 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Current evidence suggests that dysfunctional natural killer (NK) cell responses during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can be restored after viral eradication with direct acting antivirals (DAAs). However, the fate of the recently described adaptive NK cell population, endowed with increased ability to mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), during HCV infection is poorly defined, while no study has explored the effects of DAAs on this NK subset. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed multicolor flow cytometry to investigate CD57+ FcεRIγneg adaptive and FcεRIγpos conventional NK cell phenotype and function before and after DAA treatment in 59 patients chronically infected with HCV, 39 with advanced liver fibrosis, and 20 with mild-moderate liver fibrosis. Moreover, bulk NK cell phenotype and function were analyzed after cytokine activation following contact with K562 target cells. The proportion of FcεRIγneg NK cells in patients with HCV was associated with increased HCV load at baseline, and it was significantly reduced after treatment. Patients with an advanced fibrosis stage displayed increased NK cell activation and exhaustion markers that normalized after therapy. Of note, adaptive NK cells from patients with HCV were characterized by increased programmed death receptor 1 expression and reduced ADCC activity at baseline. DAA treatment restored ADCC ability and reduced programmed death receptor 1 expression. CONCLUSIONS HCV profoundly affects the frequency, phenotype, and function of adaptive NK cells. DAA therapy restores a normal adaptive NK phenotype and enhances interferon-gamma production by this cell subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Mele
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Ludovisi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Lombardi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Genco
- Virology and Microbiology Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Gulminetti
- Division of Infectious Diseases I, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Novati
- Division of Infectious Diseases I, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario U Mondelli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Pavia, Italy
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17
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Ma L, Li Q, Cai S, Peng H, Huyan T, Yang H. The role of NK cells in fighting the virus infection and sepsis. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:3236-3248. [PMID: 34400893 PMCID: PMC8364442 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.59898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells, one of the important types of innate immune cells, play a pivotal role in the antiviral process in vivo. It has been shown that increasing NK cell activity may promote the alleviation of viral infections, even severe infection-induced sepsis. Given the current state of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) global pandemic, clarifying the anti-viral function of NK cells would be helpful for revealing the mechanism of host immune responses and decipher the progression of COVID-19 and providing important clues for combating this pandemic. In this review, we summarize the roles of NK cells in viral infection and sepsis as well as the potential possibilities of NK cell-based immunotherapy for treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ma
- The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Qi Li
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Suna Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Hourong Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Ting Huyan
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
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18
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Aljohmani A, Yildiz D. A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase-Control Elements in Infectious Diseases. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:608281. [PMID: 33392273 PMCID: PMC7772189 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.608281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in treatment strategies, infectious diseases are still under the leading causes of death worldwide. Although the activation of the inflammatory cascade is one prerequisite of defense, persistent and exuberant immune response, however, may lead to chronicity of inflammation predisposing to a temporal or permanent tissue damage not only of the site of infection but also among different body organs. The initial response to invading pathogens is mediated by the recognition through various pattern-recognition receptors along with cellular engulfment resulting in a coordinated release of soluble effector molecules and cytokines aiming to terminate the external stimuli. Members of the ‘a disintegrin and metalloproteinase’ (ADAM) family have the capability to proteolytically cleave transmembrane molecules close to the plasma membrane, a process called ectodomain shedding. In fact, in infectious diseases dysregulation of numerous ADAM substrates such as junction molecules (e.g., E-cadherin, VE-cadherin, JAM-A), adhesion molecules (e.g., ICAM-1, VCAM-1, L-selectin), and chemokines and cytokines (e.g., CXCL16, TNF-α) has been observed. The alpha-cleavage by ADAM proteases represents a rate limiting step for downstream regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIPing) of several substrates, which influence cellular differentiation, cell signaling pathways and immune modulation. Both the substrates mentioned above and RIPing crucially contribute to a systematic damage in cardiovascular, endocrine, and/or gastrointestinal systems. This review will summarize the current knowledge of ADAM function and the subsequent RIPing in infectious diseases (e.g., pathogen recognition and clearance) and discuss the potential long-term effect on pathophysiological changes such as cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Aljohmani
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, PZMS, ZHMB, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Yildiz
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, PZMS, ZHMB, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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19
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Chen X, Anderson LJ, Rostad CA, Ding L, Lai L, Mulligan M, Rouphael N, Natrajan MS, McCracken C, Anderson EJ. Development and optimization of a Zika virus antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay. J Immunol Methods 2020; 488:112900. [PMID: 33075363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2020.112900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has become a global public health issue due to its teratogenicity and ability to cause Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Although anti-ZIKV envelope protein neutralizing antibodies correlate with protection, the non-neutralizing function of ZIKV antibodies including antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is incompletely understood. To study the role of ADCC antibodies during ZIKV infections, we generated a stably transfected, dual-reporter target cell line with inducible expression of a chimeric ZIKV prM-E protein on the cell surface as the target cell for the assay. By using this assay, nine of ten serum samples from ZIKV-infected patients had >20% ADCC killing of target cells, whereas none of the 12 healthy control sera had >10% ADCC killing. We also observed a time-dependent ADCC response in 2 patients with Zika. This demonstrates that this assay can detect ZIKV ADCC with high sensitivity and specificity, which could be useful for measurement of ADCC responses to ZIKV infection or vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Larry J Anderson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina A Rostad
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lingmei Ding
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lilin Lai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and NYU Langone Vaccine Center, New York University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Mark Mulligan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and NYU Langone Vaccine Center, New York University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Nadine Rouphael
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Muktha S Natrajan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Courtney McCracken
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Evan J Anderson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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20
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Jung S, Seo DJ, Yeo D, Wang Z, Min A, Zhao Z, Song M, Choi IS, Myoung J, Choi C. Experimental infection of hepatitis E virus induces pancreatic necroptosis in miniature pigs. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12022. [PMID: 32694702 PMCID: PMC7374588 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68959-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection by hepatitis E virus (HEV) via the oral route causes acute hepatitis. Extra-hepatic manifestations of HEV infection may stem from various causes; however, its distribution in organs such as the liver, as well as the mechanisms underlying HEV-induced cell injury, remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the chronological distribution of HEV in various tissues of HEV-challenged miniature pigs and to investigate the mechanisms underlying HEV-induced cell death in the pancreas and liver. Virological and serological analyses were performed on blood and faecal samples. Histopathology of the liver and extra-hepatic tissues was analysed. Cell death pathways and immune cell characterisation in inflammatory lesions were analysed using immunohistochemistry. The liver and pancreas displayed inflammation and cellular injury, and a large amount of HEV was observed in the lesions. The liver was infiltrated by T and natural killer cells. HEV was identified in all organs except the heart, and was associated with immune cells. Although the liver and the pancreas strongly expressed TNF-α and TRAIL, TUNEL assay results were negative. RIP3 and pMLKL were expressed in the pancreas. RIP3, but not pMLKL, was expressed in the liver. Pancreatitis induced in HEV-infected miniature pigs is associated with necroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soontag Jung
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodongdaero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Joo Seo
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Gwangju University, Gwangju, 61743, Republic of Korea
| | - Daseul Yeo
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodongdaero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhaoqi Wang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodongdaero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Ae Min
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodongdaero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Ziwei Zhao
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodongdaero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Mengxiao Song
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodongdaero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Soo Choi
- Department of Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinjong Myoung
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsun Choi
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodongdaero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
- Bio and Environmental Technology Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodongdaero, Daedeok-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Natural Killer Cell Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040926. [PMID: 32283827 PMCID: PMC7226319 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still represents a significant complication of chronic liver disease, particularly when cirrhosis ensues. Current treatment options include surgery, loco-regional procedures and chemotherapy, according to specific clinical practice guidelines. Immunotherapy with check-point inhibitors, aimed at rescuing T-cells from exhaustion, has been applied as second-line therapy with limited and variable success. Natural killer (NK) cells are an essential component of innate immunity against cancer and changes in phenotype and function have been described in patients with HCC, who also show perturbations of NK activating receptor/ligand axes. Here we discuss the current status of NK cell treatment of HCC on the basis of existing evidence and ongoing clinical trials on adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic NK cells ex vivo or after activation with cytokines such as IL-15 and use of antibodies to target cell-expressed molecules to promote antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). To this end, bi-, tri- and tetra-specific killer cell engagers are being devised to improve NK cell recognition of tumor cells, circumventing tumor immune escape and efficiently targeting NK cells to tumors. Moreover, the exciting technique of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells offers unique opportunities to create CAR-NK with multiple specificities along the experience gained with CAR-T cells with potentially less adverse effects.
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22
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The Roles of Siglec7 and Siglec9 on Natural Killer Cells in Virus Infection and Tumour Progression. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:6243819. [PMID: 32322597 PMCID: PMC7165337 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6243819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of natural killer (NK) cells, defending against virus infection and tumour progression, is regulated by multiple activating and inhibiting receptors expressed on NK cells, among which sialic acid-bind immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) act as a vital inhibitory group. Previous studies have shown that Siglec7 and Siglec9 are expressed on NK cells, which negatively regulate the function of NK cells and modulate the immune response through the interaction of sialic acid-containing ligands. Siglec7 and Siglec9 are very similar in distribution, gene encoding, protein sequences, ligand affinity, and functions in regulating the immune system against virus and cancers, but differences still exist between them. In this review, we aim to discuss the similarities and differences between Siglec7 and Siglec9 and analyze their functions in virus infection and tumour progression in order to develop better anti-viral and anti-tumor immunotherapy in the future.
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23
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Maini MK, Burton AR. Restoring, releasing or replacing adaptive immunity in chronic hepatitis B. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:662-675. [PMID: 31548710 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple new therapeutic approaches are currently being developed to achieve sustained, off-treatment suppression of HBV, a persistent hepatotropic infection that kills ~2,000 people a day. A fundamental therapeutic goal is the restoration of robust HBV-specific adaptive immune responses that are able to maintain prolonged immunosurveillance of residual infection. Here, we provide insight into key components of successful T cell and B cell responses to HBV, discussing the importance of different specificities and effector functions, local intrahepatic immunity and pathogenic potential. We focus on the parallels and interactions between T cell and B cell responses, highlighting emerging areas for future investigation. We review the potential for different immunotherapies in development to restore or release endogenous adaptive immunity by direct or indirect approaches, including limitations and risks. Finally, we consider an alternative HBV treatment strategy of replacing failed endogenous immunity with infusions of highly targeted T cells or antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mala K Maini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Alice R Burton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
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24
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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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25
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Keck ML, Wrensch F, Pierce BG, Baumert TF, Foung SKH. Mapping Determinants of Virus Neutralization and Viral Escape for Rational Design of a Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1194. [PMID: 29904384 PMCID: PMC5991293 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to spread worldwide with an annual increase of 1.75 million new infections. The number of HCV cases in the U.S. is now greater than the number of HIV cases and is increasing in young adults because of the opioid epidemic sweeping the country. HCV-related liver disease is the leading indication of liver transplantation. An effective vaccine is of paramount importance to control and prevent HCV infection. While this vaccine will need to induce both cellular and humoral immunity, this review is focused on the required antibody responses. For highly variable viruses, such as HCV, isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies mediating broad virus neutralization are an important guide for vaccine design. The viral envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2, are the main targets of these antibodies. Epitopes on the E2 protein have been studied more extensively than epitopes on E1, due to higher antibody targeting that reflects these epitopes having higher degrees of immunogenicity. E2 epitopes are overall organized in discrete clusters of overlapping epitopes that ranged from high conservation to high variability. Other epitopes on E1 and E1E2 also are targets of neutralizing antibodies. Taken together, these regions are important for vaccine design. Another element in vaccine design is based on information on how the virus escapes from broadly neutralizing antibodies. Escape mutations can occur within the epitopes that are involved in antibody binding and in regions that are not involved in their epitopes, but nonetheless reduce the efficiency of neutralizing antibodies. An understanding on the specificities of a protective B cell response, the molecular locations of these epitopes on E1, E2, and E1E2, and the mechanisms, which enable the virus to negatively modulate neutralizing antibody responses to these regions will provide the necessary guidance for vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Le Keck
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Florian Wrensch
- INSERM U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Brian G Pierce
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, United States.,Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- INSERM U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Steven K H Foung
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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26
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Podhorzer A, Dirchwolf M, Machicote A, Belen S, Montal S, Paz S, Fainboim H, Podestá LG, Fainboim L. The Clinical Features of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infections Are Associated with Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Genes and Their Expression on the Surface of Natural Killer Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1912. [PMID: 29354127 PMCID: PMC5760500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes are known to play a role in the acute phase of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The present study investigated their roles in chronic HCV (CHCV) infection by analyzing the phenotypes and function of natural killer (NK) and T cells that express KIRs. T cells from CHCV patients showed a more differentiated phenotype, and NK cells exhibited an activated profile. These observations are consistent with the increased expression of the degranulation marker CD107a observed after PMA stimulation. We explored the correlations between the expression of KIR genes and lectin type-C receptors with clinical factors that predict progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis. The expression levels of KIR2DS3 and the functional alleles of KIR2DS4-FL were increased in patients with intermediate and high viral loads. Homozygous KIR2DS4 was also associated with the presence of cirrhosis. In the group of individuals with a shorter infection time who developed cirrhosis, we detected decreased expression of KIR3DL1 in CD56dim NK cells in the presence of its ligand. Similarly, in the group of patients with late CHCV infections complicated with cirrhosis, we detected lower expression of the strong inhibitory receptor NKG2A in CD56bright NK cells. We also detected an increase in NKG2C expression in CD56dim NK cells in CHCV patients who displayed high necroinflammatory activity. Decreased KIR3DL2 expression in CD56dim and CD56bright NK cells was associated with a high body mass index, and KIR3DL2 expression may be one factor associated with the more rapid progression of CHCV to fibrosis in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Podhorzer
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM-CONICET), Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melisa Dirchwolf
- Hepatopatías Infecciosas, Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrés Machicote
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM-CONICET), Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago Belen
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM-CONICET), Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Montal
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Biliar y Trasplante, Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Paz
- Hepatopatías Infecciosas, Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hugo Fainboim
- Hepatopatías Infecciosas, Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis G Podestá
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Biliar y Trasplante, Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Fainboim
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM-CONICET), Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Mele D, Bossi G, Maggiore G, Oliviero B, Mantovani S, Bonelli B, Mondelli MU, Varchetta S. Altered natural killer cell cytokine profile in type 2 autoimmune hepatitis. Clin Immunol 2017; 188:31-37. [PMID: 29233784 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH-2) is a rare disease presenting in early childhood. The immunopathogenetic mechanisms are poorly characterized, although a defect of regulatory T cells (Treg) has been shown. There is virtually no information on innate immune responses and natural killer (NK) cells in particular. We have performed an extended immunophenotypic and functional analysis of NK cells in children with AIH-2. We show that NK cell frequency is reduced in this setting and that the balance between NK activating and inhibitory receptors is skewed toward activation. More importantly, NK cells display an altered cytokine pattern characterized by increased IFNγ and reduced IL2 production which could contribute to impaired Treg function. Exposure of mononuclear cells to IL2 resulted in normalization of NK IFNγ production. Thus, our findings support treatment of AIH-2 with low-dose IL2, which would result in normalization of NK cell function and expansion of the Treg cell subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Mele
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Pediatrics, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Grazia Bossi
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Pediatrics, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maggiore
- Department of Medical Sciences-Pediatrics, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Pediatrics, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Pediatrics, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Beatrice Bonelli
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Pediatrics, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario U Mondelli
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Pediatrics, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Pediatrics, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
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28
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Monocytes inhibit hepatitis C virus-induced TRAIL expression on CD56 bright NK cells. J Hepatol 2017; 67:1148-1156. [PMID: 28803951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We have previously shown that culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) enhance tumor necrosis-factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) expression on healthy NK cells, but not on those from patients infected with HCV, which was likely dependent on accessory cells. Here we sought to elucidate the mechanisms involved in altered TRAIL upregulation in this setting. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from controls and patients infected with HCV were exposed to HCVcc. Cell depletions were performed to identify cells responsible for NK cell activation. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to identify the cytokines involved in the NK activation process. RESULTS In patients infected with HCV, soluble factors secreted by control PBMC restored the ability of NK cells to express TRAIL. Of note, CD14+ cell depletion had identical effects upon virus exposure and promoted increased degranulation. Moreover, increased concentrations of interleukin (IL)-18 binding protein a (IL-18BPa) and IL-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36RA) were observed after PBMC exposure to HCVcc in patients with HCV. HCVcc-induced NK cell TRAIL expression was inhibited by IL-18BPa and IL-36RA in control subjects. There were statistically significant correlations between IL-18BPa and indices of liver inflammation and fibrosis, supporting a role for this protein in the pathogenesis of chronic HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS During chronic HCV infection, monocytes play a key role in negative regulation of NK cell activation, predominantly via secretion of inhibitors of IL-18 and IL-36. LAY SUMMARY Coordination and collaboration between immune cells are essential to fight pathogens. Herein we show that during HCV infection monocytes secrete IL-18 and IL-36 inhibitory proteins, reducing NK cell activation, and consequently inhibiting their ability to express TRAIL and kill target cells.
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29
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Mondelli MU. Do Liver Mucosa-Associated Invariant T Cells Delay Hepatitis C Progression, or Are They Innocent Bystanders? Gastroenterology 2017; 153:1185-1187. [PMID: 28987421 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario U Mondelli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, and Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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