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Vukoja M, Ćurlin M, Vukojević K, Jelić-Knezović N, Kolobarić A, Orlović Vlaho M, Šoljić V. Effect of Granzyme K, FasL and Interferon-γ Expression in Placentas with Preeclampsia. Biomedicines 2024; 12:842. [PMID: 38672196 PMCID: PMC11048069 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic activity of decidual lymphocytes and the mRNA/protein expression of cytotoxic proteins in various cell types in the context of preeclampsia (PE) compared to those of healthy pregnancies. We analyzed fresh decidua basalis tissue and tissue embedded in paraffin (FFPE) from PE pregnancies (n = 15) and compared them with those of healthy pregnancies (n = 15) of the corresponding gestational age. Using double immunofluorescence staining, we observed differences in the intensity and distribution of staining for granzyme K (GZMK) and FasL in extravillous trophoblasts. RT-qPCR analysis of FFPE placental tissue showed that GZMK mRNA expression was statistically higher (p < 0.0001) in PE compared to that of healthy controls. On the contrary, there was a low expression (p < 0.001) of FasL mRNA in PE compared to controls, while there was no statistically significant difference for IFN-γ mRNA between PE and controls. Although the level of cytotoxic activity changed depending on the ratio of effector and target cells, there was no significant difference observed between PE and controls in this in vitro study. In conclusion, in PE, extravillous trophoblasts exhibited increased expression of GZMK and decreased expression of FasL. These changes may contribute to impaired trophoblast invasion. However, these alterations did not appear to affect the cytotoxic properties of decidual lymphocytes. Additionally, the possibility of cell sorter separation of decidual lymphocytes would greatly contribute to a better understanding of single cells' genetic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Vukoja
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Bijeli Brijeg bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.V.); (A.K.); (V.Š.)
| | - Marina Ćurlin
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Bijeli Brijeg bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.Ć.); (M.O.V.)
| | - Katarina Vukojević
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Bijeli Brijeg bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.V.); (A.K.); (V.Š.)
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedicine, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Nevenka Jelić-Knezović
- School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Bijeli Brijeg bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Anita Kolobarić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Bijeli Brijeg bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.V.); (A.K.); (V.Š.)
| | - Martina Orlović Vlaho
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Bijeli Brijeg bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.Ć.); (M.O.V.)
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Mostar, Bijeli Brijeg bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Violeta Šoljić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Bijeli Brijeg bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.V.); (A.K.); (V.Š.)
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Bijeli Brijeg bb, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.Ć.); (M.O.V.)
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2
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Carannante V, Wiklund M, Önfelt B. In vitro models to study natural killer cell dynamics in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135148. [PMID: 37457703 PMCID: PMC10338882 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer therapy. The rapid development of new immunotherapeutic strategies to treat solid tumors is posing new challenges for preclinical research, demanding novel in vitro methods to test treatments. Such methods should meet specific requirements, such as enabling the evaluation of immune cell responses like cytotoxicity or cytokine release, and infiltration into the tumor microenvironment using cancer models representative of the original disease. They should allow high-throughput and high-content analysis, to evaluate the efficacy of treatments and understand immune-evasion processes to facilitate development of new therapeutic targets. Ideally, they should be suitable for personalized immunotherapy testing, providing information for patient stratification. Consequently, the application of in vitro 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture models, such as tumor spheroids and organoids, is rapidly expanding in the immunotherapeutic field, coupled with the development of novel imaging-based techniques and -omic analysis. In this paper, we review the recent advances in the development of in vitro 3D platforms applied to natural killer (NK) cell-based cancer immunotherapy studies, highlighting the benefits and limitations of the current methods, and discuss new concepts and future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Carannante
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Wiklund
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Önfelt
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhang J, Sun Y, Shi X, Zhang R, Wang Y, Xiao J, Cao J, Gao Z, Wang J, Wu L, Wei W, Wang Z. Genotype characteristics and immunological indicator evaluation of 311 hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis cases in China. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:112. [PMID: 32375849 PMCID: PMC7201972 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01390-z] [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: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH) is a genetic disorder that is classically diagnosed by genetic testing. Secondary HLH (sHLH) is usually caused by infections, malignancies, or autoimmune disorders, but may display some mutations or polymorphisms. Rapid immunological assays examining natural killer (NK) cell activity, degranulation function (CD107a), and protein expression related to genetic deficiencies have been recommended for early pHLH identification. Methods A retrospective analysis of 311 HLH patients from a Chinese population was performed to evaluate the potential correlations between genetic testing and rapid immunological assays; genotyping characteristics, age of onset, and etiology were examined. Results Among the 128 (128/311) patients who were positive in the genetic screening, the most frequently detected mutant gene was UNC13D (29%), followed by LYST (21%), PRF1 (17%), and STXBP2 (10%). Among pHLH patients (n = 39), the majority (67%) had PRF1 and UNC13D defects. FHL-2 was predominant (12/27, 44%) in patients aged under 18, while FHL-3 was the most common (6/12, 50%) in adults. Differences in genetic variant types and etiological components were noted in HLH patients based on the age of onset. NK cell activity and CD107a were observed to show a consistent trend (Ptrend < 0.001) when grouping patients according to the severity of the genetic variant type. Moreover, NK cell activity was generally consistent within a certain range of ΔCD107a values (Ptrend < 0.001). The PPV for bi-allelic degranulation gene mutations in patients with CD107a < 5% was 38.9% (7/18), while the PPV in patients with CD107a ≤10% was 16.7% (13/78). The PPV for pHLH was 41.4% (29/70) with NK cell activity ≤13%. To further evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of NK cell activity assay in pHLH, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated and showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.872, and the optimal cutoff value was determined to be 13.425% with a sensitivity of 84.21% and specificity of 80.67% when the corresponding Youden index was maximized. Flow cytometry screening for deficient proteins, including perforin, SAP, and XIAP, showed a relatively high sensitivity (83.33–93.33%). The positive predictive values (PPVs) of perforin and XIAP were relatively low (20.83–26.92%), but the negative predictive values (NPVs) for all three were excellent (all > 98%). Conclusions Various immunological indicators have different clinical prediction and application values for the diagnosis of pHLH. The degree of reduction of immunological indicators also needs attention, and choosing appropriate cutoff value may be of important significance in guiding clinical judgment for pHLH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Jing Du Children's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Shi
- Department of Hematology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Hematology Oncology Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yini Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Juan Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Jing Du Children's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Hematology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Gao
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Jingshi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medical Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China.
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Zou Q, Chen YF, Zheng XQ, Ye SF, Xu BY, Liu YX, Zeng HH. Novel thioredoxin reductase inhibitor butaselen inhibits tumorigenesis by down-regulating programmed death-ligand 1 expression. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2019; 19:689-698. [PMID: 30178635 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1700219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The thioredoxin system plays a role in a variety of physiological functions, including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and immunity. We previously confirmed that butaselen (BS), a novel thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, can inhibit the growth of various human cancer cell lines, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of BS in vivo through regulating the immune system of KM mice. We found that BS inhibits tumor proliferation by promoting the activation of splenic lymphocytes in mice. BS can elevate the percentage of CD4-CD8+ T lymphocytes and the secretion of downstream cytokines in mice via down-regulating the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on the tumor cells' surface in vivo. Further study in HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells showed that decrease of PD-L1 level after BS treatment was achieved by inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. Taken together, our results suggest that BS has a role in promoting the immune response by reducing PD-L1 expression via the STAT3 pathway, and subsequently suppresses tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yi-Fan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Suo-Fu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bin-Yuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yu-Xi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hui-Hui Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China.,Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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Clinical relevance of circulating mucosal-associated invariant T cell levels and their anti-cancer activity in patients with mucosal-associated cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:76274-76290. [PMID: 27517754 PMCID: PMC5342813 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an antimicrobial MR1-restricted T cell subset and play an important role in immune defense response to bacteria. However, little is known about the role of MAIT cells in cancer. The aims of this study were to examine the level and function of MAIT cells in cancer patients and to evaluate the clinical relevance of MAIT cell levels. Ninety-nine patients with cancer and 20 healthy controls were included in this study. Circulating MAIT cell levels were significantly reduced in patients with mucosal-associated cancers (MACs), such as gastric, colon and lung cancers, but their capacities for IFN-γ, IL-17, or TNF-α production were preserved. This MAIT cell deficiency was significantly correlated with N staging and carcinoembryonic antigen level. Percentages of MAIT cells were significantly higher in cancer tissue than in peripheral blood and immunofluorescent labeling showed MAIT cell infiltration into colon cancer tissues. Circulating MAIT cells exhibited high levels of CCR6 and CXCR6, and their corresponding chemokines, such as CCL20 and CXCL16, were strongly expressed in colon cancer tissues. Activated MAIT cells not only had lymphokine-activated killer activity, but they also had direct cytotoxicity on K562 cells via degranulation of granzyme B and perforin. This study primarily demonstrates that circulating MAIT cells are reduced in MAC patients due to migration to mucosal cancer tissues and they have the potential to kill cancer cells. In addition, this circulating MAIT cell deficiency is related to the degree of cancer progression in mucosal tissues.
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Increased level and interferon-γ production of circulating natural killer cells in patients with scrub typhus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005815. [PMID: 28750012 PMCID: PMC5549767 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells are essential immune cells against several pathogens. Not much is known regarding the roll of NK cells in Orientia tsutsugamushi infection. Thus, this study aims to determine the level, function, and clinical relevance of NK cells in patients with scrub typhus. Methodology/Principal findings This study enrolled fifty-six scrub typhus patients and 56 health controls (HCs). The patients were divided into subgroups according to their disease severity. A flow cytometry measured NK cell level and function in peripheral blood. Circulating NK cell levels and CD69 expressions were significantly increased in scrub typhus patients. Increased NK cell levels reflected disease severity. In scrub typhus patients, tests showed their NK cells produced higher amounts of interferon (IFN)-γ after stimulation with interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 relative to those of HCs. Meanwhile, between scrub typhus patients and HCs, the cytotoxicity and degranulation of NK cells against K562 were comparable. CD69 expressions were recovered to the normal levels in the remission phase. Conclusions This study shows that circulating NK cells are activated and numerically increased, and they produced more IFN-γ in scrub typhus patients. Orientia tsutsugamushi is an obligate intracellular bacterium. It primarily invades endothelial cells, macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells. Plasma concentrations of interferon (IFN)-γ, several cytokines and chemokines, which are known to recruit natural killer (NK) cells and T cells, were found to be increased in scrub typhus patients. NK cells are known as essential immune cells against several pathogens. In murine models of Rickettsial infection, the clearance of bacteria was found to be significantly associated with NK cell activity. Not much is known regarding NK cells’ role in O. tsutsugamushi infection in humans. This study is very possibly the first to measure NK cells’ level and function of in scrub typhus patients, or to examine NK cell levels’ clinical relevance. This study’s results demonstrate that circulating NK cells are activated and numerically increased in scrub typhus patients. Notably, increased production IFN-γ by NK cells of scrub typhus patients suggests their contribution to enhancement of intracellular bacterial killing in infected antigen presenting cells. Moreover, disease severity corresponded to increased NK cell levels. These findings importantly suggest that NK cells play a role in protecting the host against O. tsutsugamushi infection.
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Kenne Sarenmalm E, Mårtensson LB, Andersson BA, Karlsson P, Bergh I. Mindfulness and its efficacy for psychological and biological responses in women with breast cancer. Cancer Med 2017; 6:1108-1122. [PMID: 28421677 PMCID: PMC5430085 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many breast cancer survivors have to deal with a variety of psychological and physiological sequelae including impaired immune responses. The primary purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the efficacy of a mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention for mood disorders in women with breast cancer. Secondary outcomes were symptom experience, health status, coping capacity, mindfulness, posttraumatic growth, and immune status. This RTC assigned 166 women with breast cancer to one of three groups: MBSR (8 weekly group sessions of MBSR), active controls (self‐instructing MBSR) and non‐MBSR. The primary outcome measure was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Secondary outcome measures were: Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, SF‐36, Sense of Coherence, Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire, and Posttraumatic Growth Index. Blood samples were analyzed using flow cytometry for NK‐cell activity (FANKIA) and lymphocyte phenotyping; concentrations of cytokines were determined in sera using commercial high sensitivity IL‐6 and IL‐8 ELISA (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) kits. Results provide evidence for beneficial effects of MBSR on psychological and biological responses. Women in the MBSR group experienced significant improvements in depression scores, with a mean pre‐MBSR HAD‐score of 4.3 and post‐MBSR score of 3.3 (P = 0.001), and compared to non‐MBSR (P = 0.015). Significant improvements on scores for distress, symptom burden, and mental health were also observed. Furthermore, MBSR facilitated coping capacity as well as mindfulness and posttraumatic growth. Significant benefits in immune response within the MBSR group and between groups were observed. MBSR have potential for alleviating depression, symptom experience, and for enhancing coping capacity, mindfulness and posttraumatic growth, which may improve breast cancer survivorship. MBSR also led to beneficial effect on immune function; the clinical implications of this finding merit further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lena B Mårtensson
- School of Health and Education, University of Skövde; Skövde, Sweden
| | - Bengt A Andersson
- Department of Clinical immunology and transfusion medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per Karlsson
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Bergh
- School of Health and Education, University of Skövde; Skövde, Sweden
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Bancos I, Hazeldine J, Chortis V, Hampson P, Taylor AE, Lord JM, Arlt W. Primary adrenal insufficiency is associated with impaired natural killer cell function: a potential link to increased mortality. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 176:471-480. [PMID: 28223394 PMCID: PMC5425935 DOI: 10.1530/eje-16-0969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mortality in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is significantly increased, with respiratory infections as a major cause of death. Moreover, patients with PAI report an increased rate of non-fatal infections. Neutrophils and natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that provide frontline protection against invading pathogens. Thus, we compared the function and phenotype of NK cells and neutrophils isolated from PAI patients and healthy controls to ascertain whether altered innate immune responses could be a contributory factor for the increased susceptibility of PAI patients to infection. DESIGN AND METHODS We undertook a cross-sectional study of 42 patients with PAI due to autoimmune adrenalitis (n = 37) or bilateral adrenalectomy (n = 5) and 58 sex- and age-matched controls. A comprehensive screen of innate immune function, consisting of measurements of neutrophil phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production, NK cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) and NK cell surface receptor expression, was performed on all subjects. RESULTS Neutrophil function did not differ between PAI and controls. However, NKCC was significantly reduced in PAI (12.0 ± 1.5% vs 21.1 ± 2.6%, P < 0.0001). Phenotypically, the percentage of NK cells expressing the activating receptors NKG2D and NKp46 was significantly lower in PAI, as was the surface density of NKG2D (all P < 0.0001). Intracellular granzyme B expression was significantly increased in NK cells from PAI patients (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Adrenal insufficiency is associated with significantly decreased NKCC, thereby potentially compromising early recognition and elimination of virally infected cells. This potential impairment in anti-viral immune defense may contribute to the increased rate of respiratory infections and ultimately mortality in PAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Bancos
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Division of EndocrinologyDiabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jon Hazeldine
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing
- Medical Research Council-Arthritis Research UK (MRC-ARUK) Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vasileios Chortis
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
| | - Peter Hampson
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing
- Medical Research Council-Arthritis Research UK (MRC-ARUK) Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Angela E Taylor
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
| | - Janet M Lord
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing
- Medical Research Council-Arthritis Research UK (MRC-ARUK) Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to W Arlt;
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Wu L, Wang J, Tang R, Li S, Chen J, Gao Z, Pei R, Wang Z. Application of an improved flow cytometry-based NK cell activity assay in adult hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Int J Hematol 2017; 105:828-834. [PMID: 28185204 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-017-2195-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Low or absent natural killer (NK) cell activity is included as one of the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria. To improve the diagnosis of HLH, we aimed to establish a rapid and reliable NK cell activity assay that avoids the use of radioactivity. The K562 cell line, as standard NK target cells, was engineered to stably express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), which can be quantified by flow cytometry. The EGFP-flow cytometry method for measuring NK cell activity was improved by double staining of early and late apoptotic target cells. Whole-blood samples from healthy volunteers were assessed with this method, which demonstrated that optimal conditions were effector-target ratio of 10:1 and incubation time of 4 h. This method was further evaluated for samples from 113 HLH patients and 64 healthy volunteers. Mean NK cell activity in either primary or secondary HLH patients was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in healthy individuals (20.23 ± 4.12%). Furthermore, primary HLH patients (10.76 ± 2.54%) exhibited even lower (P < 0.001) NK cell activity compared with secondary HLH patients (15.01 ± 3.62%). We have optimized and implemented this method in clinically relevant samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Yini Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Jingshi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Ran Tang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Jianhang Chen
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Zhuo Gao
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Ruijun Pei
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 10050, China.
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10
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Lone MI, Nabi A, Dar NJ, Hussain A, Nazam N, Hamid A, Ahmad W. Toxicogenetic evaluation of dichlorophene in peripheral blood and in the cells of the immune system using molecular and flow cytometric approaches. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 167:520-529. [PMID: 27764745 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Dichlorophene; a halogenated phenolic compound with wide applications as a fungicide, bactericide and antiprotozoan. Dichlorophene spray also has therapeutic use in the disease digital dermatitis. In guinea pigs, a few studies obtained mixed results in dicholorophene sensitization tests. In consideration of the fact, that the mechanism of its genotoxicity has not been adequately elucidated lead to present study assessing the acute in vivo toxicological impact in Rattus norvegicus. A systematic research has been made encompassing the use of molecular and flow cytometric approaches. The study was designed on blood cells for comet assay which revealed dichlorophene induced DNA damage in all exposures understandable in time dependent manner. The feasibility of this assay was also established as an effective, fast and accurate method with a great potential in biomonitoring. Contemporary molecular techniques were further engaged using leukocytes for the cell apoptosis/cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential employing propidium iodide staining and rhodamine 123 respectively. The effect on cell cycle phases and mitochondrial membrane permeability was analyzed through flow cytometry. These indicators exposed that dichlorophene decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, altered the cell cycle and confirmed the DNA damage leading to apoptosis of the cells of the immune system accountable for immunotoxic effects of dichlorophene on rat leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Iqbal Lone
- Gene-Tox Laboratory, Division of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, UP, India; Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, 180001, Jammu, India.
| | - Arisa Nabi
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, 180001, Jammu, India
| | - Nawab John Dar
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, 180001, Jammu, India
| | - Aashiq Hussain
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, 180001, Jammu, India
| | - Nazia Nazam
- Gene-Tox Laboratory, Division of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, UP, India
| | - Abid Hamid
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, 180001, Jammu, India; Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Waseem Ahmad
- Gene-Tox Laboratory, Division of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, UP, India
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A novel method for evaluating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by flowcytometry using cryopreserved human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19772. [PMID: 26813960 PMCID: PMC4728441 DOI: 10.1038/srep19772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Analyzing the cytotoxic functions of effector cells, such as NK cells against target cancer cells, is thought to be necessary for predicting the clinical efficacy of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) -dependent antibody therapy. The (51)Cr release assay has long been the most widely used method for quantification of ADCC activity. However, the reproducibilities of these release assays are not adequate, and they do not allow evaluation of the lysis susceptibilities of distinct cell types within the target cell population. In this study, we established a novel method for evaluating cytotoxicity, which involves the detection and quantification of dead target cells using flowcytometry. CFSE (carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester) was used as a dye to specifically stain and thereby label the target cell population, allowing living and dead cells, as well as both target and effector cells, to be quantitatively distinguished. Furthermore, with our new approach, ADCC activity was more reproducibly, sensitively, and specifically detectable, not only in freshly isolated but also in frozen human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), than with the calcein-AM release assay. This assay, validated herein, is expected to become a standard assay for evaluating ADCC activity which will ultimately contribute the clinical development of ADCC dependent-antibody therapies.
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12
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Chen J, Huo J, Jia Z, Song Y, Li Y, Zhang L. Effects of atrazine on the proliferation and cytotoxicity of murine lymphocytes with the use of carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester-based flow cytometric approaches. Food Chem Toxicol 2015; 76:61-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Duggal NA, Upton J, Phillips AC, Hampson P, Lord JM. NK cell immunesenescence is increased by psychological but not physical stress in older adults associated with raised cortisol and reduced perforin expression. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 37:9748. [PMID: 25663421 PMCID: PMC4320126 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-015-9748-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
NK cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) reduces with age and this has been associated previously with increased mortality. The immune response is also modulated by stress, and here, we assessed the effect of the physical stress of hip fracture and the psychological stress of depression on NKCC in an aged immune system. NKCC was assessed in 101 hip fracture patients (81 female) 6 weeks and 6 months after injury and in 50 healthy age-matched controls (28 female). Thirty-eight patients were depressed at 6 weeks post-injury, and NKCC was reduced in patients who developed depression compared with non-depressed hip fracture patients (p = 0.004) or controls (p < 0.02). NKCC remained lower in the depressed patients compared to those without depression 6 months post-fracture (p = 0.017). We found reduced expression of perforin in NK cells of depressed hip fracture patients compared with controls at 6 weeks (p = 0.001) post-fracture. Serum cortisol levels were also elevated in patients with depression compared to non-depressed patients at 6 weeks (p = 0.01) and 6 months (p = 0.05). NK cells treated with dexamethasone showed a concentration-dependent reduction in NKCC and perforin expression. We propose that depression is the major factor affecting NK cell immunity after hip fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niharika Arora Duggal
- MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, School of Immunity and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Jane Upton
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Anna C. Phillips
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Peter Hampson
- MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, School of Immunity and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Janet M. Lord
- MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, School of Immunity and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
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Lee SJ, Cho YN, Kim TJ, Park SC, Park DJ, Jin HM, Lee SS, Kee SJ, Kim N, Yoo DH, Park YW. Natural killer T cell deficiency in active adult-onset Still's Disease: correlation of deficiency of natural killer T cells with dysfunction of natural killer cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 64:2868-77. [PMID: 22605480 DOI: 10.1002/art.34514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the levels and functions of natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells, investigate relationships between NK and NKT cells, and determine the clinical relevance of NKT cell levels in patients with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD). METHODS Patients with active untreated AOSD (n = 20) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 20) were studied. NK and NKT cell levels were measured by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured in vitro with α-galactosylceramide (αGalCer). NK cytotoxicity against K562 cells and proliferation indices of NKT cells were estimated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Percentages and absolute numbers of NKT cells were significantly lower in the peripheral blood of AOSD patients than in that of healthy controls. Proliferative responses of NKT cells to αGalCer were also lower in patients, and this was found to be due to proinflammatory cytokines and NKT cell apoptosis. In addition, NK cytotoxicity was found to be significantly lower in patients than in healthy controls, but NK cell levels were comparable in the 2 groups. Notably, this NKT cell deficiency was found to be correlated with NK cell dysfunction and to reflect active disease status. Furthermore, αGalCer-mediated NK cytotoxicity, showing the interaction between NK and NKT cells, was significantly lower in AOSD patients than in healthy controls. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that NK and NKT cell functions are defective in AOSD patients and suggest that these abnormalities contribute to innate immune dysfunction in AOSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Ji Lee
- Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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15
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Hazeldine J, Hampson P, Lord JM. Reduced release and binding of perforin at the immunological synapse underlies the age-related decline in natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Aging Cell 2012; 11:751-9. [PMID: 22642232 DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-9726.2012.00839.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological aging is accompanied by a marked reduction in natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) at the single cell level, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. To address this issue, we isolated NK cells from healthy young (≤ 35 years) and old (≤ 60 years) subjects and examined the effect of age on events fundamental to the process of NKCC. Simultaneous assessment of NKCC and NK cell-target cell conjugate formation revealed a marked age-associated decline in NK cell killing but comparable conjugate formation, indicating a post-target cell binding defect was responsible for impaired NKCC. Despite a reduction in the proportion of NK cells expressing the activatory receptor NKp46, NK cells from old donors were not hyporesponsive to stimulation, as no age-associated difference was observed in the expression of the early activation marker CD69 following target cell coculture. Furthermore, intracellular levels of the key cytotoxic effector molecules perforin and granzyme B, and the fusion of secretory lysosomes with the NK cell membrane were also similar between the two groups. However, when we examined the binding of the pore-forming protein perforin to the surface of its target cell, an event that correlated strongly with target cell lysis, we found the percentage of perforin positive target cells was lower following coculture with NK cells from old subjects. Underlying this reduction in binding was an age-associated impairment in perforin secretion, which was associated with defective polarization of lytic granules towards the immunological synapse. We propose that reduced perforin secretion underlies the reduction in NKCC that accompanies physiological aging.
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16
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Fondell E, Axelsson J, Franck K, Ploner A, Lekander M, Bälter K, Gaines H. Short natural sleep is associated with higher T cell and lower NK cell activities. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25:1367-75. [PMID: 21496482 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Short sleep duration increases the risk of several diseases, possibly involving compromised immune function. However, most previous studies are based on experimentally induced sleep deprivation, and only a few have studied natural variations in sleep duration. Thus our aim was to study how natural variations in sleep duration affect immune function. In total, 36 healthy men and women, aged 20-54, donated blood; 29 on three consecutive mornings, and seven on one morning. Each morning, participants self-reported sleep duration the night prior to blood draw. General sleep patterns, physical activity and stress were also assessed. A flow-cytometric assay was used to measure natural killer cell activity (NKCA), T cell function (in response to PHA, influenza, and SEA+B), and B cell function (in response to PWM) per volume whole blood. Short sleep duration prior to blood draw (<7 h) was associated with 49% higher PHA-induced T cell function (95% CI 7/109%) and 30% lower NKCA compared with normal prior sleep (7-9 h) (95% CI -46/-8%). In addition, high perceived stress was associated with 39% higher PHA-induced T cell function (95% CI 0/94%). High general physical activity was associated with 47% increased numbers of B cells and 28% increased numbers of T cells, but not with immune function. Our results suggest strong relationships between short sleep duration and T- and NK-cell functions. The stability of the findings as well as the clinical consequences of the link between short sleep and immune function should be explored in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elinor Fondell
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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17
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Distribution, clinical features and treatment in Taiwanese patients with symptomatic primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) in a nationwide population-based study during 1985-2010. Immunobiology 2011; 216:1286-94. [PMID: 21782277 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Revised: 05/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are a group of rare diseases with wide geographic and ethnic variations in incidence, prevalence, and distribution patterns. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution pattern and clinical spectrum of PIDs in Taiwan at a national referral institute. From 1985 to 2010, 215 patients from 183 families were diagnosed and grouped according to the updated classification of PIDs. Eighty-one (37.7%) patients had "other well-defined immunodeficiency syndromes", followed by "predominantly antibody deficiencies" (54 patients; 25.1%), "T- and B-cell immunodeficiencies" (34; 15.8%), "congenital defects of phagocytes" (25; 20.2%), "complement deficiencies" (15; 7.0%), and "disease in immune dysregulation" (5; 2.3%). The last category included two patients with Chediak-Higashi syndrome, and one each with familial hemophagocytosis, IPEX, and hypogammaglobulinemia and albinism. One female had cold-induced auto-inflammatory disease. There were no cases of "defects in innate immunity". Pseudomonas and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the two most identified microorganisms in septicemia (42.7%; 44/103 episodes). Stem cell transplantation was successful in 13 of 22 patients, while 34 patients (15.8%) died. Molecular defects were identified in 109 individuals (from 90 families). There were relatively fewer cases of "predominantly antibody deficiencies" due to there being only a few patients with adult-onset PIDs, implying certainty bias rather than ethnic variation. Awareness of under-diagnosis among physicians rather than pediatricians is vital for timely diagnosis and consequently adequate treatment.
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18
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Zaritskaya L, Shurin MR, Sayers TJ, Malyguine AM. New flow cytometric assays for monitoring cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Expert Rev Vaccines 2010; 9:601-16. [PMID: 20518716 PMCID: PMC2911950 DOI: 10.1586/erv.10.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The exact immunologic responses after vaccination that result in effective antitumor immunity have not yet been fully elucidated and the data from ex vivo T-cell assays have not yet defined adequate surrogate markers for clinical efficacy. A more detailed knowledge of the specific immune responses that correlate with positive clinical outcomes should help to develop better or novel strategies to effectively activate the immune system against tumors. Furthermore, clinically relevant material is often limited and, thus, precludes the ability to perform multiple assays. The two main assays currently used to monitor lymphocyte-mediated cytoxicity in cancer patients are the (51)Cr-release assay and IFN-gamma ELISpot assay. The former has a number of disadvantages, including low sensitivity, poor labeling and high spontaneous release of isotope from some tumor target cells. Additional problems with the (51)Cr-release assay include difficulty in obtaining autologous tumor targets, and biohazard and disposal problems for the isotope. The ELISpot assays do not directly measure cytotoxic activity and are, therefore, a surrogate marker of cyotoxic capacity of effector T cells. Furthermore, they do not assess cytotoxicity mediated by the production of the TNF family of death ligands by the cytotoxic cells. Therefore, assays that allow for the simultaneous measurement of several parameters may be more advantageous for clinical monitoring. In this respect, multifactor flow cytometry-based assays are a valid addition to the currently available immunologic monitoring assays. Use of these assays will enable detection and enumeration of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and their specific effector functions and any correlations with clinical responses. Comprehensive, multifactor analysis of effector cell responses after vaccination may help to detect factors that determine the success or failure of a vaccine and its immunological potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liubov Zaritskaya
- Applied and Developmental Research Support Program, SAIC-Frederick,
Inc., National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Michael R Shurin
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Thomas J Sayers
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., National
Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Anatoli M Malyguine
- Applied and Developmental Research Support Program, SAIC-Frederick,
Inc., National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
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19
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Green VL, Alexandropoulou A, Walker MB, Walker AA, Sharp DM, Walker LG, Greenman J. Alterations in the Th1/Th2 balance in breast cancer patients using reflexology and scalp massage. Exp Ther Med 2010; 1:97-108. [PMID: 23136601 DOI: 10.3892/etm_00000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2009] [Accepted: 10/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can adversely affect quality of life. Here the aim was to determine the effects of reflexology on host defences and endocrine function in women with early breast cancer. Six weeks after surgery for early breast cancer, 183 women were randomly assigned to self-initiated support (SIS), SIS plus foot reflexology, or SIS plus scalp massage. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum were isolated at T1 (6 weeks post surgery; baseline), T2 and T3 (4 and 10 weeks post completion of intervention, respectively). Lymphocyte phenotyping found that CD25(+) cells were significantly higher in the massage group compared with the SIS group at T3. The percentage of T cells, and more specifically the T helper subset expressing IL4, decreased significantly in the massage group compared with the SIS group at T3. This change was accompanied by an increase in the percentage of CD8(+) T cytotoxic cells expressing IFNγ in the massage group. Natural killer and lymphokine activated killer cell cytotoxicity measurements, serum levels of cortisol, prolactin and growth hormone, and flow cytometric assessment of their corresponding receptors all revealed no significant differences between the three groups of patients. This study provides evidence that the immunological balance of patients can be altered in a potentially beneficial manner by massage. The original trial was registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Registry (ISRCTN87652313).
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Green
- Postgraduate Medical Institute, University of Hull in association with Hull-York Medical School
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20
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Zhang M, Han Y, Han C, Xu S, Bao Y, Chen Z, Gu Y, Xia D, Cao X. The beta2 integrin CD11b attenuates polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid-induced hepatitis by negatively regulating natural killer cell functions. Hepatology 2009; 50:1606-16. [PMID: 19821527 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The beta2 integrins play a key role in inflammation and immune responses. The beta2 integrin CD11b has been shown recently to be important in the maintenance of tolerance; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood. Natural killer (NK) cells are an important effector of innate immunity but are also a regulator of adaptive immune response. How the activating and inhibitory signals are balanced to determine NK cell function needs to be further identified. CD11b expression was dramatically up-regulated on NK cells once they matured and became activated; therefore, we investigated the role of inducible CD11b in the regulation of NK cells. Neutralizing anti-CD11b antibody enhanced cytotoxicity, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and granzyme B production of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-triggered NK cells. CD11b-deficient NK cells stimulated with or without the TLR3 ligand polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] exhibited more potent cytotoxicity, and higher production of IFN-gamma and granzyme B. Through in vivo depletion of NK cells and adoptive transfer of CD11b-deficient NK cells, we demonstrated that CD11b-mediated suppression of NK cell function was responsible for attenuation of poly(I:C)-induced acute hepatitis by CD11b. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that CD11b negatively regulates NK cell activation and thus attenuates poly(I:C)-induced acute hepatitis. Our study provides a new mechanistic explanation for maintenance of tolerance and control of inflammation by CD11b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minggang Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology & Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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21
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Chung HJ, Park CJ, Lim JH, Jang S, Chi HS, Im HJ, Seo JJ. Establishment of a reference interval for natural killer cell activity through flow cytometry and its clinical application in the diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Int J Lab Hematol 2009; 32:239-47. [PMID: 19614711 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-553x.2009.01177.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the Histiocyte Society revised the diagnostic criteria for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) to include low or absent natural killer (NK) cell activity, according to local laboratory reference. The aim of this study was to establish reference interval for functional NK-cell activity in 63 healthy Korean individuals using a flow-cytometric assay. We used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as effector cells and Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled K562 cells as target cells. NK-cell activity was calculated using the following equation: NK-cell activity (%) = (test lysis - spontaneous lysis) x 100/(maximum lysis - spontaneous lysis). NK-cell activity was analyzed in 13 known HLH patients and 16 suspected non-HLH patients using a flow-cytometric assay. The mean (+/-SD) cytotoxicity of PBMCs from healthy individuals was 20.9 +/- 5.3% and the reference interval was 11.8-31.9%. The mean NK-cell activity of HLH patients (8.3 +/- 8.9%) was significantly lower (P = 0.001) than that of non-HLH patients (20.1 +/- 7.8%). The sequential changes in NK-cell activity in the HLH group corresponded to clinical and laboratory findings following treatment. We successfully developed a functional NK-cell activity test for use in the clinical laboratory and obtained a reference interval of NK-cell activity from healthy donors. This assay, and associated reference interval, was used to analyze 30 clinically relevant specimens and the results were shown to be well correlated.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Chung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine and Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
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22
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Blom WM, van Nielen WG, de Groene EM, Albers R. A cell-based screening assay for Natural Killer cell activity. Int Immunopharmacol 2009; 9:746-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2009.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2008] [Revised: 02/24/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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23
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Park YW, Kee SJ, Cho YN, Lee EH, Lee HY, Kim EM, Shin MH, Park JJ, Kim TJ, Lee SS, Yoo DH, Kang HS. Impaired differentiation and cytotoxicity of natural killer cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 60:1753-63. [DOI: 10.1002/art.24556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Li H, Han Y, Guo Q, Zhang M, Cao X. Cancer-expanded myeloid-derived suppressor cells induce anergy of NK cells through membrane-bound TGF-beta 1. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:240-9. [PMID: 19109155 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.182.1.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 582] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
NK cells, the important effector of innate immunity, play critical roles in the antitumor immunity. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), a population of CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) myeloid cells expanded dramatically during tumor progression, can inhibit T cells and dendritic cells, contributing to tumor immune escape. However, regulation of NK cell innate function by MDSC in tumor-bearing host needs to be investigated. In this study, we found that the function of NK cells from liver and spleen was impaired significantly in all tumor-bearing models, indicating the impairment of hepatic NK cell function by tumor is a universal phenomenon. Then we prepared the orthotopic liver cancer-bearing mice as tumor model to investigate how hepatic NK cells are impaired. We show that down-regulation of NK cell function is inversely correlated with the marked increase of MDSC in liver and spleen. MDSC inhibit cytotoxicity, NKG2D expression, and IFN-gamma production of NK cells both in vitro and in vivo. After incubation with MDSC, NK cells could not be activated to produce IFN-gamma. Furthermore, membrane-bound TGF-beta1 on MDSC is responsible for MDSC-mediated suppression of NK cells. The impaired function of hepatic NK cells in orthotopic liver cancer-bearing mice could be restored by depletion of MDSC, but not regulatory T cells. Therefore, cancer-expanded MDSC can induce anergy of NK cells via membrane-bound TGF-beta1. MDSC, but not regulatory T cells, are main negative regulator of hepatic NK cell function in tumor-bearing host. Our study provides new mechanistic explanations for tumor immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hequan Li
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Peoples Republic of China
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25
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Rao PVR, Rajasekaran S, Raja A. Augumentation of natural killer activity with exogenous interleukins in patients with HIV and pulmonary tuberculosis coinfection. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2008; 24:1435-43. [PMID: 19000024 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2008.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A depressed level of natural killer (NK) activity is one of the various immunological abnormalities in HIV infection. Defective NK cell functions can be partially restored in vitro by interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-12. IL-15 shares receptor and several biological properties with IL-2. The effect of IL-15 on NK cells in patients with HIV and tuberculosis coinfection (HIV-TB) is unclear. This study examined the cytotoxic activity and cytokine response of NK cells in HIV-TB after stimulation with IL-15 and IL-12/IL-2. The study includes 16 normal healthy subjects (NHS), 15 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), 15 HIV-infected subjects (HIV), and 15 HIV-TB patients. The cytotoxic activity of NK cells was assessed by dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine dye-based flow cytometry. Interferon-gamma present in the culture supernatants was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Basal NK cytotoxicity was found to be lower in HIV-TB (p < 0.05) and HIV when compared to NHS or TB. Maximal NK cytotoxicity (p < 0.05) was observed with an IL-15 and IL-12 combination in all the groups. At a 50:1 effector/target ratio, the mean fold increase in NK cytotoxicity upon stimulation was 2.11 for HIV and 1.84 for HIV-TB. Interferon-gamma levels from the stimulated cultures were elevated (p < 0.05) in the HIV and HIV-TB groups. We found no correlation between NK cytotoxicity and CD4 counts in HIV-TB. There is a positive correlation between NK cytotoxicity and interferon-gamma secretion for HIV-TB. The combination of IL-15 and IL-12 may have potential to improve the NK activity of HIV and HIV-TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parasa V. Ramana Rao
- Department of Immunology, Tuberculosis Research Centre (ICMR), Chetput, Chennai 600 031, India
| | - S. Rajasekaran
- Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine, Tambaram Sanatorium, Chennai 600 047, India
| | - Alamelu Raja
- Department of Immunology, Tuberculosis Research Centre (ICMR), Chetput, Chennai 600 031, India
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Analysis of apoptotic pathways by multiparametric flow cytometry: application to HIV infection. Methods Enzymol 2008; 442:51-82. [PMID: 18662564 DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(08)01403-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Flow cytometry analysis of apoptosis allows the detection, at the single cell level, of essential features of apoptotic cells. They include alterations in plasma membrane integrity, detected with the 7-aminoactinomycin D assay, translocation of phosphatidylserine from the inner to the outer layer of the plasma membrane analyzed with the annexin-V/PI assay, DNA strand breaks in apoptotic nuclei measured with the in situ nick translation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP-mediated nick end labeling assays, and morphological modifications evidenced with FSC/SSC criteria. In addition, mitochondrial events such as the drop in transmembrane potential DeltaPsi(m) can be detected with the cationic lipophilic dye 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide and downregulation of the Bcl-2 molecule by specific intracellular staining. Multiparametric flow cytometry combines all these approaches for a thorough sequential analysis of apoptosis, especially for heterogenous populations such as human peripheral mononuclear cells. Several examples of combined staining of apoptotic cells are shown on peripheral blood lymphocytes from chronically HIV-infected patients, prone to undergo premature apoptosis.
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27
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Hopkinson K, Williams EA, Fairburn B, Forster S, Flower DJ, Saxton JM, Pockley AG. A MitoTracker Green-based flow cytometric assay for natural killer cell activity: variability, the influence of platelets and a comparison of analytical approaches. Exp Hematol 2007; 35:350-7. [PMID: 17309815 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2006.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2006] [Revised: 12/01/2006] [Accepted: 12/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A number of flow cytometric assays for natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity have been described, however, the relative merits of analytical approaches and the influence of platelets on measured responses have not been systematically evaluated. Information on the time-dependent variability in measured responses is also limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained using Nycoprep 1.077, or Nycoprep 1.077 followed by Nycoprep 1.068 (to remove platelets), and incubated for 3 hours with MitoTracker Green (MTG)-labeled K562 cells. Cells were stained with propidium iodide (PI) and the proportions of viable and nonviable target cells (MTG(+)PI(-), MTG(+)PI(+)) were determined by flow cytometry using quadrant and polygonal region analysis. RESULTS Platelets inhibited NK cell cytotoxicity and the response was underestimated when the nonviable target cell population was not entirely enclosed within the nonviable target cell (upper right) flow cytometric quadrant. The variability in measured NK cell cytotoxic responses in samples obtained from five individuals on three occasions over a 3-week period was 28%, 24%, 26%, and 37%, and 19%, 23%, 27%, and 32% for the quadrant and region analyses (mean coefficient of variation at effector-to-target cell ratios of 100:1, 50:1, 25:1, and 12.5:1, respectively), and 24% and 20% when data were calculated as the area under the cytotoxic curve (AUCC). CONCLUSION Polygonal regions and the calculation of data as the AUCC appear to be the best approach. This study will be of value to investigators that are wishing to incorporate an NK cell cytotoxicity assay into their portfolio of experimental techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Hopkinson
- Immunobiology Research Unit, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Bottley G, Cook GP, Blair GE. A Flow Cytometric Assay for Analysis of Natural-Killer Cell-Mediated Cytolysis of Adenovirus-Transformed Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 131:221-30. [PMID: 17656786 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-277-9_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Natural-killer (NK) cells play an important role in recognizing and eliminating virally infected and transformed cells. To study this process, convenient assays for NK-cell function are required. Conventional NK-cell activity assays measure the release of 51Cr from prelabeled target cells following membrane disruption. This chapter describes nonradiometric assays for NK-cell killing of adenovirus-transformed human cells that can be applied to multiple cell samples using flow cytometry.
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Ozdemir O. Flow cytometric cell-mediated cytotoxicity assay. J Immunol Methods 2006; 318:158-9; author reply 160-1. [PMID: 17046783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2006.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2006] [Revised: 06/26/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Godoy-Ramirez K, Mäkitalo B, Thorstensson R, Sandström E, Biberfeld G, Gaines H. A novel assay for assessment of HIV-specific cytotoxicity by multiparameter flow cytometry. Cytometry A 2006; 68:71-80. [PMID: 16228974 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of CD8(+) T-cell activity is of significant importance for the evaluation of cellular immune responses to viral infections, especially in HIV. We present a new assay for the assessment of HIV-specific cytotoxicity by multiparameter flow cytometry. METHODS Target cells, pulsed with peptide pools (Gag or Nef), were stained with 5- (and -6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE), cultured with specific or nonspecific effector cells, and finally stained with propidium iodide (PI). Determination of cytolysis is based on the enumeration of viable target cells (CFSE(hi)PI(-)) in the test sample (target and specific effector cells) as compared with that of the viable target cells in the control sample (target and nonspecific effector cells). The (51)Cr-release assay and IFN-gamma ELISpot were performed by standard procedures. RESULTS A comparison with the Cr-release showed that the two assays were strongly correlated (r = 0.67; P < 0.001) but the sensitivity of the flow cytometric assay was significantly higher (P < 0.05), and the reproducibility good (CV, 7.7%). Good correlation was also found with the ELISpot assay (r = 0.66; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION This new assay provides both specific and sensitive results when employed for the detection of HIV-specific CTL and can be a valuable tool for the evaluation of cytolytic activity in vaccine trials or in HIV-infected subjects, especially if such responses are present at low levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Godoy-Ramirez
- Department of Immunology and Vaccinology, Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, Sweden.
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31
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Westers TM, Houtenbos I, Schuurhuis GJ, Ossenkoppele GJ, van de Loosdrecht AA. Quantification of T-cell-mediated apoptosis in heterogeneous leukemia populations using four-color multiparameter flow cytometry. Cytometry A 2006; 66:71-7. [PMID: 15895438 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unique capacity of dendritic cells to present antigens to naive T cells is being increasingly utilized in cancer therapy. The efficacy of cell-based immunotherapy can be analyzed by determination of cytotoxic activity of T cells toward tumor cells in vitro. This study supplies a flow cytometric method to analyze T-cell-mediated cytotoxic activity toward heterogeneous leukemic cell populations at a single-cell level. METHODS The fluorescent probe SYTO16 and the dead-cell dye 7-aminoactinomycine-D (7-AAD) were used to identify early and late stages of apoptosis in combination with leukemia cell-identifying markers. Determination of viable, apoptotic, and necrotic cells was performed by inclusion of fluorescent beads. RESULTS In nine acute myeloid leukemia samples and three leukemic cell lines the use of SYTO16 next to the dead-cell marker 7-AAD significantly increased (P = 0.001) the sensitivity of the cytotoxicity assay as compared with single use of 7-AAD. Analysis of several effector-to-target ratios revealed the ability to determine dose-response effects. Enumeration of absolute numbers resulted in coefficients of variation of 4.1% and 8.4% for cell lines and leukemic samples, respectively. CONCLUSION The presented flow cytometric cytotoxicity assay enables the study of T-cell-mediated apoptosis in a heterogenous leukemia population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresia M Westers
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Cho D, Shin SW, Park JS, Kang HK, Kim SK, Nguyen Pham TN, Zhu XW, Shin MG, Suh SP, Ryang DW, Nam JH, Kim YJ, Lee JJ. Selective Expansion of Natural Killer Cells from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells by K562 Cell Line and IL-2. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY 2006. [DOI: 10.5045/kjh.2006.41.1.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Duck Cho
- Cancer Vaccine Team, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Jeonnam, Korea
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Shi-Won Shin
- Cancer Vaccine Team, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Jeonnam, Korea
| | - Jung-Sun Park
- Cancer Vaccine Team, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Jeonnam, Korea
| | - Hyun-Kyu Kang
- Cancer Vaccine Team, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Jeonnam, Korea
| | - Sang-Ki Kim
- Cancer Vaccine Team, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Jeonnam, Korea
| | | | - Xiao-Wei Zhu
- Cancer Vaccine Team, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Jeonnam, Korea
| | - Myung-Geun Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Soon-Pal Suh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Ryang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jong-Hee Nam
- Cancer Vaccine Team, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Jeonnam, Korea
| | - Young-Jin Kim
- Cancer Vaccine Team, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Jeonnam, Korea
| | - Je-Jung Lee
- Cancer Vaccine Team, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Jeonnam, Korea
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Sephton SE, Kraemer HC, Neri E, Stites DP, Weissbecker I, Spiegel D. Improving methods of assessing natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2006; 15:12-21. [PMID: 16676682 PMCID: PMC6878472 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a class of lymphocytes important in immune resistance to viral and other serious diseases. The cytotoxic function, or 'killing activity' of NK cells has become important in studies of the effects of stress and other psychosocial factors on physical health. Unfortunately, research on NK cell function has been plagued by discrepancies in the methods of interpreting NK cytotoxicity data. We briefly review some of the variations in measuring NK cell activity and present a new model for interpreting these results, introducing maximal target cell lysis (A) and the slope of the cytolytic curve (k) as parameters that attempt to make full use of the information and the statistical power in NK cell cytotoxicity data. Examples of these interpretation methods are presented using NK cytotoxicity data from a group of metastatic breast cancer patients. This approach will be useful in applications of NK cell measurement in psychoneuroimmunology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra E Sephton
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.
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Allegra S, Deleine C, Michael-Jubely R, Gryson C, Boirie Y, Kantakamalakul W, Vasson MP. Implementation of the EGFP-K562 flow cytometric NK test: Determination of NK cytotoxic activity in healthy elderly volunteers before and after feeding. Cytometry A 2006; 69:992-8. [PMID: 16969797 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural Killer (NK) cells are key actors of innate immunity that supervise the organism's cells, and fight against viral infections and cancer development through their cytotoxic activity. This cytotoxic activity is modulated by cytokines and hormones and could be influenced by physiological or pathological conditions. New techniques for measuring NK cytotoxic activity by flow-cytometry have recently been developed, and they correlated strongly with the standard chromium ((51)Cr) release assay. Our aim was to implement a previously published enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-K562 flow cytometric method and use it to evaluate NK cytotoxic activity under different nutritional conditions. METHODS NK effector cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and a K562 cell line stably transfected by EGFP was used as target cells. Different analytical parameters, including cell ratios and incubation times, were studied to improve the EGFP-K562 flow cytometric NK test conditions. RESULTS The optimized test was then used to determine the effect of fasting and refeeding on NK cell numbers and activity in a physiological situation. NK cytotoxic activity in fasted conditions (30.4 +/- 4.4%) increased by a factor 1.7 +/- 0.2 (P = 0.0025) in nourished conditions (45.0 +/- 4.6%) in healthy elderly people. CONCLUSION Therefore, this method provides a reliable, reproducible and rapid test for analyzing NK cytotoxicity under various conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Allegra
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Biologie Moléculaire et Nutrition EA2416, Faculté de Pharmacie, IFR 79 Santé-Auvergne, CLARA, Université Clermont 1, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Kasatori N, Ishikawa F, Ueyama M, Urayama T. A differential assay of NK-cell-mediated cytotoxicity in K562 cells revealing three sequential membrane impairment steps using three-color flow-cytometry. J Immunol Methods 2005; 307:41-53. [PMID: 16246359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2005.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2004] [Revised: 07/05/2005] [Accepted: 09/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining is a general technique for detecting apoptosis by flow-cytometry (FCM). The release of 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5- (and-6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF), a non-lipophilic membrane-impermeable labeling dye, from the cytoplasm of target cells is an indicator of increased membrane permeability. This study aimed to devise a three-color FCM technique involving the BCECF-release parameter in addition to conventional Annexin V and PI staining for the analysis of target K562 cells undergoing cytotoxic/apoptotic processes mediated by natural killer (NK) cells. The results demonstrated the following step-wise process of membrane impairment: (1) initiation of Annexin V staining accompanied by increasing forward scatter (FSC) before BCECF-release, indicating membrane impairment without permeabilization by necrosis; (2) BCECF-release with decreasing FSC before PI influx; and (3) PI staining with the lowest FSC state. Therefore, the early stage of cytotoxicity/apoptosis conventionally defined by the flow-cytometric criteria of Annexin V staining before PI staining could be sub-divided into two stages before and after BCECF-release. Annexin-V staining in tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis was also initiated without BCECF-release. Although the underlying mechanism of the transition process from stage 1 to stage 2 is still unknown, this FCM technique should be a useful tool for differential assays of target cells regarding the sequential processes of NK-induced cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Kasatori
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Toho University School of Medicine, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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Lee WI, Kuo ML, Huang JL, Lin SJ, Wu CJ. Distribution and clinical aspects of primary immunodeficiencies in a Taiwan pediatric tertiary hospital during a 20-year period. J Clin Immunol 2005; 25:162-73. [PMID: 15821893 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-005-2822-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in immunologic techniques have lead to increased recognition of primary immunodeficiencies. A review of patients with suspected immunodeficiencies in a Taiwan tertiary hospital from January 1985 to October 2004 and molecular/genetic analyses done on some patients were investigated. Of the 403 patients selected based on the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, 37 patients with PID (8 females and 29 males) were identified: 17 (46%) with antibody production deficiencies, nine (24%) with defective phagocyte function, four (11%) with combined B and T cell immunodeficiencies, seven (19%) with T cell deficiencies, but none with primary complement deficiencies. Those with secondary immunodeficiencies were excluded from the study. Recurrent sinopulmonary infections (62%) were the most common clinical manifestation, followed by sepsis (57%), severe skin infection (40%), splenomegaly/hepatomegaly (27%), central nervous system dysfunction (22%), chronic diarrhea (22%), and failure to thrive (19%). Seven (19%) patients died, five of infections, one of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and one of hepatocellular carcinoma. Six novel mutations were found from 11 agreed patients. This is the first report on primary immunodeficiencies in Taiwan covering a 20-year period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-I Lee
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Penack O, Gentilini C, Fischer L, Asemissen AM, Scheibenbogen C, Thiel E, Uharek L. CD56dimCD16neg cells are responsible for natural cytotoxicity against tumor targets. Leukemia 2005; 19:835-40. [PMID: 15744340 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2403704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2004] [Accepted: 12/07/2004] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The activation of natural killer (NK) cells leads to degranulation and secretion of cytotoxic granula. During this process, the lytic granule membrane protein CD107a becomes detectable at the cell surface. Based on this phenomenon, we have analyzed by a novel flow cytometry-based assay, the number and phenotype of NK cells responding to tumor targets. Using human leukemia and lymphoma cell lines, we observed a close correlation between CD107a surface expression and target cell lysis, indicating that NK cell cytotoxicity can be assessed by this method. The number of degranulating NK cells was closely related to the ratio of effector and target cells and showed a maximum at a ratio of 1:1. Moreover, we were able to show that the population of CD56(dim)/CD16(neg) NK cells is primarily responsible for the cytotoxic activity against tumor targets whereas neither CD56(dim)/CD16(pos) nor CD56(bright) NK cells degranulated in response to the cell lines. Our results indicate that the CD107a assay represents a promising new method for the quantification and characterization of cells exhibiting natural cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Penack
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Transfusion Medicine, Charité-Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
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Olin MR, Hwa Choi K, Lee J, Molitor TW. γδ T-lymphocyte cytotoxic activity against Mycobacterium bovis analyzed by flow cytometry. J Immunol Methods 2005; 297:1-11. [PMID: 15777926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2004.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2004] [Revised: 10/08/2004] [Accepted: 10/12/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gamma Delta (gammadelta) T lymphocytes contain the unique capability of responding to pathogens in both an innate and acquired immune response. Previously, gammadelta lymphocytes have been reported to respond to Mycobacteria tuberculosis determined by proliferation and IFN-gamma production. Unlike alpha beta (alphabeta) lymphocytes, gammadelta lymphocytes constitutively express a natural killer receptor providing gammadelta lymphocytes the capability for innate cytolytic functions. A new cytolytic assay by flow cytometry was reported capable of determining natural killer activity using K562 cells as targets without the need for radioactive materials. The objectives of this study were to first apply the flow cytometer-based assay to assess gammadelta lymphocytes natural killer activity following animal vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). Secondly, to optimize the flow cytometer assay in order to detect antigen specific cytolytic activity to mycobacterium and to compare the cytolytic activity of gammadelta lymphocytes to CD-8 lymphocytes. gammadelta lymphocytes increased in NK activity (P=0.012) following animal vaccination with M. bovis BCG. Both innate (P=0.02) and acquired antigen-specific cytolytic activity (P=0.04) increased following incubation with M. bovis-infected monocytes. In conclusion, flow cytometric-based assay is a sensitive and reliable tool to determine cytolytic activity of gammadelta T-lymphocytes against mycobacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Olin
- Clinical and Population Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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39
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Zimmermann SY, Esser R, Rohrbach E, Klingebiel T, Koehl U. A novel four-colour flow cytometric assay to determine natural killer cell or T-cell-mediated cellular cytotoxicity against leukaemic cells in peripheral or bone marrow specimens containing greater than 20% of normal cells. J Immunol Methods 2005; 296:63-76. [PMID: 15680151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2004.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2004] [Revised: 09/15/2004] [Accepted: 10/25/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To be able to determine the cytotoxic activity of NK cells or T cells against leukaemic cells in patient samples containing >20% of normal peripheral blood cells, we have developed a four-colour flow cytometric cytotoxicity assay. The assay is based on differential immunostaining of both leukaemic cells and effector cells in combination with propidium iodide (PI). The cytometer is set for measuring the fluorescence of the monoclonal antibody (mAb) bound fluorochromes, with moderate overcompensation of the third and fourth fluorescence signals. PI-positive events were excluded from analysis by their characteristic uncompensated signal on these two detectors. Thus, all four fluorescence ranges can be used for detection of mAb-derived signals and this allows discrimination between various populations contained in effector and target cell samples. The cytotoxic activity in our assay is calculated by the absolute loss of vital leukaemic cells. For this purpose, fluorescent beads are included as an internal standard. When calculating the effector concentrations after coculture, characteristic changes can be seen which yield additional information about the presence of cytotoxic activity and the active effector cell subset. With this assay, we present a versatile tool that combines minimum cell manipulation before coculture with maximum information from a sample. The assay is suitable for the analysis of complex samples with regard to different cell subsets, their decrease or increase, and conjugate formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie-Yvonne Zimmermann
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Haemostaseology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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40
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Lee JK, Byun JA, Park SH, Kim HS, Park JH, Eom JH, Oh HY. Evaluation of the potential immunotoxicity of 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol in Balb/c mice. Toxicology 2004; 204:1-11. [PMID: 15369844 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2004.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2003] [Accepted: 04/04/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
3-Monochloro-1,2-propanediol (MCPD) is a well-known by-product of acid-hydrolyzed soy sauce during its manufacturing process. MCPD has been reported genotoxic in vitro, and reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity in rats. However, no previous studies have investigated MCPD-induced alterations in the immune system. In the present study, MCPD was administered by gavage for 14 days at 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg per day to female Balb/c mice. The antibody-mediated immune response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was assessed using the antibody-forming cell (AFC) assay, and splenic cell phenotypes were quantified by flow cytometry. Hematological and histopathological changes were assessed. Mitogen-stimulated spleen lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell activity were evaluated. The T-lymphocyte blastogenesis by concanavalin A (Con A) or anti-CD3 and B-lymphocyte blastogenesis by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were not significantly changed. There were no significant changes in the hematological and histopathological findings of MCPD-treated mice. However, the significant decrease in thymus weight was observed in 100 mg dose group, even though that did not change body weight gain. The cellularities of spleen and thymus were significantly reduced in high-dose group. Exposure to high dose of MCPD decreased the AFC response to SRBC in mice. There was a significant decrease in NK cell activity of mice treated with high dose of MCPD. These results indicate that MCPD could modulate the immune function in Balb/c mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Kwon Lee
- Division of Immunotoxicology, National Institute of Toxicological Korea Food and Drug Administration, 122-704 Seoul, South Korea.
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Barber DF, Faure M, Long EO. LFA-1 contributes an early signal for NK cell cytotoxicity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 173:3653-9. [PMID: 15356110 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.173.6.3653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxicity of human NK cells is activated by receptors that bind ligands on target cells, but the relative contribution of the many different activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors is difficult to assess. In this study, we describe an experimental system that circumvents some of the difficulties. Adhesion through beta2 integrin LFA-1 is a common requirement of CTLs and NK cells for efficient lysis of target cells. However, the contribution of LFA-1 to activation signals for NK cell cytotoxicity, besides its role in adhesion, is unclear. The role of LFA-1 was evaluated by exposing NK cells to human ICAM-1 that was either expressed on a Drosophila insect cell line, or directly coupled to beads. Expression of ICAM-1 on insect cells was sufficient to induce lysis by NK cells through LFA-1. Coexpression of peptide-loaded HLA-C with ICAM-1 on insect cells blocked the LFA-1-dependent cytotoxicity of NK cells that expressed HLA-C-specific inhibitory receptors. Polarization of cytotoxic granules in NK cells toward ICAM-1- and ICAM-2-coated beads showed that engagement of LFA-1 alone is sufficient to initiate activation signals in NK cells. Thus, in contrast to T cells, in which even adhesion through LFA-1 is dependent on signals from other receptors, NK cells receive early activation signals directly through LFA-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domingo F Barber
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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Kastrukoff LF, Lau A, Wee R, Zecchini D, White R, Paty DW. Clinical relapses of multiple sclerosis are associated with 'novel' valleys in natural killer cell functional activity. J Neuroimmunol 2004; 145:103-14. [PMID: 14644036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2003.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Nine relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients along with age, sex, and NK responder status matched controls were studied serially. Although the average NK cell functional activity (FA) was not significantly different between both groups, four clinical relapses in RRMS patients were associated with the development of 'novel' valleys in FA. These valleys are of greater depth and duration than cyclical valleys observed in both RRMS and controls, precede the onset of clinical attacks, and are observed in RRMS but not controls. In both RRMS and controls, cyclical peaks and valleys in FA are determined by the number of CD33+, CD3-CD56+, and to a lesser extent CD3+CD56+ cells capable of binding targets and inducing cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC). In contrast, 'novel' valleys in FA result from a reduction in the ability of CD3-CD56+ bound to targets to induce CMC. The results suggest that RRMS patients are at greater risk for clinical relapses during 'novel' valleys in FA. Furthermore, these valleys are the result of cells with a NK cell phenotype being unable to deliver a 'lethal' hit to targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorne F Kastrukoff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Hospital & HSC, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T-1Z3.
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Ozdemir O, Ravindranath Y, Savaşan S. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity evaluation using monoclonal antibody staining for target or effector cells with annexinV/propidium iodide colabeling by fluorosphere-adjusted counts on three-color flow cytometry. Cytometry A 2004; 56:53-60. [PMID: 14566939 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.10081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to (51)chromium release assay, flow cytometric methods have been described to assess in vitro cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In this report, we describe a new flow cytometric approach for determination of in vitro cell-mediated cytotoxicity utilizing three-color flow cytometric assay. METHODS This method is based on monoclonal antibody staining of either effector or target cells to evaluate cytotoxicity with increased accuracy by utilizing fluorospheres for calibration. The basic strategy involves labeling effector or target cells with a specific fluorescent-conjugated monoclonal antibody, in addition to staining with annexinV-FITC and propidium iodide to identify apoptotic/dead cells. The effector and target cell populations as well as conjugates were clearly and easily identified by this approach. RESULTS We obtained significant correlation between cytotoxicity calculated by this technique and (51)chromium release assay results. The integration of fluorospheres allowed us to determine the absolute number of events reflective of the cumulative cell death rather than a cross-sectional, percentage-based cytotoxicity assessment in the target cell population at the time of analysis. CONCLUSIONS This method provides additional advantages to other methods and enables the study of target cell fate in more detail, as well as providing a potential contribution to understanding the mechanisms of cell elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oner Ozdemir
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute,Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University, 3901 Beaubien Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48201-2196, USA
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Lin SJ, Cheng PJ, Huang YJ, Kuo ML. Evaluation of cytotoxic function and apoptosis in interleukin (IL)-12/IL-15-treated umbilical cord or adult peripheral blood natural killer cells by a propidium-iodide based flow cytometry. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2004; 15:79-85. [PMID: 14998386 DOI: 10.1046/j.0905-6157.2003.00103.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Both deficient natural killer (NK) cell effector function and increased propensity to apoptosis of neonatal NK cells contribute to the increased susceptibility to infection in the neonates. Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-15 are two immunoregulatory cytokines known to enhance cytolytic function of neonatal NK cells. The present study aims to simultaneously investigate the effect of IL-12/IL-15 on K562 cytotoxicity as well as NK cells apoptosis of enriched umbilical cord blood (CB) and adult peripheral blood (APB) NK cells, using flow cytometric cytotoxicity assays. The results indicated that (i) prior to cytotoxicity assays, CB NK cells underwent greater degree of spontaneous apoptosis than did APB NK cells; (ii) both IL-12 and IL-15 inhibited the spontaneous apoptosis of CB NK cells, while IL-15 promoted the apoptosis in APB NK cells; (iii) the deficient K562 cytotoxicity of CB NK cells could be enhanced to levels comparable with that of APB NK cells by IL-15; (iv) IL-15 increased the percentages of apoptosis in NK-K562 conjugates in a dose-dependent manner in both CB and APB with a greater effect seen with APB NK cells; (v) target-induced apoptosis was observed with APB NK cells which were further enhanced with IL-15. However, CB NK cells, unstimulated or IL-15-activated, were resistant to K562-induced apoptosis. Thus, the multi-parameter flow cytometry analysis not only demonstrates better for the deficient CB NK function but also provides greater details for cytotoxic mechanisms of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syh-Jae Lin
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Research, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Marcusson-Ståhl M, Cederbrant K. A flow-cytometric NK-cytotoxicity assay adapted for use in rat repeated dose toxicity studies. Toxicology 2003; 193:269-79. [PMID: 14599763 DOI: 10.1016/s0300-483x(03)00302-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A recent regulatory document for immunotoxicity testing of new pharmaceutical drugs includes cytotoxic natural killer (NK)-cell function as a required parameter in repeated dose toxicity studies. The classical 51Cr-release assay is the conventional test for cytotoxicity testing but several drawbacks with this assay has increased the demand for new reliable test systems.Here, we describe the optimisation of a flow-cytometric cytotoxicity assay especially adapted for regulatory rat studies in drug development. The test principle is based on target cell labelling with 5-(6)-carboxy-fluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) and subsequent DNA-labelling with propidium iodide (PI) for identification of target cells with compromised cell membranes. The results are expressed as percentage of dead targets on a cell-to-cell basis. The final format of the assay includes 0.5ml peripheral blood, 1.25x10(5) effector cells per sample, and collection of 500 target events by flow-cytometry. When NKR-P1+ cells were removed from the effector cell population by magnetic depletion the relative proportion decreased from 6 to 0.08%. The corresponding cytotoxic activity decreased from 68 to 8%. Also, the cytotoxic activity showed a significant and positive correlation with the proportion of NK-cells present in the effector cell suspension. Thus, the cytotoxicity measured is almost exclusively exerted by NK-cells. The current flow-cytometric test benefits from using peripheral blood as a source for effector cells since it will not conflict with the use of spleen for histopathological investigations in repeated dose toxicity studies. Additionally, since only a minimal number of effector cells are required per sample repeated testing of the same animal is enabled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritha Marcusson-Ståhl
- Department of Molecular Toxicology and Immunotoxicology, AstraZeneca R&D Södertälje, Safety Assessment, SE-151 85, Södertälje, Sweden
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Naito A, Laidlaw TM, Henderson DC, Farahani L, Dwivedi P, Gruzelier JH. The impact of self-hypnosis and Johrei on lymphocyte subpopulations at exam time: a controlled study. Brain Res Bull 2003; 62:241-53. [PMID: 14698357 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2003.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In a prospective randomised controlled trial, 48 students were randomly assigned to stress reduction training before exams with self-hypnosis, Johrei or a mock neurofeedback relaxation control. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations and self-reported stress (Perceived Stress Scale) were measured before training and 1-2 months later as exams approached. Absolute number and percentages of CD3(+)CD4(+) and CD3(+)CD8(+) T lymphocytes, CD3(-)CD56(+) Natural Killer cells (NK cells) and NK cell cytotoxic activity was measured from venous blood. Stressed participants showed small but significant declines in both CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cell percentages and NK cell cytotoxic activity levels while CD3(+)CD4(+) T cell percentages increased, changes supported by correlations with perceived stress. The effects of stress were moderated in those who learned Johrei at exam time; 11/12 showed increases in CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cell percentages with decreased percentages of CD3(+)CD4(+) T cells, effects not seen in the relaxation control group. Stress was also buffered in those who learned and practised self-hypnosis in whom CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cell and CD3(+)CD4(+) T cell levels were maintained, and whose CD3(+)CD8(+) T cell percentages, shown previously to decline with exams, increased. The results compliment beneficial effects on mood of self-hypnosis and Johrei. The results are in keeping with beneficial influences of self-hypnosis and provide the first evidence of the suggestive value of the Japanese Johrei procedure for stress reduction, which clearly warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Naito
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Behaviour, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Campus, St Dunstan's Road, London W6 8RF, UK.
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Motzer SA, Tsuji J, Hertig V, Johnston SK, Scanlan J. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity: a methods analysis of 51chromium release versus flow cytometry. Biol Res Nurs 2003; 5:142-52. [PMID: 14531218 DOI: 10.1177/1099800403257196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to describe design considerations for the use of flow cytometry (FC) compared to 51chromium (51Cr)-release assays utilizing cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to detect natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. Subjects were 10 healthy women aged 18 to 39 years. Intra-assay variability between methods differed only at the lowest effector-target ratios evaluated. Interassay variability was wide but did not differ between methods. The relationship of lytic unit-10 between methods was strongly positive. Cytotoxicity detected by 51Cr release was higher than that detected by FC for all 10 subjects. Cost was comparable. However, had more assays been performed, technician time would have been greater with flow cytometry. More whole blood was needed to perform the flow cytometry cytotoxicity assay than 51Cr-release cytotoxicity assay. The authors found no compelling reason to adopt NK cell cytotoxicity by flow cytometry over 51Cr release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Adams Motzer
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, Box 357266, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7266, USA.
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Wang Y, Korkeamäki M, Vainio O. A novel method to analyze viral antigen-specific cytolytic activity in the chicken utilizing flow cytometry. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2003; 95:1-9. [PMID: 12969631 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-2427(03)00109-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In order to overcome some of the main drawbacks that have emerged in the conventional assays for cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) in the chicken, a novel approach to analyze viral antigen-specific cytolytic activity utilizing flow cytometry was developed. In this method, the target cells were distinguished from the effector cells by pre-labelling them with a fluorescent dye PKH67. Cell death was detected with propidium iodide which labels the DNA of damaged cells. Flow cytometric assay also enables phenotyping of the effector cells by direct or indirect immunofluorescence staining of lymphocyte surface molecules. The results showed that specific cytotoxic T cells were observed in the blood of chickens primed with fixed avian reticuloendotheliosis virus strain T transformed MHC-compatible B cells. Phenotypic analysis of the effector cells from blood demonstrated CTL activity both in CD8+ and CD4+ T cell populations and the majority CTLs were TCR2+ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Turku Immunology Centre, Turku University, Kiinamyllynkatu 13, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland.
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De Meyer K, De Baetselier P, Verschueren H, Geldhof AB. Morphometric analysis of cytolysis in cultured cell monolayers: a simple and versatile method for the evaluation of the lytic activity and the fate of LAK cells. J Immunol Methods 2003; 277:193-211. [PMID: 12799051 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-1759(02)00518-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of cytolytic activity of killer cells may not only be useful to improve routine analysis, e.g., in clinical settings, but may also offer new opportunities for the fundamental analysis of the mutual interaction between cytotoxic cells and their targets. We have developed a morphometric method to estimate cytolytic activity of activated natural killer (NK) cells by measuring the clearance of a precultured confluent monolayer of adherent target cells, e.g., immortalized fibroblasts. Cytotoxic cells are inoculated on top of confluent monolayers of target cells and after 2 h, nonadherent cells are washed off and intact adherent cells are fixed and stained with a Coomassie blue solution. Elementary computer-assisted analysis of the resulting microscopic images and measurement of the cleared area provide us with a sensitive and reproducible parameter of target cell lysis. We found that the assay can be used with targets of very different origin, as long as they form confluent monolayers, and with different populations of killer cells. The morphometric cytotoxicity assay (MoCA) offers several advantages: storage of samples for postponed analysis, increased sensitivity as compared to radioactive assays, continuous visualization during assay, availability of targets and effectors for subsequent analysis after interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt De Meyer
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, VIB-Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)/IMOL II, Paardenstraat 65, B-1640 St.-Genesius Rode, Belgium
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Lecoeur H, Février M, Garcia S, Rivière Y, Gougeon ML. A novel flow cytometric assay for quantitation and multiparametric characterization of cell-mediated cytotoxicity. J Immunol Methods 2001; 253:177-87. [PMID: 11384679 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-1759(01)00359-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cell-mediated cytotoxicity is a crucial mechanism involved in several fundamental immunological processes such as protection against intracellular pathogens or termination of an immune response. This phenomenon is classically evaluated by the 51Cr release assay, which requires a radioactive isotope and does not permit the characterization of cells involved in the cytotoxic reaction. We describe a new flow cytometry method, developed in the context of CD95-mediated cell death, which allows the precise quantitation of cell-mediated cytotoxicity and the detection of intracellular events involved in the cytotoxic process. This assay uses a combination of two dyes, i.e. 5- (and 6-) carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimydyl ester (CFSE) to label effector cells and 7-amino actinomycin D (7-AAD) to stain apoptotic target cells. We show that this assay is more sensitive than the 51Cr release assay and makes it possible to quantitate the percentage of cell lysis and, concomitantly, to immunophenotype target cells. It also facilitates the analysis of some events of the apoptotic pathway such as caspase activation or the expression of mitochondrial molecules. This new assay should contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in cell-mediated cytotoxicity in normal and pathological situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Lecoeur
- Unité d'Oncologie Virale, URA CNRS 1930, Département SIDA et Rétrovirus, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Cedex 15, Paris, France
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