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Hashemi E, McCarthy C, Rao S, Malarkannan S. Transcriptomic diversity of innate lymphoid cells in human lymph nodes compared to BM and spleen. Commun Biol 2024; 7:769. [PMID: 38918571 PMCID: PMC11199704 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are largely tissue-resident, mostly described within the mucosal tissues. However, their presence and functions in the human draining lymph nodes (LNs) are unknown. Our study unravels the tissue-specific transcriptional profiles of 47,287 CD127+ ILCs within the human abdominal and thoracic LNs. LNs contain a higher frequency of CD127+ ILCs than in BM or spleen. We define independent stages of ILC development, including EILP and pILC in the BM. These progenitors exist in LNs in addition to naïve ILCs (nILCs) that can differentiate into mature ILCs. We define three ILC1 and four ILC3 sub-clusters in the LNs. ILC1 and ILC3 subsets have clusters with high heat shock protein-encoding genes. We identify previously unrecognized regulons, including the BACH2 family for ILC1 and the ATF family for ILC3. Our study is the comprehensive characterization of ILCs in LNs, providing an in-depth understanding of ILC-mediated immunity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Hashemi
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Sridhar Rao
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, MCW, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, MCW, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, MCW, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, MCW, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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Katirci E, Kendirci-Katirci R, Korgun ET. Are innate lymphoid cells friend or foe in human pregnancy? Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13834. [PMID: 38500395 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are involved in the innate immune system because they lack specific antigen receptors and lineage markers. ILCs also display phenotypic and characteristic features of adaptive immune cells. Therefore, ILCs are functional in essential interactions between adaptive and innate immunity. ILCs are found in both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues and migrate to the area of inflammation during the inflammatory process. ILCs respond to pathogens by producing a variety of cytokines and are involved in the barrier defense of antigens and in many immunological processes such as allergic events. Recent research has shown that ILCs are functional during human pregnancy and have been suggested to be essential for the healthy progression of pregnancy. In this review, we focus on the role of ILCs in human pregnancy by discussing the relationship between ILCs and the pregnancy microenvironment, specifically summarizing the role of ILCs in physiological and pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ertan Katirci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahi Evran University, Kirsehir, Turkey
| | - Remziye Kendirci-Katirci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Emin Turkay Korgun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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Wang X, Huang L, Wen X, Li D, Yang G, Zheng J. Altered NCR3 Splice Variants May Result in Deficient NK Cell Function in Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients. In Vivo 2024; 38:174-183. [PMID: 38148073 PMCID: PMC10756430 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The natural killer (NK) cell function of patients with malignant tumours may be suppressed by deficiency, and the poor prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients may be due to escape from NK cell cytotoxicity, especially with respect to natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) on the NK cell surface. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we sought to explore the role of NCR, especially NCR3 splice variants, in the process of NK cell deficiency in RCC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used flow cytometry to analyse the phenotype of NK cells from the peripheral blood and kidney tumour tissue of RCC patients. The NKp30-mediated NK cell killing function was measured by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in NK and RCC cell coincubation. We extracted RNA from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RCC patients and renal carcinoma tissue and carried out real-time quantitative PCR to detect the mRNA levels of NKp30a, NKp30b and NKp30c. mRNA expression levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18 and TGF-β) based on RNA extracted from renal carcinoma tissue and adjacent normal kidney tissues were also measured by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS Regarding the phenotype of NK cells in RCC patients, the proportion of NK cells in tumour tissue was significantly reduced, with changes in the NK cell proportion being most obvious in NKp30+ NK cells. Furthermore, the results of the ADCC function assay showed limited NKp30+ NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in RCC patients. Through real-time quantitative PCR, we found lower expression of NKp30a and NKp30b, the immunostimulatory splice variants of NCR3 encoding NKp30, in RCC patients. Moreover, expression of activating cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) in renal cancer tissue was decreased, though inhibitory cytokine (TGF-β) expression remained unchanged, which may result in an immunosuppressive cytokine microenvironment. CONCLUSION Decreased expression of immunostimulatory NCR3 splice variants and the inhibitory cytokine microenvironment in RCC patients may contribute to deficient NK cell cytotoxicity and renal carcinoma cell immune escape from NK cell killing, which may provide a theoretical basis for finding new immunotherapeutic targets for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelei Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Liqun Huang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofei Wen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Guosheng Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Junhua Zheng
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Braun AS, Vomstein K, Reiser E, Tollinger S, Kyvelidou C, Feil K, Toth B. NK and T Cell Subtypes in the Endometrium of Patients with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Recurrent Implantation Failure: Implications for Pregnancy Success. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5585. [PMID: 37685653 PMCID: PMC10488644 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RPL and RIF are challenges in reproductive medicine. The immune system plays a pivotal role in endometrial receptivity, successful implantation, and pregnancy complications. Immunological changes have been associated with RPL and RIF. Understanding immune dysregulation especially in NK and T cell subtypes may lead to better diagnostic concepts and treatments. From July 2019 to August 2020 patients with RPL and RIF underwent a standardized diagnostic procedure including endometrial biopsies. Immune cell analysis was performed using flow cytometry. Patients were contacted in March 2023 and interviewed concerning their pregnancy outcomes following diagnostics. RESULTS Out of 68 patients undergoing endometrial biopsies, 49 patients were finally included. Live birth rates were high with 72% in RPL and 86% in RIF. Immune cell analysis revealed that patients with RPL had more cytotoxic CD56dimCD16high cells, while RIF patients had more CD56+ uNK cells. RPL patients with pregnancy complications showed increased NKT cell percentages. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest specific immune changes in RPL and RIF patients, offering potential therapeutic targets. Tailored immunotherapy based on endometrial immunophenotyping might be an option, but further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Braun
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
| | - Kilian Vomstein
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Kettegård Allé 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet and Hvidovre Hospital), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Reiser
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
| | - Susanne Tollinger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
| | - Christiana Kyvelidou
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
| | - Katharina Feil
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
| | - Bettina Toth
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.-S.B.); (K.V.); (E.R.); (S.T.); (C.K.); (B.T.)
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Sharma M, Niu L, Zhang X, Huang S. Comparative transcriptomes reveal pro-survival and cytotoxic programs of mucosal-associated invariant T cells upon Bacillus Calmette-Guérin stimulation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1134119. [PMID: 37091679 PMCID: PMC10116416 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1134119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are protective against tuberculous and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections with poorly understood mechanisms. Despite an innate-like nature, MAIT cell responses remain heterogeneous in bacterial infections. To comprehensively characterize MAIT activation programs responding to different bacteria, we stimulated MAIT cells with E. coli to compare with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which remains the only licensed vaccine and a feasible tool for investigating anti-mycobacterial immunity in humans. Upon sequencing mRNA from the activated and inactivated CD8+ MAIT cells, results demonstrated the altered MAIT cell gene profiles by each bacterium with upregulated expression of activation markers, transcription factors, cytokines, and cytolytic mediators crucial in anti-mycobacterial responses. Compared with E. coli, BCG altered more MAIT cell genes to enhance cell survival and cytolysis. Flow cytometry analyses similarly displayed a more upregulated protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 and T-box transcription factor Eomesodermin in BCG compared to E.coli stimulations. Thus, the transcriptomic program and protein expression of MAIT cells together displayed enhanced pro-survival and cytotoxic programs in response to BCG stimulation, supporting BCG induces cell-mediated effector responses of MAIT cells to fight mycobacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shouxiong Huang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Ding Y, Yang Y, Xue L. Immune cells and their related genes provide a new perspective on the common pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1137523. [PMID: 37063924 PMCID: PMC10101339 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1137523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe close relationship between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has been supported by many aspects, including but not limited to clinical manifestations, epidemiology and pathogenesis. Some evidence suggests that immune cells actively participated in the pathogenesis of both diseases. However, information on which cells are primarily involved in this process and how these cells mobilize, migrate and interact is still limited.MethodsDatasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Common differentially expressed genes (coDEGs) were identified by package “limma”. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) were used to analyze the interactions between coDEGs. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and inverse cumulative distribution function were applied to identify common differential pathways, while Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to confirm the significance. Correlation analysis between coDEGs and immune cells led to the identification of critical immune-cell-related coDEGs. The diagnostic models were established based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, while receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify the ability of the model. Validation datasets were imported to demonstrate the significant association of coDEGs with specific immune cells and the capabilities of the diagnostic model.ResultsIn total, 67 genes were up-regulated and 185 genes were down-regulated in both diseases. Four down-regulated pathways and four up-regulated pathways were considered important. Up-regulated coDEGs were firmly associated with neutrophils, while down-regulated genes were significantly associated with CD8+ T−cells and CD4+ T−cells in both AS and IBD datasets. Five up-regulated and six down-regulated key immue-cell-related coDEGs were identified. Diagnostic models based on key immue-cell-related coDEGs were established and tested. Validation datasets confirmed the significance of the correlation between coDEGs and specific immune cells.ConclusionThis study provides fresh insights into the co-pathogenesis of AS and IBD. It is proposed that neutrophils and T cells may be actively involved in this process, however, in opposite ways. The immue-cell-related coDEGs, revealed in this study, may be relevant to their regulation, although relevant research is still lacking.
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Abarca-Zabalía J, González-Jiménez A, Calle-Rubio M, López-Pastor AR, Fariña T, Ramos-Acosta C, Anguita E, Urcelay E, Espino-Paisán L. Alterations in the immune system persist after one year of convalescence in severe COVID-19 patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1127352. [PMID: 36860856 PMCID: PMC9969554 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1127352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe COVID-19 originates a myriad of alterations in the immune system during active disease, especially in the T and NK cell compartments, but several studies in the last year have unveiled some alterations that persist in convalescence. Although most of the studies follow the participants for a short recovery time, studies following patients up to three or six months still find alterations. We aimed at evaluating changes in the NK, T and B cell compartments after severe COVID-19 in participants with a median recovery time of eleven months. Methods Eighteen convalescent of severe COVID-19 (CSC), 14 convalescent of mild COVID-19 (CMC) and nine controls were recruited. NKG2A, NKG2C, NKG2D and the activating receptor NKp44 were evaluated in NKbright, NKdim and NKT subpopulations. In addition, CD3 and CD19 were measured and a basic biochemistry with IL-6 levels was obtained. Results CSC participants showed lower NKbright/NKdim ratio, higher NKp44 expression in NKbright subpopulations, higher levels of serum IL-6, lower levels of NKG2A+ T lymphocytes and a trend to a lower expression of CD19 in B lymphocytes compared to controls. CMC participants showed no significant alterations in the immune system compared to controls. Conclusions These results are concordant with previous studies, which find alterations in CSC weeks or months after resolution of the symptoms, and point to the possibility of these alterations lasting one year or more after COVID-19 resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Abarca-Zabalía
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Genética de Enfermedades Complejas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela González-Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Genética de Enfermedades Complejas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Myriam Calle-Rubio
- Department of Pneumology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea R. López-Pastor
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Genética de Enfermedades Complejas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Andrea R. López-Pastor,
| | - Tomás Fariña
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Ramos-Acosta
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain,Hematology Department, Instituto de Medicina de Laboratorio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Anguita
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain,Hematology Department, Instituto de Medicina de Laboratorio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Urcelay
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Genética de Enfermedades Complejas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Espino-Paisán
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Genética de Enfermedades Complejas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
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Yao J, Liu T, Zhao Q, Ji Y, Bai J, Wang H, Yao R, Zhou X, Chen Y, Xu J. Genetic landscape and immune mechanism of monocytes associated with the progression of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:676-688. [PMID: 36626090 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10472-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has a high prevalence and short-term mortality. Monocytes play an important role in the development of ACLF. However, the monocyte subpopulations with unique features and functions in ACLF and associated with disease progression remain poorly understood. We investigated the specific monocyte subpopulations associated with ACLF progression and their roles in inflammatory responses using the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). METHODS We performed scRNA-seq on 17,310 circulating monocytes from healthy controls and ACLF patients and genetically defined their subpopulations to characterize specific monocyte subpopulations associated with ACLF progression. RESULTS Five monocyte subpopulations were obtained, including pro-inflammatory monocytes, CD16 monocytes, HLA monocytes, megakaryocyte-like monocytes, and NK-like monocytes. Comparisons of the monocytes between ACLF patients and healthy controls showed that the pro-inflammatory monocytes had the most significant gene changes, among which the expressions of genes related to inflammatory responses and cell metabolism were significantly increased while the genes related to cell cycle progression were significantly decreased. Furthermore, compared with the ACLF survival group, the ACLF death group had significantly higher expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6) and their receptors, chemokines (e.g., CCL4 and CCL5), and inflammation-inducing factors (e.g., HES4). Additionally, validation using scRNA-seq and flow cytometry revealed the presence of a cell type-specific transcriptional signature of pro-inflammatory monocytes THBS1, whose production might reflect the disease progression and poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS We present the accurate classification, molecular markers, and signaling pathways of monocytes associated with ACLF progression. Therapies targeting pro-inflammatory monocytes may be a promising approach for blocking ACLF progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Tian Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Yaqiu Ji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Jinjia Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Ruoyu Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
| | - Yu Chen
- Fourth Department of Liver Disease (Difficult and Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center), Beijing You'an Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Jun Xu
- The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 85 Jiefang South Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China.
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Collins MK, McCutcheon CR, Petroff MG. Impact of Estrogen and Progesterone on Immune Cells and Host–Pathogen Interactions in the Lower Female Reproductive Tract. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 209:1437-1449. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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10
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Bubeníkova J, Futas J, Oppelt J, Plasil M, Vodicka R, Burger PA, Horin P. The natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) genes in the family Felidae. HLA 2022; 100:597-609. [PMID: 36056773 DOI: 10.1111/tan.14803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the innate immune system. The germline-encoded natural killer cell receptors represent activating and inhibitory receptors regulating multiple NK cell activities. The natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) are activating natural cytotoxicity triggering receptors 1, 2 and 3 (NKp46, NKp44, and NKp30), encoded by the genes NCR1, NCR2, and NCR3, respectively. NCRs may be expressed in different cell types engaged in mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity. The family Felidae, comprising the domestic cat and a wide variety of free-ranging species represents a well-suited model for biomedical and evolutionary studies. We characterized the NCR1, NCR2 and NCR3 genes in a panel of felid species. We confirmed the presence of potentially functional genes NCR1, NCR2 and NCR3 in all species. All three genes are conserved within the family and are similar to other phylogenetically related mammalian families. The NCR1 and NCR2 phylogenetic trees based on both nucleotide and protein sequences corresponded to the current zoological taxonomy, with some exceptions suggesting effects of different selection pressures in some species. Highly conserved NCR3 sequences did not allow a robust phylogenetic analysis. Most interspecific differences both at the nucleotide and protein level were found in NCR2. Within species, the most polymorphic CDS was detected in NCR1. Selection analyses indicated the effects of purifying selection on individual amino acid sites in all three genes. In stray cats, a rather high intraspecific diversity was observed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Bubeníkova
- Dept. of Animal Genetics, VETUNI Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Research Group Animal Immunogenomics, CEITEC - VETUNI Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Futas
- Dept. of Animal Genetics, VETUNI Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Research Group Animal Immunogenomics, CEITEC - VETUNI Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Oppelt
- Research Group Animal Immunogenomics, CEITEC - VETUNI Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Plasil
- Research Group Animal Immunogenomics, CEITEC - VETUNI Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Pamela A Burger
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, VETMEDUNI Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petr Horin
- Dept. of Animal Genetics, VETUNI Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Research Group Animal Immunogenomics, CEITEC - VETUNI Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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Xie M, Li Y, Meng YZ, Xu P, Yang YG, Dong S, He J, Hu Z. Uterine Natural Killer Cells: A Rising Star in Human Pregnancy Regulation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918550. [PMID: 35720413 PMCID: PMC9198966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are an immune subset located in the uterus. uNK cells have distinct tissue-specific characteristics compared to their counterparts in peripheral blood and lymphoid organs. Based on their location and the pregnancy status of the host, uNK cells are classified as endometrial NK (eNK) cells or decidua NK (dNK) cells. uNK cells are important in protecting the host from pathogen invasion and contribute to a series of physiological processes that affect successful pregnancy, including uterine spiral artery remodeling, fetal development, and immunity tolerance. Abnormal alterations in uNK cell numbers and/or impaired function may cause pregnancy complications, such as recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, or even infertility. In this review, we introduce recent advances in human uNK cell research under normal physiological or pathological conditions, and summarize their unique influences on the process of pregnancy complications or uterine diseases. Finally, we propose the potential clinical use of uNK cells as a novel cellular immunotherapeutic approach for reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xie
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi-Zi Meng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jin He
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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12
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Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, Dimova T. Immunity at maternal-fetal interface: KIR/HLA (Allo)recognition. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:55-76. [PMID: 35610960 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Both KIR and HLA are the most variable gene families in the human genome. The recognition of the semi-allogeneic embryo-derived trophoblasts by maternal decidual NK (dNK) cells is essential for the establishment of the functional placenta. This recognition is based on the KIR-HLA interactions and trophoblast expresses a specific HLA profile that constitutes classical polymorphic HLA-C and non-classical oligomorphic HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G molecules. This review highlights some features of the KIR/HLA-C (allo)recognition by decidual NK (dNK) cells as a main immune cell population specifically enriched at maternal-fetal interface during human early pregnancy. How KIR/HLA-C axis operates in pregnancy disorders and in the context of transplacental infections is discussed as well. We summarized old and new data on dNK-cell functional plasticity, their selective expression of KIR and fetal maternal/paternal HLA-C haplotypes present. Results showed that KIR-HLA-C combinations and the corresponding axis operate differently in each pregnancy, determined by the variability of both maternal KIR haplotypes and fetus' maternal/paternal HLA-C allotype combinations. Moreover, the maturation of NK cells strongly depends on if or not HLA allotypes for certain KIR are present. We suggest that the unique KIR/HLA combinations reached in each pregnancy (normal and pathological) should be studied according to well-defined guidelines and unified methodologies to have comparable results ease to interpret and use in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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13
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Zhang T, Shen HH, Qin XY, Li MQ. The metabolic characteristic of decidual immune cells and their unique properties in pregnancy loss. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:168-186. [PMID: 35582842 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Maternal tolerance to semi- or fully allograft conceptus is a prerequisite for the maintenance of pregnancy. Once this homeostasis is disrupted, it may result in pregnancy loss. As a potential approach to prevent pregnancy loss, targeting decidual immune cells (DICs) at the maternal-fetal interface has been suggested. Although the phenotypic features and functions of DIC have been extensively profiled, the regulatory pathways for this unique immunological adaption have yet to be elucidated. In recent years, a pivotal mechanism has been highlighted in the area of immunometabolism, by which the changes in intracellular metabolic pathways in DIC and interaction with the adjacent metabolites in the microenvironment can alter their phenotypes and function. More inspiringly, the manipulation of metabolic profiling in DIC provides a novel avenue for the prevention and treatment of pregnancy loss. Herein, this review highlights the major metabolic programs (specifically, glycolysis, ATP-adenosine metabolism, lysophosphatidic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism) in multiple immune cells (including decidual NK cells, macrophages, and T cells) and their integrations with the metabolic microenvironment in normal pregnancy. Importantly, this perspective may help to provide a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing pregnancy loss via targeting this interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Yun Qin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Medical School, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Xu X, Zhou Y, Fu B, Wei H. Uterine NK cell functions at maternal-fetal interface. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:327-338. [PMID: 35551350 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, maternal decidual tissue interacts with fetal trophoblasts. They constitute the maternal-fetal interface responsible for supplying nutrition to the fetus. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are the most abundant immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy and play critical roles throughout pregnancy. This review provides current knowledge about the functions of uNK cells. uNK cells have been shown to facilitate remodeling of the spiral artery, control the invasion of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells, contribute to the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance, protect against pathogen infection, and promote fetal development. Pregnancy-trained memory of uNK cells improves subsequent pregnancy outcomes. In addition, this review describes the distinct functions of three uNK cell subsets: CD27-CD11b-, CD27+ and CD27-CD11b+ uNK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Xu
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Binqing Fu
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Institute of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, P.R. China
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15
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Barnes SA, Trew I, de Jong E, Foley B. Making a Killer: Selecting the Optimal Natural Killer Cells for Improved Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:765705. [PMID: 34777383 PMCID: PMC8578927 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.765705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies have emerged as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory leukemia. Unlike T cell-based therapies, NK cells harbor an innate capacity to eliminate malignant cells without prior sensitization and can be adoptively transferred between individuals without the need for extensive HLA matching. A wide variety of therapeutic NK cell sources are currently being investigated clinically, including allogeneic donor-derived NK cells, stem cell-derived NK cells and NK cell lines. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that not all NK cells are endowed with the same antitumor potential. Despite advances in techniques to enhance NK cell cytotoxicity and persistence, the initial identification and utilization of highly functional NK cells remains essential to ensure the future success of adoptive NK cell therapies. Indeed, little consideration has been given to the identification and selection of donors who harbor NK cells with potent antitumor activity. In this regard, there is currently no standard donor selection criteria for adoptive NK cell therapy. Here, we review our current understanding of the factors which govern NK cell functional fate, and propose a paradigm shift away from traditional phenotypic characterization of NK cell subsets towards a functional profile based on molecular and metabolic characteristics. We also discuss previous selection models for NK cell-based immunotherapies and highlight important considerations for the selection of optimal NK cell donors for future adoptive cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A Barnes
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Isabella Trew
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Emma de Jong
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Bree Foley
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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16
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Biology and pathology of the uterine microenvironment and its natural killer cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:2101-2113. [PMID: 34426671 PMCID: PMC8429689 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00739-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissues are the new frontier of discoveries in immunology. Cells of the immune system are an integral part of tissue physiology and immunity. Determining how immune cells inhabit, housekeep, and defend gut, lung, brain, liver, uterus, and other organs helps revealing the intimate details of tissue physiology and may offer new therapeutic targets to treat pathologies. The uterine microenvironment modulates the development and function of innate lymphoid cells [ILC, largely represented by natural killer (NK) cells], macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells. These immune cells, in turn, contribute to tissue homeostasis. Regulated by ovarian hormones, the human uterine mucosa (endometrium) undergoes ~400 monthly cycles of breakdown and regeneration from menarche to menopause, with its fibroblasts, glands, blood vessels, and immune cells remodeling the tissue into the transient decidua. Even more transformative changes occur upon blastocyst implantation. Before the placenta is formed, the endometrial glands feed the embryo by histiotrophic nutrition while the uterine spiral arteries are stripped of their endothelial layer and smooth muscle actin. This arterial remodeling is carried out by invading fetal trophoblast and maternal immune cells, chiefly uterine NK (uNK) cells, which also assist fetal growth. The transformed arteries no longer respond to maternal stimuli and meet the increasing demands of the growing fetus. This review focuses on how the everchanging uterine microenvironment affects uNK cells and how uNK cells regulate homeostasis of the decidua, placenta development, and fetal growth. Determining these pathways will help understand the causes of major pregnancy complications.
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17
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Shmeleva EV, Colucci F. Maternal natural killer cells at the intersection between reproduction and mucosal immunity. Mucosal Immunol 2021; 14:991-1005. [PMID: 33903735 PMCID: PMC8071844 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-020-00374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many maternal immune cells populate the decidua, which is the mucosal lining of the uterus transformed during pregnancy. Here, abundant natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages help the uterine vasculature adapt to fetal demands for gas and nutrients, thereby supporting fetal growth. Fetal trophoblast cells budding off the forming placenta and invading deep into maternal tissues come into contact with these and other immune cells. Besides their homeostatic functions, decidual NK cells can respond to pathogens during infection, but in doing so, they may become conflicted between destroying the invader and sustaining fetoplacental growth. We review how maternal NK cells balance their double duty both in the local microenvironment of the uterus and systemically, during toxoplasmosis, influenza, cytomegalovirus, malaria and other infections that threat pregnancy. We also discuss recent developments in the understanding of NK-cell responses to SARS-Cov-2 infection and the possible dangers of COVID-19 during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniya V Shmeleva
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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18
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Etxebeste-Mitxeltorena M, Del Rincón-Loza I, Martín-Antonio B. Tumor Secretome to Adoptive Cellular Immunotherapy: Reduce Me Before I Make You My Partner. Front Immunol 2021; 12:717850. [PMID: 34447383 PMCID: PMC8382692 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.717850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cellular immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells are common immune cell sources administered to treat cancer patients. In detail, whereas CAR-T cells induce outstanding responses in a subset of hematological malignancies, responses are much more deficient in solid tumors. Moreover, NK cells have not shown remarkable results up to date. In general, immune cells present high plasticity to change their activity and phenotype depending on the stimuli they receive from molecules secreted in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Consequently, immune cells will also secrete molecules that will shape the activities of other neighboring immune and tumor cells. Specifically, NK cells can polarize to activities as diverse as angiogenic ones instead of their killer activity. In addition, tumor cell phagocytosis by macrophages, which is required to remove dying tumor cells after the attack of NK cells or CAR-T cells, can be avoided in the TME. In addition, chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments can induce senescence in tumor cells modifying their secretome to a known as “senescence-associated secretory phenotype” (SASP) that will also impact the immune response. Whereas the SASP initially attracts immune cells to eliminate senescent tumor cells, at high numbers of senescent cells, the SASP becomes detrimental, impacting negatively in the immune response. Last, CAR-T cells are an attractive option to overcome these events. Here, we review how molecules secreted in the TME by either tumor cells or even by immune cells impact the anti-tumor activity of surrounding immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel Etxebeste-Mitxeltorena
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Diaz, UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Del Rincón-Loza
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Diaz, UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martín-Antonio
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Diaz, UAM, Madrid, Spain
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19
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Barlier C, Barriales D, Samosyuk A, Jung S, Ravichandran S, Medvedeva YA, Anguita J, Del Sol A. A Catalogus Immune Muris of the mouse immune responses to diverse pathogens. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:798. [PMID: 34404761 PMCID: PMC8370971 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04075-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Immunomodulation strategies are crucial for several biomedical applications. However, the immune system is highly heterogeneous and its functional responses to infections remains elusive. Indeed, the characterization of immune response particularities to different pathogens is needed to identify immunomodulatory candidates. To address this issue, we compiled a comprehensive map of functional immune cell states of mouse in response to 12 pathogens. To create this atlas, we developed a single-cell-based computational method that partitions heterogeneous cell types into functionally distinct states and simultaneously identifies modules of functionally relevant genes characterizing them. We identified 295 functional states using 114 datasets of six immune cell types, creating a Catalogus Immune Muris. As a result, we found common as well as pathogen-specific functional states and experimentally characterized the function of an unknown macrophage cell state that modulates the response to Salmonella Typhimurium infection. Thus, we expect our Catalogus Immune Muris to be an important resource for studies aiming at discovering new immunomodulatory candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Barlier
- Computational Biology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, L-4362, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Diego Barriales
- Inflammation and Macrophage Plasticity laboratory, CIC bioGUNE-BRTA (Basque Research and Technology Alliance), Derio, 48160, Spain
| | - Alexey Samosyuk
- Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russian Federation
| | - Sascha Jung
- Computational Biology Group, CIC bioGUNE-BRTA (Basque Research and Technology Alliance), Derio, 48160, Spain
| | - Srikanth Ravichandran
- Computational Biology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, L-4362, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Yulia A Medvedeva
- Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russian Federation
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Department of Computational Biology, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Juan Anguita
- Inflammation and Macrophage Plasticity laboratory, CIC bioGUNE-BRTA (Basque Research and Technology Alliance), Derio, 48160, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Bizkaia, 48012, Spain
| | - Antonio Del Sol
- Computational Biology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, L-4362, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
- Computational Biology Group, CIC bioGUNE-BRTA (Basque Research and Technology Alliance), Derio, 48160, Spain.
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Bizkaia, 48012, Spain.
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20
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Moström MJ, Scheef EA, Sprehe LM, Szeltner D, Tran D, Hennebold JD, Roberts VHJ, Maness NJ, Fahlberg M, Kaur A. Immune Profile of the Normal Maternal-Fetal Interface in Rhesus Macaques and Its Alteration Following Zika Virus Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:719810. [PMID: 34394129 PMCID: PMC8358803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.719810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The maternal decidua is an immunologically complex environment that balances maintenance of immune tolerance to fetal paternal antigens with protection of the fetus against vertical transmission of maternal pathogens. To better understand host immune determinants of congenital infection at the maternal-fetal tissue interface, we performed a comparative analysis of innate and adaptive immune cell subsets in the peripheral blood and decidua of healthy rhesus macaque pregnancies across all trimesters of gestation and determined changes after Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. Using one 28-color and one 18-color polychromatic flow cytometry panel we simultaneously analyzed the frequency, phenotype, activation status and trafficking properties of αβ T, γδ T, iNKT, regulatory T (Treg), NK cells, B lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DC). Decidual leukocytes showed a striking enrichment of activated effector memory and tissue-resident memory CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+ Tregs, CD56+ NK cells, CD14+CD16+ monocytes, CD206+ tissue-resident macrophages, and a paucity of B lymphocytes when compared to peripheral blood. t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (tSNE) revealed unique populations of decidual NK, T, DC and monocyte/macrophage subsets. Principal component analysis showed distinct spatial localization of decidual and circulating leukocytes contributed by NK and CD8+ T lymphocytes, and separation of decidua based on gestational age contributed by memory CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Decidua from 10 ZIKV-infected dams obtained 16-56 days post infection at third (n=9) or second (n=1) trimester showed a significant reduction in frequency of activated, CXCR3+, and/or Granzyme B+ memory CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and γδ T compared to normal decidua. These data suggest that ZIKV induces local immunosuppression with reduced immune recruitment and impaired cytotoxicity. Our study adds to the immune characterization of the maternal-fetal interface in a translational nonhuman primate model of congenital infection and provides novel insight in to putative mechanisms of vertical transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda J Moström
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Scheef
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Lesli M Sprehe
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Dawn Szeltner
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Dollnovan Tran
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States
| | - Victoria H J Roberts
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States
| | - Nicholas J Maness
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States.,Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Marissa Fahlberg
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Amitinder Kaur
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
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21
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Mikhailova V, Khokhlova E, Grebenkina P, Salloum Z, Nikolaenkov I, Markova K, Davidova A, Selkov S, Sokolov D. NK-92 cells change their phenotype and function when cocultured with IL-15, IL-18 and trophoblast cells. Immunobiology 2021; 226:152125. [PMID: 34365089 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2021.152125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
NK cell development is affected by their cellular microenvironment and cytokines, including IL-15 and IL-18. NK cells can differentiate in secondary lymphoid organs, liver and within the uterus in close contact with trophoblast cells. The aim was to evaluate changes in the NK cell phenotype and function in the presence of IL-15, IL-18 and JEG-3, a trophoblast cell line. When cocultured with JEG-3 cells, IL-15 caused an increase in the number of NKG2D+ NK-92 cells and the intensity of CD127 expression. IL-18 stimulates an increase in the amount of NKp44+ NK-92 cells and in the intensity of NKp44 expression by pNK in the presence of trophoblast cells. NK-92 cell cytotoxic activity against JEG-3 cells increased only in presence of IL-18. Data on changes in the cytotoxic activity of NK-92 cells against JEG-3 cells in the presence of IL-15 and IL-18 indicate the modulation of NK cell function both by the cytokine microenvironment and directly by target cells. IL-15 and IL-18 were present in conditioned media (CM) from 1st and 3rd trimester placentas. In the presence of 1st trimester CM and JEG-3 cells, NK-92 cells showed an increase in the intensity of NKG2D expression. In the presence of 3rd trimester CM and JEG-3 cells, a decrease in the expression of NKG2D by NK-92 cells was observed. Thus, culturing of NK-92 cells with JEG-3 trophoblast cells stimulated a pronounced change in the NK cell phenotype, bringing it closer to the decidual NK cell-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Mikhailova
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Evgeniia Khokhlova
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Polina Grebenkina
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Zeina Salloum
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Igor Nikolaenkov
- Department of Obstetrics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Kseniya Markova
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Alina Davidova
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Sergey Selkov
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Sokolov
- Department of Immunology and Intercellular Interactions, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Russia
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22
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Espino A, El Costa H, Tabiasco J, Al-Daccak R, Jabrane-Ferrat N. Innate Immune Response to Viral Infections at the Maternal-Fetal Interface in Human Pregnancy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:674645. [PMID: 34368184 PMCID: PMC8339430 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.674645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta, the first and largest organ to develop after conception, not only nurtures and promotes the development of the conceptus, but, it also functions as a barrier against invading pathogens. Early phases of pregnancy are associated with expansion of specific subsets of Natural Killer cells (dNK) and macrophages (dMφ) at the maternal uterine mucosa, the basal decidua. In concert with cells of fetal origin, dNK cells, and dMφ orchestrate all steps of placenta and fetus development, and provide the first line of defense to limit vertical transmission. However, some pathogens that infect the mother can overcome this protective barrier and jeopardize the fetus health. In this review, we will discuss how members of the classical TORCH family (Toxoplasma, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus) and some emerging viruses (Hepatitis E virus, Zika virus, and SARS-CoV2) can afford access to the placental fortress. We will also discuss how changes in the intrauterine environment as a consequence of maternal immune cell activation contribute to placental diseases and devastating pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Espino
- Infinity, Université de Toulouse - CNRS - Inserm, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Hicham El Costa
- Infinity, Université de Toulouse - CNRS - Inserm, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Julie Tabiasco
- Infinity, Université de Toulouse - CNRS - Inserm, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Reem Al-Daccak
- Inserm UMRS976 - Université de Paris - Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
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Bottino C, Dondero A, Castriconi R. Inhibitory axes impacting on the activity and fate of Innate Lymphoid Cells. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 80:100985. [PMID: 34176653 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.100985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In neoplastic patients, an effective immune response ideally should be achieved by the coordinated action of different immune cells with tumor-suppressive functions. These include the more cytolytic members of the Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs) family represented by the Natural Killer (NK) cells, whose activities in cancer patients, however, can be hampered by several inhibitory signals. These are generated by membrane-bound and soluble molecules that, interacting with specific inhibitory receptors, create inhibitory axes impacting the NK cell differentiation and effector functions. These breaks, which now represent major immunotherapeutic targets, may be sensitive to interferon (IFN)-γ, whose source, in vivo, is represented by different cell types including the NK and ILC1. Since also ILCs can express receptors of the inhibitory axes like PD-1 and TIGIT, their therapeutic blockade might further amplify the IFN-γ release that, as an unwanted side effect, would promote the onset of NK cell-resistant tumor variants (NKRTV) expressing ligands involved in inhibitory axes. These variants might also arise from the activity of other cytokines such as IL-27, which can increase the expression of HLA class I and PD-Ls in different cell types, including tumor cells. Besides the amplification of membrane-bound inhibitory axes, tumors can reduce the number of infiltrating cytolytic ILCs, promote the recruitment of poorly cytolytic NK cell subsets, and manipulate to their advantage the infiltrating immune cells, which acquire tumor-promoting activities. This occurs thanks to the production of soluble factors including TGF-β1 and IL-18 that, alone or in combination, modify the activating and chemokine receptor repertoire of NK cells, and induce the ILCs differentiation towards cells ineffective in fighting cancer or, even worse, with tumor-promoting functions. The present review aims to present and discuss major inhibitory axes impacting on ILCs functions, migration, and differentiation with a major focus on tumor context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dondero
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
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Huhn O, Zhao X, Esposito L, Moffett A, Colucci F, Sharkey AM. How Do Uterine Natural Killer and Innate Lymphoid Cells Contribute to Successful Pregnancy? Front Immunol 2021; 12:607669. [PMID: 34234770 PMCID: PMC8256162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.607669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are the most abundant immune cells in the uterine mucosa both before and during pregnancy. Circumstantial evidence suggests they play important roles in regulating placental development but exactly how they contribute to the successful outcome of pregnancy is still unclear. Uterine ILCs (uILCs) include subsets of tissue-resident natural killer (NK) cells and ILCs, and until recently the phenotype and functions of uILCs were poorly defined. Determining the specific roles of each subset is intrinsically challenging because of the rapidly changing nature of the tissue both during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and high dimensional flow and mass cytometry approaches have recently been used to analyse uILC populations in the uterus in both humans and mice. This detailed characterisation has significantly changed our understanding of the heterogeneity within the uILC compartment. It will also enable key clinical questions to be addressed including whether specific uILC subsets are altered in infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy disorders such as foetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. Here, we summarise recent advances in our understanding of the phenotypic and functional diversity of uILCs in non-pregnant endometrium and first trimester decidua, and review how these cells may contribute to successful placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oisín Huhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Esposito
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M. Sharkey
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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25
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Comins-Boo A, Cristóbal I, Fernández-Arquero M, Rodríguez de Frías E, Calvo Urrutia M, Pilar Suárez L, Gasca Escorial P, Ángel Herráiz M, Sánchez-Ramón S. Functional NK surrogate biomarkers for inflammatory recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13426. [PMID: 33811416 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Expansion of circulating NK cells has been related to pregnancy complications. This study aims at investigating several surface NK cell markers to identify a baseline inflammatory profile in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (iRPL) and recurrent implantation failure (iRIF). METHOD OF STUDY Expression of NKp30, TIGIT, NKp46, and DNAM-1 on total peripheral blood NK subsets, regulatory (CD56bright CD16neg ), and cytotoxic (CD56dim CD16pos/neg ) NK cells was measured. RESULTS Eighty-three women were recruited and classified into two groups, 58 women with RPL and 25 with RIF. A control group of 31 fertile women was included. Expression of NKp30 on cytNK was significantly higher in RPL (p = .019) and RIF (p < .001) than HC. TIGIT on cytNK cells was also higher in both RPL (p < .001) and RIF (p < .01). An optimal cutoff of 70% for NKp30+ cytNK disclosed a sensitivity of 82%, a specificity of 55%, and 83% PPV for RPL diagnosis. A cutoff level of 83% for TIGIT+ cytNK was chosen to discriminate between healthy controls and RPL women, with PPV of 84%. CONCLUSION Our preliminary data on this RPL and RIF cohorts suggest a simple diagnostic tool by combining NKp30 and TIGIT on cytNK cells to better identify a subgroup of RPL and RIF patients with a baseline inflammatory profile. A more rigorous selection of these patients through phenotyping peripheral cytNK cells may better define patients that could benefit from an immunomodulatory treatment to prevent further pregnancy losses. The performance of these biomarkers requires further investigation and validation in independent cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Comins-Boo
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdSSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology, and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Cristóbal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IML and IdSSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Fernández-Arquero
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdSSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology, and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Edgard Rodríguez de Frías
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdSSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology, and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Calvo Urrutia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IML and IdSSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lydia Pilar Suárez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IML and IdSSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Gasca Escorial
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IML and IdSSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Herráiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IML and IdSSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Sánchez-Ramón
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdSSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology, and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
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Lim SA, Moon Y, Shin MH, Kim TJ, Chae S, Yee C, Hwang D, Park H, Lee KM. Hypoxia-Driven HIF-1α Activation Reprograms Pre-Activated NK Cells towards Highly Potent Effector Phenotypes via ERK/STAT3 Pathways. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081904. [PMID: 33920906 PMCID: PMC8071270 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In patients with advanced cancer, hypoxic stress shapes NK cells toward tumor-resistant and immunosuppressive phenotypes. Therefore, a strategy to restore NK cell function within hypoxia would be crucial for successful tumor immunotherapy. By manipulating pO2 exposure to naïve vs. pre-activated NK cells, we found that HIF-1α-dependent metabolic reprogramming of NK cells is the key to overcoming hypoxia-mediated NK cell impairment. Exposure of pre-activated NK cells to hypoxia with 1.5% pO2 initiated metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and reduction of p21/p53-dependent apoptotic pathways, with concomitant upregulation of cell cycle-promoting genes and downregulation of cell cycle-arrest genes via HIF-1a/ERK/STAT3 activation. Furthermore, upregulation of NKp44 activating receptor in hypoxia-exposed pre-activated NK cells elevated cytotoxicity of K562, CEM, and A375 tumor cells, in both in-vitro and in-vivo tumor-clearance assays. Therefore, HIF-1α-mediated metabolic reprogramming of NK cells could reverse their impaired phenotype, generating functionally robust NK cells for adoptive therapy and clinical evaluation. Abstract NK cells are the predominant innate lymphocyte subsets specialized to kill malignant tumor cells. In patients with advanced cancer, hypoxic stress shapes NK cells toward tumor-resistant and immunosuppressive phenotypes, hence a strategy to restore NK function is critical for successful tumor immunotherapy. Here, we present evidence that pre-activation and subsequent HIF-1α-dependent metabolic shift of NK cells from oxidative phosphorylation into glycolysis are keys to overcome hypoxia-mediated impairment in NK cell survival, proliferation, and tumor cytotoxicity. Specifically, exposing NK cells to 7–9 days of normoxic culture followed by a pO2 of 1.5% hypoxia led to a highly potent effector phenotype via HIF-1α stabilization and upregulation of its target genes, BNIP3, PDK1, VEGF, PKM2, and LDHA. RNA sequencing and network analyses revealed that concomitant reduction of p21/p53 apoptotic pathways along with upregulation of cell cycle-promoting genes, CCNE1, CDC6, CDC20, and downregulation of cell cycle-arrest genes, CDKN1A, GADD45A, and MDM2 were accountable for superior expansion of NK cells via ERK/STAT3 activation. Furthermore, HIF-1α-dependent upregulation of the NKp44 receptor in hypoxia-exposed NK cells resulted in increased killing against K562, CEM, and A375 tumor targets both in-vitro and in-vivo tumor clearance assays. Therefore, hypoxic exposure on pre-activated proliferating NK cells triggered HIF-1α-dependent pathways to initiate coordinated regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity at the global gene transcription level. Our results uncover a previously unidentified role of HIF-1α-mediated metabolic reprogramming that can reverse impaired NK effector phenotypes to generate requisite numbers of functionally robust NK cells for adoptive cellular therapy for clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon Ah Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.A.L.); (M.H.S.); (T.-J.K.)
| | - Yunwon Moon
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea;
| | - Min Hwa Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.A.L.); (M.H.S.); (T.-J.K.)
| | - Tae-Jin Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.A.L.); (M.H.S.); (T.-J.K.)
| | - Sehyun Chae
- Korea Brain Bank, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41068, Korea;
| | - Cassian Yee
- Departments of Melanoma Medical Oncology and Immunology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
| | - Daehee Hwang
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Hyunsung Park
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea;
- Correspondence: (H.P.); (K.-M.L.); Tel.: +82-2-6490-2670 (H.P.); +82-2-920-6251 (K-M.L.)
| | - Kyung-Mi Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.A.L.); (M.H.S.); (T.-J.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Bio-Integrated Electronics, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Correspondence: (H.P.); (K.-M.L.); Tel.: +82-2-6490-2670 (H.P.); +82-2-920-6251 (K-M.L.)
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Fonseca BM, Cunha SC, Gonçalves D, Mendes A, Braga J, Correia-da-Silva G, Teixeira NA. Decidual NK cell-derived conditioned medium from miscarriages affects endometrial stromal cell decidualisation: endocannabinoid anandamide and tumour necrosis factor-α crosstalk. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:265-274. [PMID: 31990346 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the effects of endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) in uterine natural killer (unK) cells from miscarriage decidua, regarding their cytokine profile and endometrial stromal cell (ESC) crosstalk? SUMMARY ANSWER uNK-conditioned media from miscarriage samples present high TNF-α levels which inhibit ESC decidualisation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY AEA plasma levels are higher in women who have suffered a miscarriage. Moreover, AEA inhibits ESC proliferation and differentiation, although the levels and impact on the uNK cell cytokine profile at the feto-maternal interface remain elusive. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This laboratory-based study used human primary uNK cells which were isolated from first-trimester decidua (gestational age, 5-12 weeks) derived from 8 women with elective pregnancy termination and 18 women who suffered a miscarriage. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The first-trimester placental tissues were assayed for AEA levels by UPLC-MS/MS and respective enzymatic profile by western blot. The uNK cells were isolated and maintained in culture. The expression of angiogenic markers in uNK cells was examined by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The uNK-conditioned medium was analysed for IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the impact on ESC differentiation was assessed by measuring decidual markers Prl, Igfbp-1 and Fox01 mRNA expression using qPCR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE AEA levels were higher in miscarriage decidua compared with decidua from elective terminations. The uNK cell-conditioned medium from the miscarriage samples exhibited high TNF-α levels and interfered with the decidualisation of ESCs. Exacerbated inflammation and elevated TNF-α levels at the feto-maternal interface may trigger AEA signalling pathways that, in turn, may impact decidualisation and the angiogenic ability of uNK cells. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Primary uNK cell responses are based on a simple in vitro model. Thus, in complex microenvironments, such as the feto-maternal interface, the mechanisms may not be exactly the same. Also, the inflammatory events of miscarriage that, in this study, have happened prior to processing of the samples may cause different responses to that observed. In addition, the magnitude of the inflammatory response, required to trigger the AEA pathways that impact decidualisation and the uNK angiogenic ability in vivo, is still unclear. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The endocannabinoid AEA is a modulator of reproductive competence. AEA not only may contribute to neuroendocrine homeostasis but also can take part in uterine changes occurring during early pregnancy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The work was supported by UID/MULTI/04378/2019 with funding from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)/MCTES through national funds and PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000024. S.C. Cunha acknowledges FCT for the IF/01616/2015 contract. There are no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - S C Cunha
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Hidrologia, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - D Gonçalves
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Mendes
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - J Braga
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - G Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - N A Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Krechetova LV, Vanko LV, Vtorushina VV, Nikolaeva MA, Inviyaeva EV, Tetruashvili NK. Lymphocyte Activation in the Development of Immune Tolerance in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 85:583-593. [PMID: 32571188 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920050077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Association between lymphocyte activation and formation of immune tolerance, as well as pregnancy outcome, in the case of immunocytotherapy (ICT) was studied in women with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (IRPL). The content and phenotypic characteristics of activated T lymphocytes and NK cells were investigated in the peripheral blood of IRPL patients with different pregnancy outcomes (pregnancy prolongation to the full term and habitual miscarriage). The fraction of activated cells in the subpopulation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD3+CD8+/CD3+CD8+CD69+) before ICT was significantly lower in women who lost the pregnancy. After ICT, the fraction of these cells during weeks 5-6 of pregnancy in woman with miscarriage was higher than in women with pregnancy prolonged to the full-term. Excessive content of activated cytotoxic lymphocytes can be a mechanism underlying impaired maternal immunotolerance to fetal alloantigens, which is a leading factor of early pregnancy loss. The obtained data confirm the involvement of activated Th17 cells and FOXP3+ Treg cells in the formation of tolerance to paternal antigens of the fetus. Comparison of the decrease in the fraction of CD4+CD25highRORγt+ lymphocytes at the early gestation period (5-6 weeks) and significant upregulation of the IL-17 production by in vitro stimulated whole blood cells in women with miscarriage with the same parameters in women with prolonged pregnancy suggested an imbalance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and Treg cells. No such imbalance in the content effector T lymphocytes was observed in women with the full-term pregnancy. Taken together, our data indicate an important role of gestational activation of lymphocytes in the formation of maternal immune response to fetal alloantigens necessary for the prolongation of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L V Krechetova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - L V Vanko
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - V V Vtorushina
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - M A Nikolaeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - E V Inviyaeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - N K Tetruashvili
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 117997, Russia
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Ram DR, Kroll K, Reeves RK. Skipped Over: Tuning Natural Killer Cells Toward HIV Through Alternative Splicing. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:969-972. [PMID: 32862656 PMCID: PMC7703092 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells provide some of the earliest immune responses to infection, but when viruses manipulate or perturb the immune environment to alter NK cell function, this places the host at a disadvantage. Indeed, others and we observe that in the context of HIV/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, although NK cells are not infected, they can become dysfunctional over time. Several studies have characterized protein and transcriptional profiles of NK cells during HIV/SIV infection, but none have examined whether the production of alternative transcripts and corresponding isoforms is modulated. This phenomenon occurs broadly in normal biology and in other disease states, and could provide a novel avenue of investigation that may yield better targets to restore or augment NK cell responses to HIV/SIV. Herein, we briefly summarize published and new data that may provide a perspective on how to target NK cell splice variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Ram
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kyle Kroll
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - R. Keith Reeves
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Genetic landscape and autoimmunity of monocytes in developing Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:25712-25721. [PMID: 32989127 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002476117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a systemic autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organs, including eyes, skin, and central nervous system. It is known that monocytes significantly contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. However, the subset heterogeneity with unique functions and signatures in human circulating monocytes and the identity of disease-specific monocytic populations remain largely unknown. Here, we employed an advanced single-cell RNA sequencing technology to systematically analyze 11,259 human circulating monocytes and genetically defined their subpopulations. We constructed a precise atlas of human blood monocytes, identified six subpopulations-including S100A12, HLA, CD16, proinflammatory, megakaryocyte-like, and NK-like monocyte subsets-and uncovered two previously unidentified subsets: HLA and megakaryocyte-like monocyte subsets. Relative to healthy individuals, cellular composition, gene expression signatures, and activation states were markedly alternated in VKH patients utilizing cell type-specific programs, especially the CD16 and proinflammatory monocyte subpopulations. Notably, we discovered a disease-relevant subgroup, proinflammatory monocytes, which showed a discriminative gene expression signature indicative of inflammation, antiviral activity, and pathologic activation, and converted into a pathologic activation state implicating the active inflammation during VKH disease. Additionally, we found the cell type-specific transcriptional signature of proinflammatory monocytes, ISG15, whose production might reflect the treatment response. Taken together, in this study, we present discoveries on accurate classification, molecular markers, and signaling pathways for VKH disease-associated monocytes. Therapeutically targeting this proinflammatory monocyte subpopulation would provide an attractive approach for treating VKH, as well as other autoimmune diseases.
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Pinheiro PF, Justino GC, Marques MM. NKp30 - A prospective target for new cancer immunotherapy strategies. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:4563-4580. [PMID: 32737988 PMCID: PMC7520444 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important arm of the innate immune system. They constitutively express the NKp30 receptor. NKp30-mediated responses are triggered by the binding of specific ligands e.g. tumour cell-derived B7-H6 and involve the secretion of cytotoxic mediators including TNF-α, IFN-γ, perforins and granzymes. The latter two constitute a target cell-directed response that is critical in the process of immunosurveillance. The structure of NKp30 is presented, focusing on the ligand-binding site, on the ligand-induced structural changes and on the experimental data available correlating structure and binding affinity. The translation of NKp30 structural changes to disease progression is also reviewed. NKp30 role in immunotherapy has been explored in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. However, antibodies or small ligands targeting NKp30 have not yet been developed. The data reviewed herein unveil the key structural aspects that must be considered for drug design in order to develop novel immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro F. Pinheiro
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Gonçalo C. Justino
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - M. Matilde Marques
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
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Wu SY, Fu T, Jiang YZ, Shao ZM. Natural killer cells in cancer biology and therapy. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:120. [PMID: 32762681 PMCID: PMC7409673 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01238-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is highly complex, and immune escape is currently considered an important hallmark of cancer, largely contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. Named for their capability of killing target cells autonomously, natural killer (NK) cells serve as the main effector cells toward cancer in innate immunity and are highly heterogeneous in the microenvironment. Most current treatment options harnessing the tumor microenvironment focus on T cell-immunity, either by promoting activating signals or suppressing inhibitory ones. The limited success achieved by T cell immunotherapy highlights the importance of developing new-generation immunotherapeutics, for example utilizing previously ignored NK cells. Although tumors also evolve to resist NK cell-induced cytotoxicity, cytokine supplement, blockade of suppressive molecules and genetic engineering of NK cells may overcome such resistance with great promise in both solid and hematological malignancies. In this review, we summarized the fundamental characteristics and recent advances of NK cells within tumor immunometabolic microenvironment, and discussed potential application and limitations of emerging NK cell-based therapeutic strategies in the era of presicion medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Yang Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tong Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Sharma M, Zhang S, Niu L, Lewinsohn DM, Zhang X, Huang S. Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells Develop an Innate-Like Transcriptomic Program in Anti-mycobacterial Responses. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1136. [PMID: 32582206 PMCID: PMC7295940 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional T cells exhibit a delayed response to the initial priming of peptide antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. Unlike conventional T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells quickly respond to non-peptidic metabolite antigens presented by MHC-related protein 1 (MR1). To elucidate the MR1-dependent activation program of MAIT cells in response to mycobacterial infections, we determined the surface markers, transcriptomic profiles, and effector responses of activated human MAIT cells. Results revealed that mycobacterial-incubated antigen-presenting cells stimulated abundant human CD8+ MAIT cells to upregulate the co-expression of CD69 and CD26, as a combinatorial activation marker. Further transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that CD69+CD26++ CD8+MAIT cells highly expressed numerous genes for mediating anti-mycobacterial immune responses, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, cytolytic molecules, NK cell receptors, and transcription factors, in contrast to inactivated counterparts CD69+/−CD26+/− CD8+MAIT cells. Gene co-expression, enrichment, and pathway analyses yielded high statistical significance to strongly support that activated CD8+ MAIT cells shared gene expression and numerous pathways with NK and CD8+ T cells in activation, cytokine production, cytokine signaling, and effector functions. Flow cytometry detected that activated CD8+MAIT cells produced TNFα, IFNγ, and granulysin to inhibit mycobacterial growth and fight mycobacterial infection. Together, results strongly support that the combinatorial activation marker CD69+CD26++ labels the activated CD8+MAIT cells that develop an innate-like activation program in anti-mycobacterial immune responses. We speculate that the rapid production of anti-mycobacterial effector molecules facilitates MAIT cells to fight early mycobacterial infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Sharma
- Division of Environmental Genetics and Molecular Toxicology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Shuangmin Zhang
- Division of Environmental Genetics and Molecular Toxicology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Liang Niu
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - David M Lewinsohn
- Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Division of Environmental Genetics and Molecular Toxicology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Genomics, Epigenomics and Sequencing Core, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Shouxiong Huang
- Division of Environmental Genetics and Molecular Toxicology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Immunobiology Graduate Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Trophoblast cell influence on peripheral blood natural killer cell proliferation and phenotype in non-pregnant women and women in early pregnancy. Immunobiology 2020; 225:151910. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2020.151910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Niehrs A, Altfeld M. Regulation of NK-Cell Function by HLA Class II. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:55. [PMID: 32133304 PMCID: PMC7040486 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells were initially described as part of the innate immune system and characterized by their ability to lyse malignant and virus-infected cells. The cytolytic function of NK cells is tightly controlled by activating and inhibitory receptors expressed on the cell surface. Ligands that interact with a variety of NK-cell receptors include the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, and the regulation of NK-cell function by HLA class I molecules is well-established. Earlier studies also suggested a role of HLA class II molecules in regulating NK cell activity; yet, interactions between HLA class II molecules and NK cell receptors have not been well-characterized. We recently identified a subset of HLA-DP molecules that can serve as ligands for the natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp44 and activate NK cells. This novel receptor-ligand interaction provides a potential mechanism to explain the strong associations of HLA-DP molecules with HBV infection outcomes, graft-vs.-host disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, it adds a new mechanism for NK-cell crosstalk with immune cells expressing HLA class II molecules. In this perspective article, we discuss the potential implications of NK cell receptor interactions with HLA class II molecules for the regulation of immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Niehrs
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute for Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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36
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Recent Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of the NKG2D Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020301. [PMID: 32075046 PMCID: PMC7094213 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common malignant tumor with high mortality. Its malignant proliferation, invasion, and metastasis are closely related to the cellular immune function of the patients. NKG2D is a key activated and type II membrane protein molecule expressed on the surface of almost all NK cells. The human NKG2D gene is 270 kb long, located at 12p12.3-p13.1, and contains 10 exons and 9 introns. The three-dimensional structure of the NKG2D monomeric protein contains two alpha-helices, two beta-lamellae, and four disulfide bonds, and its' signal of activation is transmitted mainly by the adaptor protein (DAP). NKG2D ligands, including MICA, MICB, and ULBPs, can be widely expressed in hepatoma cells. After a combination of NKG2D and DAP10 in the form of homologous two polymers, the YxxM motif in the cytoplasm is phosphorylated and then signaling pathways are also gradually activated, such as PI3K, PLCγ2, JNK-cJunN, and others. Activated NK cells can enhance the sensitivity to hepatoma cells and specifically dissolve by releasing a variety of cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ), perforin, and high expression of FasL, CD16, and TRAIL. NK cells may specifically bind to the over-expressed MICA, MICB, and ULBPs of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the surface activating receptor NKG2D, which can help to accurately identify hepatoma, play a critical role in anti-hepatoma via the pathway of cytotoxic effects, and obviously delay the poor progress of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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37
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Teixeira FME, Pietrobon AJ, Oliveira LDM, Oliveira LMDS, Sato MN. Maternal-Fetal Interplay in Zika Virus Infection and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes. Front Immunol 2020; 11:175. [PMID: 32117303 PMCID: PMC7033814 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the organization of complex tolerance mechanisms occurs to assure non-rejection of the semiallogeneic fetus. Pregnancy is a period of vulnerability to some viral infections, mainly during the first and second trimesters, that may cause congenital damage to the fetus. Recently, Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has gained great notoriety due to the occurrence of congenital ZIKV syndrome, characterized by fetal microcephaly, which results from the ability of ZIKV to infect placental cells and neural precursors in the fetus. Importantly, in addition to the congenital effects, studies have shown that perinatal ZIKV infection causes a number of disorders, including maculopapular rash, conjunctivitis, and arthralgia. In this paper, we contextualize the immunological aspects involved in the maternal-fetal interface and vulnerability to ZIKV infection, especially the alterations resulting in perinatal outcomes. This highlights the need to develop protective maternal vaccine strategies or interventions that are capable of preventing fetal or even neonatal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciane Mouradian Emidio Teixeira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Julia Pietrobon
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana de Mendonça Oliveira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luanda Mara da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Notomi Sato
- Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, LIM-56, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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38
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Wang Y, Zhang H, Jiao B, Nie J, Li X, Wang W, Wang H. The Roles of Alternative Splicing in Tumor-immune Cell Interactions. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2020; 20:729-740. [PMID: 32560607 PMCID: PMC8388066 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666200619123725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) plays a significant role in the hallmarks of cancer and can provide neoantigens for immunotherapy. Here, we summarize recent advances in immune system associated tumor specific-antigens (TSAs) produced by AS. We further discuss the regulating mechanisms involved in AS-mediated innate and adaptive immune responses and the anti-tumoral and protumoral roles in different types of cancer. For example, ULBP1_RI, MLL5Δ21spe, NKp44-1Δ5, MHC-IΔ7, CD200SΔ1, 2, PVR α/β/γ/δ and IL-33 variants 1/2/3 act as regulators in solid tumors and IPAK4-L and, FOXP1ΔN100 exhibit functions in hematological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Honglei Zhang
- Address correspondence to these authors at Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; 32 Jiaochang E. Road, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Tel: +86-871-68191706; E-mail: ; and Department of Breast Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, 519 Kunzhou Road, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Tel: +86-13608815577; E-mail:
| | - Baowei Jiao
- Address correspondence to these authors at Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; 32 Jiaochang E. Road, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Tel: +86-871-68191706; E-mail: ; and Department of Breast Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, 519 Kunzhou Road, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Tel: +86-13608815577; E-mail:
| | - Jianyun Nie
- Address correspondence to these authors at Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; 32 Jiaochang E. Road, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Tel: +86-871-68191706; E-mail: ; and Department of Breast Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, 519 Kunzhou Road, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Tel: +86-13608815577; E-mail:
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Niehrs A, Garcia-Beltran WF, Norman PJ, Watson GM, Hölzemer A, Chapel A, Richert L, Pommerening-Röser A, Körner C, Ozawa M, Martrus G, Rossjohn J, Lee JH, Berry R, Carrington M, Altfeld M. A subset of HLA-DP molecules serve as ligands for the natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp44. Nat Immunol 2019; 20:1129-1137. [PMID: 31358998 PMCID: PMC8370669 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-019-0448-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can recognize virus-infected and stressed cells1 using activating and inhibitory receptors, many of which interact with HLA class I. Although early studies also suggested a functional impact of HLA class II on NK cell activity2,3, the NK cell receptors that specifically recognize HLA class II molecules have never been identified. We investigated whether two major families of NK cell receptors, killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), contained receptors that bound to HLA class II, and identified a direct interaction between the NK cell receptor NKp44 and a subset of HLA-DP molecules, including HLA-DP401, one of the most frequent class II allotypes in white populations4. Using NKp44ζ+ reporter cells and primary human NKp44+ NK cells, we demonstrated that interactions between NKp44 and HLA-DP401 trigger functional NK cell responses. This interaction between a subset of HLA-DP molecules and NKp44 implicates HLA class II as a component of the innate immune response, much like HLA class I. It also provides a potential mechanism for the described associations between HLA-DP subtypes and several disease outcomes, including hepatitis B virus infection5-7, graft-versus-host disease8 and inflammatory bowel disease9,10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Niehrs
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wilfredo F Garcia-Beltran
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Paul J Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Gabrielle M Watson
- Infection and Immunity Program and The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angelique Hölzemer
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anaïs Chapel
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- Unité HIV Inflammation et Persistance, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Laura Richert
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- Inserm Inria SISTM Bordeaux Population Health Research Center UMR 1219, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Christian Körner
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Glòria Martrus
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program and The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Richard Berry
- Infection and Immunity Program and The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary Carrington
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Basic Science Program, HLA Immunogenetics Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany.
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Di Vito C, Mikulak J, Mavilio D. On the Way to Become a Natural Killer Cell. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1812. [PMID: 31428098 PMCID: PMC6688484 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes playing pivotal roles in host defense and immune-surveillance. The homeostatic modulation of germ-line encoded/non-rearranged activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors (NKRs) determines the capability of these innate lymphocytes to either spare "self" cells or to kill viral-infected, tumor-transformed and heterologous cell targets. However, despite being discovered more than 40 years ago, several aspects of NK cell biology remain unknown or are still being debated. In particular, our knowledge of human NK cell ontogenesis and differentiation is still in its infancy as the majority of our experimental evidence on this topic mainly comes from findings obtained in vitro or with animal models in vivo. Although both the generation and the maintenance of human NK cells are sustained by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the precise site(s) of NK cell development are still poorly defined. Indeed, HSCs and hematopoietic precursors are localized in different anatomical compartments that also change their ontogenic commitments before and after birth as well as in aging. Currently, the main site of NK cell generation and maturation in adulthood is considered the bone marrow, where their interactions with stromal cells, cytokines, growth factors, and other soluble molecules support and drive maturation. Different sequential stages of NK cell development have been identified on the basis of the differential expression of specific markers and NKRs as well as on the acquisition of specific effector-functions. All these phenotypic and functional features are key in inducing and regulating homing, activation and tissue-residency of NK cells in different human anatomic sites, where different homeostatic mechanisms ensure a perfect balance between immune tolerance and immune-surveillance. The present review summarizes our current knowledge on human NK cell ontogenesis and on the related pathways orchestrating a proper maturation, functions, and distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Joanna Mikulak
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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41
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Jabrane-Ferrat N. Features of Human Decidual NK Cells in Healthy Pregnancy and During Viral Infection. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1397. [PMID: 31379803 PMCID: PMC6660262 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The hallmark of human early pregnancy is the accumulation of a unique population of Natural Killer (dNK) cells at the main maternal-fetal interface, the decidua basalis. dNK cells play a crucial role in successful placentation probably by orchestrating the invasion of trophoblast cells deep into the decidua basalis and remodeling of the maternal spiral arteries. Recent advances in the field emphasize the importance of the local microenvironment in shaping both the phenotype and the effector functions of these innate lymphoid cells. Despite slow progress in the field, ex vivo studies revealed that dNK cells sense and destroy infected cells in order to protect the fetus from invading pathogens. In this review, we will discuss key features of dNK cells during healthy pregnancy as well as their functional adaptations in limiting pathogen dissemination to the growing conceptus. The challenge is to better understand the plasticity of dNK cells in the maternal-fetal interface. Such insights would enable greater understanding of the pathogenesis in congenital infections and pregnancy disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Jabrane-Ferrat
- CNRS UMR 5282, Center of Pathophysiology Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, France.,INSERM UMR1043, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France.,Toulouse III University, Toulouse, France
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42
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Poznanski SM, Ashkar AA. What Defines NK Cell Functional Fate: Phenotype or Metabolism? Front Immunol 2019; 10:1414. [PMID: 31275330 PMCID: PMC6593107 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
NK cells are capable of an array of functions that range widely from their classic anti-tumor and anti-viral cytotoxic effector functions, to their critical regulatory roles in controlling inflammatory immune responses and promoting tissue growth. However, the mechanisms that polarize NK cells to these distinct and opposing functions are incompletely understood. NK cell functional subsets are primarily identified and studied based on phenotype, which has served as an accessible means for profiling NK cells and does offer information on NK cell activation state. However, inconsistencies have emerged in using classic phenotypes to inform function, which raise the questions: Can phenotype in fact define NK cell functional fate? What factors do profile and drive NK cell fate? In other immune cells, cell metabolism has been shown to critically determine subset polarization. There is a growing body of evidence that cell metabolism is integral to NK cell effector functions. Glucose-driven glycolysis and oxidative metabolism have been shown to drive classic NK cell anti-tumor and anti-viral effector functions. Recent studies have uncovered a critical role for metabolism in NK cell development, education, and memory generation. In this review, we will draw on the evidence to date to investigate the relationship between NK cell phenotype, metabolism, and functional fate. We explore a paradigm in which the differential activity of metabolic pathways within NK cells produce distinct metabolic fingerprints that comprehensively distinguish and drive the range of NK cell functional abilities. We will discuss future areas of study that are needed to develop and test this paradigm and suggest strategies to efficiently profile NK cells based on metabolism. Given the emerging role of metabolism in driving NK cell fates, profiling and modulating NK cell metabolism holds profound therapeutic potential to tune inflammatory and regulatory NK cell responses to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Poznanski
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ali A Ashkar
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Vitale M, Cantoni C, Della Chiesa M, Ferlazzo G, Carlomagno S, Pende D, Falco M, Pessino A, Muccio L, De Maria A, Marcenaro E, Moretta L, Sivori S. An Historical Overview: The Discovery of How NK Cells Can Kill Enemies, Recruit Defense Troops, and More. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1415. [PMID: 31316503 PMCID: PMC6611392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells were originally defined as effector lymphocytes of innate immunity characterized by the unique ability of killing tumor and virally infected cells without any prior priming and expansion of specific clones. The "missing-self" theory, proposed by Klas Karre, the seminal discovery of the first prototypic HLA class I-specific inhibitory receptors, and, later, of the Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs) by Alessandro Moretta, provided the bases to understand the puzzling behavior of NK cells. Actually, those discoveries proved crucial also for many of the achievements that, along the years, have contributed to the modern view of these cells. Indeed, NK cells, besides killing susceptible targets, are now known to functionally interact with different immune cells, sense pathogens using TLR, adapt their responses to the local environment, and, even, mount a sort of immunological memory. In this review, we will specifically focus on the main activating NK receptors and on their crucial role in the ever-increasing number of functions assigned to NK cells and other innate lymphoid cells (ILCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Vitale
- U.O.C. Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Guido Ferlazzo
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- U.O.C. Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Annamaria Pessino
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Letizia Muccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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44
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Barrow AD, Martin CJ, Colonna M. The Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors in Health and Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 10:909. [PMID: 31134055 PMCID: PMC6514059 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs), NKp46, NKp44, and NKp30, were some of the first human activating Natural Killer (NK) cell receptors involved in the non-MHC-restricted recognition of tumor cells to be cloned over 20 years ago. Since this time many host- and pathogen-encoded ligands have been proposed to bind the NCRs and regulate the cytotoxic and cytokine-secreting functions of tissue NK cells. This diverse set of NCR ligands can manifest on the surface of tumor or virus-infected cells or can be secreted extracellularly, suggesting a remarkable NCR polyfunctionality that regulates the activity of NK cells in different tissue compartments during steady state or inflammation. Moreover, the NCRs can also be expressed by other innate and adaptive immune cell subsets under certain tissue conditions potentially conferring NK recognition programs to these cells. Here we review NCR biology in health and disease with particular reference to how this important class of receptors regulates the functions of tissue NK cells as well as confer NK cell recognition patterns to other innate and adaptive lymphocyte subsets. Finally, we highlight how NCR biology is being harnessed for novel therapeutic interventions particularly for enhanced tumor surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander David Barrow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Claudia Jane Martin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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45
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Parodi M, Favoreel H, Candiano G, Gaggero S, Sivori S, Mingari MC, Moretta L, Vitale M, Cantoni C. NKp44-NKp44 Ligand Interactions in the Regulation of Natural Killer Cells and Other Innate Lymphoid Cells in Humans. Front Immunol 2019; 10:719. [PMID: 31024551 PMCID: PMC6465645 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are potent cytotoxic cells belonging to the family of Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs). Their most characterized effector functions are directed to the control of aberrant cells in the body, including both transformed and virus-infected cells. NK cell-mediated recognition of abnormal cells primarily occurs through receptor-ligand interactions, involving an array of inhibitory and activating NK receptors and different types of ligands expressed on target cells. While most of the receptors have become known over many years, their respective ligands were only defined later and their impressive complexity has only recently become evident. NKp44, a member of Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs), is an activating receptor playing a crucial role in most functions exerted by activated NK cells and also by other NKp44+ immune cells. The large and heterogeneous panel of NKp44 ligands (NKp44L) now includes surface expressed glycoproteins and proteoglycans, nuclear proteins that can be exposed outside the cell, and molecules that can be either released in the extracellular space or carried in extracellular vesicles. Recent findings have extended our knowledge on the nature of NKp44L to soluble plasma glycoproteins, such as secreted growth factors or extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived glycoproteins. NKp44L are induced upon tumor transformation or viral infection but may also be expressed in normal cells and tissues. In addition, NKp44-NKp44L interactions are involved in the crosstalk between NK cells and different innate and adaptive immune cell types. NKp44 expression in different ILCs located in tissues further extends the potential role of NKp44-NKp44L interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parodi
- Immunology Operative Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Herman Favoreel
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Giovanni Candiano
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Gaggero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Immunology Operative Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- Immunology Operative Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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46
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Mantovani S, Oliviero B, Lombardi A, Varchetta S, Mele D, Sangiovanni A, Rossi G, Donadon M, Torzilli G, Soldani C, Porta C, Pedrazzoli P, Chiellino S, Santambrogio R, Opocher E, Maestri M, Bernuzzi S, Rossello A, Clément S, De Vito C, Rubbia-Brandt L, Negro F, Mondelli MU. Deficient Natural Killer Cell NKp30-Mediated Function and Altered NCR3 Splice Variants in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2019; 69:1165-1179. [PMID: 30153337 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The activating natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp30 is critical for natural killer (NK) cell function and tumor immune surveillance. The natural cytotoxicity receptor-3 (NCR3) gene is transcribed into several splice variants whose physiological relevance is still incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the role of NKp30 and its major ligand B7 homolog 6 (B7-H6) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Peripheral blood NK cell phenotype was skewed toward a defective/exhausted immune profile with decreased frequencies of cells expressing NKp30 and natural killer group 2, member D and an increased proportion of cells expressing T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3. Moreover, NKp30-positive NK cells had a reduced expression of NCR3 immunostimulatory splice variants and an increased expression of the inhibitory variant in patients with advanced tumor, resulting in deficient NKp30-mediated functionality. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes showed a prevalent inhibitory NKp30 isoform profile, consistent with decreased NKp30-mediated function. Of note, there were significant differences in the cytokine milieu between the neoplastic and the surrounding non-neoplastic tissue, which may have further influenced NKp30 function. Exposure of NK cells to B7-H6-expressing HCC cells significantly down-modulated NKp30, that was prevented by small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown, suggesting a role for this ligand in inhibiting NKp30-mediated responses. Interestingly, B7-H6 expression was reduced in HCC tissue and simultaneously augmented as a soluble form in HCC patients, particularly those with advanced staging or larger nodule size. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence in support of a role of NKp30 and its major ligand in HCC development and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Lombardi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy.,Division of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Dalila Mele
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelo Sangiovanni
- CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
| | - Giorgio Rossi
- Liver Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiana Soldani
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Camillo Porta
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Chiellino
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Santambrogio
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Opocher
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcello Maestri
- Department of General Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Bernuzzi
- Immunohematological and Transfusional Service and Centre of Transplantation Immunology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Sophie Clément
- Division of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudio De Vito
- Division of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Francesco Negro
- Division of Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mario U Mondelli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy
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47
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Shemesh A, Brusilovsky M, Kundu K, Ottolenghi A, Campbell KS, Porgador A. Splice variants of human natural cytotoxicity receptors: novel innate immune checkpoints. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1871-1883. [PMID: 29264698 PMCID: PMC11028282 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-2104-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs; NKp30, NKp44, and NKp46) were first defined as activating receptors on human NK cells that are important in recognition of and response to tumors. A flurry of recent research, however, has revealed that differential splicing can occur during transcription of each of the NCR genes, resulting in some transcripts that encode receptor isoforms with inhibitory functions. These alternative transcripts can arise in certain tissue microenvironments and appear to be induced by cytokines. Evidence indicates that some of the inhibitory NCRs are triggered by specific ligands, such as the interaction of the inhibitory isoform of NKp44 with PCNA on the surface of tumor cells. Here, we review the different NCR splice variants, cytokines that modulate their expression, their functional impacts on innate immune cells, and their differential expression in the contexts of cancer, pregnancy, and infections. The recent discovery of these inhibitory NCR isoforms has revealed novel innate immune checkpoints, many of which still lack defined ligands and clear mechanisms driving their expression. These NCR checkpoint pathways offer exciting potential therapeutic targets to manipulate innate immune functions under defined pathological conditions, such as cancer, pregnancy disorders, and pathogen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishai Shemesh
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Goldman Building, Room 143, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michael Brusilovsky
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kiran Kundu
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Goldman Building, Room 143, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Aner Ottolenghi
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Goldman Building, Room 143, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Kerry S Campbell
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Goldman Building, Room 143, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel.
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
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48
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Abdalla BA, Li Z, Ouyang H, Jebessa E, Sun T, Yu JA, Cai B, Chen B, Nie Q, Zhang X. A Novel Dnmt3a1 Transcript Inhibits Adipogenesis. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1270. [PMID: 30333755 PMCID: PMC6176318 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of methyl groups to specific CpG forms in DNA. In mammals, two variant transcripts of Dnmt3a have been successfully identified. To the best of our knowledge, no Dnmt3a transcripts in an avian have been successfully identified. This study was performed to detect different transcripts of Dnmt3a in chickens and to examine whether a novel Dnmt3a transcript named Dnmt3a1 may regulate adipogenesis. In addition to cloning, sequencing, transcript detection, and expression studies, a novel Dnmt3a1 transcript overexpression and knockdown were conducted to explore the potential role of Dnmt3a1 in preadipocyte proliferation and the early stage of adipocyte differentiation. In chicken abdominal fat tissue, we detected a novel Dnmt3a1 transcript that differs from Dnmt3a by lacking 23 amino acids at the exon-1/exon-2 border. Dnmt3a1 mRNA was ubiquitously expressed in a variety of tissues or cells and highly expressed in chicken adipose tissue/cells. The expression of Dnmt3a1 was regulated under different physiological conditions including aging, fasting, and high-fat diet. In addition, overexpression of Dnmt3a1 significantly decreased preadipocyte proliferation and induced cell-cycle arrest while its inhibition increased cell proliferation and S-phase cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of Dnmt3a1 significantly upregulated the mRNA level of cell-cycle-related genes, such as CDKN1A, CDKN1B, CCNB3, CCND2, CCNG2, CDKN2B, and CDK9, or the protein level of CDKN1A, CDKN1B, and CCNG2. Conversely, the knockdown of Dnmt3a1 by siRNA had the opposite effects. Moreover, during early adipocyte differentiation, the overexpression of Dnmt3a1 significantly decreased the mRNA and the protein levels of PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, ADIPOR1, and STAT3, and the mRNA levels of FAS, LEPR, LPL, PRKAB2, and ATGL. In contrast, their expression was significantly increased after the knockdown of Dnmt3a1. Taken together, we identified a novel transcript of Dnmt3a, and it played a potential role in adipogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareldin A Abdalla
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, the Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhui Li
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, the Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongjia Ouyang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, the Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Endashaw Jebessa
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, the Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianhao Sun
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, the Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Ao Yu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, the Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bolin Cai
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, the Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biao Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, the Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghua Nie
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, the Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiquan Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, the Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
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49
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Castellana B, Perdu S, Kim Y, Chan K, Atif J, Marziali M, Beristain AG. Maternal obesity alters uterine NK activity through a functional KIR2DL1/S1 imbalance. Immunol Cell Biol 2018; 96:805-819. [PMID: 29569748 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In pregnancy, uterine natural killer cells (uNK) play essential roles in coordinating uterine angiogenesis, blood vessel remodeling and promoting maternal tolerance to fetal tissue. Deviances from a normal uterine microenvironment are thought to modify uNK function(s) by limiting their ability to establish a healthy pregnancy. While maternal obesity has become a major health concern due to associations with adverse effects on fetal and maternal health, our understanding into how obesity contributes to poor pregnancy disorders is unknown. Given the importance of uNK in pregnancy, this study examines the impact of obesity on uNK function in women in early pregnancy. We identify that uNK from obese women show a greater propensity for cellular activation, but this difference does not translate into increased effector killing potential. Instead, uNK from obese women express an altered repertoire of natural killer receptors, including an imbalance in inhibitory KIR2DL1 and activating KIR2DS1 receptors that favors HLA-C2-directed uNK activation. Notably, we show that obesity-related KIR2DS1 skewing potentiates TNFα production upon receptor crosslinking. Together, these findings suggest that maternal obesity modifies uNK activity by altering the response toward HLA-C2 antigen and KIR2DL1/2DS1-controlled TNFα release. Furthermore, this work identifies alterations in uNK function resulting from maternal obesity that may impact early developmental processes important in pregnancy health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Castellana
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sofie Perdu
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yoona Kim
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kathy Chan
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jawairia Atif
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Megan Marziali
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexander G Beristain
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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50
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Shemesh A, Brusilovsky M, Hadad U, Teltsh O, Edri A, Rubin E, Campbell KS, Rosental B, Porgador A. Survival in acute myeloid leukemia is associated with NKp44 splice variants. Oncotarget 2018; 7:32933-45. [PMID: 27102296 PMCID: PMC5078064 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
NKp44 is a receptor encoded by the NCR2 gene, which is expressed by cytokine-activated natural killer (NK) cells that are involved in anti-AML immunity. NKp44 has three splice variants corresponding to NKp44ITIM+ (NKp44-1) and NKp44ITIM− (NKp44-2, and NKp44-3) isoforms. RNAseq data of AML patients revealed similar survival of NKp46+NKp44+ and NKp46+NKp44− patients. However, if grouped according to the NKp44 splice variant profile, NKp44-1 expression was significantly associated with poor survival of AML patients. Moreover, activation of PBMC from healthy controls showed co-dominant expression of NKp44-1 and NKp44-3, while primary NK clones show more diverse NKp44 splice variant profiles. Cultured primary NK cells resulted in NKp44-1 dominance and impaired function associated with PCNA over-expression by target cells. This impaired functional phenotype could be rescued by blocking of NKp44 receptor. Human NK cell lines revealed co-dominant expression of NKp44-1 and NKp44-3 and showed a functional phenotype that was not inhibited by PCNA over-expression. Furthermore, transfection-based overexpression of NKp44-1, but not NKp44-2/NKp44-3, reversed the endogenous resistance of NK-92 cells to PCNA-mediated inhibition, and resulted in poor formation of stable lytic immune synapses. This research contributes to the understanding of AML prognosis by shedding new light on the functional implications of differential splicing of NKp44.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishai Shemesh
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.,National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michael Brusilovsky
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Uzi Hadad
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Omri Teltsh
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Avishay Edri
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Eitan Rubin
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Kerry S Campbell
- Immune Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benyamin Rosental
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine and the Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.,National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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