1
|
Aguilar OA, Fong LK, Lanier LL. ITAM-based receptors in natural killer cells. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:40-53. [PMID: 38411263 PMCID: PMC11102329 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13313] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The ability of cells of the immune system to acquire features such as increased longevity and enhanced secondary responses was long thought to be restricted to cells of the adaptive immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells have challenged this notion by demonstrating that they can also gain adaptive features. This has been observed in both humans and mice during infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV). The generation of adaptive NK cells requires antigen-specific recognition of virally infected cells through stimulatory NK receptors. These receptors lack the ability to signal on their own and rather rely on adaptor molecules that contain ITAMs for driving signals. Here, we highlight our understanding of how these receptors influence the production of adaptive NK cells and propose areas in the field that merit further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar A. Aguilar
- Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lam-Kiu Fong
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lewis L. Lanier
- Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rückert T, Romagnani C. Extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of natural killer cell clonality. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:80-106. [PMID: 38506411 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13324] [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: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Clonal expansion of antigen-specific lymphocytes is the fundamental mechanism enabling potent adaptive immune responses and the generation of immune memory. Accompanied by pronounced epigenetic remodeling, the massive proliferation of individual cells generates a critical mass of effectors for the control of acute infections, as well as a pool of memory cells protecting against future pathogen encounters. Classically associated with the adaptive immune system, recent work has demonstrated that innate immune memory to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is stably maintained as large clonal expansions of natural killer (NK) cells, raising questions on the mechanisms for clonal selection and expansion in the absence of re-arranged antigen receptors. Here, we discuss clonal NK cell memory in the context of the mechanisms underlying clonal competition of adaptive lymphocytes and propose alternative selection mechanisms that might decide on the clonal success of their innate counterparts. We propose that the integration of external cues with cell-intrinsic sources of heterogeneity, such as variegated receptor expression, transcriptional states, and somatic variants, compose a bottleneck for clonal selection, contributing to the large size of memory NK cell clones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timo Rückert
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chiara Romagnani
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Di Vito C, Coianiz N, Calvi M, Terzoli S, Zaghi E, Puccio S, Frigo A, Mariotti J, De Philippis C, Mannina D, Sarina B, Mineri R, Le-Trilling VTK, Trilling M, Castagna L, Bramanti S, Santoro A, Mavilio D. Persistence of KIR neg NK cells after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation protects from human cytomegalovirus infection/reactivation. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1266051. [PMID: 38268918 PMCID: PMC10806243 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1266051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (h-HSCT) is a therapeutic option to cure patients affected by hematologic malignancies. The kinetics and the quality of immune-reconstitution (IR) impact the clinical outcome of h-HSCT and limit the onset of life-threatening Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection/reactivation. Natural Killer (NK) cells are the first lymphocytes that recover after h-HSCT and they can provide rapid innate immune responses against opportunistic pathogens. By performing a longitudinal single-cell analysis of multiparametric flow-cytometry data, we show here that the persistence at high frequencies of CD158b1b2jneg/NKG2Apos/NKG2Cneg/NKp30pos/NKp46pos (KIRneg) NK cells is associated with HCMV infection/reactivation control. These KIRneg NK cells are "unlicensed", and are not terminal-differentiated lymphocytes appearing early during IR and mainly belonging to CD56bright/CD16neg and CD56bright/CD16pos subsets. KIRneg NK cells are enriched in oxidative and glucose metabolism pathways, produce interferon-γ, and are endowed with potent antiviral activity against HCMV ex vivo. Decreased frequencies of KIRneg NK cells early during IR are associated with clinically relevant HCMV replication. Taken together, our findings indicate that the prolonged persistence of KIRneg NK cells after h-HSCT could serve as a biomarker to better predict HCMV infection/reactivation. This phenomenon also paves the way to optimize anti-viral immune responses by enriching post-transplant donor lymphocyte infusions with KIRneg NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Coianiz
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Calvi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Terzoli
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Zaghi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Puccio
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Frigo
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Mariotti
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara De Philippis
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Mannina
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Sarina
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Rossana Mineri
- Molecular Biology Section, Clinical Investigation Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mirko Trilling
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Luca Castagna
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Bramanti
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Armando Santoro
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nabekura T, Deborah EA, Tahara S, Arai Y, Love PE, Kako K, Fukamizu A, Muratani M, Shibuya A. Themis2 regulates natural killer cell memory function and formation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7200. [PMID: 37938555 PMCID: PMC10632368 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42578-8] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological memory is a hallmark of the adaptive immune system. Although natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells important for the immediate host defence, they can differentiate into memory NK cells. The molecular mechanisms controlling this differentiation are yet to be fully elucidated. Here we identify the scaffold protein Themis2 as a critical regulator of memory NK cell differentiation and function. Themis2-deficient NK cells expressing Ly49H, an activating NK receptor for the mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) antigen m157, show enhanced differentiation into memory NK cells and augment host protection against MCMV infection. Themis2 inhibits the effector function of NK cells after stimulation of Ly49H and multiple activating NK receptors, though not specific to memory NK cells. Mechanistically, Themis2 suppresses Ly49H signalling by attenuating ZAP70/Syk phosphorylation, and it also translocates to the nucleus, where it promotes Zfp740-mediated repression to regulate the persistence of memory NK cells. Zfp740 deficiency increases the number of memory NK cells and enhances the effector function of memory NK cells, which further supports the relevance of the Themis2-Zfp740 pathway. In conclusion, our study shows that Themis2 quantitatively and qualitatively regulates NK cell memory formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Nabekura
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
- R&D Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Elfira Amalia Deborah
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Doctoral Program in Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Saeko Tahara
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- College of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yuya Arai
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- College of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Paul E Love
- Section on Hematopoiesis and Lymphocyte Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Koichiro Kako
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Fukamizu
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Shibuya
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
- R&D Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Qin Y, Mace EM, Barton JP. An inference model gives insights into innate immune adaptation and repertoire diversity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305859120. [PMID: 37695895 PMCID: PMC10515141 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305859120] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense against infection. Natural killer (NK) cells, a vital part of the innate immune system, help to control infection and eliminate cancer. Studies have identified a vast array of receptors that NK cells use to discriminate between healthy and unhealthy cells. However, at present, it is difficult to explain how NK cells will respond to novel stimuli in different environments. In addition, the expression of different receptors on individual NK cells is highly stochastic, but the reason for these variegated expression patterns is unclear. Here, we studied the recognition of unhealthy target cells as an inference problem, where NK cells must distinguish between healthy targets with normal variability in ligand expression and ones that are clear "outliers." Our mathematical model fits well with experimental data, including NK cells' adaptation to changing environments and responses to different target cells. Furthermore, we find that stochastic, "sparse" receptor expression profiles are best able to detect a variety of possible threats, in agreement with experimental studies of the NK cell repertoire. While our study was specifically motivated by NK cells, our model is general and could also apply more broadly to explain principles of target recognition for other immune cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Qin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, CA92521
| | - Emily M. Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY10032
| | - John P. Barton
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, CA92521
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA15260
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zafarani A, Razizadeh MH, Pashangzadeh S, Amirzargar MR, Taghavi-Farahabadi M, Mahmoudi M. Natural killer cells in COVID-19: from infection, to vaccination and therapy. Future Virol 2023:10.2217/fvl-2022-0040. [PMID: 36936055 PMCID: PMC10013930 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2022-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are among the most important innate immunity members, which are the first cells that fight against infected cells. The function of these cells is impaired in patients with COVID-19 and they are not able to prevent the spread of the disease or destroy the infected cells. Few studies have evaluated the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on NK cells, though it has been demonstrated that DNA vaccines and BNT162b2 can affect NK cell response. In the present paper, the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the NK cells during infection, the effect of vaccination on NK cells, and the NK cell-based therapies were reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Zafarani
- 1Department of Hematology & Blood Banking, School of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Salar Pashangzadeh
- 3Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- 4Immunology Today, Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Amirzargar
- 1Department of Hematology & Blood Banking, School of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Taghavi-Farahabadi
- 5Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahmoudi
- 6Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
- Author for correspondence: Tel.: +98 936 002 0731;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mace EM. Human natural killer cells: Form, function, and development. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:371-385. [PMID: 36195172 PMCID: PMC9905317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that mediate important effector functions in the control of viral infection and malignancy. Their ability to distinguish "self" from "nonself" and lyse virally infected and tumorigenic cells through germline-encoded receptors makes them important players in maintaining human health and a powerful tool for immunotherapeutic applications and fighting disease. This review introduces our current understanding of NK cell biology, including key facets of NK cell differentiation and the acquisition and execution of NK cell effector function. Further, it addresses the clinical relevance of NK cells in both primary immunodeficiency and immunotherapy. It is intended to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of this important and interesting innate immune effector cell subset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Mace
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zafarani A, Taghavi-Farahabadi M, Razizadeh MH, Amirzargar MR, Mansouri M, Mahmoudi M. The Role of NK Cells and Their Exosomes in Graft Versus Host Disease and Graft Versus Leukemia. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:26-45. [PMID: 35994137 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10449-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the innate immune cells that play an important role in preventing and controlling tumors and viral diseases, but their role in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is not yet fully understood. However, according to some research, these cells can prevent infections and tumor relapse without causing graft versus host disease (GVHD). In addition to NK cells, several studies are about the anti-leukemia effects of NK cell-derived exosomes that can highlight their roles in graft-versus-leukemia (GVL). In this paper, we intend to investigate the results of various articles on the role of NK cells in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and also their exosomes in GVL. Also, we have discussed the antiviral effects of these cells in post-HCT cytomegalovirus infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Zafarani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Taghavi-Farahabadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Reza Amirzargar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoure Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahmoudi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Colucci F. Uterine NK Cells Ace an "A" in Education: NKG2A Sets Up Crucial Functions at the Maternal-Fetal Interface. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1421-1425. [PMID: 36192118 PMCID: PMC7613701 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
I argue here that reproduction was a driving force in the evolution of NK-cell education, which is set by interactions between inhibitory receptors and self MHC. Maternal lymphocytes also interact with allogeneic MHC on fetal trophoblast cells. How the maternal immune system accommodates the semi-allogeneic fetus is a fascinating question. But it may be the wrong question. Tissue lymphocytes, like uterine NK (uNK) cells, do not attack the mismatched fetus and its placenta. Instead, they help the local vasculature to accommodate changes necessary to nourish the fetus. Education of uNK cells, driven by the ancient CD94:NKG2A inhibitory receptor and self MHC, sets them up to deliver these key functions at the maternal-fetal interface. /112
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK,University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Potempa M, Aguilar OA, Gonzalez-Hinojosa MDR, Tenvooren I, Marquez DM, Spitzer MH, Lanier LL. Influence of Self-MHC Class I Recognition on the Dynamics of NK Cell Responses to Cytomegalovirus Infection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:1742-1754. [PMID: 35321880 PMCID: PMC8976824 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although interactions between inhibitory Ly49 receptors and their self-MHC class I ligands in C57BL/6 mice are known to limit NK cell proliferation during mouse CMV (MCMV) infection, we created a 36-marker mass cytometry (CyTOF) panel to investigate how these inhibitory receptors impact the NK cell response to MCMV in other phenotypically measurable ways. More than two thirds of licensed NK cells (i.e., those expressing Ly49C, Ly49I, or both) in uninfected mice had already differentiated into NK cells with phenotypes indicative of Ag encounter (KLRG1+Ly6C-) or memory-like status (KLRG1+Ly6C+). These pre-existing KLRG1+Ly6C+ NK cells resembled known Ag-specific memory NK cell populations in being less responsive to IL-18 and IFN-α stimulation in vitro and by selecting for NK cell clones with elevated expression of a Ly49 receptor. During MCMV infection, the significant differences between licensed and unlicensed (Ly49C-Ly49I-) NK cells disappeared within both CMV-specific (Ly49H+) and nonspecific (Ly49H-) responses. This lack of heterogeneity carried into the memory phase, with only a difference in CD16 expression manifesting between licensed and unlicensed MCMV-specific memory NK cell populations. Our results suggest that restricting proliferation is the predominant effect licensing has on the NK cell population during MCMV infection, but the inhibitory Ly49-MHC interactions that take place ahead of infection contribute to their limited expansion by shrinking the pool of licensed NK cells capable of robustly responding to new challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Potempa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Oscar A Aguilar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA
| | - Maria D R Gonzalez-Hinojosa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA
| | - Iliana Tenvooren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; and
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
| | - Diana M Marquez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; and
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
| | - Matthew H Spitzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; and
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lewis L Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA;
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Depierreux DM, Kieckbusch J, Shreeve N, Hawkes DA, Marsh B, Blelloch R, Sharkey A, Colucci F. Beyond Maternal Tolerance: Education of Uterine Natural Killer Cells by Maternal MHC Drives Fetal Growth. Front Immunol 2022; 13:808227. [PMID: 35619712 PMCID: PMC9127083 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.808227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive immunology has moved on from the classical Medawar question of 60 years ago "why doesn't the mother reject the fetus?". Looking beyond fetal-maternal tolerance, modern reproductive immunology focuses on how the maternal immune system supports fetal growth. Maternal uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, in partnership with fetal trophoblast cells, regulate physiological vascular changes in the uterus of pregnant women and mice. These vascular changes are necessary to build the placenta and sustain fetal growth. NK cell functions in the uterus and elsewhere, including anti-viral and anti-tumour immunity mediated mostly by blood NK cells, are modulated by NK cell education, a quantifiable process that determines cellular activation thresholds. This process relies largely on interactions between self-MHC class I molecules and inhibitory NK cell receptors. By getting to know self, the maternal immune system sets up uNK cells to participate to tissue homeostasis in the womb. Placentation can be viewed as a form of natural transplantation unique in vertebrates and this raises the question of how uNK cell education or missing-self recognition affect their function and, ultimately fetal growth. Here, using combinations of MHC-sufficient and -deficient mice, we show that uNK cell education is linked to maternal and not fetal MHC, so that MHC-deficient dams produce more growth-restricted fetuses, even when the fetuses themselves express self-MHC. We also show that, while peripheral NK cells reject bone marrow cells according to the established rules of missing-self recognition, uNK cells educated by maternal MHC do not reject fetuses that miss self-MHC and these fetuses grow to their full potential. While these results are not directly applicable to clinical research, they show that NK education by maternal MHC-I is required for optimal fetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine M Depierreux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jens Kieckbusch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Norman Shreeve
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Delia A Hawkes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bryan Marsh
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Robert Blelloch
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Andrew Sharkey
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Activation status dictates the function of unlicensed natural killer cells in mice and humans. Blood Adv 2021; 5:4219-4232. [PMID: 34496010 PMCID: PMC8945636 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021004589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation status of NK cell subsets is affected by viral load and immune context. Licensed NK cells dominate the antiviral response in mice after hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Natural killer (NK) cells are involved in innate defense against viral infection and cancer. NK cells can be divided into subsets based on the ability of different receptors to bind to major histocompatibility (MHC) class 1 molecules, resulting in differential responses upon activation in a process called “licensing” or “arming.” NK cells expressing receptors that bind self-MHC are considered licensed due to an augmented effector lytic function capability compared with unlicensed subsets. However, we demonstrated that unlicensed NK subsets instead positively regulate the adaptive T-cell response during viral infections that are related to localization and cytokine production. In this study, the differential effects of the two types of NK subsets were contingent on the environment in viral infection and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) models. Infection of mice with high-dose (HD) murine cytomegalovirus (MCMC) led to a loss of licensing-associated differences, as compared with mice with low-dose (LD) infection: the unlicensed NK subset no longer localized in lymph nodes (LNs), but instead remained at the site of infection. Similarly, the patterns observed during HD infection paralleled the phenotypes of both human and mouse NK cells in an HSCT setting where NK cells exhibit an activated phenotype. However, in contrast to the effects of subset depletion in T-cell replete models, the licensed NK cell subsets still dominated antiviral responses after HSCT. Overall, our results highlight the intricate tuning of NK cells and how it affects overall immune responses with regard to licensing patterns and their dependency on the level of stimulation and activation status.
Collapse
|
14
|
Ma S, Yan J, Barr T, Zhang J, Chen Z, Wang LS, Sun JC, Chen J, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. The RNA m6A reader YTHDF2 controls NK cell antitumor and antiviral immunity. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20210279. [PMID: 34160549 PMCID: PMC8225680 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20210279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent posttranscriptional modification on RNA. NK cells are the predominant innate lymphoid cells that mediate antiviral and antitumor immunity. However, whether and how m6A modifications affect NK cell immunity remain unknown. Here, we discover that YTHDF2, a well-known m6A reader, is upregulated in NK cells upon activation by cytokines, tumors, and cytomegalovirus infection. Ythdf2 deficiency in NK cells impairs NK cell antitumor and antiviral activity in vivo. YTHDF2 maintains NK cell homeostasis and terminal maturation, correlating with modulating NK cell trafficking and regulating Eomes, respectively. YTHDF2 promotes NK cell effector function and is required for IL-15-mediated NK cell survival and proliferation by forming a STAT5-YTHDF2 positive feedback loop. Transcriptome-wide screening identifies Tardbp to be involved in cell proliferation or survival as a YTHDF2-binding target in NK cells. Collectively, we elucidate the biological roles of m6A modifications in NK cells and highlight a new direction to harness NK cell antitumor immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jiazhuo Yan
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tasha Barr
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zhenhua Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Li-Shu Wang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Joseph C. Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Michael A. Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Licensing Natural Killers for Antiviral Immunity. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070908. [PMID: 34358058 PMCID: PMC8308748 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070908] [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: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM)-bearing receptors (IRs) enable discrimination between self- and non-self molecules on the surface of host target cells. In this regard, they have a vital role in self-tolerance through binding and activating intracellular tyrosine phosphatases which can inhibit cellular activation. Yet, self-MHC class I (MHC I)-specific IRs are versatile in that they can also positively impact lymphocyte functionality, as exemplified by their role in natural killer (NK) cell education, often referred to as ’licensing‘. Recent discoveries using defined mouse models of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection have revealed that select self-MHC I IRs can increase NK cell antiviral defenses as well, whereas other licensing IRs cannot, or instead impede virus-specific NK responses for reasons that remain poorly understood. This review highlights a role for self-MHC I ‘licensing’ IRs in antiviral immunity, especially in the context of CMV infection, their impact on virus-specific NK cells during acute infection, and their potential to affect viral pathogenesis and disease.
Collapse
|
16
|
Parikh BA, Bern MD, Piersma SJ, Yang L, Beckman DL, Poursine-Laurent J, Plougastel-Douglas B, Yokoyama WM. Control of Viral Infection by Natural Killer Cell Inhibitory Receptors. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107969. [PMID: 32726632 PMCID: PMC7458139 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-restricted immune responses are largely attributed to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). However, natural killer (NK) cells, as predicted by the missing-self hypothesis, have opposing requirements for MHC-I, suggesting that they may also demonstrate MHC-I-restricted effects. In mice, the Ly49 inhibitory receptors prevent NK cell killing of missing-self targets in effector responses, and they have a proposed second function in licensing or educating NK cells via self-MHC-I in vivo. Here we show MHC-I-restricted control of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection in vivo that is NK cell dependent. Using mice lacking specific Ly49 receptors, we show that control of MCMV requires inhibitory Ly49 receptors and an inhibitory signaling motif and the capacity for MCMV to downregulate MHC-I. Taken together, these data provide definitive evidence that the inhibitory receptors are required for missing-self rejection and are relevant to MHC-I-restricted NK cell control of a viral infection in vivo. Parikh et al. show that major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-restricted control of viral infection is due to natural killer (NK) cells rather than cytotoxic T cells. Inhibitory NK cell receptors are essential for protection, requiring NK cell licensing (education) by self-MHC-I and missing-self recognition due to virus-induced MHC-I downregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bijal A Parikh
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Michael D Bern
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sytse J Piersma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Liping Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Diana L Beckman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jennifer Poursine-Laurent
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Béatrice Plougastel-Douglas
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Wayne M Yokoyama
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that provide critical host defense against pathogens and cancer. Originally heralded for their early and rapid effector activity, NK cells have been recognized over the last decade for their ability to undergo adaptive immune processes, including antigen-driven clonal expansion and generation of long-lived memory. This review presents an overview of how NK cells lithely partake in both innate and adaptive responses and how this versatility is manifest in human NK cell-mediated immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M Mujal
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Rebecca B Delconte
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Joseph C Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; .,Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Burster T, Gärtner F, Bulach C, Zhanapiya A, Gihring A, Knippschild U. Regulation of MHC I Molecules in Glioblastoma Cells and the Sensitizing of NK Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030236. [PMID: 33800301 PMCID: PMC7998501 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been established as an important area in the therapy of malignant diseases. Immunogenicity sufficient for immune recognition and subsequent elimination can be bypassed by tumors through altered and/or reduced expression levels of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules. Natural killer (NK) cells can eliminate tumor cells in a MHC I antigen presentation-independent manner by an array of activating and inhibitory receptors, which are promising candidates for immunotherapy. Here we summarize the latest findings in recognizing and regulating MHC I molecules that affect NK cell surveillance of glioblastoma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timo Burster
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Ave. 53, 010000 Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(7172)-70-66-75
| | - Fabian Gärtner
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (F.G.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (U.K.)
| | - Christiane Bulach
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (F.G.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (U.K.)
| | - Anuar Zhanapiya
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Ave. 53, 010000 Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan;
| | - Adrian Gihring
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (F.G.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (U.K.)
| | - Uwe Knippschild
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (F.G.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (U.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gauthier M, Laroye C, Bensoussan D, Boura C, Decot V. Natural Killer cells and monoclonal antibodies: Two partners for successful antibody dependent cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 160:103261. [PMID: 33607229 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting tumors are one of the most important discoveries in the field of cancer. Although several effective antibodies have been developed, a relapse may occur. One of their mechanisms of action is Antibody Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity (ADCC), by engaging the Fc γ receptor CD16 expressing Natural Killer cells, innate lymphoid cells involved in cancer immunosurveillance and able to kill tumor cells. A lack of NK cells observed in many cancers may therefore be a cause of the low efficacy of antibodies observed in some clinical situations. Here we review clear evidences of the essential partnership between NK cells and antibodies showed in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials in different indications, describe the hurdles and ways to enhance ADCC and the evolution of monoclonal antibody therapy. NK cell adoptive immunotherapy combined with monoclonal antibodies may overcome the resistance to the treatment and enhance their efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Gauthier
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Caroline Laroye
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Danièle Bensoussan
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Cédric Boura
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR7039, Team BioSIS, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Véronique Decot
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Millan AJ, Hom BA, Libang JB, Sindi S, Manilay JO. Evidence for Prescribed NK Cell Ly-49 Developmental Pathways in Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:1215-1227. [PMID: 33495236 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies of NK cell inhibitory Ly-49 genes showed their expression is stochastic. However, relatively few studies have examined the mechanisms governing acquisition of inhibitory receptors in conjunction with activating Ly-49 receptors and NK cell development. We hypothesized that the surface expression of activating Ly-49 receptors is nonrandom and is influenced by inhibitory Ly-49 receptors. We analyzed NK cell "clusters" defined by combinatorial expression of activating (Ly-49H and Ly-49D) and inhibitory (Ly-49I and Ly-49G2) receptors in C57BL/6 mice. Using the product rule to evaluate the interdependencies of the Ly-49 receptors, we found evidence for a tightly regulated expression at the immature NK cell stage, with the highest interdependencies between clusters that express at least one activating receptor. Further analysis demonstrated that certain NK clusters predominated at the immature (CD27+CD11b-), transitional (CD27+CD11b+), and mature (CD27-CD11b-) NK cell stages. Using parallel in vitro culture and in vivo transplantation of sorted NK clusters, we discovered nonrandom expression of Ly-49 receptors, suggesting that prescribed pathways of NK cluster differentiation exist. Our data infer that surface expression of Ly-49I is an important step in NK cell maturation. Ki-67 expression and cell counts confirmed that immature NK cells proliferate more than mature NK cells. We found that MHC class I is particularly important for regulation of Ly-49D and Ly-49G2, even though no known MHC class I ligand for these receptors is present in B6 mice. Our data indicate that surface expression of both activating and inhibitory Ly-49 receptors on NK cell clusters occurs in a nonrandom process correlated to their maturation stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J Millan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343.,Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343; and
| | - Bryan A Hom
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343
| | - Jeremy B Libang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343
| | - Suzanne Sindi
- Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343; and.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343
| | - Jennifer O Manilay
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343; .,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Beaulieu AM. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of memory NK cell responses. Immunol Rev 2021; 300:125-133. [PMID: 33491231 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic innate lymphocytes with key roles in host protection against viruses and malignancy. Notwithstanding their historical classification as innate immune cells, NK cells are now understood to have some capacity to mount memory or memory-like immune responses in which effector cells undergo antigen-driven expansion and give rise to long-lived memory cells with enhanced functionality. Understanding how antigen-specific effector and memory NK responses are regulated is an important and active area of research in the field. Here, we discuss key transcription factors and epigenetic processes involved in antigen-specific effector and memory NK cell differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimee M Beaulieu
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Soluble and Exosome-Bound α-Galactosylceramide Mediate Preferential Proliferation of Educated NK Cells with Increased Anti-Tumor Capacity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020298. [PMID: 33467442 PMCID: PMC7830699 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020298] [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: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can kill target cells via the recognition of stress molecules and down-regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I). Some NK cells are educated to recognize and kill cells that have lost their MHC-I expression, e.g., tumor or virus-infected cells. A desired property of cancer immunotherapy is, therefore, to activate educated NK cells during anti-tumor responses in vivo. We here analyze NK cell responses to α-galactosylceramide (αGC), a potent activator of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, or to exosomes loaded with αGC. In mouse strains which express different MHC-I alleles using an extended NK cell flow cytometry panel, we show that αGC induces a biased NK cell proliferation of educated NK cells. Importantly, iNKT cell-induced activation of NK cells selectively increased in vivo missing self-responses, leading to more effective rejection of tumor cells. Exosomes from antigen-presenting cells are attractive anti-cancer therapy tools as they may induce both innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby addressing the hurdle of tumor heterogeneity. Adding αGC to antigen-loaded dendritic-cell-derived exosomes also led to an increase in missing self-responses in addition to boosted T and B cell responses. This study manifests αGC as an attractive adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy, as it increases the functional capacity of educated NK cells and enhances the innate, missing self-based antitumor response.
Collapse
|
23
|
Theresine M, Patil ND, Zimmer J. Airway Natural Killer Cells and Bacteria in Health and Disease. Front Immunol 2020; 11:585048. [PMID: 33101315 PMCID: PMC7546320 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.585048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity and mostly studied for their important roles in viral infections and malignant tumors. They can kill diseased cells and produce cytokines and chemokines, thereby shaping the adaptive immune response. Nowadays, NK cells are considered as a strong weapon for cancer immunotherapy and can for example be transduced to express tumor-specific chimeric antigen receptors or harnessed with therapeutic antibodies such as the so-called NK engagers. Whereas a large body of literature exists about the antiviral and antitumoral properties of NK cells, their potential role in bacterial infections is not that well delineated. Furthermore, NK cells are much more heterogeneous than previously thought and have tissue-characteristic features and phenotypes. This review gives an overview of airway NK cells and their position within the immunological army dressed against bacterial infections in the upper and predominantly the lower respiratory tracts. Whereas it appears that in several infections, NK cells play a non-redundant and protective role, they can likewise act as rather detrimental. The use of mouse models and the difficulty of access to human airway tissues for ethical reasons might partly explain the divergent results. However, new methods are appearing that are likely to reduce the heterogeneity between studies and to give a more coherent picture in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maud Theresine
- CG I Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Neha D Patil
- CG I Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jacques Zimmer
- CG I Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bruijnesteijn J, de Groot NG, Bontrop RE. The Genetic Mechanisms Driving Diversification of the KIR Gene Cluster in Primates. Front Immunol 2020; 11:582804. [PMID: 33013938 PMCID: PMC7516082 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.582804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity and function of natural killer (NK) cells are modulated through the interactions of multiple receptor families, of which some recognize MHC class I molecules. The high level of MHC class I polymorphism requires their ligands either to interact with conserved epitopes, as is utilized by the NKG2A receptor family, or to co-evolve with the MHC class I allelic variation, which task is taken up by the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family. Multiple molecular mechanisms are responsible for the diversification of the KIR gene system, and include abundant chromosomal recombination, high mutation rates, alternative splicing, and variegated expression. The combination of these genetic mechanisms generates a compound array of diversity as is reflected by the contraction and expansion of KIR haplotypes, frequent birth of fusion genes, allelic polymorphism, structurally distinct isoforms, and variegated expression, which is in contrast to the mainly allelic nature of MHC class I polymorphism in humans. A comparison of the thoroughly studied human and macaque KIR gene repertoires demonstrates a similar evolutionarily conserved toolbox, through which selective forces drove and maintained the diversified nature of the KIR gene cluster. This hypothesis is further supported by the comparative genetics of KIR haplotypes and genes in other primate species. The complex nature of the KIR gene system has an impact upon the education, activity, and function of NK cells in coherence with an individual’s MHC class I repertoire and pathogenic encounters. Although selection operates on an individual, the continuous diversification of the KIR gene system in primates might protect populations against evolving pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Bruijnesteijn
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Natasja G de Groot
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Ronald E Bontrop
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands.,Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Shindo T, Ureshino H, Kojima H, Tanaka H, Kimura S. Allelic polymorphisms of KIRs and antitumor immunity against chronic myeloid leukemia. Immunol Med 2020; 44:61-68. [PMID: 32715973 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2020.1796062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) markedly improved the prognosis of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Approximately 50% of patients who achieve deep molecular response (DMR) remain in treatment-free remission (TFR) even after discontinuation of TKIs. Although TKIs may achieve clinical "cure" after TKI treatment for specific periods, there are no reliable biomarkers for predicting the response to TKIs and the probability of TFR in CML. An increase in natural killer (NK) cells in the peripheral blood of TKI-treated CML patients is correlated with better outcomes, suggesting that TKIs induce antitumor NK cell immunity against CML cells. Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are highly polymorphic NK cell receptors that play important roles in the regulation of immune responses. The identification of allelic polymorphisms of KIRs by next-generation sequencing uncovered novel aspects of KIRs. Here we summarize the current knowledge of the genetic and immunological aspects of KIRs and discuss the association between allelic polymorphisms of KIRs and TKI-treated CML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takero Shindo
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ureshino
- Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | | | | | - Shinya Kimura
- Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Michen S, Frosch J, Füssel M, Schackert G, Momburg F, Temme A. Artificial feeder cells expressing ligands for killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and CD94/NKG2A for expansion of functional primary natural killer cells with tolerance to self. Cytotherapy 2020; 22:354-368. [PMID: 32451262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells are promising cells for immunotherapy of cancer, and there are ongoing efforts to improve their ex vivo expansion to clinically relevant numbers. This study focused on the development of a C1-, C2-, Bw4 killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) ligand and NKG2A ligand-containing feeder cell line for autonomous expansion of functional NK cells. METHODS PC3PSCA-derived feeder cells expressing IL-2, 4-1BBL and membrane-bound IL-15-mutDAP12 (mIL-15d) fusion protein in combinations or alone were generated and used for expansion. Expanded NK cells were analyzed with respect to subpopulations, expression of NK cell receptors and immune checkpoint molecules as well as their cytotoxicity against K562 cells, cetuximab-marked tumor cells and autologous B cells. RESULTS Only combinatorial expression of IL-2 plus 4-1BBL or IL-2, 4-1BBL plus mIL-15d in feeder cells efficiently expanded NK cells and supported selective outgrowth of NK cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples. Best expansion of NK cells was achieved using PC3PSCA-IL-2-4-1BBL-mIL-15d feeder cells. Such expanded NK cells exhibited upregulation of natural cytotoxicity receptors, DNAM-1 and NKG2C and induced expression of high affinity IL-2 receptor, which were paralleled by attenuated KIR and increased expression of NKG2A and ILT2. In addition, elevated TIM-3 levels were noted and PD-1 and T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domain (TIGIT) levels remained low. Expanded NK cells were highly cytolytic when encountering K562 cells and cetuximab-marked target cells but remained unresponsive to autologous B cells and target cells with protective levels of human leukocyte antigen. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the results demonstrate the feasibility of PC3PSCA-IL-2-4-1BBL-mIL-15d feeder cells for robust expansion of NK cells, which remain tolerant to self and could be used in the future for adoptive cell therapy of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Michen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery/Tumor Immunology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jennifer Frosch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery/Tumor Immunology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Gabriele Schackert
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery/Tumor Immunology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Momburg
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group (D121), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" (D120), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Achim Temme
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section Experimental Neurosurgery/Tumor Immunology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of the vertebrate adaptive immune system is the prolific expansion of individual cell clones that encounter their cognate antigen. More recently, however, there is growing evidence for the clonal expansion of innate lymphocytes, particularly in the context of pathogen challenge. Clonal expansion not only serves to amplify the number of specific lymphocytes to mount a robust protective response to the pathogen at hand but also results in selection and differentiation of the responding lymphocytes to generate a multitude of cell fates. Here, we summarize the evidence for clonal expansion in innate lymphocytes, which has primarily been observed in natural killer (NK) cells responding to cytomegalovirus infection, and consider the requirements for such a response in NK cells in light of those for T cells. Furthermore, we discuss multiple aspects of heterogeneity that both contribute to and result from the fundamental immunological process of clonal expansion, highlighting the parallels between innate and adaptive lymphocytes, with a particular focus on NK cells and CD8+ T cells.
Collapse
|
28
|
Raynor J, Lin A, Hummel SA, Lampe K, Jordan M, Hoebe K, Hildeman DA. The Variable Genomic NK Cell Receptor Locus Is a Key Determinant of CD4+ T Cell Responses During Viral Infection. Front Immunol 2020; 11:197. [PMID: 32153566 PMCID: PMC7044186 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence points to a key role for NK cells in controlling adaptive immune responses. In studies examining the role of CD1d on CD4+ T cell responses, we found that a line of CD1d-deficient mice on the C57BL/6J background had a homozygous 129 locus on chromosome 6 containing the entire NK cell gene cluster. Mice possessing this locus (C57BL/6.NKC129) displayed a >10-fold reduction in antigen-specific CD4+ T cell responses after intracranial infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Neither parental strain displayed defects in viral-specific CD4+ T cell responses. Interestingly, following infection, increased numbers of NK cells accumulated in the lymph nodes of C57BL/6.NKC129 mice and displayed enhanced in vivo functionality. Moreover, depletion of NK cells with anti-asialo-GM-1 antibody in C57BL/6.NKC129 mice resulted in a >20-fold increase in viral-specific CD4+ T cell responses. Mechanistically, we found that dendritic cell antigen presentation and early type I IFN production were significantly decreased in C57BL/6.NKC129 mice, but were restored in perforin-deficient C57BL/6.NKC129 mice or following NK depletion. Together, these data reveal that the variable genomic regions containing the activating/inhibitory NK cell receptors are key determinants of antigen-specific CD4+ T cell responses, controlling type I IFN production and the antigen-presenting capacity of dendritic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Raynor
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Immunology Graduate Program, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Adora Lin
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Immunology Graduate Program, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Sarah A Hummel
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kristin Lampe
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Michael Jordan
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kasper Hoebe
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - David A Hildeman
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Baumeister SHC, Rambaldi B, Shapiro RM, Romee R. Key Aspects of the Immunobiology of Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:191. [PMID: 32117310 PMCID: PMC7033970 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a haploidentical donor is increasingly used and has become a standard donor option for patients lacking an appropriately matched sibling or unrelated donor. Historically, prohibitive immunological barriers resulting from the high degree of HLA-mismatch included graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) and graft failure. These were overcome with increasingly sophisticated strategies to manipulate the sensitive balance between donor and recipient immune cells. Three different approaches are currently in clinical use: (a) ex vivo T-cell depletion resulting in grafts with defined immune cell content (b) extensive immunosuppression with a T-cell replete graft consisting of G-CSF primed bone marrow and PBSC (GIAC) (c) T-cell replete grafts with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy). Intriguing studies have recently elucidated the immunologic mechanisms by which PTCy prevents GVHD. Each approach uniquely affects post-transplant immune reconstitution which is critical for the control of post-transplant infections and relapse. NK-cells play a key role in haplo-HCT since they do not mediate GVHD but can successfully mediate a graft-vs.-leukemia effect. This effect is in part regulated by KIR receptors that inhibit NK cell cytotoxic function when binding to the appropriate HLA-class I ligands. In the context of an HLA-class I mismatch in haplo-HCT, lack of inhibition can contribute to NK-cell alloreactivity leading to enhanced anti-leukemic effect. Emerging work reveals immune evasion phenomena such as copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity of the incompatible HLA alleles as one of the major mechanisms of relapse. Relapse and infectious complications remain the leading causes impacting overall survival and are central to scientific advances seeking to improve haplo-HCT. Given that haploidentical donors can typically be readily approached to collect additional stem- or immune cells for the recipient, haplo-HCT represents a unique platform for cell- and immune-based therapies aimed at further reducing relapse and infections. The rapid advancements in our understanding of the immunobiology of haplo-HCT are therefore poised to lead to iterative innovations resulting in further improvement of outcomes with this compelling transplant modality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne H C Baumeister
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Benedetta Rambaldi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States.,Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Clinical and Experimental Sciences Department, ASST Spedali Civili, University of Pavia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roman M Shapiro
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Judge SJ, Murphy WJ, Canter RJ. Characterizing the Dysfunctional NK Cell: Assessing the Clinical Relevance of Exhaustion, Anergy, and Senescence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:49. [PMID: 32117816 PMCID: PMC7031155 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing body of literature demonstrating the importance of T cell exhaustion in regulating and shaping immune responses to pathogens and cancer. Simultaneously, the parallel development of therapeutic antibodies targeting inhibitory molecules associated with immune exhaustion (such as PD-1, but also TIGIT, and LAG-3) has led to a revolution in oncology with dramatic benefits in a growing list of solid and hematologic malignancies. Given this success in reinvigorating exhausted T cells and the related anti-tumor effects, there are increasing efforts to apply immune checkpoint blockade to other exhausted immune cells beyond T cells. One approach involves the reinvigoration of “exhausted” NK cells, a non-T, non-B lymphoid cell of the innate immune system. However, in contrast to the more well-defined and established molecular, genetic, and immunophenotypic characteristics of T cell exhaustion, a consensus on the defining functional and phenotypic features of NK “exhaustion” is less clear. As is well-known from T cell biology, separate and distinct molecular and cellular processes including senescence, anergy and exhaustion can lead to diminished immune effector function with different implications for immune regulation and recovery. For NK cells, it is unclear if exhaustion, anergy, and senescence entail separate and distinct entities of dysfunction, though all are typically characterized by decreased effector function or proliferation. In this review, we seek to define these distinct spheres of NK cell dysfunction, analyzing how they have been shown to impact NK biology and clinical applications, and ultimately highlight key characteristics in NK cell function, particularly in relation to the role of “exhaustion.”
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean J Judge
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - William J Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Robert J Canter
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Delconte RB, Guittard G, Goh W, Hediyeh-Zadeh S, Hennessy RJ, Rautela J, Davis MJ, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F, Nunès JA, Huntington ND. NK Cell Priming From Endogenous Homeostatic Signals Is Modulated by CIS. Front Immunol 2020; 11:75. [PMID: 32082327 PMCID: PMC7005222 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell activation is controlled by a balance of activating and inhibitory signals and cytokines such as IL-15. We previously identified cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CIS) as a negative regulator of IL-15 signaling in NK cells under inflammatory conditions. While the functional effect of Cish-deficiency in NK cells was obvious by their increased anti-tumor immunity and hyper-proliferative response to IL-15, it remained unclear how CIS regulates NK cell biology in steady-state. Here, we investigated the role of CIS in the homeostatic maintenance of NK cells and found CIS-ablation promoted terminal differentiation of NK cells and increased turnover, suggesting that under steady-state conditions, CIS plays a role in maintaining IL-15 driven regulation of NK cells in vivo. However, hyper-responsiveness to IL-15 did not manifest in NK cell accumulation, even when the essential NK cell apoptosis mediator, Bcl2l11 (BIM) was deleted in addition to Cish. Instead, loss of CIS conferred a lower activation threshold, evidenced by augmented functionality on a per cell basis both in vitro and in vivo without prior priming. We conclude that Cish regulates IL-15 signaling in NK cells in vivo, and through the rewiring of several activation pathways leads to a reduction in activation threshold, decreasing the requirement for priming and improving NK cell anti-tumor function. Furthermore, this study highlights the tight regulation of NK cell homeostasis by several pathways which prevent NK cell accumulation when IL-15 signaling and intrinsic apoptosis are dysregulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca B Delconte
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Guittard
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, CRCM, Immunity and Cancer Team, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Wilford Goh
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Soroor Hediyeh-Zadeh
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Division of Bioinformatics, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert J Hennessy
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jai Rautela
- oNKo-Innate Pty Ltd., Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Melissa J Davis
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Division of Bioinformatics, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Fernando Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jacques A Nunès
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, CRCM, Immunity and Cancer Team, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,oNKo-Innate Pty Ltd., Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ly49R activation receptor drives self-MHC-educated NK cell immunity against cytomegalovirus infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:26768-26778. [PMID: 31843910 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1913064117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells mediate vital control of cancer and viral infection. They rely on MHC class I (MHC I)-specific self-receptors to identify and lyse diseased cells without harming self-MHC I-bearing host cells. NK cells bearing inhibitory self-receptors for host MHC I also undergo education, referred to as licensing, which causes them to become more responsive to stimulation via activation receptor signaling. Previous work has shown that licensed NK cells selectively expand during virus infections and they are associated with improved clinical response in human patients experiencing certain chronic virus infections, including HIV and hepatitis C virus. However, the importance of inhibitory self-receptors in NK-mediated virus immunity is debated as they also limit signals in NK cells emanating from virus-specific activation receptors. Using a mouse model of MHC I-dependent (H-2Dk) virus immunity, we discovered that NK cells depend on the Ly49G2 inhibitory self-receptor to mediate virus control, which coincided with host survival during murine cytomegalovirus infection. This antiviral effect further requires active signaling in NK cells via the Ly49R activation receptor that also binds H-2Dk In tandem, these functionally discordant Ly49 self-receptors increase NK cell proliferation and effector activity during infection, resulting in selective up-regulation of CD25 and KLRG1 in virus-specific Ly49R+ Ly49G2+ NK cells. Our findings establish that paired self-receptors act as major determinants of NK cell-mediated virus sensing and immunity.
Collapse
|
33
|
The Education of NK Cells Determines Their Responsiveness to Autologous HIV-Infected CD4 T Cells. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01185-19. [PMID: 31511383 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01185-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies support a role for specific killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)-HLA combinations in protection from HIV infection and slower progression to AIDS. Natural killer (NK) cells acquire effector functions through education, a process that requires the interaction of inhibitory NK cell receptors with their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (or HLA class I [HLA-I]) ligands. HLA-C allotypes are ligands for the inhibitory KIRs (iKIRs) KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, and KIR2DL3, whereas the ligand for KIR3DL1 is HLA-Bw4. HIV infection reduces the expression of HLA-A, -B, and -C on the surfaces of infected CD4 (iCD4) T cells. Here we investigated whether education through iKIR-HLA interactions influenced NK cell responses to autologous iCD4 cells. Enriched NK cells were stimulated with autologous iCD4 cells or with uninfected CD4 cells as controls. The capacities of single-positive (sp) KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3, and KIR3DL1 NK cells to produce CCL4, gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and/or CD107a were assessed by flow cytometry. Overall, we observed that the potency of NK cell education was directly related to the frequency of each spiKIR+ NK cell's ability to respond to the reduction of its cognate HLA ligand on autologous iCD4 cells, as measured by the frequency of production by spiKIR+ NK cells of CCL4, IFN-γ, and/or CD107a. Both NK cell education and HIV-mediated changes in HLA expression influenced NK cell responses to iCD4 cells.IMPORTANCE Epidemiological studies show that natural killer (NK) cells have anti-HIV activity: they are able to reduce the risk of HIV infection and/or slow HIV disease progression. How NK cells contribute to these outcomes is not fully characterized. We used primary NK cells and autologous HIV-infected cells to examine the role of education through four inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (iKIRs) from persons with HLA types that are able to educate NK cells bearing one of these iKIRs. HIV-infected cells activated NK cells through missing-self mechanisms due to the downmodulation of cell surface HLA expression mediated by HIV Nef and Vpu. A higher frequency of educated than uneducated NK cells expressing each of these iKIRs responded to autologous HIV-infected cells by producing CCL4, IFN-γ, and CD107a. Since NK cells were from non-HIV-infected individuals, they model the consequences of healthy NK cell-HIV-infected cell interactions occurring in the HIV eclipse phase, when new infections are susceptible to extinction.
Collapse
|
34
|
Key features and homing properties of NK cells in the liver are shaped by activated iNKT cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16362. [PMID: 31704965 PMCID: PMC6841958 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52666-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The contribution of natural killer (NK) cells to the clearance of hepatic viral infections is well recognized. The recently discovered heterogeneity of NK cell populations renders them interesting targets for immune interventions. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells represent a key interaction partner for hepatic NK cells. The present study addressed whether characteristics of NK cells in the liver can be shaped by targeting iNKT cells. For this, the CD1d-binding pegylated glycolipid αGalCerMPEG was assessed for its ability to modulate the features of NK cells permanently or transiently residing in the liver. In vivo administration resulted in enhanced functionality of educated and highly differentiated CD27+ Mac-1+ NK cells accompanied by an increased proliferation. Improved liver homing was supported by serum-derived and cellular factors. Reduced viral loads in a mCMV infection model confirmed the beneficial effect of NK cells located in the liver upon stimulation with αGalCerMPEG. Thus, targeting iNKT cell-mediated NK cell activation in the liver represents a promising approach for the establishment of liver-directed immune interventions.
Collapse
|
35
|
Berry R, Watson GM, Jonjic S, Degli-Esposti MA, Rossjohn J. Modulation of innate and adaptive immunity by cytomegaloviruses. Nat Rev Immunol 2019; 20:113-127. [PMID: 31666730 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-019-0225-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The coordinated activities of innate and adaptive immunity are critical for effective protection against viruses. To counter this, some viruses have evolved sophisticated strategies to circumvent immune cell recognition. In particular, cytomegaloviruses encode large arsenals of molecules that seek to subvert T cell and natural killer cell function via a remarkable array of mechanisms. Consequently, these 'immunoevasins' play a fundamental role in shaping the nature of the immune system by driving the evolution of new immune receptors and recognition mechanisms. Here, we review the diverse strategies adopted by cytomegaloviruses to target immune pathways and outline the host's response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Berry
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,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.
| | - Gabrielle M Watson
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,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
| | - Stipan Jonjic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Mariapia A Degli-Esposti
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,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
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zimmer CL, Cornillet M, Solà-Riera C, Cheung KW, Ivarsson MA, Lim MQ, Marquardt N, Leo YS, Lye DC, Klingström J, MacAry PA, Ljunggren HG, Rivino L, Björkström NK. NK cells are activated and primed for skin-homing during acute dengue virus infection in humans. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3897. [PMID: 31467285 PMCID: PMC6715742 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11878-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite animal models showing that natural killer (NK) cells are important players in the early defense against many viral infections, the NK cell response is poorly understood in humans. Here we analyze the phenotype, temporal dynamics, regulation and trafficking of NK cells in a patient cohort with acute dengue virus infection. NK cells are robustly activated and proliferate during the first week after symptom debut. Increased IL-18 levels in plasma and in induced skin blisters of DENV-infected patients, as well as concomitant signaling downstream of the IL-18R, suggests an IL-18-dependent mechanism in driving the proliferative NK cell response. Responding NK cells have a less mature phenotype and a distinct chemokine-receptor imprint indicative of skin-homing. A corresponding NK cell subset can be localized to skin early during acute infection. These data provide evidence of an IL-18-driven NK cell proliferation and priming for skin-homing during an acute viral infection in humans. Here, Zimmer et al. analyze the natural killer (NK) cell response in a patient cohort with acute dengue virus infection showing early NK cell activation and proliferation, and the data suggest that NK cell proliferation depends on IL-18 signaling, and that responding NK cells have a skin-homing phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Zimmer
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Cornillet
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carles Solà-Riera
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ka-Wai Cheung
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, DUKE-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Martin A Ivarsson
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mei Qiu Lim
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, DUKE-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicole Marquardt
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yee-Sin Leo
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Communicable Disease Centre, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Chien Lye
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Communicable Disease Centre, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonas Klingström
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul A MacAry
- Immunology Programme, Life Science Institute and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Rivino
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, DUKE-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Niklas K Björkström
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Freund-Brown J, Chirino L, Kambayashi T. Strategies to enhance NK cell function for the treatment of tumors and infections. Crit Rev Immunol 2019; 38:105-130. [PMID: 29953390 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2018025248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells equipped with the ability to rapidly kill stressed cells that are neoplastic or virally infected. These cells are especially important in settings where these stressed cells downregulate MHC class I molecules and evade recognition by cytotoxic T cells. However, the activity of NK cells alone is often suboptimal to fully control tumor growth or to clear viral infections. Thus, the enhancement of NK cell function is necessary to fully harness their antitumor or antiviral potential. In this review, we discuss how NK cell function can be augmented by the modulation of signal transduction pathways, by the manipulation of inhibitory/activating receptors on NK cells, and by cytokine-induced activation. We also discuss how some of these strategies are currently impacting NK cells in the treatment of cancer and infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn Freund-Brown
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Leilani Chirino
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Taku Kambayashi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Adams NM, Sun JC. Spatial and temporal coordination of antiviral responses by group 1 ILCs. Immunol Rev 2019; 286:23-36. [PMID: 30294970 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Group 1 innate lymphocytes consist of a phenotypically, spatially, and functionally heterogeneous population of NK cells and ILC1s that are engaged during pathogen invasion. We are only beginning to understand the context-dependent roles that different subsets of group 1 innate lymphocytes play during homeostatic perturbations. With a focus on viral infection, this review highlights the organization and regulation of spatially and temporally distinct waves of NK cell and ILC1 responses that collectively serve to achieve optimal viral control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Adams
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York.,Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
| | - Joseph C Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York.,Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York.,Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Adams NM, Geary CD, Santosa EK, Lumaquin D, Le Luduec JB, Sottile R, van der Ploeg K, Hsu J, Whitlock BM, Jackson BT, Weizman OE, Huse M, Hsu KC, Sun JC. Cytomegalovirus Infection Drives Avidity Selection of Natural Killer Cells. Immunity 2019; 50:1381-1390.e5. [PMID: 31103381 PMCID: PMC6614060 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The process of affinity maturation, whereby T and B cells bearing antigen receptors with optimal affinity to the relevant antigen undergo preferential expansion, is a key feature of adaptive immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes capable of "adaptive" responses after cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. However, whether NK cells are similarly selected on the basis of their avidity for cognate ligand is unknown. Here, we showed that NK cells with the highest avidity for the mouse CMV glycoprotein m157 were preferentially selected to expand and comprise the memory NK cell pool, whereas low-avidity NK cells possessed greater capacity for interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production. Moreover, we provide evidence for avidity selection occurring in human NK cells during human CMV infection. These results delineate how heterogeneity in NK cell avidity diversifies NK cell effector function during antiviral immunity, and how avidity selection might serve to produce the most potent memory NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Adams
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Clair D Geary
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Endi K Santosa
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dianne Lumaquin
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Rosa Sottile
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Joy Hsu
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Benjamin M Whitlock
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Benjamin T Jackson
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Orr-El Weizman
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Morgan Huse
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Katharine C Hsu
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joseph C Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Grassmann S, Pachmayr LO, Leube J, Mihatsch L, Andrae I, Flommersfeld S, Oduro J, Cicin-Sain L, Schiemann M, Flossdorf M, Buchholz VR. Distinct Surface Expression of Activating Receptor Ly49H Drives Differential Expansion of NK Cell Clones upon Murine Cytomegalovirus Infection. Immunity 2019; 50:1391-1400.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
41
|
Železnjak J, Lisnić VJ, Popović B, Lisnić B, Babić M, Halenius A, L'Hernault A, Roviš TL, Hengel H, Erhard F, Redwood AJ, Vidal SM, Dölken L, Krmpotić A, Jonjić S. The complex of MCMV proteins and MHC class I evades NK cell control and drives the evolution of virus-specific activating Ly49 receptors. J Exp Med 2019; 216:1809-1827. [PMID: 31142589 PMCID: PMC6683999 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20182213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Železnjak et al. demonstrate that two MCMV-encoded proteins interact with MHC I molecules, forming an altered-self complex that prevents missing self recognition by increasing specificity for inhibitory Ly49 receptors. This led to the evolution of CMV-specific activating Ly49s. CMVs efficiently target MHC I molecules to avoid recognition by cytotoxic T cells. However, the lack of MHC I on the cell surface renders the infected cell susceptible to NK cell killing upon missing self recognition. To counter this, mouse CMV (MCMV) rescues some MHC I molecules to engage inhibitory Ly49 receptors. Here we identify a new viral protein, MATp1, that is essential for MHC I surface rescue. Rescued altered-self MHC I molecules show increased affinity to inhibitory Ly49 receptors, resulting in inhibition of NK cells despite substantially reduced MHC I surface levels. This enables the virus to evade recognition by licensed NK cells. During evolution, this novel viral immune evasion mechanism could have prompted the development of activating NK cell receptors that are specific for MATp1-modified altered-self MHC I molecules. Our study solves a long-standing conundrum of how MCMV avoids recognition by NK cells, unravels a fundamental new viral immune evasion mechanism, and demonstrates how this forced the evolution of virus-specific activating MHC I–restricted Ly49 receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Železnjak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.,Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Vanda Juranić Lisnić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.,Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Branka Popović
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Berislav Lisnić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.,Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marina Babić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.,Innate Immunity, German Rheumatism Research Centre, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Halenius
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne L'Hernault
- Precision Medicine and Genomics, Innovative Medicines and Early Development Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tihana Lenac Roviš
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.,Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Hartmut Hengel
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Erhard
- Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alec J Redwood
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Silvia M Vidal
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,McGill Center for Complex Traits, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lars Dölken
- Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Krmpotić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Stipan Jonjić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia .,Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
The HLA-B -21 dimorphism impacts on NK cell education and clinical outcome of immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2019; 133:1479-1488. [PMID: 30647027 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-09-874990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell function is regulated by inhibitory receptors, such as the family of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and the NKG2A/CD94 heterodimer. These receptors recognize cognate HLA class I molecules on potential target cells, and recent studies imply that an HLA-B dimorphism at position -21 in the gene segment encoding the leader peptide dictates whether NK cell regulation primarily relies on the KIRs or the NKG2A/CD94 receptor. The impact of this HLA-B dimorphism on NK cell-mediated destruction of leukemic cells or on the course of leukemia is largely unknown. In a first part of this study, we compared functions of NK cells in subjects carrying HLA-B -21M or 21T using interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated NK cells and leukemic cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Subjects carrying HLA-B -21M harbored better-educated NKG2A+ NK cells and displayed superior capacity to degranulate lytic granules against KIR ligand-matched primary leukemic blasts. Second, we aimed to define the potential impact of HLA-B -21 variation on the course of AML in a phase 4 trial in which patients received IL-2-based immunotherapy. In keeping with the hypothesis that 21M may be associated with improved NK cell functionality, we observed superior leukemia-free survival and overall survival in -21M patients than in -21T patients during IL-2-based immunotherapy. We propose that genetic variation at HLA-B -21 may determine the antileukemic efficacy of activated NK cells and the clinical benefit of NK cell-activating immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
43
|
Brown MG, Gamache A, Nash WT, Cronk J. Natural selection for killer receptors and their MHC class I ligands: In pursuit of gene pairs that fit well in tandem. J Leukoc Biol 2018; 105:489-495. [PMID: 30500089 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2ri0818-315r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the genetic basis of host resistance to viral infection and disease has progressed significantly over the last century. Numerous genes coding for modifiers of immune functions have been identified, which impact a variety of critical cellular processes, including signaling via lymphocyte receptors and their ligands, signal transduction, cytokine signaling, production and release of cytotoxic effectors, transcriptional regulation, and proliferation. Genome-wide association studies implicate an important role for both highly polymorphic NK cell receptors and their MHC class I ligands in modifying host resistance. These findings indicate NK cells are critical mediators of viral control with considerable potential to affect morbidity and mortality outcomes. They further suggest that both stimulatory and inhibitory NK receptor polymorphisms alter NK cell sensing of MHC I ligands on viral targets, which influences how NK cells respond to infection. In many cases, however, the underlying causes associated with host outcomes remain elusive. Herein, we discuss several modes of NK cell sensing of MHC I and MHC I-like molecules on viral targets, and the role of genetic diversity in this evolutionarily dynamic process. We further suggest that natural selection for paired NK receptors with opposing function, but shared MHC I ligands may give rise to rare, but highly effective MHC I-dependent modes of NK cell sensing of viral targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Brown
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Awndre Gamache
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - William T Nash
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - John Cronk
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Shi L, Li K, Guo Y, Banerjee A, Wang Q, Lorenz UM, Parlak M, Sullivan LC, Onyema OO, Arefanian S, Stelow EB, Brautigan DL, Bullock TNJ, Brown MG, Krupnick AS. Modulation of NKG2D, NKp46, and Ly49C/I facilitates natural killer cell-mediated control of lung cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:11808-11813. [PMID: 30381460 PMCID: PMC6243255 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1804931115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in controlling malignancies. Susceptibility or resistance to lung cancer, for example, specifically depends on NK cell function. Nevertheless, intrinsic factors that control NK cell-mediated clearance of lung cancer are unknown. Here we report that NK cells exposed to exogenous major histocompatibility class I (MHCI) provide a significant immunologic barrier to the growth and progression of malignancy. Clearance of lung cancer is facilitated by up-regulation of NKG2D, NKp46, and other activating receptors upon exposure to environmental MHCI. Surface expression of the inhibitory receptor Ly49C/I, on the other hand, is down-regulated upon exposure to tumor-bearing tissue. We thus demonstrate that NK cells exhibit dynamic plasticity in surface expression of both activating and inhibitory receptors based on the environmental context. Our data suggest that altering the activation state of NK cells may contribute to immunologic control of lung and possibly other cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, China
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Kang Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710049, China
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Yizhan Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Anirban Banerjee
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Ulrike M Lorenz
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Mahmut Parlak
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Lucy C Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Oscar Okwudiri Onyema
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Saeed Arefanian
- Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 43110
| | - Edward B Stelow
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - David L Brautigan
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Timothy N J Bullock
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Michael G Brown
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Alexander Sasha Krupnick
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908;
- Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Calabrese DR, Lanier LL, Greenland JR. Natural killer cells in lung transplantation. Thorax 2018; 74:397-404. [PMID: 30381399 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-212345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that have been increasingly recognised as important in lung allograft tolerance and immune defence. These cells evolved to recognise alterations in self through a diverse set of germline-encoded activating and inhibitory receptors and display a broad range of effector functions that play important roles in responding to infections, malignancies and allogeneic tissue. Here, we review NK cells, their diverse receptors and the mechanisms through which NK cells are postulated to mediate important lung transplant clinical outcomes. NK cells can promote tolerance, such as through the depletion of donor antigen-presenting cells. Alternatively, these cells can drive rejection through cytotoxic effects on allograft tissue recognised as 'non-self' or 'stressed', via killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) or NKG2D receptor ligation, respectively. NK cells likely mediate complement-independent antibody-mediated rejection of allografts though CD16A Fc receptor-dependent activation induced by graft-specific antibodies. Finally, NK cells play an important role in response to infections, particularly by mediating cytomegalovirus infection through the CD94/NKG2C receptor. Despite these sometimes-conflicting effects on allograft function, enumeration of NK cells may have an important role in diagnosing allograft dysfunction. While the effects of immunosuppression agents on NK cells may currently be largely unintentional, further understanding of NK cell biology in lung allograft recipients may allow these cells to serve as biomarkers of graft injury and as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Calabrese
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lewis L Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John R Greenland
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Medical Service, Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Suen WCW, Lee WYW, Leung KT, Pan XH, Li G. Natural Killer Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy: A Review on 10 Years Completed Clinical Trials. Cancer Invest 2018; 36:431-457. [PMID: 30325244 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2018.1515315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
NK cell cancer immunotherapy is an emerging anti-tumour therapeutic strategy that explores NK cell stimulation. In this review, we address strategies developed to circumvent limitations to clinical application of NK cell-based therapies, and comprehensively review the design and results of clinical trials conducted in the past 10 years (2008-2018) to test their therapeutic potential. NK cell-based immunotherapy of solid cancers remains controversial, but merit further detailed investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wade Chun-Wai Suen
- a Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine , The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin , Hong Kong.,b Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology , Bao-An People's Hospital , Shenzhen , PR China.,c Department of Haematology , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Wayne Yuk-Wai Lee
- a Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine , The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin , Hong Kong.,d Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences , The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin , Hong Kong
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- e Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Shatin , Hong Kong
| | - Xiao-Hua Pan
- b Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology , Bao-An People's Hospital , Shenzhen , PR China
| | - Gang Li
- a Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine , The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin , Hong Kong.,d Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences , The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital , Shatin , Hong Kong.,f The CUHK-ACC Space Medicine Centre on Health Maintenance of Musculoskeletal System , The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute , Shenzhen , PR China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Schmidt S, Tramsen L, Rais B, Ullrich E, Lehrnbecher T. Natural killer cells as a therapeutic tool for infectious diseases - current status and future perspectives. Oncotarget 2018; 9:20891-20907. [PMID: 29755697 PMCID: PMC5945539 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are involved in the host immune response against infections due to viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens, all of which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Since the recovery of the immune system has a major impact on the outcome of an infectious complication, there is major interest in strengthening the host response in immunocompromised patients, either by using cytokines or growth factors or by adoptive cellular therapies transfusing immune cells such as granulocytes or pathogen-specific T-cells. To date, relatively little is known about the potential of adoptively transferring NK cells in immunocompromised patients with infectious complications, although the anti-cancer property of NK cells is already being investigated in the clinical setting. This review will focus on the antimicrobial properties of NK cells and the current standing and future perspectives of generating and using NK cells as immunotherapy in patients with infectious complications, an approach which is promising and might have an important clinical impact in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanislaw Schmidt
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lars Tramsen
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bushra Rais
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Laboratory for Cellular Immunology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Laboratory for Cellular Immunology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Lehrnbecher
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Poli A, Michel T, Patil N, Zimmer J. Revisiting the Functional Impact of NK Cells. Trends Immunol 2018; 39:460-472. [PMID: 29496432 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Immune responses are critical for the maintenance of homeostasis but can also upset the equilibrium, depending on the context and magnitude of the response. Natural killer (NK) cells are well known for their important roles in antiviral and antitumor immune responses, and they are currently used, mostly under optimized forms, as immunotherapeutic agents against cancer. Nevertheless, with accumulating examples of deleterious effects of NK cells, it is paramount to consider their negative contributions. Here, we critically review and comment on the literature surrounding undesirable aspects of NK cell activity, focusing on situations where they play a harmful rather than a protective role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Poli
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
| | - Tatiana Michel
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
| | - Neha Patil
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jacques Zimmer
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Boudreau JE, Hsu KC. Natural Killer Cell Education and the Response to Infection and Cancer Therapy: Stay Tuned. Trends Immunol 2018; 39:222-239. [PMID: 29397297 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The functional capacities of natural killer (NK) cells differ within and between individuals, reflecting considerable genetic variation. 'Licensing/arming', 'disarming', and 'tuning' are models that have been proposed to explain how interactions between MHC class I molecules and their cognate inhibitory receptors - Ly49 in mice and KIR in humans - 'educate' NK cells for variable reactivity and sensitivity to inhibition. In this review we discuss recent progress toward understanding the genetic, epigenetic, and molecular features that titrate NK effector function and inhibition, and the impact of variable NK cell education on human health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette E Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
| | - Katharine C Hsu
- Immunology Program and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Fuchs E. Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Hematology 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-35762-3.00106-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|