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Rincón DS, Flórez-Álvarez L, Taborda NA, Hernandez JC, Rugeles MT, Zapata-Builes W. NK cells from Men Who Have Sex with Men at high risk for HIV-1 infection exhibit higher effector capacity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16766. [PMID: 37798386 PMCID: PMC10556081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44054-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite being under constant exposure to HIV-1, some individuals do not show serological or clinical evidence of infection and are known as HESN (HIV-Exposed Seronegative). Multiple studies in different HESN cohorts have linked the NK cells as a correlate of resistance; however, little is known about the role of these cells in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) with high risk sexual behaviors. We evaluated a general overview of activation and effector features of NK cells of MSM co-cultured with LT CD4+ HIV+ in which MSM at high risk of HIV-1 infection (HR-MSM) exhibit higher capacity to eliminate infected cells, reduced percentages of CD69+ cells when compared to MSM at low risk of infection (LR-MSM). In addition, we found that, despite the lower levels of CD69+ NK cells on HR-MSM group, within this population, higher percentages of CD69+ IFN-γ+ and CD69+ NKG2D+ NK cells were found together with higher levels of RANTES and Granzyme B production with higher antiviral capacity, resulting in a lower concentration of p24 protein and p24+ CD4+ T cells. Altogether, this information suggests that NK cells of MSM could impact the capacity to face the viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Rincón
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, 050010, Colombia
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, 050016, Colombia
| | - Lizdany Flórez-Álvarez
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, 050010, Colombia
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, 050016, Colombia
| | | | - Juan C Hernandez
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, 050016, Colombia
| | - María T Rugeles
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, 050010, Colombia
| | - Wildeman Zapata-Builes
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, 050010, Colombia.
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, 050016, Colombia.
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2
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Guo Z, Zhang R, Yang AG, Zheng G. Diversity of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121285. [PMID: 36960057 PMCID: PMC10027905 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding effective treatments for cancer remains a challenge. Recent studies have found that the mechanisms of tumor evasion are becoming increasingly diverse, including abnormal expression of immune checkpoint molecules on different immune cells, in particular T cells, natural killer cells, macrophages and others. In this review, we discuss the checkpoint molecules with enhanced expression on these lymphocytes and their consequences on immune effector functions. Dissecting the diverse roles of immune checkpoints in different immune cells is crucial for a full understanding of immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - An-Gang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Guoxu Zheng, ; An-Gang Yang,
| | - Guoxu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Guoxu Zheng, ; An-Gang Yang,
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Seronegative MSM at high risk of HIV-1 acquisition show an immune quiescent profile with a normal immune response against common antigens. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277120. [PMID: 36480500 PMCID: PMC9731495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection still represents a major public health problem worldwide, and its vaccine remains elusive. The study of HIV-exposed seronegative individuals (HESN) brings important information about the natural resistance to HIV, allows a better understanding of the infection, and opens doors for new preventive and therapeutic strategies. Among HESN groups, there are some men who have sex with men (MSM) with high-risk sexual behaviors, who represent an adequate cohort for HESN study because of their major HIV exposure without infection. This study aimed to compare the immunological profile of Colombian seronegative MSM with different risk sexual behaviors. This study included 60 MSM at high-risk (n = 16) and low-risk (n = 44) of HIV-1 acquisition. No sex worker nor homozygous delta 32 mutation subjects were included. All participants were negative for anti-HIV-1/2 antibodies and HIV-1 proviral DNA. A higher frequency of sexual partners in the last 3 months before the study participation (median, 30 vs. 2), lifetime sexual partners (median, 1,708 vs. 26), and unprotected anal intercourse (median 12.5 vs. 2) was determined in high-risk MSM than low-risk MSM. High-risk MSM also showed a quiescent profile of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, with a significantly lower percentage of CD4+CD38+, CD4+HLADR-CD38+, CD4+Ki67+ T cells, and NKG2D+ NK cells (CD3-CD16+CD56+), a significantly higher percentage of CD4+HLADR-CD38-, and a tendency to show a higher percentage of CD8+HLADR+CD38- T cells than the low-risk group. Likewise, they showed higher mRNA levels of Serpin A1 from PBMCs. The results suggest that this MSM cohort could be HESN individuals and their resistance would be explained by a quiescent profile of T cells and NK cells and an increased Serpin A1 expression. Further study on MSM at high risk of exposure to HIV-1 is necessary to better understand the natural resistance to HIV.
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Elevated KIR expression and diminished intensity of CD7 on NK cell subsets among treatment naïve HIV infected Ethiopians. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14747. [PMID: 36042218 PMCID: PMC9427747 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18413-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial effector cells of the innate immune response to viral infections, including HIV, through cytolytic activity and the production of cytokines with anti-HIV activities. We recruited 15 treatment naïve HIV patients and 16 healthy controls (HC) to assess NK cell subsets or expression of multiple markers by flow cytometry. The frequency of circulating CD56brightCD16-ve and CD56dimCD16bright NK cell subsets was significantly lower among the HIV group than in HC. The CD56-veCD16bright subset was higher in HIV patients, but this was only apparent when gated among total NK cells, not total lymphocytes. NK cells among HIV participants also showed a lower and higher frequency of CD8 and HLA-DR expressing cells, respectively. In addition, CD7 median fluorescent intensity and CD2+CD7- frequencies were significantly lower in HIV patients. A distinct population of KIR3DL1/S1 cells was unexpectedly higher among CD56brightCD16-ve NK cells in HIV patients. In conclusion, this study in the Ethiopian setting confirms many previous findings, but the down-regulation of CD7 and enhanced KIR3DL1/S1 within the CD56bright subsets have not been widely reported among HIV patients and merit further research.
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Deciphering the Role of Mucosal Immune Responses and the Cervicovaginal Microbiome in Resistance to HIV Infection in HIV-Exposed Seronegative (HESN) Women. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0047021. [PMID: 34704803 PMCID: PMC8549735 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00470-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The female genital tract (FGT) is an important site of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Discerning the nature of HIV-specific local immune responses is crucial for identifying correlates of protection in HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals. The present study involved a comprehensive analysis of soluble immune mediators, secretory immunoglobulins (sIg), natural killer (NK) cells, CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, and T regulatory cells (Tregs) in the vaginal mucosa as well as the nature and composition of the cervicovaginal microbiome in HESN women. We found significantly elevated antiviral cytokines, soluble immunoglobulins, and increased frequencies of activated NK cells, CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells, and Tfh cells in HESN females compared to HIV-unexposed healthy (UH) women. Analysis of the genital microbiome of HESN women revealed a greater bacterial diversity and increased abundance of Gardnerella spp. in the mucosa. The findings suggest that the female genital tract of HESN females represents a microenvironment equipped with innate immune factors, antiviral mediators, and critical T cell subsets that protect against HIV infection. IMPORTANCE The vast majority of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections across the world occur via the sexual route. The genital tract mucosa is thus the primary site of HIV replication, and discerning the nature of HIV-specific immune responses in this compartment is crucial. The role of the innate immune system at the mucosal level in exposed seronegative individuals and other HIV controllers remains largely unexplored. This understanding can provide valuable insights to improve vaccine design. We investigated mucosal T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells subsets, soluble immune markers, and microbiome diversity in HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN) women. We found a significantly higher level of mucosal CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells, CD4+ Tfh cells, activated NK cell subsets, and antiviral immune cell mediators in HESN women. We also found a higher abundance of Gardnerella spp., microbiome dysbiosis, and decreased levels of inflammatory markers to be associated with reduced susceptibility to HIV infection. Our findings indicate that increased distribution of mucosal NK cells, CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells, Tfh cells, and soluble markers in HIV controllers with a highly diverse cervicovaginal microbiome could contribute effectively to protection against HIV infection. Overall, our findings imply that future vaccine design should emphasize inducing these highly functional cell types at the mucosal sites.
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Shibru B, Fey K, Fricke S, Blaudszun AR, Fürst F, Weise M, Seiffert S, Weyh MK, Köhl U, Sack U, Boldt A. Detection of Immune Checkpoint Receptors - A Current Challenge in Clinical Flow Cytometry. Front Immunol 2021; 12:694055. [PMID: 34276685 PMCID: PMC8281132 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.694055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunological therapy principles are increasingly determining modern medicine. They are used to treat diseases of the immune system, for tumors, but also for infections, neurological diseases, and many others. Most of these therapies base on antibodies, but small molecules, soluble receptors or cells and modified cells are also used. The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors is amazingly fast. T-cell directed antibody therapies against PD-1 or CTLA-4 are already firmly established in the clinic. Further targets are constantly being added and it is becoming increasingly clear that their expression is not only relevant on T cells. Furthermore, we do not yet have any experience with the long-term systemic effects of the treatment. Flow cytometry can be used for diagnosis, monitoring, and detection of side effects. In this review, we focus on checkpoint molecules as target molecules and functional markers of cells of the innate and acquired immune system. However, for most of the interesting and potentially relevant parameters, there are still no test kits suitable for routine use. Here we give an overview of the detection of checkpoint molecules on immune cells in the peripheral blood and show examples of a possible design of antibody panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Shibru
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Fey
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Friederike Fürst
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Max Weise
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabine Seiffert
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Katharina Weyh
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sack
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Boldt
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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7
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system that are capable of killing virally infected and/or cancerous cells. Nearly 20 years ago, NK cell-mediated immunotherapy emerged as a safe and effective treatment approach for patients with advanced-stage leukaemia. Subsequently, the field of NK cell-based cancer therapy has grown exponentially and currently constitutes a major area of immunotherapy innovation. In general, the development of NK cell-directed therapies has two main focal points: optimizing the source of therapeutic NK cells for adoptive transfer and enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity and persistence in vivo. A wide variety of sources of therapeutic NK cells are currently being tested clinically, including haploidentical NK cells, umbilical cord blood NK cells, stem cell-derived NK cells, NK cell lines, adaptive NK cells, cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells and chimeric antigen receptor NK cells. A plethora of methods to augment the cytotoxicity and longevity of NK cells are also under clinical investigation, including cytokine-based agents, NK cell-engager molecules and immune-checkpoint inhibitors. In this Review, we highlight the variety of ways in which diverse NK cell products and their auxiliary therapeutics are being leveraged to target human cancers. We also identify future avenues for NK cell therapy research.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND 25-hydroxylase (CH25H) is an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG), which catalyzes the synthesis of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC). 25HC intervenes in metabolic and infectious processes and controls cholesterol homeostasis and influences viral entry into host cells. We verified whether natural resistance to HIV-1 infection in HIV-1-exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals is at least partially mediated by particularities in sterol biosynthesis. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) isolated from 15 sexually exposed HESN and 15 healthy controls were in vitro HIV-1-infected and analyzed for: percentage of IFNα-producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs); cholesterol signaling and inflammatory response RNA expression; resistance to HIV-1 infection. MDMs from five healthy controls were in vitro HIV-1-infected in the absence/presence of exogenously added 25HC. RESULTS IFNα-producing pDCs were augmented in HESN compared with healthy controls both in unstimulated and in in vitro HIV-1-infected PBMCs (P < 0.001). An increased expression of CH25H and of a number of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism (ABCA1, ABCG1, CYP7B1, LXRα, OSBP, PPARγ, SCARB1) was observed as well; this, was associated with a reduced susceptibility to in-vitro HIV-1-infection of PBMCs and MDMs (P < 0.01). Notably, addition of 25HC to MDMs resulted in increased cholesterol efflux and augmented resistance to in-vitro HIV-1-infection. CONCLUSION Results herein show that in HESN sterol metabolism might be particularly efficient. This could be related to the activation of the IFNα pathway and results into a reduced susceptibility to in-vitro HIV-1 infection. These results suggest a possible basis for therapeutic interventions to modulate HIV-1 infection.
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Khan M, Arooj S, Wang H. NK Cell-Based Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2020; 11:167. [PMID: 32117298 PMCID: PMC7031489 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, with an increasing number of therapeutic dimensions, is becoming an important mode of treatment for cancer patients. The inhibition of immune checkpoints, which are the source of immune escape for various cancers, is one such immunotherapeutic dimension. It has mainly been aimed at T cells in the past, but NK cells are a newly emerging target. Simultaneously, the number of checkpoints identified has been increasing in recent times. In addition to the classical NK cell receptors KIRs, LIRs, and NKG2A, several other immune checkpoints have also been shown to cause dysfunction of NK cells in various cancers and chronic infections. These checkpoints include the revolutionized CTLA-4, PD-1, and recently identified B7-H3, as well as LAG-3, TIGIT & CD96, TIM-3, and the most recently acknowledged checkpoint-members of the Siglecs family (Siglec-7/9), CD200 and CD47. An interesting dimension of immune checkpoints is their candidacy for dual-checkpoint inhibition, resulting in therapeutic synergism. Furthermore, the combination of immune checkpoint inhibition with other NK cell cytotoxicity restoration strategies could also strengthen its efficacy as an antitumor therapy. Here, we have undertaken a comprehensive review of the literature to date regarding NK cell-based immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Khan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sumbal Arooj
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Loureiro Dos Reis MM, Queiroz MAF, da Silva BCM, da Silva Duarte AJ, Casseb J, Arganaraz GA, Vallinoto ACR, Argañaraz ER. IL6 and FAS/FASL gene polymorphisms may be associated with disease progression in HIV-1-positive ethnically mixed patients. J Med Virol 2020; 92:1148-1157. [PMID: 31825106 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25651] [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] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The progression of AIDS depends on the complex host and virus interactions. The most important disease progression hallmarks are immune activation and apoptosis. In this study, we address the prevalence of polymorphisms related to proinflammatory and apoptotic genes, such as IFNG (+874T/A), TNF (308G/A), IL6 (-174G/C), IL8 (-251A/T), FAS (-670A/G), and FASL (-124A/G) in 160 ethnically mixed HIV-1-infected patients from multicentre cohorts with different clinical outcomes (13 elite controllers [EC], 66 slow long-term non-progressors [LTNPs], and 81 progressors [P]). The genotyping was accomplished by TaqMan-qPCR. Among all the polymorphisms analyzed in the cytokines, the IL6 -174G/C polymorphism showed a higher frequency of GG genotype in the LTNP and LTNP+EC groups as compared to the P group. Moreover, there was a significantly higher frequency of the G allele in the LTNP and LTNP+EC groups as compared to the P group. On the other hand, the levels of CD4+ T lymphocytes were higher among individuals showing the AA and AG genotypes for the FASL -124A/G polymorphism as compared to the GG genotype. Furthermore, the AG and AA genotypes were more frequent, as compared to the GG genotype, in individuals showing a lower viral load. In contrast, for the FAS -670A/G polymorphism, a significantly higher viral load was observed in individuals with the AG genotype as compared to the GG genotype. In conclusion, we found three genetic allelic variants of the IL6 -174G/C, FASL -124A/G, and FAS -670A/G polymorphisms that were related to disease progression and immunological and virological markers in cohorts of HIV-1-positive ethnically mixed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília M Loureiro Dos Reis
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurovirology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria A F Queiroz
- Virus Laboratory, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Bosco C M da Silva
- Medical Investigation Laboratory Unit 56 (LIM/56), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alberto J da Silva Duarte
- Medical Investigation Laboratory Unit 56 (LIM/56), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jorge Casseb
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo
| | - Gustavo A Arganaraz
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurovirology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Antonio C R Vallinoto
- Virus Laboratory, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Para, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Enrique R Argañaraz
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurovirology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Brasília, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
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Lucar O, Reeves RK, Jost S. A Natural Impact: NK Cells at the Intersection of Cancer and HIV Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1850. [PMID: 31474977 PMCID: PMC6705184 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite efficient suppression of plasma viremia in people living with HIV (PLWH) on cART, evidence of HIV-induced immunosuppression remains, and normally benign and opportunistic pathogens become major sources of co-morbidities, including virus-induced cancers. In fact, cancer remains a primary cause of death even in virally suppressed PLWH. Natural killer (NK) cells provide rapid early responses to HIV infection, contribute substantially to disease modulation and vaccine protection, and are also major therapeutic targets for cancer immunotherapy. However, much like other lymphocyte populations, recent burgeoning evidence suggests that in chronic conditions like HIV, NK cells can become functionally exhausted with impaired cytotoxic function, altered cytokine production and impaired antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Recent work suggests functional anergy is likely due to low-level ongoing virus replication, increased inflammatory cytokines, or increased presence of MHClow target cells. Indeed, HIV-induced loss of NK cell-mediated control of lytic EBV infection has been specifically shown to cause lymphoma and also increases replication of CMV. In this review, we will discuss current understanding of NK cell modulation of HIV disease, reciprocal exhaustion of NK cells, and how this may impact increased cancer incidences and prospects for NK cell-targeted immunotherapies. Finally, we will review the most recent evidence supporting adaptive functions of NK cells and highlight the potential of adaptive NK cells for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Lucar
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - R Keith Reeves
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Stephanie Jost
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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12
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Taborda NA, Correa LA, Feria MG, Rugeles MT. The Spontaneous Control of HIV Replication is Characterized by Decreased Pathological Changes in the Gut-associated Lymphoid Tissue. Curr HIV Res 2019; 16:338-344. [PMID: 30706820 PMCID: PMC6446516 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x17666190130115113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV infection induces alterations in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) that constitutes the most important site for viral replication due to the extensive presence of effector memory T-cells. In the case of HIV-controllers, several studies have reported fewer peripheral alterations and conserved immune responses that correlate with viral control; however, the histopathological characterization of GALT in those patients is still missing. In this study, we evaluated pathological alterations in GALT, trying to associate them with clinical parameters of HIV infected patients with or without evidence of viral control. METHODS This study included eight HIV-controllers (antiretroviral treatment-naïve patients, with viral loads below 2.000 copies/mL for at least 1 year); 14 Noncontrollers (antiretroviral treatmentnaïve patients, with viral loads > 2.000 copies/mL and CD4+ T cells count > 250 cells/μL), and 12 uninfected donors. Biopsy fragments were obtained by rectosigmoidoscopy and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, silver methenamine, Ziehl Neelsen, and modified Ziehl Neelsen. RESULTS Histopathological findings in HIV-controllers were similar to those observed in the uninfected group. In contrast, noncontrollers exhibited several alterations including condyloma acuminate, squamous metaplasia and acute colitis. These alterations were associated with disease progression. CONCLUSION HIV-controllers exhibit lower pathological alterations in the gut tissue, associated with higher CD4 T cell count, and lower viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A Taborda
- Grupo Inmunovirologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellin, Colombia.,Grupo de Investigaciones Biomedicas Uniremington, Programa de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Corporacion Universitaria Remington, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Luis A Correa
- Seccion de Dermatologia, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellin, Colombia.,Laboratorio de Patología, Laboratorio Clínico VID, Obra de la Congregación Mariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Manuel Geronimo Feria
- Grupo Inmunovirologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellin, Colombia
| | - María T Rugeles
- Grupo Inmunovirologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellin, Colombia
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13
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Abstract
HIV causes several forms of immune dysfunction that need to be addressed in a functional cure for HIV. Immune exhaustion describes a dysfunctional phenotype caused by chronic cellular activation. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG3) is one of several negative coreceptors known as immune checkpoints that contribute to this exhaustion phenotype. Antibodies targeting immune checkpoints are now used clinically to restore immunity against cancer and hold promise in restoring immunity during HIV infection. Here, we summarize current knowledge surrounding LAG3 and discuss its relevance during HIV infection and the potential for LAG3-targeting antibodies in a functional HIV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin G. Graydon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Allison L. Balasko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Keith R. Fowke
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
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14
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Flórez-Álvarez L, Hernandez JC, Zapata W. NK Cells in HIV-1 Infection: From Basic Science to Vaccine Strategies. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2290. [PMID: 30386329 PMCID: PMC6199347 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a key role in immune response against HIV infection. These cells can destroy infected cells and contribute to adequate and strong adaptive immune responses, by acting on dendritic, T, B, and even epithelial cells. Increased NK cell activity reflected by higher cytotoxic capacity, IFN-γ and chemokines (CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5) production, has been associated with resistance to HIV infection and delayed AIDS progression, demonstrating the importance of these cells in the antiviral response. Recently, a subpopulation of NK cells with adaptive characteristics has been described and associated with lower HIV viremia and control of infection. These evidences, together with some degree of protection shown in vaccine trials based on boosting NK cell activity, suggest that these cells can be a feasible option for new treatment and vaccination strategies to overcome limitations that, classical vaccination approaches, might have for this virus. This review is focus on the NK cells role during the immune response against HIV, including all the effector mechanisms associated to these cells; in addition, changes including phenotypic, functional and frequency modifications during HIV infection will be pointed, highlighting opportunities to vaccine development based in NK cells effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizdany Flórez-Álvarez
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia.,Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan C Hernandez
- Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Wildeman Zapata
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia.,Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
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Porichis F, Hart MG, Massa A, Everett HL, Morou A, Richard J, Brassard N, Veillette M, Hassan M, Ly NL, Routy JP, Freeman GJ, Dubé M, Finzi A, Kaufmann DE. Immune Checkpoint Blockade Restores HIV-Specific CD4 T Cell Help for NK Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:971-981. [PMID: 29934472 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immune exhaustion is an important feature of chronic infections, such as HIV, and a barrier to effective immunity against cancer. This dysfunction is in part controlled by inhibitory immune checkpoints. Blockade of the PD-1 or IL-10 pathways can reinvigorate HIV-specific CD4 T cell function in vitro, as measured by cytokine secretion and proliferative responses upon Ag stimulation. However, whether this restoration of HIV-specific CD4 T cells can improve help to other cell subsets impaired in HIV infection remains to be determined. In this study, we examine a cohort of chronically infected subjects prior to initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and individuals with suppressed viral load on ART. We show that IFN-γ induction in NK cells upon PBMC stimulation by HIV Ag varies inversely with viremia and depends on HIV-specific CD4 T cell help. We demonstrate in both untreated and ART-suppressed individuals that dual PD-1 and IL-10 blockade enhances cytokine secretion of NK cells via restored HIV-specific CD4 T cell function, that soluble factors contribute to these immunotherapeutic effects, and that they depend on IL-2 and IL-12 signaling. Importantly, we show that inhibition of the PD-1 and IL-10 pathways also increases NK degranulation and killing of target cells. This study demonstrates a previously underappreciated relationship between CD4 T cell impairment and NK cell exhaustion in HIV infection, provides a proof of principle that reversal of adaptive immunity exhaustion can improve the innate immune response, and suggests that immune checkpoint modulation that improves CD4/NK cell cooperation can be used as adjuvant therapy in HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippos Porichis
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Meghan G Hart
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Alexandra Massa
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Holly L Everett
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Antigoni Morou
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Jonathan Richard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Nathalie Brassard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Maxime Veillette
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Muska Hassan
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Ngoc Le Ly
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Chronic Viral Illnesses Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.,Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115; and
| | - Mathieu Dubé
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Andrés Finzi
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Daniel E Kaufmann
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada; .,Scripps Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology and Immunogen Discovery, La Jolla, CA 92037
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Feria MG, Taborda NA, Hernandez JC, Rugeles MT. HIV replication is associated to inflammasomes activation, IL-1β, IL-18 and caspase-1 expression in GALT and peripheral blood. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192845. [PMID: 29672590 PMCID: PMC5909617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) promotes an inflammatory process, leading to the progressive loss of the functional capacity of the immune system. The HIV infection induces alterations in several tissues, but mainly in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). However, the degree of GALT deterioration varies among infected individuals. In fact, it has been shown that HIV-controllers, who spontaneously control viral replication, exhibit a lower inflammatory response, and a relative normal frequency and function of most of the immune cells. Inflammasomes are molecular complexes involved in the inflammatory response, being NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2 and Pyrin inflammasomes, the best characterized so far. These complexes regulate the maturation of cytokines of the IL-1 family, including IL-1β and IL-18. These cytokines have been associated with immune activation and expansion of HIV target cells, promoting viral replication. Interesting, some reports indicate that HIV induces the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, but the role of this, and other inflammasomes during HIV infection, especially in GALT, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To compare the relative expression of inflammasome components and the proinflammatory response related to their activity, between HIV-progressors and HIV-controllers. METHODS GALT biopsies and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 15 HIV-controllers and 15 HIV-progressors were obtained. The relative expression of the following inflammasome components were evaluated by RT-PCR: NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP1, AIM2, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18. In addition, plasma concentration of IL-18 was evaluated as an indicator of baseline proinflammatory status. Finally, in supernatants of PBMCs in vitro stimulated with inflammasome agonists, the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 were quantified by ELISA. RESULTS HIV-progressors exhibited higher expression of IL-1β, IL-18 and caspase-1 genes in GALT and PBMCs compared with HIV-controllers. In addition, HIV-progressors had also increased expression of ASC in PBMCs. When plasma levels were evaluated, IL-18 was increased in HIV-progressors. Interesting, these patients also showed an increased production of IL-1β in supernatants of PBMCs stimulated in vitro with the agonists of AIM2, NLRP1 and NLRC4 inflammasomes. Finally, the expression of caspase-1, NLRP1, IL-1β and IL-18 in GALT or peripheral blood was correlated with CD4+ T-cell count and viral load. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that during HIV-infection, the required signals to induce the expression of different components of the inflammasomes are produced, both in GALT and in periphery. The activation of these molecular complexes could increase the number of target cells, favoring HIV replication and cell death, promoting the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Gerónimo Feria
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Natalia Andrea Taborda
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas Uniremington, Programa de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Corporación Universitaria Remington, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Hernandez
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
- Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Maria Teresa Rugeles
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia
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Control of NK Cell Activation by Immune Checkpoint Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102129. [PMID: 29023417 PMCID: PMC5666811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer and chronic infections is facilitated by many subversion mechanisms, among which enhanced expression of immune checkpoints molecules, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), on exhausted T cells. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown remarkable efficiency in the treatment of a number of cancers. However, expression of immune checkpoints on natural killer (NK) cells and its functional consequences on NK cell effector functions are much less explored. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge on expression of various immune checkpoints in NK cells, how it can alter NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Dissecting the role of these inhibitory mechanisms in NK cells is critical for the full understanding of the mode of action of immunotherapies using checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of cancers and chronic infections.
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Polyfunctional natural killer cells with a low activation profile in response to Toll-like receptor 3 activation in HIV-1-exposed seronegative subjects. Sci Rep 2017; 7:524. [PMID: 28373665 PMCID: PMC5428831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00637-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the main mediator of the cytotoxic response in innate immunity and may be involved in resistance to HIV-1 infection in exposed seronegative (ESN) individuals. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling is crucial for NK cell activation. Here, we investigated the polyfunctional NK cell response to TLR3 activation in serodiscordant couples. ESN subjects showed increased IFN-γ and CD107a expression in both NK subsets, CD56bright and CD56dim cells, in response to stimulation with a TLR3 agonist, while expression was impaired in the HIV-1-infected partners. TLR3-induced expression of IFN-γ, TNF and CD107a by polyfunctional CD56bright NK cells was more pronounced in ESN individuals than that in healthy controls. Activated NK cells, as determined by CD38 expression, were increased only in the HIV-1-infected partners, with reduced IFN-γ and CD107a expression. Moreover, CD38+ NK cells of the HIV-1-infected partners were associated with increased expression of inhibitory molecules, such as NKG2A, PD-1 and Tim-3, while NK cells from ESN subjects showed decreased NKG2A expression. Altogether, these findings indicate that NK cells of ESN individuals were highly responsive to TLR3 activation and had a polyfunctional NK cell phenotype, while the impaired TLR3 response in HIV-1-infected partners was associated with an inhibitory/exhaustion NK cell phenotype.
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Leal FE, Premeaux TA, Abdel-Mohsen M, Ndhlovu LC. Role of Natural Killer Cells in HIV-Associated Malignancies. Front Immunol 2017; 8:315. [PMID: 28377768 PMCID: PMC5359293 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Now in its fourth decade, the burden of HIV disease still persists, despite significant milestone achievements in HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, and support. Even with long-term use of currently available antiretroviral therapies (ARTs), eradication of HIV remains elusive and now poses a unique set of challenges for the HIV-infected individual. The occurrence of HIV-associated non-AIDS-related comorbidities outside the scope of AIDS-defining illnesses, in particular non-AIDS-defining cancers, is much greater than the age-matched uninfected population. The underlying mechanism is now recognized in part to be related to the immune dysregulated and inflammatory status characteristic of HIV infection that persists despite ART. Natural killer (NK) cells are multifunctional effector immune cells that play a critical role in shaping the innate immune responses to viral infections and cancer. NK cells can modulate the adaptive immune response via their role in dendritic cell (DC) maturation, removal of immature tolerogenic DCs, and their ability to produce immunoregulatory cytokines. NK cells are therefore poised as attractive therapeutic targets that can be harnessed to control or clear both HIV and HIV-associated malignancies. To date, features of the tumor microenvironment and the evolution of NK-cell function among individuals with HIV-related malignancies remain unclear and may be distinct from malignancies observed in uninfected persons. This review intends to uncouple anti-HIV and antitumor NK-cell features that can be manipulated to halt the evolution of HIV disease and HIV-associated malignancies and serve as potential preventative and curative immunotherapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio E Leal
- Programa de Oncovirologia, Instituto Nacional de Cancer , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Thomas A Premeaux
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii , Honolulu, HI , USA
| | - Mohamed Abdel-Mohsen
- Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lishomwa C Ndhlovu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii , Honolulu, HI , USA
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20
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Aguilar-Jimenez W, Saulle I, Trabattoni D, Vichi F, Lo Caputo S, Mazzotta F, Rugeles MT, Clerici M, Biasin M. High Expression of Antiviral and Vitamin D Pathway Genes Are a Natural Characteristic of a Small Cohort of HIV-1-Exposed Seronegative Individuals. Front Immunol 2017; 8:136. [PMID: 28243241 PMCID: PMC5303892 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural resistance to HIV-1 infection is influenced by genetics, viral-exposure, and endogenous immunomodulators such as vitamin D (VitD), being a multifactorial phenomenon that characterizes HIV-1-exposed seronegative individuals (HESNs). We compared mRNA expression of 10 antivirals, 5 immunoregulators, and 3 VitD pathway genes by qRT-PCR in cells of a small cohort of 11 HESNs, 16 healthy-controls (HCs), and 11 seropositives (SPs) at baseline, in response to calcidiol (VitD precursor) and/or aldithriol-2-(AT2)-inactivated HIV-1. In addition, the expression of TIM-3 on T and NK cells of six HCs after calcidiol and calcitriol (active VitD) treatments was evaluated by flow cytometry. Calcidiol increased the mRNA expression of HAVCR2 (TIM-3; Th1-cells inhibitor) in HCs and HESNs. AT2-HIV-1 increased the mRNA expression of the activating VitD enzyme CYP27B1, of the endogenous antiviral proteins MX2, TRIM22, APOBEC3G, and of immunoregulators ERAP2 and HAVCR2, but reduced the mRNA expression of VitD receptor (VDR) and antiviral peptides PI3 and CAMP in all groups. Remarkably, higher mRNA levels of VDR, CYP27B1, PI3, CAMP, SLPI, and of ERAP2 were found in HESNs compared to HCs either at baseline or after stimuli. Furthermore, calcitriol increases the percentage of CD4+ T cells expressing TIM-3 protein compared to EtOH controls. These results suggest that high mRNA expression of antiviral and VitD pathway genes could be genetically determined in HESNs more than viral-induced at least in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Moreover, the virus could potentiate bio-activation and use of VitD, maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system. Interestingly, VitD-induced TIM-3 on T cells, a T cell inhibitory and anti-HIV-1 molecule, requires further studies to analyze the functional outcomes during HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wbeimar Aguilar-Jimenez
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellín, Colombia; Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche-Luigi Sacco, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Irma Saulle
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche-Luigi Sacco, Università Degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Daria Trabattoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche-Luigi Sacco, Università Degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria T Rugeles
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA , Medellín , Colombia
| | - Mario Clerici
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Fondazione Don C. Gnocchi, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Biasin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche-Luigi Sacco, Università Degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
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Saxena V, Bichare S, Singh D, Ghate M, Godbole S, Kulkarni S, Gangakhedkar R, Paranjape R, Thakar M. Short Communication: Low Immune Activation Is Associated with Higher Frequencies of Central Memory T Cell Subset in a Cohort of Indian Long-Term Nonprogressors. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2017; 33:121-125. [PMID: 28034326 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2016.0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent immune activation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is responsible for alterations in immune system such as activation, apoptosis, and reduced frequencies. Reduced immune activation is known to be associated with virus control. Limited information is available on the influence of pan-immune activation on memory responses. Hence, we compared the T cell activation and memory profile in HIV-infected individuals exhibiting disease control such as long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs) and progressors. The activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly lower and the CD4+ and CD8+ central memory T cell phenotypes were significantly higher in the LTNPs compared to the progressors. In addition, we observed significant inverse association between the T cell activation and frequencies of central memory T cells. Our findings indicate that patients with absence of disease progression have preserved central memory T cell population associated with lesser immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Saxena
- Department of Immunology and Serology, National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Pune, India
| | - Shubhangi Bichare
- Department of Immunology and Serology, National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Pune, India
| | - Dharmendra Singh
- Department of Immunology and Serology, National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Pune, India
| | - Manisha Ghate
- Department of Clinical Sciences, National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Pune, India
| | - Sheela Godbole
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Pune, India
| | - Smita Kulkarni
- Department of Virology, National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Pune, India
| | - Raman Gangakhedkar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Pune, India
| | - Ramesh Paranjape
- Department of Immunology and Serology, National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Pune, India
| | - Madhuri Thakar
- Department of Immunology and Serology, National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Pune, India
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Platten M, Jung N, Trapp S, Flossdorf P, Meyer-Olson D, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Stephan C, Mauss S, Weiss V, von Bergwelt-Baildon M, Rockstroh J, Fätkenheuer G, Lehmann C. Cytokine and Chemokine Signature in Elite Versus Viremic Controllers Infected with HIV. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2016; 32:579-87. [PMID: 26751176 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2015.0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs) maintaining high CD4(+) T-cell counts without antiretroviral therapy (ART) are divided into elite controllers (ECs) with undetectable and viremic controllers (VCs) with low viral loads. Little is known about the long-term changes of T-cell subsets and inflammation patterns in ECs versus VCs. The aim of the study was to explore the long-term evolution of CD4(+) T-cell levels in LTNPs and to analyze cytokine profiles in ECs versus VCs. Nineteen ECs and 15 VCs were enrolled from the natural virus controller cohort (NaViC). T-cell counts were monitored over years, the mean annual change was calculated, and plasma concentrations of 25 cytokines were evaluated using a multiplex bead array. While absolute numbers of T cells did not differ between ECs and VCs over time, we observed a significant decrease of CD4(+) T-cell percentages in VCs, but not in ECs (median [interquartile range]: ECs: 37% [28-41] vs. VCs: 29% [25-34]; p = .02). ECs had lower levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β, p = .003), interferon γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10, p = .03), and monokine induced by interferon-γ (MIG, p = .02). CD4(+) T-cell percentages inversely correlated with MIP 1-β (r = -0.42, p = .017) and IP-10 (r = -0.77, p < .0001). A subtle decline of CD4(+) T-cell percentages could be observed in VCs, but not in ECs, which was associated with higher plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Hence, even low levels of HIV replication might go along with a progressive decline in CD4(+) T-cell counts in LTNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Platten
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Norma Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Susanna Trapp
- Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Pia Flossdorf
- Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dirk Meyer-Olson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, m&i Specialty Hospital Bad Pyrmont, Bad Pyrmont, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Mauss
- Center for HIV and Hepatogastroenterology, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Verena Weiss
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Rockstroh
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerd Fätkenheuer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Clara Lehmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Pesce S, Greppi M, Tabellini G, Rampinelli F, Parolini S, Olive D, Moretta L, Moretta A, Marcenaro E. Identification of a subset of human natural killer cells expressing high levels of programmed death 1: A phenotypic and functional characterization. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 139:335-346.e3. [PMID: 27372564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 343] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed death 1 (PD-1) is an immunologic checkpoint that limits immune responses by delivering potent inhibitory signals to T cells on interaction with specific ligands expressed on tumor/virus-infected cells, thus contributing to immune escape mechanisms. Therapeutic PD-1 blockade has been shown to mediate tumor eradication with impressive clinical results. Little is known about the expression/function of PD-1 on human natural killer (NK) cells. OBJECTIVE We sought to clarify whether human NK cells can express PD-1 and analyze their phenotypic/functional features. METHODS We performed multiparametric cytofluorimetric analysis of PD-1+ NK cells and their functional characterization using degranulation, cytokine production, and proliferation assays. RESULTS We provide unequivocal evidence that PD-1 is highly expressed (PD-1bright) on an NK cell subset detectable in the peripheral blood of approximately one fourth of healthy subjects. These donors are always serologically positive for human cytomegalovirus. PD-1 is expressed by CD56dim but not CD56bright NK cells and is confined to fully mature NK cells characterized by the NKG2A-KIR+CD57+ phenotype. Proportions of PD-1bright NK cells were higher in the ascites of a cohort of patients with ovarian carcinoma, suggesting their possible induction/expansion in tumor environments. Functional analysis revealed a reduced proliferative capability in response to cytokines, low degranulation, and impaired cytokine production on interaction with tumor targets. CONCLUSIONS We have identified and characterized a novel subpopulation of human NK cells expressing high levels of PD-1. These cells have the phenotypic characteristics of fully mature NK cells and are increased in patients with ovarian carcinoma. They display low proliferative responses and impaired antitumor activity that can be partially restored by antibody-mediated disruption of PD-1/programmed death ligand interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Rampinelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Parolini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniel Olive
- CRCM, Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Inserm, U1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Hernandez JC, St Laurent G, Urcuqui-Inchima S. HIV-1-exposed seronegative individuals show alteration in TLR expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine production ex vivo: An innate immune quiescence status? Immunol Res 2016; 64:280-90. [PMID: 26616295 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-015-8748-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are involved in direct recognition of viruses, promoting cellular activation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, despite the reduced systemic immune activation described in HIV-1-exposed seronegatives (HESNs), few studies have focused on determining the relationship between PRR expression and cytokine production. We have aimed here to evaluate the expression level of PRRs and cytokines in HESNs, HIV-1 patients and healthy donors. Basal PRR expression levels in PBMCs, dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes, and plasma cytokine levels as well as the PRR ligand-induced cytokine productions were determined by flow cytometry, qPCR and ELISA. Higher TLR2/4 expression in DCs and monocytes from HESNs was observed. Nevertheless, TLR4/8, NOD2 and RIG-I mRNA levels were lower in PBMCs from HESNs than HIV-1-infected patients. Comparable IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α mRNA levels were observed among the groups examined; however, at the protein level, production of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 was significantly lower in plasma from HESNs than from HIV-1-infected patients. Our results suggest that exposure to HIV-1 without infection could be associated with reduced basal pro-inflammatory responses. Further studies are required to define the cell subsets responsible for these differences and the role of PRRs on protection against HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Hernandez
- INFETTARE, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Silvio Urcuqui-Inchima
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
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Saulle I, Biasin M, Gnudi F, Rainone V, Ibba SV, Caputo SL, Mazzotta F, Trabattoni D, Clerici M. Short Communication: Immune Activation Is Present in HIV-1-Exposed Seronegative Individuals and Is Independent of Microbial Translocation. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2016; 32:129-33. [PMID: 26414485 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2015.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Analyses of immune activation in HIV-exposed seronegative individuals (HESN) yielded discrepant results. To clarify this issue we performed an extensive investigation of immune parameters in HESN and, in particular, we analyzed in these individuals the possible presence of microbial translocation, the most widely accepted reason driving immune activation in HIV-infected patients. Results showed that immune activation, a skewing of T lymphocyte maturation, and increased responsiveness to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) characterize the HESN phenotype; this is not driven by alterations of the gastrointestinal barrier and microbial translocation. The activation state seen in HESN may influence the induction of stronger adaptive antiviral immune responses and may represent a virus exposure-induced innate immune protective phenotype against HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Saulle
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Biasin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Gnudi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Rainone
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Daria Trabattoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Don C Gnocchi Foundation, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Gonzalez SM, Zapata W, Rugeles MT. Role of Regulatory T Cells and Inhibitory Molecules in the Development of Immune Exhaustion During Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection. Viral Immunol 2015; 29:2-10. [PMID: 26566019 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2015.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the key hallmarks of chronic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is the persistent immune activation triggered since early stages of the infection, followed by the development of an exhaustion phenomena, which leads to the inability of immune cells to respond appropriately to the virus and other pathogens, constituting the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); this exhausting state is characterized by a loss of effector functions of immune cells such as proliferation, production of cytokine, as well as cytotoxic potential and it has been attributable to an increased response of regulatory T cells and recently also to the expression in different cell populations of inhibitory molecules, such as programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), T cell immunoglobulin-3 (Tim-3), and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3). The importance of these molecules relies on the possibility to restore the immune response once these molecules are blocked, constituting a potential therapeutic target for treatment during HIV infection. In this regard, we explored the available data evaluating the functional role of Treg cells and inhibitory molecules during the infection in both blood and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and their contribution to the development of immune exhaustion and progression to AIDS, as well as their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Milena Gonzalez
- 1 Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA , Medellín, Colombia
| | - Wildeman Zapata
- 1 Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA , Medellín, Colombia .,2 Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Sede Medellín, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia , Medellín, Colombia
| | - María Teresa Rugeles
- 1 Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA , Medellín, Colombia
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Pomplun N, Weisgrau KL, Evans DT, Rakasz EG. OMIP-028: activation panel for Rhesus macaque NK cell subsets. Cytometry A 2015. [PMID: 26218174 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pomplun
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 53711
| | - Kim L Weisgrau
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 53711
| | - David T Evans
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 53711.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 53711
| | - Eva G Rakasz
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, 53711
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