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Carriero F, Rubino V, Leone S, Montanaro R, Brancaleone V, Ruggiero G, Terrazzano G. Regulatory T R3-56 Cells in the Complex Panorama of Immune Activation and Regulation. Cells 2023; 12:2841. [PMID: 38132162 PMCID: PMC10742044 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between immune activation and immune regulation is a fundamental aspect of the functional harmony of the immune system. This delicate balance is essential to triggering correct and effective immune responses against pathogens while preventing excessive inflammation and the immunopathogenic mechanisms of autoimmunity. The knowledge of all the mechanisms involved in immune regulation is not yet definitive, and, probably, the overall picture is much broader than what has been described in the scientific literature so far. Given the plasticity of the immune system and the diversity of organisms, it is highly probable that numerous other cells and molecules are still to be ascribed to the immune regulation process. Here, we report a general overview of how immune activation and regulation interact, based on the involvement of molecules and cells specifically dedicated to these processes. In addition, we discuss the role of TR3-56 lymphocytes as a new cellular candidate in the immune regulation landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Carriero
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.C.); (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Valentina Rubino
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (G.R.)
| | - Stefania Leone
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera A. Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Rosangela Montanaro
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.C.); (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Vincenzo Brancaleone
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.C.); (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Giuseppina Ruggiero
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (G.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Terrazzano
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.C.); (R.M.); (V.B.)
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Nersesian S, Carter EB, Lee SN, Westhaver LP, Boudreau JE. Killer instincts: natural killer cells as multifactorial cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269614. [PMID: 38090565 PMCID: PMC10715270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells integrate heterogeneous signals for activation and inhibition using germline-encoded receptors. These receptors are stochastically co-expressed, and their concurrent engagement and signaling can adjust the sensitivity of individual cells to putative targets. Against cancers, which mutate and evolve under therapeutic and immunologic pressure, the diversity for recognition provided by NK cells may be key to comprehensive cancer control. NK cells are already being trialled as adoptive cell therapy and targets for immunotherapeutic agents. However, strategies to leverage their naturally occurring diversity and agility have not yet been developed. In this review, we discuss the receptors and signaling pathways through which signals for activation or inhibition are generated in NK cells, focusing on their roles in cancer and potential as targets for immunotherapies. Finally, we consider the impacts of receptor co-expression and the potential to engage multiple pathways of NK cell reactivity to maximize the scope and strength of antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily B. Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacey N. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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[Comparison of the characteristics of NK cells after two different methods of expansion and observation of the clinical efficacy in patients who relapsed post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2022; 43:400-407. [PMID: 35680598 PMCID: PMC9250962 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To explore the differences in the biological effects of different expansion systems on natural killer (NK) cells, as well as the safety and preliminary clinical efficacy in the treatment of patients with recurrence after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) . Methods: Peripheral blood cells from healthy donors were stimulated with either CD3 combined with CD52 or K562 feeder cells loaded with IL-21/4-1BB to induce NK cell expansion. Changes in the NK cell phenotype, cytokine secretion, and cytotoxicity before and after expansion were detected. We also evaluated the safety and clinical efficacy of two different expansion strategies for patients received NK infusion. Results: Compared with the CD3/CD52 monoclonal antibody amplification system, the feeder cell expansion group had a higher purity of NK cells and higher expression ratios of NK cell surface activation receptors such as DNAM-1 and NKp30, while inhibitory receptor CTLA-4 expression was low and NKG2D/CD25/CD69/ Trail/PD-1/TIM-3/TIGIT had no statistically significant differences between the groups. Further functional results showed that the expression level of KI67 in NK cells after expansion in the two groups increased significantly, especially in the feeder cell expansion group. Simultaneously, the perforin and granzyme B levels of NK cells in the feeder cell expansion group were significantly higher than in the CD3/CD52 expansion group. A retrospective analysis of eight patients who received monoclonal antibody-expanded NK cell reinfusion and nine patients with trophoblast cell-expanded NK cell reinfusion was done. The disease characteristics of the two groups were comparable, NK cell reinfusion was safe, and there were no obvious adverse reactions. Clinical prognostic results showed that in the CD3/CD52 monoclonal antibody amplification group, the MRD conversion rate was 50% (2/4) , and the feeder cell expansion group was 50% (3/6) . After 5 years of follow-up from allo-HSCT, three patients in the monoclonal antibody expansion group had long-term survival without leukemia, and the remaining five patients had died; two patients died in the feeder cell expansion group, and the other six patients had long-term survival. Six cases had GVHD before NK cell reinfusion, and GVHD did not aggravate or even relieved after NK cell reinfusion. Conclusions: Preliminary results show that the biological characteristics of NK cells with diverse expansion strategies are significantly different, which may affect the clinical prognosis of patients with recurrence or persistent minimal residual disease after HSCT. The two groups of patients treated with NK cells from different expansion strategies had no obvious adverse reactions after NK cell infusion, but efficacy still needs to be further confirmed.
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4
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Jung D, Baek YS, Lee IJ, Kim KY, Jang H, Hwang S, Jung J, Moon YW, Park KS, Choi YS, An HJ. Ex vivo expanded allogeneic natural killer cells have potent cytolytic activity against cancer cells through different receptor-ligand interactions. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:333. [PMID: 34686187 PMCID: PMC8539797 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Recently, allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells have gained considerable attention as promising immunotherapeutic tools due to their unique biological functions and characteristics. Although many NK expansion strategies have been reported previously, a deeper understanding of cryopreserved allogeneic NK cells is needed for specific therapeutic approaches. Methods We isolated CD3−CD56+ primary natural killer (pNK) cells from healthy donors and expanded them ex vivo using a GMP-compliant method without any feeder to generate large volumes of therapeutic pNK cells and cryopreserved stocks. After validation for high purity and activating phenotypes, we performed RNA sequencing of the expanded and cryopreserved pNK cells. The pNK cells were used against various cancer cell lines in 7-AAD/CFSE cytotoxicity assay. For in vivo efficacy study, NSG mice bearing subcutaneous cisplatin-resistant A2780cis xenografts were treated with our pNK cells or cisplatin. Antitumor efficacy was assessed by measuring tumor volume and weight. Results Compared to the pNK cells before expansion, pNK cells after expansion showed 2855 upregulated genes, including genes related to NK cell activation, cytotoxicity, chemokines, anti-apoptosis, and proliferation. Additionally, the pNK cells showed potent cytolytic activity against various cancer cell lines. Interestingly, our activated pNK cells showed a marked increase in NKp44 (1064-fold), CD40L (12,018-fold), and CCR5 (49-fold), and did not express the programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1). We also demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo efficacies of pNK cells against cisplatin-resistant A2780cis ovarian cancer cells having a high programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1) and low HLA-C expression. Conclusions Taken together, our study provides the first comprehensive genome wide analysis of ex vivo-expanded cryopreserved pNK cells. It also indicates the potential use of expanded and cryopreserved pNK cells as a highly promising immunotherapy for anti-cancer drug resistant patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02089-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daun Jung
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatapro Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Seok Baek
- Immunotherapy Team, New Biological Entity (NBE) Research, R&D Division, CHA Biotech, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - In Jee Lee
- Immunotherapy Team, New Biological Entity (NBE) Research, R&D Division, CHA Biotech, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Yeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatapro Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejoo Jang
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatapro Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyun Hwang
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatapro Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Jung
- Center for Research & Development, CHA Advanced Research Institute, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Wha Moon
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Soon Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung An
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatapro Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Carbone E, De Felice M, Di Rosa F, D'Oro U, Fontana S, La Cava A, Maio M, Matarese G, Racioppi L, Ruggiero G, Terrazzano G. Serafino Zappacosta: An Enlightened Mentor and Educator. Front Immunol 2020; 11:217. [PMID: 32117323 PMCID: PMC7031500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
With this article, the authors aim to honor the memory of Serafino Zappacosta, who had been their mentor during the early years of their career in science. The authors discuss how the combination of Serafino Zappacosta's extraordinary commitment to teaching and passion for science created a fostering educational environment that led to the creation of the “Ruggero Ceppellini Advanced School of Immunology.” The review also illustrates how the research on the MHC and the inspirational scientific context in the Zappacosta's laboratory influenced the authors' early scientific interests, and subsequent professional work as immunologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ennio Carbone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.,Department of Microbiology, Cell and Tumor Biology, Karolinska Intitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mario De Felice
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Rosa
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBPM-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Fontana
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio La Cava
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michele Maio
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Matarese
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), Naples, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Racioppi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Division of Hematological Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Giuseppina Ruggiero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Terrazzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze, Università della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
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Karnell JL, Rieder SA, Ettinger R, Kolbeck R. Targeting the CD40-CD40L pathway in autoimmune diseases: Humoral immunity and beyond. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 141:92-103. [PMID: 30552917 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CD40 is a TNF receptor superfamily member expressed on both immune and non-immune cells. Interactions between B cell-expressed CD40 and its binding partner, CD40L, predominantly expressed on activated CD4+ T cells, play a critical role in promoting germinal center formation and the production of class-switched antibodies. Non-hematopoietic cells expressing CD40 can also engage CD40L and trigger a pro-inflammatory response. This article will highlight what is known about the biology of the CD40-CD40L axis in humans and describe the potential contribution of CD40 signaling on both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells to autoimmune disease pathogenesis. Additionally, novel therapeutic approaches to target this pathway, currently being evaluated in clinical trials, are discussed.
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7
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Nunes S, Silva IB, Ampuero MR, de Noronha ALL, de Souza LCL, Correia TC, Khouri R, Boaventura VS, Barral A, Ramos PIP, Brodskyn C, Oliveira PRS, Tavares NM. Integrated Analysis Reveals That miR-193b, miR-671, and TREM-1 Correlate With a Good Response to Treatment of Human Localized Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania braziliensis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:640. [PMID: 29670621 PMCID: PMC5893808 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) is a chronic disease characterized by ulcerated skin lesion(s) and uncontrolled inflammation. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of LCL are not completely understood, and little is known about posttranscriptional regulation during LCL. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNAs that regulate gene expression and can be implicated in the pathogenesis of LCL. We investigated the involvement of miRNAs and their targets genes in human LCL using publicly available transcriptome data sets followed by ex vivo validation. Initial analysis highlighted that miRNA expression is altered during LCL, as patients clustered separately from controls. Joint analysis identified eight high confidence miRNAs that had altered expression (−1.5 ≤ fold change ≥ 1.5; p < 0.05) between cutaneous ulcers and uninfected skin. We found that the expression of miR-193b and miR-671 are greatly associated with their target genes, CD40 and TNFR, indicating the important role of these miRNAs in the expression of genes related to the inflammatory response observed in LCL. In addition, network analysis revealed that miR-193b, miR-671, and TREM1 correlate only in patients who show faster wound healing (up to 59 days) and not in patients who require longer cure times (more than 60 days). Given that these miRNAs are associated with control of inflammation and healing time, our findings reveal that they might influence the pathogenesis and prognosis of LCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nunes
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil.,Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Icaro Bonyek Silva
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil.,Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Mariana Rosa Ampuero
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil.,Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ricardo Khouri
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil.,Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Viviane Sampaio Boaventura
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil.,Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Aldina Barral
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil.,Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Pablo Ivan Pereira Ramos
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil.,Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Brodskyn
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil.,Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Pablo Rafael Silveira Oliveira
- Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.,Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Natalia Machado Tavares
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil.,Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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Stojanovic A, Fiegler N, Brunner-Weinzierl M, Cerwenka A. CTLA-4 is expressed by activated mouse NK cells and inhibits NK Cell IFN-γ production in response to mature dendritic cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:4184-91. [PMID: 24688023 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
NK cells express an array of activating and inhibitory receptors that determine NK cell responses upon triggering by cognate ligands. Although activating NK cell receptors recognize mainly ligands expressed by stressed, virus-infected, or transformed cells, most inhibitory receptors engage MHC class I, preventing NK cell activation in response to healthy cells. In this study, we provide insight into the regulation and function of additional receptors involved in mouse NK cell responses: CTLA-4 and CD28. CTLA-4 and CD28 engage the same ligands, B7-1 and B7-2, which are primarily expressed by APCs, such as dendritic cells. Our data demonstrate that activation of mouse NK cells with IL-2 induces the expression of CTLA-4 and upregulates CD28. CTLA-4 expression in IL-2-expanded NK cells was further up- or downregulated by IL-12 or TGF-β, respectively. Using gene-deficient NK cells, we show that CD28 induces, and CTLA-4 inhibits, IFN-γ release by NK cells upon engagement by the recombinant ligand, B7-1, or upon coculture with mature dendritic cells. Notably, we show that mouse NK cells infiltrating solid tumors express CD28 and CTLA-4 and respond to stimulation with recombinant B7-1, suggesting that the NK cell responses mediated by the CD28/CTLA-4:B7-1/B7-2 system could be of importance during malignant disease. Accordingly, our study might have implications for immunotherapy of cancer based on blocking anti-CTLA-4 mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Stojanovic
- Innate Immunity Group, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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9
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NK cells in hepatitis B virus infection: a potent target for immunotherapy. Arch Virol 2014; 159:1555-65. [PMID: 24445811 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-013-1965-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), are the most prevalent and infectious agents that lead to liver disease in humans. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis of the liver are the most serious complications arising from prolonged forms of hepatitis B. Previous studies demonstrated that patients suffering from long-term HBV infections are unable to eradicate HBV from hepatocytes completely. The mechanisms responsible for progression of these forms of infection have not yet been clarified. However, it seems that there are differences in genetic and immunological parameters when comparing patients to subjects who successfully clear HBV infections, and these may represent the causes of long-term infection. Natural killer (NK) cells, the main innate immune cells that target viral infections, play important roles in the eradication of HBV from hepatocytes. NK cells carry several stimulatory and inhibitor receptors, and binding of receptors with their ligands results in activation and suppression of NK cells, respectively. The aim of this review is to address the recent information regarding NK cell phenotype, functions and modifications in hepatitis B. This review addresses the recent data regarding the roles of NK cells as novel targets for immunotherapies that target hepatitis B infection. It also discusses the potential to reduce the risk of HCC or cirrhosis of the liver by targeting NK cells.
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10
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Golden-Mason L, Rosen HR. Natural killer cells: multifaceted players with key roles in hepatitis C immunity. Immunol Rev 2013; 255:68-81. [PMID: 23947348 PMCID: PMC3765000 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NKs) are involved in every stage of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection, from protection against HCV acquisition and resolution in the acute phase to treatment-induced clearance. In addition to their direct antiviral actions, NKs are involved in the induction and priming of appropriate downstream T-cell responses. In the setting of chronic HCV, overall NK cell levels are decreased, subset distribution is altered, and changes in NK receptor (NKR) expression have been demonstrated, although the contribution of individual NKRs to viral clearance or persistence remains to be clarified. Enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity accompanied by insufficient interferon-γ production may promote liver damage in the setting of chronic infection. Treatment-induced clearance is associated with activation of NK cells, and it will be of interest to monitor NK cell responses to triple therapy. Activated NK cells also have anti-fibrotic properties, and the same hepatic NK cell populations that are actively involved in control of HCV may also be involved in control of HCV-associated liver damage. We still have much to learn, in particular: how do liver-derived NKs influence the outcome of HCV infection? Do NK receptors recognize HCV-specific components? And, are HCV-specific memory NK populations generated?
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Golden-Mason
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatitis C Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver (UCD), Aurora, CO, USA
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11
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Jackaman C, Lansley S, Allan JE, Robinson BWS, Nelson DJ. IL-2/CD40-driven NK cells install and maintain potency in the anti-mesothelioma effector/memory phase. Int Immunol 2012; 24:357-68. [DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxs005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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12
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Golden-Mason L, Rosen HR. Natural killer cells: primary target for hepatitis C virus immune evasion strategies? Liver Transpl 2006; 12:363-72. [PMID: 16498647 DOI: 10.1002/lt.20708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection requiring transplantation represents a significant public health problem. The most remarkable feature of hepatitis C virus is the ability to establish chronic infection in the vast majority of cases. Efforts to define clinical correlates of HCV persistence have focused primarily on CD4 and CD8 T cell responses. Until recently, the role of innate immunity in determining the outcome of HCV infection had received relatively little attention. Natural killer (NK) cells are an important antiviral effector population eliminating virus through direct killing and cytokine production. Recent studies highlighting the cross-talk between NK cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells have prompted reevaluation of the important role NK cells play in regulating and maintaining specific immune responses. Like many other viruses, HCV has evolved strategies to evade detection and elimination by NK cells. T cell defects observed in HCV infection may be a consequence of inhibition of NK:DC interactions. We propose a theoretical model for HCV persistence that places the NK cell at the center of HCV immune evasion strategies. While this model is only theoretical, it provides a plausible interpretation of many published observations and a useful working model to test the role of NK cells in HCV persistence. In conclusion, the role of innate immune cells and their regulation of antigen-specific responses by the initial innate response to the virus, in particular NK cells, may prove to be an informative and clinically relevant avenue of investigation.
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