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Jiang H, Jiang J. Balancing act: the complex role of NK cells in immune regulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275028. [PMID: 38022497 PMCID: PMC10652757 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275028] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as fundamental components of innate immunity, can quickly react to abnormalities within the body. In-depth research has revealed that NK cells possess regulatory functions not only in innate immunity but also in adaptive immunity under various conditions. Multiple aspects of the adaptive immune process are regulated through NK cells. In our review, we have integrated multiple studies to illuminate the regulatory function of NK cells in regulating B cell and T cell responses during adaptive immune processes, focusing on aspects including viral infections and the tumor microenvironment (TME). These insights provide us with many new understandings on how NK cells regulate different phases of the adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Sun G, Zhao X, Li M, Zhang C, Jin H, Li C, Liu L, Wang Y, Shi W, Tian D, Xu H, Tian Y, Wu Y, Liu K, Zhang Z, Zhang D. CD4 derived double negative T cells prevent the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:650. [PMID: 33510172 PMCID: PMC7844244 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-20941-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic inflammation is the driving force for the development and progression of NASH. Treatment targeting inflammation is believed to be beneficial. In this study, adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells converted double negative T cells (cDNT) protects mice from diet-induced liver fat accumulation, lobular inflammation and focal necrosis. cDNT selectively suppress liver-infiltrating Th17 cells and proinflammatory M1 macrophages. IL-10 secreted by M2 macrophages decreases the survival and function of cDNT to protect M2 macrophages from cDNT-mediated lysis. NKG2A, a cell inhibitory molecule, contributes to IL-10 induced apoptosis and dampened suppressive function of cDNT. In conclusion, ex vivo-generated cDNT exert potent protection in diet induced obesity, type 2 diabetes and NASH. The improvement of outcome is due to the inhibition on liver inflammatory cells. This study supports the concept and the feasibility of potentially utilizing this autologous immune cell-based therapy for the treatment of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyong Sun
- General Surgery Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyan Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyang Li
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunpan Zhang
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Jin
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Changying Li
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liwei Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yaning Wang
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Tian
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hufeng Xu
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Tian
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongle Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongtao Zhang
- General Surgery Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China.
| | - Dong Zhang
- General Surgery Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing, China.
- Immunology Research Center for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China.
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Pallmer K, Oxenius A. Recognition and Regulation of T Cells by NK Cells. Front Immunol 2016; 7:251. [PMID: 27446081 PMCID: PMC4919350 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of T cell responses by innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) is increasingly documented and studied. Direct or indirect crosstalk between ILCs and T cells early during and after T cell activation can affect their differentiation, polarization, and survival. Natural killer (NK) cells that belong to the ILC1 group were initially described for their function in recognizing and eliminating "altered self" and as source of early inflammatory cytokines, most notably type II interferon. Using signals conveyed by various germ-line encoded activating and inhibitory receptors, NK cells are geared to sense sudden cellular changes that can be caused by infection events, malignant transformation, or cellular stress responses. T cells, when activated by TCR engagement (signal 1), costimulation (signal 2), and cytokines (signal 3), commit to a number of cellular alterations, including entry into rapid cell cycling, metabolic changes, and acquisition of effector functions. These abrupt changes may alert NK cells, and T cells might thereby expose themselves as NK cell targets. Here, we review how activated T cells can be recognized and regulated by NK cells and what consequences such regulation bears for T cell immunity in the context of vaccination, infection, or autoimmunity. Conversely, we will discuss mechanisms by which activated T cells protect themselves against NK cell attack and outline the significance of this safeguard mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annette Oxenius
- Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zürich , Zürich , Switzerland
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Morandi B, Mortara L, Chiossone L, Accolla RS, Mingari MC, Moretta L, Moretta A, Ferlazzo G. Dendritic cell editing by activated natural killer cells results in a more protective cancer-specific immune response. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39170. [PMID: 22723958 PMCID: PMC3378645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, several studies have extensively reported that activated natural killer (NK) cells can kill autologous immature dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro, whereas they spare fully activated DCs. This led to the proposal that activated NK cells might select a more immunogenic subset of DCs during a protective immune response. However, there is no demonstration that autologous DC killing by NK cells is an event occurring in vivo and, consequently, the functional relevance of this killing remains elusive. Here we report that a significant decrease of CD11c(+) DCs was observed in draining lymph nodes of mice inoculated with MHC-devoid cells as NK cell targets able to induce NK cell activation. This in vivo DC editing by NK cells was perforin-dependent and it was functionally relevant, since residual lymph node DCs displayed an improved capability to induce T cell proliferation. In addition, in a model of anti-cancer vaccination, the administration of MHC-devoid cells together with tumor cells increased the number of tumor-specific CTLs and resulted in a significant increase in survival of mice upon challenge with a lethal dose of tumor cells. Depletion of NK cells or the use of perforin knockout mice strongly decreased the tumor-specific CTL expansion and its protective role against tumor cell challenge. As a whole, our data support the hypothesis that NK cell-mediated DC killing takes place in vivo and is able to promote expansion of cancer-specific CTLs. Our results also indicate that cancer vaccines could be improved by strategies aimed at activating NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Morandi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Roberto S. Accolla
- Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico A.O.U. San Martino-IST-Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Guido Ferlazzo
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Zhou Z, Zhang C, Zhang J, Tian Z. Macrophages help NK cells to attack tumor cells by stimulatory NKG2D ligand but protect themselves from NK killing by inhibitory ligand Qa-1. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36928. [PMID: 22629344 PMCID: PMC3356357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells and their crosstalk with other immune cells are important for innate immunity against tumor. To explore the role of the interaction between NK cells and macrophages in the regulation of anti-tumor activities of NK cells, we here demonstrate that poly I:C-treated macrophages increased NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against target tumor cells in NKG2D-dependent manner. In addition, IL-15, IL-18, and IFN-β secreted by poly I:C-treated macrophages are also involved in NKG2D expression and NK cell activation. Interestingly, the increase in expression of NKG2D ligands on macrophages induced a highly NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against tumor cells, but not against macrophages themselves. Notably, a high expression level of Qa-1, a NKG2A ligand, on macrophages may contribute to such protection of macrophages from NK cell-mediated killing. Furthermore, Qa-1 or NKG2A knockdown and Qa-1 antibody blockade caused the macrophages to be sensitive to NK cytolysis. These results suggested that macrophages may activate NK cells to attack tumor by NKG2D recognition whereas macrophages protect themselves from NK lysis via preferential expression of Qa-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixia Zhou
- Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- * E-mail: (CZ); (ZT)
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- * E-mail: (CZ); (ZT)
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Lünemann A, Lünemann JD, Roberts S, Messmer B, Barreira da Silva R, Raine CS, Münz C. Human NK cells kill resting but not activated microglia via NKG2D- and NKp46-mediated recognition. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 181:6170-7. [PMID: 18941207 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.9.6170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are resident macrophage-like APCs of the CNS. To avoid escalation of inflammatory processes and bystander damage within the CNS, microglia-driven inflammatory responses need to be tightly regulated and both spatially and temporally restricted. Following traumatic, infectious, and autoimmune-mediated brain injury, NK cells have been found in the CNS, but the functional significance of NK cell recruitment and their mechanisms of action during brain inflammation are not well understood. In this study, we investigated whether and by which mechanisms human NK cells might edit resting and activated human microglial cells via killing in vitro. IL-2-activated NK cells efficiently killed both resting allogeneic and autologous microglia in a cell-contact-dependent manner. Activated NK cells rapidly formed synapses with human microglial cells in which perforin had been polarized to the cellular interface. Ab-mediated NKG2D and NKp46 blockade completely prevented the killing of human microglia by activated NK cells. Up-regulation of MHC class I surface expression by TLR4 stimulation protected microglia from NK cell-mediated killing, whereas MHC class I blockade enhanced cytotoxic NK cell activity. These data suggest that brain-infiltrating NK cells might restrict innate and adaptive immune responses within the human CNS via elimination of resting microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lünemann
- Laboratory of Viral Immunobiology, Christopher H. Browne Center for Immunology and Immune Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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