1
|
Okpoluaefe S, Ismail IS, Mohamed R, Hassan N. Adaptive natural killer cell expression in response to cytomegalovirus infection in blood and solid cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32622. [PMID: 38961938 PMCID: PMC11219991 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32622] [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] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are conventionally thought to be an indefinite part of innate immunity. However, in a specific subset of NK cells, recent data signify an extension of their "duties" in immune surveillance and response, having characteristics of adaptive immunity, in terms of persistence and cytotoxicity. These cells are known as the adaptive or memory-like NK cells, where human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection has been shown to drive the expansion of adaptive NKG2C+ NK cells. HCMV is a ubiquitous pathogen whose prevalence differs worldwide with respect to the socioeconomic status of countries. The adaptive NK cell subpopulation is often characterized by the upregulated expression of NKG2C, CD16, and CD2, and restricted expression of NKG2A, FCεRγ and killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), although these phenotypes may differ in different disease groups. The reconfiguration of these receptor distributions has been linked to epigenetic factors. Hence, this review attempts to appraise literature reporting markers associated with adaptive or memory-like NK cells post-HCMV infection, in relation to solid cancers and hematological malignancies. Adaptive NK cells, isolated and subjected to ex vivo modifications, have the potential to enhance anti-tumor response which can be a promising strategy for adoptive immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suruthimitra Okpoluaefe
- Department of Biomedical Science, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Emerging Infectious Disease Group, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 3200 Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ida Shazrina Ismail
- Department of Biomedical Science, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Breast Cancer Translational Research Program, BCTRP@IPPT, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Rafeezul Mohamed
- Department of Biomedical Science, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Breast Cancer Translational Research Program, BCTRP@IPPT, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Norfarazieda Hassan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Breast Cancer Translational Research Program, BCTRP@IPPT, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Emerging Infectious Disease Group, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 3200 Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bharti R, Calabrese DR. Innate and adaptive effector immune drivers of cytomegalovirus disease in lung transplantation: a double-edged sword. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2024; 3:1388393. [PMID: 38993763 PMCID: PMC11235306 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2024.1388393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Up to 90% of the global population has been infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV), a herpesvirus that remains latent for the lifetime of the host and drives immune dysregulation. CMV is a critical risk factor for poor outcomes after solid organ transplant, though lung transplant recipients (LTR) carry the highest risk of CMV infection, and CMV-associated comorbidities compared to recipients of other solid organ transplants. Despite potent antivirals, CMV remains a significant driver of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), re-transplantation, and death. Moreover, the extended utilization of CMV antiviral prophylaxis is not without adverse effects, often necessitating treatment discontinuation. Thus, there is a critical need to understand the immune response to CMV after lung transplantation. This review identifies key elements of each arm of the CMV immune response and highlights implications for lung allograft tolerance and injury. Specific attention is paid to cellular subsets of adaptive and innate immune cells that are important in the lung during CMV infection and reactivation. The concept of heterologous immune responses is reviewed in depth, including how they form and how they may drive tissue- and allograft-specific immunity. Other important objectives of this review are to detail the emerging role of NK cells in CMV-related outcomes, in addition to discussing perturbations in CMV immune function stemming from pre-existing lung disease. Finally, this review identifies potential mechanisms whereby CMV-directed treatments may alter the cellular immune response within the allograft.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reena Bharti
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Daniel R. Calabrese
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hearps AC, Zhou J, Agius PA, Ha P, Lee S, Price P, Kek H, Kroon E, Akapirat S, Pinyakorn S, Phanuphak N, Sacdalan C, Hsu D, Ananworanich J, Vasan S, Schuetz A, Jaworowski A. Adaptive NK Cells Rapidly Expand during Acute HIV Infection and Persist Despite Early Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1553-1563. [PMID: 38558245 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
HIV is associated with NK cell dysfunction and expansion of adaptive-like NK cells that persist despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). We investigated the timing of NK cell perturbations during acute HIV infection and the impact of early ART initiation. PBMCs and plasma were obtained from people with HIV (PWH; all men who have sex with men; median age, 26.0 y) diagnosed during Fiebig stages I, II, III, or IV/V. Participants initiated ART a median of 3 d after diagnosis, and immunophenotyping was performed at diagnosis and longitudinally after ART. Anti-CMV Abs were assessed by ELISA. Samples from matched HIV-uninfected males were also analyzed. Proportions of adaptive NK cells (A-NKs; defined as Fcε-Receptor-1γ-) were expanded at HIV diagnosis at all Fiebig stages (pooled median 66% versus 25% for controls; p < 0.001) and were not altered by early ART initiation. Abs to CMV immediate early protein were elevated in PWH diagnosed in Fiebig stages III and IV/V (p < 0.03 for both). Proportions of A-NKs defined as either Fcε-Receptor-1γ- or NKG2C+/CD57+ were significantly associated with HIV DNA levels at diagnosis (p = 0.046 and 0.029, respectively) and trended toward an association after 48 wk of ART. Proportions of activated HLA-DR+/CD38+ NK cells remained elevated in PWH despite early ART initiation. NK cell activation and A-NK expansion occur very early after HIV transmission, before T cell activation, and are not altered by ART initiation during acute infection. A-NKs may contribute to HIV control and thus be useful for HIV cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Hearps
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Paul A Agius
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phuongnhi Ha
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Silvia Lee
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Patricia Price
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Hans Kek
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Siriwat Akapirat
- Department of Retrovirology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suteeraporn Pinyakorn
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Carlo Sacdalan
- SEARCH Research Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand
- Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Denise Hsu
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD
| | - Jintanat Ananworanich
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sandhya Vasan
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD
| | - Alexandra Schuetz
- Department of Retrovirology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD
| | - Anthony Jaworowski
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pighi C, Rotili A, De Luca M, Chiurchiù S, Calò Carducci FI, Rossetti C, Cifaldi L, Bei R, Caforio L, Bernardi S, Palma P, Amodio D. Characterization of Natural Killer Cell Profile in a Cohort of Infected Pregnant Women and Their Babies and Its Relation to CMV Transmission. Viruses 2024; 16:780. [PMID: 38793661 PMCID: PMC11125694 DOI: 10.3390/v16050780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpesvirus causing lifelong latent infection in most people and is a primary cause of congenital infection worldwide. Given the role of NK cells in the materno-fetal barrier, we investigated peripheral blood NK cell behavior in the context of CMV infection acquired during pregnancy. We analyzed the NK phenotype and CD107a surface mobilization on PBMCs from CMV-transmitting and non-transmitting mothers and newborns with or without congenital infection. NK cells from non-transmitting mothers showed the typical phenotype of CMV-adaptive NK cells, characterized by higher levels of NKG2C, CD57, and KIRs, with reduced NKG2A, compared to transmitting ones. A significantly higher percentage of DNAM-1+, PD-1+, and KIR+NKG2A-CD57+PD-1+ CD56dim cells was found in the non-transmitting group. Accordingly, NK cells from congenital-CMV (cCMV)-infected newborns expressed higher levels of NKG2C and CD57, with reduced NKG2A, compared to non-congenital ones. Furthermore, they showed a significant expansion of CD56dim cells co-expressing NKG2C and CD57 or with a memory-like (KIR+NKG2A-CD57+NKG2C+) phenotype, as well as a significant reduction of the CD57-NKG2C- population. Degranulation assays showed a slightly higher CD107a geomean ratio in NK cells of mothers who were non-transmitting compared to those transmitting the virus. Our findings demonstrate that both CMV-transmitting mothers and cCMV newborns show a specific NK profile. These data can guide studies on predicting virus transmission from mothers and congenital infection in infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pighi
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (C.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Arianna Rotili
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (C.R.); (P.P.)
- PhD Program in “Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnologies”, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maia De Luca
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.C.); (F.I.C.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Sara Chiurchiù
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.C.); (F.I.C.C.); (S.B.)
| | | | - Chiara Rossetti
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (C.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Leonardo Caforio
- Fetal Medicine and Surgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Stefania Bernardi
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.C.); (F.I.C.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Paolo Palma
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (C.R.); (P.P.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Amodio
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (C.R.); (P.P.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ferron E, David G, Willem C, Legrand N, Salameh P, Anquetil L, Walencik A, Gendzekhadze K, Gagne K, Retière C. Multifactorial determinants of NK cell repertoire organization: insights into age, sex, KIR genotype, HLA typing, and CMV influence. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1389358. [PMID: 38736873 PMCID: PMC11082329 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1389358] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Polymorphisms in the KIR and HLA genes contribute to the diversity of the NK cell repertoire. Extrinsic factors also play a role in modifying this repertoire. The best example is cytomegalovirus, which promotes the expansion of memory-like NK cells. However, the mechanisms governing this phenotypic structure are poorly understood. Furthermore, the influence of age and sex has been understudied. Methods In this study, we examined these parameters in a cohort of 200 healthy volunteer blood donors, focusing on the major inhibitory KIR receptors and CD94/NKG2A, as well as the differentiation marker CD57 and the memory-like population marker NKG2C. Flow cytometry and two joint analyses, unsupervised and semi-supervised, helped define the impact of various intrinsic and extrinsic markers on the phenotypic structure of the NK cell repertoire. Results In the KIR NK cell compartment, the KIR3DL1 gene is crucial, as unexpressed alleles lead to a repertoire dominated by KIR2D interacting only with HLA-C ligands, whereas an expressed KIR3DL1 gene allows for a greater diversity of NK cell subpopulations interacting with all HLA class I ligands. KIR2DL2 subsequently favors the KIR2D NK cell repertoire specific to C1/C2 ligands, whereas its absence promotes the expression of KIR2DL1 specific to the C2 ligand. The C2C2Bw4+ environment, marked by strong -21T motifs, favors the expansion of the NK cell population expressing only CD57, whereas the absence of HLA-A3/A11 ligands favors the population expressing only NKG2A, a population highly represented within the repertoire. The AA KIR genotype favors NK cell populations without KIR and NKG2A receptors, whereas the KIR B+ genotypes favor populations expressing KIR and NKG2A. Interestingly, we showed that women have a repertoire enriched in CD57- NK cell populations, while men have more CD57+ NK cell subpopulations. Discussion Overall, our data demonstrate that the phenotypic structure of the NK cell repertoire follows well-defined genetic rules and that immunological history, sex, and age contribute to shaping this NK cell diversity. These elements can contribute to the better selection of hematopoietic stem cell donors and the definition of allogeneic NK cells for cell engineering in NK cell-based immunotherapy approaches.cters are displayed correctly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enora Ferron
- Etablissement Français du Sang, Nantes, France
- INSERM UMR1307, CNRS UMR 6075, CRCI2NA, team 12, Nantes, France
- LabEx IGO “Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology”, Nantes, France
| | - Gaëlle David
- Etablissement Français du Sang, Nantes, France
- INSERM UMR1307, CNRS UMR 6075, CRCI2NA, team 12, Nantes, France
- LabEx IGO “Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology”, Nantes, France
| | - Catherine Willem
- Etablissement Français du Sang, Nantes, France
- INSERM UMR1307, CNRS UMR 6075, CRCI2NA, team 12, Nantes, France
- LabEx IGO “Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology”, Nantes, France
| | - Nolwenn Legrand
- Etablissement Français du Sang, Nantes, France
- INSERM UMR1307, CNRS UMR 6075, CRCI2NA, team 12, Nantes, France
- LabEx IGO “Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology”, Nantes, France
| | - Perla Salameh
- Etablissement Français du Sang, Nantes, France
- INSERM UMR1307, CNRS UMR 6075, CRCI2NA, team 12, Nantes, France
- LabEx IGO “Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology”, Nantes, France
| | - Laetitia Anquetil
- Etablissement Français du Sang, Nantes, France
- Laboratoire d’histocompatibilité de l’Etablissement Français du Sang de Centre-Pays de la Loire, Nantes, France
| | - Alexandre Walencik
- Etablissement Français du Sang, Nantes, France
- Laboratoire d’histocompatibilité de l’Etablissement Français du Sang de Centre-Pays de la Loire, Nantes, France
| | - Ketevan Gendzekhadze
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem cell Transplantation (HCT), Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Laboratory, City of Hope, Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Katia Gagne
- Etablissement Français du Sang, Nantes, France
- INSERM UMR1307, CNRS UMR 6075, CRCI2NA, team 12, Nantes, France
- LabEx IGO “Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology”, Nantes, France
- LabEx Transplantex, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christelle Retière
- Etablissement Français du Sang, Nantes, France
- INSERM UMR1307, CNRS UMR 6075, CRCI2NA, team 12, Nantes, France
- LabEx IGO “Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology”, Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kust SA, Ustiuzhanina MO, Streltsova MA, Shelyakin PV, Kryukov MA, Lutsenko GV, Sudarikova AV, Merzlyak EM, Britanova OV, Sapozhnikov AM, Kovalenko EI. HLA-DR Expression in Natural Killer Cells Marks Distinct Functional States, Depending on Cell Differentiation Stage. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4609. [PMID: 38731828 PMCID: PMC11083986 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
HLA-DR-positive NK cells, found in both healthy individuals and patients with different inflammatory diseases, are characterized as activated cells. However, data on their capacity for IFNγ production or cytotoxic response vary between studies. Thus, more precise investigation is needed of the mechanisms related to the induction of HLA-DR expression in NK cells, their associations with NK cell differentiation stage, and functional or metabolic state. In this work, HLA-DR-expressing NK cell subsets were investigated using transcriptomic analysis, metabolic activity assays, and analysis of intercellular signaling cascades. We demonstrated that HLA-DR+CD56bright NK cells were characterized by a proliferative phenotype, while HLA-DR+CD56dim NK cells exhibited features of adaptive cells and loss of inhibitory receptors with increased expression of MHC class II trans-activator CIITA. The activated state of HLA-DR-expressing NK cells was confirmed by higher levels of ATP and mitochondrial mass observed in this subset compared to HLA-DR- cells, both ex vivo and after stimulation in culture. We showed that HLA-DR expression in NK cells in vitro can be induced both through stimulation by exogenous IL-2 and IL-21, as well as through auto-stimulation by NK-cell-produced IFNγ. At the intracellular level, HLA-DR expression depended on the activation of STAT3- and ERK1/2-mediated pathways, with subsequent activation of isoform 3 of the transcription factor CIITA. The obtained results broaden the knowledge about HLA-DR-positive NK cell appearance, diversity, and functions, which might be useful in terms of understanding the role of this subset in innate immunity and assessing their possible implications in NK cell-based therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofya A. Kust
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Maria O. Ustiuzhanina
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Maria A. Streltsova
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
| | | | - Maxim A. Kryukov
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
- Federal State Autonomous Institution, N.N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 125047 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Gennady V. Lutsenko
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Anna V. Sudarikova
- Federal State Autonomous Institution, N.N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 125047 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ekaterina M. Merzlyak
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V. Britanova
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr M. Sapozhnikov
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Elena I. Kovalenko
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Padoan B, Casar C, Krause J, Schultheiss C, Baumdick ME, Niehrs A, Zecher BF, Pujantell M, Yuki Y, Martin M, Remmerswaal EBM, Dekker T, van der Bom-Baylon ND, Noble JA, Carrington M, Bemelman FJ, van Lier RAW, Binder M, Gagliani N, Bunders MJ, Altfeld M. NKp44/HLA-DP-dependent regulation of CD8 effector T cells by NK cells. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114089. [PMID: 38615318 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114089] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Although natural killer (NK) cells are recognized for their modulation of immune responses, the mechanisms by which human NK cells mediate immune regulation are unclear. Here, we report that expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DP, a ligand for the activating NK cell receptor NKp44, is significantly upregulated on CD8+ effector T cells, in particular in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)+ individuals. HLA-DP+ CD8+ T cells expressing NKp44-binding HLA-DP antigens activate NKp44+ NK cells, while HLA-DP+ CD8+ T cells not expressing NKp44-binding HLA-DP antigens do not. In line with this, frequencies of HLA-DP+ CD8+ T cells are increased in individuals not encoding for NKp44-binding HLA-DP haplotypes, and contain hyper-expanded CD8+ T cell clones, compared to individuals expressing NKp44-binding HLA-DP molecules. These findings identify a molecular interaction facilitating the HLA-DP haplotype-specific editing of HLA-DP+ CD8+ T cell effector populations by NKp44+ NK cells and preventing the generation of hyper-expanded T cell clones, which have been suggested to have increased potential for autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Padoan
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Casar
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jenny Krause
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christoph Schultheiss
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin E Baumdick
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika Niehrs
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Britta F Zecher
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Pujantell
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yuko Yuki
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maureen Martin
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ester B M Remmerswaal
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tamara Dekker
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nelly D van der Bom-Baylon
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janelle A Noble
- Department of Pediatrics UCSF, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Mary Carrington
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Frederike J Bemelman
- Renal Transplant Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mascha Binder
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Gagliani
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Madeleine J Bunders
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mele D, Ottolini S, Lombardi A, Conteianni D, Bandera A, Oliviero B, Mantovani S, Cassaniti I, Baldanti F, Gori A, Mondelli MU, Varchetta S. Long-term dynamics of natural killer cells in response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: Persistently enhanced activity postvaccination. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29585. [PMID: 38566585 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells play a significant role in the early defense against virus infections and cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of NK cells in both the induction and effector phases of vaccine-induced immunity in various contexts. However, their role in shaping immune responses following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination remains poorly understood. To address this matter, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of NK cell phenotype and function in SARS-CoV-2 unexposed individuals who received the BNT162b2 vaccine. We employed a longitudinal study design and utilized a panel of 53 15-mer overlapping peptides covering the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein to assess NK cell function at 0 and 20 days following the first vaccine, and 30 and 240 days following booster. Additionally, we evaluated the levels of total IgG anti-Spike antibodies and their potential neutralizing ability. Our findings revealed an increased NK cell activity upon re-exposure to RBD when combined with IL12 and IL18 several months after booster. Concurrently, we observed that the frequencies of NKG2A + NK cells declined over the course of the follow-up period, while NKG2C increased only in CMV positive subjects. The finding that NK cell functions are inducible 9 months after vaccination upon re-exposure to RBD and cytokines, sheds light on the role of NK cells in contributing to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced immune protection and pave the way to further studies in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Mele
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Ottolini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Lombardi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Conteianni
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bandera
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Irene Cassaniti
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Molecular Virology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS, Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic, and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Molecular Virology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS, Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic, and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology, L. Sacco Hospital, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mario U Mondelli
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ustiuzhanina MO, Streltsova MA, Timofeev ND, Kryukov MA, Chudakov DM, Kovalenko EI. Autologous T-Cell-Free Antigen Presentation System Unveils hCMV-Specific NK Cell Response. Cells 2024; 13:530. [PMID: 38534374 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a decisive role in controlling hCMV infection by combining innate and adaptive-like immune reactions. The hCMV-derived VMAPRTLFL (LFL) peptide is a potent activator of NKG2C+ NK cells. Proposed here is an autologous system of LFL stimulation without T lymphocytes and exogenous cytokines that allows us to evaluate NK-cell hCMV-specific responses in more native settings. In this model, we evaluated LFL-induced IFNγ production, focusing on signaling pathways and the degranulation and proliferation of NK cells orchestrated by microenvironment cytokine production and analyzed the transcriptome of expanded NK cells. NK cells of individuals having high anti-hCMV-IgG levels, in contrast to NK cells of hCMV-seronegative and low-positive donors, displayed increased IFNγ production and degranulation and activation levels and enhanced proliferation upon LFL stimulation. Cytokine profiles of these LFL-stimulated cultures demonstrated a proinflammatory shift. LFL-induced NK-cell IFNγ production was dependent on the PI3K and Ras/Raf/Mek signaling pathways, independently of cytokines. In hCMV-seropositive individuals, this model allowed obtaining NK-cell antigen-specific populations proliferating in response to LFL. The transcriptomic profile of these expanded NK cells showed increased adaptive gene expression and metabolic activation. The results complement the existing knowledge about hCMV-specific NK-cell response. This model may be further exploited for the identification and characterization of antigen-specific NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria O Ustiuzhanina
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A Streltsova
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikita D Timofeev
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim A Kryukov
- Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dmitriy M Chudakov
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elena I Kovalenko
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Perri V, Zingaropoli MA, Pasculli P, Ciccone F, Tartaglia M, Baione V, Malimpensa L, Ferrazzano G, Mastroianni CM, Conte A, Ciardi MR. The Impact of Cytomegalovirus Infection on Natural Killer and CD8+ T Cell Phenotype in Multiple Sclerosis. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:154. [PMID: 38534424 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological disease that has been classified as an immune-mediated attack on myelin, the protective sheath of nerves. Some aspects of its pathogenesis are still unclear; nevertheless, it is generally established that viral infections influence the course of the disease. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major pathogen involved in alterations of the immune system, including the expansion of highly differentiated cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and the accumulation of adaptive natural killer (NK) cells expressing high levels of the NKG2C receptor. In this study, we evaluated the impact of latent CMV infection on MS patients through the characterization of peripheral NK cells, CD8+ T cells, and NKT-like cells using flow cytometry. We evaluated the associations between immune cell profiles and clinical features such as MS duration and MS progression, evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). We showed that NK cells, CD8+ T cells, and NKT-like cells had an altered phenotype in CMV-infected MS patients and displayed high levels of the NKG2C receptor. Moreover, in MS patients, increased NKG2C expression levels were found to be associated with higher EDSS scores. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that CMV infection imprints the immune system by modifying the phenotype and receptor repertoire of NK and CD8+ T cells, suggesting a detrimental role of CMV on MS progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Perri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Pasculli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Ciccone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Tartaglia
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Viola Baione
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gina Ferrazzano
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Conte
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Ciardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Alekseeva NA, Streltsova MA, Vavilova JD, Ustiuzhanina MO, Palamarchuk AI, Boyko AA, Timofeev ND, Popodko AI, Kovalenko EI. Obtaining Gene-Modified HLA-E-Expressing Feeder Cells for Stimulation of Natural Killer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:133. [PMID: 38276503 PMCID: PMC10818548 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-specific adaptive NK cells are capable of recognizing viral peptides presented by HLA-E on infected cells via the NKG2C receptor. Using retroviral transduction, we have generated a K562-cell-based line expressing HLA-E in the presence of the HLA-E-stabilizing peptide, which has previously shown the capacity to enhance adaptive NK cell response. The obtained K562-21E cell line was employed to investigate proliferative responses of the CD57- NK cell subset of HCMV-seropositive and seronegative donors. Stimulation of CD57- NK cells with K562-21E/peptide resulted in an increased cell expansion during the 12-day culturing period, regardless of the serological HCMV status of the donor. The enhanced proliferation in response to the peptide was associated with a greater proportion of CD56brightHLA-DR+ NK cells. In later stages of cultivation, the greatest proliferative response to K562-21E/peptide was shown for a highly HCMV-seropositive donor. These expanded NK cells were characterized by the accumulation of CD57-KIR2DL2/3+NKG2C+NKG2A- cells, which are hypothesized to represent adaptive NK cell progenitors. The K562-21E feeder cells can be applied both for the accumulation of NK cells as therapeutic effectors, and for the study of NK cell maturation into the adaptive state after the HLA-E peptide presentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda A. Alekseeva
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.A.); (M.A.S.); (J.D.V.); (M.O.U.); (A.I.P.); (A.A.B.); (N.D.T.)
| | - Maria A. Streltsova
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.A.); (M.A.S.); (J.D.V.); (M.O.U.); (A.I.P.); (A.A.B.); (N.D.T.)
| | - Julia D. Vavilova
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.A.); (M.A.S.); (J.D.V.); (M.O.U.); (A.I.P.); (A.A.B.); (N.D.T.)
| | - Maria O. Ustiuzhanina
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.A.); (M.A.S.); (J.D.V.); (M.O.U.); (A.I.P.); (A.A.B.); (N.D.T.)
| | - Anastasia I. Palamarchuk
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.A.); (M.A.S.); (J.D.V.); (M.O.U.); (A.I.P.); (A.A.B.); (N.D.T.)
| | - Anna A. Boyko
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.A.); (M.A.S.); (J.D.V.); (M.O.U.); (A.I.P.); (A.A.B.); (N.D.T.)
| | - Nikita D. Timofeev
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.A.); (M.A.S.); (J.D.V.); (M.O.U.); (A.I.P.); (A.A.B.); (N.D.T.)
| | - Alexey I. Popodko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, European Medical Center, Schepkina 35, 129110 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Elena I. Kovalenko
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (N.A.A.); (M.A.S.); (J.D.V.); (M.O.U.); (A.I.P.); (A.A.B.); (N.D.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moreno-Cubero E, Alrubayyi A, Balint S, Ogbe A, Gill US, Matthews R, Kinloch S, Burns F, Rowland-Jones SL, Borrow P, Schurich A, Dustin M, Peppa D. IL-15 reprogramming compensates for NK cell mitochondrial dysfunction in HIV-1 infection. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e173099. [PMID: 38385747 PMCID: PMC11143930 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.173099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamic regulation of cellular metabolism is important for maintaining homeostasis and can directly influence immune cell function and differentiation, including NK cell responses. Persistent HIV-1 infection leads to a state of chronic immune activation, NK cell subset redistribution, and progressive NK cell dysregulation. In this study, we examined the metabolic processes that characterize NK cell subsets in HIV-1 infection, including adaptive NK cell subpopulations expressing the activating receptor NKG2C, which expand during chronic infection. These adaptive NK cells exhibit an enhanced metabolic profile in HIV-1- individuals infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). However, the bioenergetic advantage of adaptive CD57+NKG2C+ NK cells is diminished during chronic HIV-1 infection, where NK cells uniformly display reduced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Defective OXPHOS was accompanied by increased mitochondrial depolarization, structural alterations, and increased DRP-1 levels promoting fission, suggesting that mitochondrial defects are restricting the metabolic plasticity of NK cell subsets in HIV-1 infection. The metabolic requirement for the NK cell response to receptor stimulation was alleviated upon IL-15 pretreatment, which enhanced mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity. IL-15 priming enhanced NK cell functionality to anti-CD16 stimulation in HIV-1 infection, representing an effective strategy for pharmacologically boosting NK cell responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefan Balint
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ane Ogbe
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine and
| | - Upkar S. Gill
- Department of Hepatology, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sabine Kinloch
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Burns
- Institute for Global Health UCL, London, United Kingdom
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Anna Schurich
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Dustin
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitra Peppa
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Mortimer Market Centre, Department of HIV, CNWL NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Letafati A, Ardekani OS, Naderisemiromi M, Norouzi M, Shafiei M, Nik S, Mozhgani SH. Unraveling the dynamic mechanisms of natural killer cells in viral infections: insights and implications. Virol J 2024; 21:18. [PMID: 38216935 PMCID: PMC10785350 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02287-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses pose a constant threat to human well-being, necessitating the immune system to develop robust defenses. Natural killer (NK) cells, which play a crucial role in the immune system, have become recognized as vital participants in protecting the body against viral infections. These remarkable innate immune cells possess the unique ability to directly recognize and eliminate infected cells, thereby contributing to the early control and containment of viral pathogens. However, recent research has uncovered an intriguing phenomenon: the alteration of NK cells during viral infections. In addition to their well-established role in antiviral defense, NK cells undergo dynamic changes in their phenotype, function, and regulatory mechanisms upon encountering viral pathogens. These alterations can significantly impact the effectiveness of NK cell responses during viral infections. This review explores the multifaceted role of NK cells in antiviral immunity, highlighting their conventional effector functions as well as the emerging concept of NK cell alteration in the context of viral infections. Understanding the intricate interplay between NK cells and viral infections is crucial for advancing our knowledge of antiviral immune responses and could offer valuable information for the creation of innovative therapeutic approaches to combat viral diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Letafati
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Salahi Ardekani
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Naderisemiromi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mehdi Norouzi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Soheil Nik
- School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Alborz, Iran
| | - Sayed-Hamidreza Mozhgani
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kotzur R, Kahlon S, Isaacson B, Gamliel M, Charpak-Amikam Y, Lieberman J, Bachrach G, Goldman-Wohl D, Yagel S, Beharier O, Mandelboim O. Pregnancy trained decidual NK cells protect pregnancies from harmful Fusobacterium nucleatum infection. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011923. [PMID: 38215172 PMCID: PMC10826933 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NKs) found during pregnancy at the maternal-fetal interface named decidual (d)NKs, show signs of education following first pregnancy, resulting in better placentation and fetus-growth, hence termed pregnancy trained dNKs (PTdNKs). Here we show that PTdNKs provide increased protection of the fetus from Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN) infection. We demonstrate that PTdNKs secrete elevated amounts of the bacteriocidal protein granulysin (GNLY) upon incubation with FN compared to dNKs derived from first pregnancies, which leads to increased killing of FN. Furthermore, we showed mechanistically that the GNLY secretion is mediated through the interaction of the FN's Fap2 protein with Gal-GalNAc present on PTdNKs. Finally, we show in vivo, using GNLY-tg mice that enhanced protection of the fetuses from FN infection is observed, as compared to wild type and that this enhance protection is NK cell dependent. Altogether, we show a new function for PTdNKs as protectors of the fetus from bacterial infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kotzur
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shira Kahlon
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Batya Isaacson
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Moriya Gamliel
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yoav Charpak-Amikam
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Judy Lieberman
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’ Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gilad Bachrach
- The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Debra Goldman-Wohl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-University Hospital, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Simcha Yagel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-University Hospital, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofer Beharier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-University Hospital, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Münz C. Modulation of Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV)-Associated Cancers by Co-Infections. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5739. [PMID: 38136285 PMCID: PMC10741436 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic and persistent Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is carried by more than 95% of the human adult population. While asymptomatic in most of these, EBV can cause a wide variety of malignancies of lymphoid or epithelial cell origin. Some of these are also associated with co-infections that either increase EBV-induced tumorigenesis or weaken its immune control. The respective pathogens include Kaposi-sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), Plasmodium falciparum and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this review, I will discuss the respective tumor entities and possible mechanisms by which co-infections increase the EBV-associated cancer burden. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms could allow us to identify crucial features of EBV-associated malignancies and defects in their immune control. These could then be explored to develop therapies against the respective cancers by targeting EBV and/or the respective co-infections with pathogen-specific therapies or vaccinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi M, Yazdanparast S, Mikanik F, Izadpanah A, Parkhideh S, Shahbaz Ghasabeh A, Roshandel E, Hajifathali A, Gharehbaghian A. Cytokine-Induced Memory-Like NK Cells: Emerging strategy for AML immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115718. [PMID: 37857247 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease developed from the malignant expansion of myeloid precursor cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. The implementation of intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has improved outcomes associated with AML, but relapse, along with suboptimal outcomes, is still a common scenario. In the past few years, exploring new therapeutic strategies to optimize treatment outcomes has occurred rapidly. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has attracted clinical interest due to its critical role in immunosurveillance and their capabilities to target AML blasts. NK cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that mediate anti-viral and anti-tumor responses by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and directly inducing cytotoxicity. Although NK cells are well known as short-lived innate immune cells with non-specific responses that have limited their clinical applications, the discovery of cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells could overcome these challenges. NK cells pre-activated with the cytokine combination IL-12/15/18 achieved a long-term life span with adaptive immunity characteristics, termed CIML-NK cells. Previous studies documented that using CIML-NK cells in cancer treatment is safe and results in promising outcomes. This review highlights the current application, challenges, and opportunities of CIML-NK cell-based therapy in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Yazdanparast
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mikanik
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Izadpanah
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Parkhideh
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Shahbaz Ghasabeh
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Roshandel
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Gharehbaghian
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gao F, Mora MC, Constantinides M, Coenon L, Multrier C, Vaillant L, Zhang T, Villalba M. g-NK cells from umbilical cord blood are phenotypically and functionally different than g-NK cells from peripheral blood. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2283353. [PMID: 38126036 PMCID: PMC10732642 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2283353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
FcRγ-deficient natural killer (NK) cells, designated as g-NK cells, exhibit enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) capacity and increased IFN-γ and TNF-α production, rendering them promising for antiviral and antitumor responses. g-NK cells from peripheral blood (PB) are often associated with prior human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. However, the prevalence, phenotype, and function of g-NK cells in umbilical cord blood (UCB-g-NK) remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate significant phenotypical differences between UCB-g-NK and PB-g-NK cells. Unlike PB-g-NK cells, UCB-g-NK cells did not show heightened cytokine production upon CD16 engagement, in contrast to the conventional NK (c-NK) cell counterparts. Interestingly, following in vitro activation, UCB-g-NK cells also exhibited elevated levels of IFN-γ production, particularly when co-cultured with HCMV and plasma from g-NK+ adults. Furthermore, g-NK+ plasma from PB even facilitated the in vitro expansion of UCB-g-NK cells. These findings underscore the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of g-NK cells based on their origin and demonstrate that components within g-NK+ plasma may directly contribute to the acquisition of an adult phenotype by the "immature" UCB-g-NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- IRMB, INSERM, CHRU de Montpellier, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Loïs Coenon
- IRMB, INSERM, CHRU de Montpellier, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Multrier
- IRMB, INSERM, CHRU de Montpellier, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Loïc Vaillant
- IRMB, INSERM, CHRU de Montpellier, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Martin Villalba
- IRMB, INSERM, CHRU de Montpellier, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institut du Cancer Avignon-Provence Sainte Catherine, Avignon, France
- IRMB, INSERM, CHRU de Montpellier, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
van der Ploeg K, Sottile R, Kontopoulos T, Shaffer BC, Papanicolaou GA, Maloy MA, Cho C, Robinson KS, Perales MA, Le Luduec JB, Hsu KC. Emergence of human CMV-induced NKG2C+ NK cells is associated with CD8+ T-cell recovery after allogeneic HCT. Blood Adv 2023; 7:5784-5798. [PMID: 37196646 PMCID: PMC10561005 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with the expansion of a mature NKG2C+FcεR1γ- natural killer (NK) cell population. The exact mechanism underlying the emergence of NKG2C+ NK cells, however, remains unknown. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) provides an opportunity to longitudinally study lymphocyte recovery in the setting of CMV reactivation, particularly in patients receiving T-cell-depleted (TCD) allografts. We analyzed peripheral blood lymphocytes from 119 patients at serial time points after infusion of their TCD allograft and compared immune recovery with that in samples obtained from recipients of T-cell-replete (T-replete) (n = 96) or double umbilical cord blood (DUCB) (n = 52) allografts. NKG2C+ NK cells were detected in 92% (45 of 49) of recipients of TCD HCT who experienced CMV reactivation. Although NKG2A+ cells were routinely identifiable early after HCT, NKG2C+ NK cells were identified only after T cells could be detected. T-cell reconstitution occurred at variable times after HCT among patients and predominantly comprised CD8+ T cells. In patients with CMV reactivation, recipients of TCD HCT expressed significantly higher frequencies of NKG2C+ and CD56neg NK cells compared with patients who received T-replete HCT or DUCB transplantation. NKG2C+ NK cells after TCD HCT were CD57+FcεR1γ+ and degranulated significantly more in response to target cells compared with the adaptive the NKG2C+CD57+FcεR1γ- NK cell population. We conclude that the presence of circulating T cells is associated with the expansion of a CMV-induced NKG2C+ NK cell population, a potentially novel example of developmental cooperation between lymphocyte populations in response to viral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kattria van der Ploeg
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Rosa Sottile
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Theodota Kontopoulos
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Brian C. Shaffer
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Genovefa A. Papanicolaou
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Molly A. Maloy
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Christina Cho
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Kevin S. Robinson
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
- Adult BMT Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Miguel-Angel Perales
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Jean-Benoît Le Luduec
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Katharine C. Hsu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Panjwani MK, Grassmann S, Sottile R, Le Luduec JB, Kontopoulos T, van der Ploeg K, Sun JC, Hsu KC. Single-Cell Profiling Reveals a Naive-Memory Relationship between CD56 bright and Adaptive Human Natural Killer Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.23.559062. [PMID: 37790504 PMCID: PMC10543008 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.23.559062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Development of antigen-specific memory upon pathogen exposure is a hallmark of the adaptive immune system. While natural killer (NK) cells are considered part of the innate immune system, humans exposed to the chronic viral pathogen cytomegalovirus (CMV) often possess a distinct NK cell population lacking in individuals who have not been exposed, termed "adaptive" NK cells. To identify the "naïve" population from which this "memory" population derives, we performed phenotypic, transcriptional, and functional profiling of NK cell subsets. We identified immature precursors to the Adaptive NK cells that are equally present in both CMV+ and CMV-individuals, resolved an Adaptive transcriptional state distinct from most mature NK cells and sharing a common gene program with the immature CD56 bright population, and demonstrated retention of proliferative capacity and acquisition of superior IFNγ production in the Adaptive population. Furthermore, we distinguish the CD56 bright and Adaptive NK populations by expression of the transcription factor CXXC5, positioning these memory NK cells at the inflection point between innate and adaptive lymphocytes.
Collapse
|
20
|
Maseko TG, Rambaran S, Ngubane S, Lewis L, Ngcapu S, Hassan-Moosa R, Archary D, Perumal R, Padayatchi N, Naidoo K, Sivro A. NK cell phenotypic profile during active TB in people living with HIV-evolution during TB treatment and implications for bacterial clearance and disease severity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11726. [PMID: 37474556 PMCID: PMC10359304 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38766-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, key effector cells of the innate immune system, play an important role in the clearance and control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV infections. Here, we utilized peripheral blood specimens from the Improving Retreatment Success CAPRISA 011 study to characterize NK cell phenotypes during active TB in individuals with or without HIV co-infection. We further assessed the effects of TB treatment on NK cell phenotype, and characterized the effects of NK cell phenotypes during active TB on mycobacterial clearance and TB disease severity measured by the presence of lung cavitation. TB/HIV co-infection led to the expansion of functionally impaired CD56neg NK cell subset. TB treatment completion resulted in restoration of total NK cells, NK cell subset redistribution and downregulation of several NK cell activating and inhibitory receptors. Higher percentage of peripheral CD56bright cells was associated with longer time to culture conversion, while higher expression of NKp46 on CD56dim NK cells was associated with lower odds of lung cavitation in the overall cohort and the TB/HIV co-infected participants. Together these results provide a detailed description of peripheral NK cells in TB and TB/HIV co-infection and yield insights into their role in TB disease pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thando Glory Maseko
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA-TB-HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Santhuri Rambaran
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Slindile Ngubane
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Lara Lewis
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Razia Hassan-Moosa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA-TB-HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Derseree Archary
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rubeshan Perumal
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA-TB-HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nesri Padayatchi
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA-TB-HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kogieleum Naidoo
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA-TB-HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Aida Sivro
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA-TB-HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa.
- JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Merino A, Maakaron J, Bachanova V. Advances in NK cell therapy for hematologic malignancies: NK source, persistence and tumor targeting. Blood Rev 2023; 60:101073. [PMID: 36959057 PMCID: PMC10979648 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells yield promise in therapy of hematologic malignancies. The clinical experience with adoptively transferred allogeneic NK cells over past two decades has revealed safety and minimal risk of CRS or ICANS. Unlike T cells which have to be genetically altered to avoid graft vs host disease (GVHD), HLA mismatched NK cells can be infused without GVHD risk. This makes them ideal for the development of off-the-shelf products. In this review we focus on NK biology relevant to the cancer therapy, the trajectory of NK therapeutics for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma; and advantages of the NK cell platform. We will also discuss novel methods to enhance NK cell targeting, persistence, and function in the tumor microenvironment. The future of NK cell therapy depends on novel strategies to realize these qualities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Merino
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Joseph Maakaron
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Veronika Bachanova
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Palmer WH, Norman PJ. The impact of HLA polymorphism on herpesvirus infection and disease. Immunogenetics 2023; 75:231-247. [PMID: 36595060 PMCID: PMC10205880 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-022-01288-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are cell surface molecules, central in coordinating innate and adaptive immune responses, that are targets of strong diversifying natural selection by pathogens. Of these pathogens, human herpesviruses have a uniquely ancient relationship with our species, where coevolution likely has reciprocating impact on HLA and viral genomic diversity. Consistent with this notion, genetic variation at multiple HLA loci is strongly associated with modulating immunity to herpesvirus infection. Here, we synthesize published genetic associations of HLA with herpesvirus infection and disease, both from case/control and genome-wide association studies. We analyze genetic associations across the eight human herpesviruses and identify HLA alleles that are associated with diverse herpesvirus-related phenotypes. We find that whereas most HLA genetic associations are virus- or disease-specific, HLA-A*01 and HLA-A*02 allotypes may be more generally associated with immune susceptibility and control, respectively, across multiple herpesviruses. Connecting genetic association data with functional corroboration, we discuss mechanisms by which diverse HLA and cognate receptor allotypes direct variable immune responses during herpesvirus infection and pathogenesis. Together, this review examines the complexity of HLA-herpesvirus interactions driven by differential T cell and Natural Killer cell immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William H. Palmer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO USA
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO USA
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Basílio-Queirós D, Mischak-Weissinger E. Natural killer cells- from innate cells to the discovery of adaptability. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1172437. [PMID: 37275911 PMCID: PMC10232812 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1172437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells have come a long way since their first description in the 1970's. The most recent reports of their adaptive-like behavior changed the way the immune system dichotomy is described. Adaptive NK cells present characteristics of both the innate and adaptive immune system. This NK cell subpopulation undergoes a clonal-like expansion in response to an antigen and secondary encounters with the same antigen result in an increased cytotoxic response. These characteristics can be of extreme importance in the clinical setting, especially as adoptive immunotherapies, since NK cells present several advantages compared other cell types. This review will focus on the discovery and the path to the current knowledge of the adaptive NK cell population.
Collapse
|
24
|
Cimpean M, Cooper MA. Metabolic regulation of NK cell antiviral functions during cytomegalovirus infection. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 113:525-534. [PMID: 36843434 PMCID: PMC11262056 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells quickly mount cytotoxic responses, produce cytokines, and proliferate in response to infected or transformed cells. Moreover, they can develop memory, with enhanced effector responses following activation, in some cases with antigen specificity. To optimally execute these functions, NK cells undergo metabolic reprogramming. Here, we discuss the interplay between metabolism and NK cell function in the context of viral infections. We review findings supporting metabolic regulation of NK cell effector functions, with a focus on NK cell antiviral infection in the context of cytomegalovirus in the mouse (MCMV) and human (HCMV).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cimpean
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Megan A. Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Siemaszko J, Marzec-Przyszlak A, Bogunia-Kubik K. Activating NKG2C Receptor: Functional Characteristics and Current Strategies in Clinical Applications. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2023; 71:9. [PMID: 36899273 PMCID: PMC10004456 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-023-00674-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The interest in NK cells and their cytotoxic activity against tumour, infected or transformed cells continuously increases as they become a new efficient and off-the-shelf agents in immunotherapies. Their actions are balanced by a wide set of activating and inhibitory receptors, recognizing their complementary ligands on target cells. One of the most studied receptors is the activating CD94/NKG2C molecule, which is a member of the C-type lectin-like family. This review is intended to summarise latest research findings on the clinical relevance of NKG2C receptor and to examine its contribution to current and potential therapeutic strategies. It outlines functional characteristics and molecular features of CD94/NKG2C, its interactions with HLA-E molecule and presented antigens, pointing out a key role of this receptor in immunosurveillance, especially in the human cytomegalovirus infection. Additionally, the authors attempt to shed some light on receptor's unique interaction with its ligand which is shared with another receptor (CD94/NKG2A) with rather opposite properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jagoda Siemaszko
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Marzec-Przyszlak
- Department of Biosensors and Processing of Biomedical Signals, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Vietzen H, Jaksch P, Puchhammer-Stöckl E. The human cytomegalovirus-specific and UL40-mediated imprint in the natural killer cell repertoire is associated with antibody-mediated rejection in lung transplant recipients. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023; 42:305-314. [PMID: 36376218 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD16+ natural killer (NK-) cells play, together with donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), an important role in the pathogenesis of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) in lung-transplant recipients (LTRs). Cytotoxic CD16+NKG2C+ NK cells proliferate in response to human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections via the presentation of HCMV-encoded and highly polymorphic UL40 peptides. In our study, we aimed to clarify whether infections with HCMV-strains carrying different UL40 peptide variants are associated with the shift of the NK cell repertoire and the development of ABMR in LTRs. METHODS We included 30 DSA+ABMR+, 30 DSA+ABMR- and 90 DSA-ABMR- LTRs. In all patients, 1 episode of high-level HCMV-replication occurred. In all DSA+ABMR+ LTRs, HCMV-replication occurred prior to ABMR diagnosis. The association of HCMV UL40 variants with the expansion of CD16+ NK cell subsets and ABMR was assessed in NK cell proliferation and ADCC assays. RESULTS Our study revealed that the VMAPRTLIL and VMTPRTLVL UL40 variants were significantly overrepresented in DSA+ABMR+ LTRs. Both peptides were associated with a pronounced proliferation of cytotoxic and proinflammatory CD16+NKG2C+ NK cells. The stimulation with both peptides led to a shift of the NK cell repertoire towards CD16+NKG2C+ NK cells, which was associated with strong ADCC responses after stimulation with endothelial cells and plasma from DSA+ABMR+ LTRs. CONCLUSIONS Distinct UL40 peptide variants of the infecting HCMV-strain are associated with the development of ABMR after lung transplantation, due to a shift towards a highly cytotoxic CD16+NKG2C+ NK cell population. These peptides are thus potential prognostic markers for ABMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Vietzen
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Peter Jaksch
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Anderko RR, Mailliard RB. Mapping the interplay between NK cells and HIV: therapeutic implications. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 113:109-138. [PMID: 36822173 PMCID: PMC10043732 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiac007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although highly effective at durably suppressing plasma HIV-1 viremia, combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment regimens do not eradicate the virus, which persists in long-lived CD4+ T cells. This latent viral reservoir serves as a source of plasma viral rebound following treatment interruption, thus requiring lifelong adherence to ART. Additionally, challenges remain related not only to access to therapy but also to a higher prevalence of comorbidities with an inflammatory etiology in treated HIV-1+ individuals, underscoring the need to explore therapeutic alternatives that achieve sustained virologic remission in the absence of ART. Natural killer (NK) cells are uniquely positioned to positively impact antiviral immunity, in part due to the pleiotropic nature of their effector functions, including the acquisition of memory-like features, and, therefore, hold great promise for transforming HIV-1 therapeutic modalities. In addition to defining the ability of NK cells to contribute to HIV-1 control, this review provides a basic immunologic understanding of the impact of HIV-1 infection and ART on the phenotypic and functional character of NK cells. We further delineate the qualities of "memory" NK cell populations, as well as the impact of HCMV on their induction and subsequent expansion in HIV-1 infection. We conclude by highlighting promising avenues for optimizing NK cell responses to improve HIV-1 control and effect a functional cure, including blockade of inhibitory NK receptors, TLR agonists to promote latency reversal and NK cell activation, CAR NK cells, BiKEs/TriKEs, and the role of HIV-1-specific bNAbs in NK cell-mediated ADCC activity against HIV-1-infected cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renee R. Anderko
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Robbie B. Mailliard
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mace EM. Human natural killer cells: Form, function, and development. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:371-385. [PMID: 36195172 PMCID: PMC9905317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that mediate important effector functions in the control of viral infection and malignancy. Their ability to distinguish "self" from "nonself" and lyse virally infected and tumorigenic cells through germline-encoded receptors makes them important players in maintaining human health and a powerful tool for immunotherapeutic applications and fighting disease. This review introduces our current understanding of NK cell biology, including key facets of NK cell differentiation and the acquisition and execution of NK cell effector function. Further, it addresses the clinical relevance of NK cells in both primary immunodeficiency and immunotherapy. It is intended to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of this important and interesting innate immune effector cell subset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Mace
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
The Frequency and Function of NKG2C +CD57 + Adaptive NK Cells in Cytomagalovirus Co-Infected People Living with HIV Decline with Duration of Antiretroviral Therapy. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020323. [PMID: 36851537 PMCID: PMC9959045 DOI: 10.3390/v15020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection drives the expansion and differentiation of natural killer (NK) cells with adaptive-like features. We investigated whether age and time on antiretroviral therapy (ART) influenced adaptive NK cell frequency and functionality. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the frequency of adaptive and conventional NK cells in 229 CMV+ individuals of whom 170 were people living with HIV (PLWH). The frequency of these NK cell populations producing CD107a, CCL4, IFN-γ or TNF-α was determined following a 6-h antibody dependent (AD) stimulation. Though ART duration and age were correlated, longer time on ART was associated with a reduced frequency of adaptive NK cells. In general, the frequency and functionality of NK cells following AD stimulation did not differ significantly between treated CMV+PLWH and CMV+HIV- persons, suggesting that HIV infection, per se, did not compromise AD NK cell function. AD activation of adaptive NK cells from CMV+PLWH induced lower frequencies of IFN-γ or TNF-α secreting cells in older persons, when compared with younger persons.
Collapse
|
30
|
Coordinated Loss and Acquisition of NK Cell Surface Markers Accompanied by Generalized Cytokine Dysregulation in COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031996. [PMID: 36768315 PMCID: PMC9917026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is accompanied by a dysregulated immune response. In particular, NK cells, involved in the antiviral response, are affected by the infection. This study aimed to investigate circulating NK cells with a focus on their activation, depletion, changes in the surface expression of key receptors, and functional activity during COVID-19, among intensive care unit (ICU) patients, moderately ill patients, and convalescents (CCP). Our data confirmed that NK cell activation in patients with COVID-19 is accompanied by changes in circulating cytokines. The progression of COVID-19 was associated with a coordinated decrease in the proportion of NKG2D+ and CD16+ NK cells, and an increase in PD-1, which indicated their exhaustion. A higher content of NKG2D+ NK cells distinguished surviving patients from non-survivors in the ICU group. NK cell exhaustion in ICU patients was additionally confirmed by a strong negative correlation of PD-1 and natural cytotoxicity levels. In moderately ill patients and convalescents, correlations were found between the levels of CD57, NKG2C, and NKp30, which may indicate the formation of adaptive NK cells. A reduced NKp30 level was observed in patients with a lethal outcome. Altogether, the phenotypic changes in circulating NK cells of COVID-19 patients suggest that the intense activation of NK cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection, most likely induced by cytokines, is accompanied by NK cell exhaustion, the extent of which may be critical for the disease outcome.
Collapse
|
31
|
López-Botet M, De Maria A, Muntasell A, Della Chiesa M, Vilches C. Adaptive NK cell response to human cytomegalovirus: Facts and open issues. Semin Immunol 2023; 65:101706. [PMID: 36542944 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection exerts broad effects on the immune system. These include the differentiation and persistent expansion of a mature NK cell subset which displays a characteristic phenotypic and functional profile hallmarked by expression of the HLA-E-specific CD94/NKG2C activating receptor. Based on our experience and recent advances in the field, we overview the adaptive features of the NKG2C+ NK cell response, discussing observations and open questions on: (a) the mechanisms and influence of viral and host factors; (b) the existence of other NKG2C- NK cell subsets sharing adaptive features; (c) the development and role of adaptive NKG2C+ NK cells in the response to HCMV in hematopoietic and solid organ transplant patients; (d) their relation with other viral infections, mainly HIV-1; and (e) current perspectives for their use in adoptive immunotherapy of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel López-Botet
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM). Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences. Univ. Pompeu Fabra. Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Division of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Aura Muntasell
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM). Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Carlos Vilches
- Immunogenetics & Histocompatibility Lab, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro - Segovia de Arana, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Haroun-Izquierdo A, Vincenti M, Netskar H, van Ooijen H, Zhang B, Bendzick L, Kanaya M, Momayyezi P, Li S, Wiiger MT, Hoel HJ, Krokeide SZ, Kremer V, Tjonnfjord G, Berggren S, Wikström K, Blomberg P, Alici E, Felices M, Önfelt B, Höglund P, Valamehr B, Ljunggren HG, Björklund A, Hammer Q, Kveberg L, Cichocki F, Miller JS, Malmberg KJ, Sohlberg E. Adaptive single-KIR +NKG2C + NK cells expanded from select superdonors show potent missing-self reactivity and efficiently control HLA-mismatched acute myeloid leukemia. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005577. [PMID: 36319065 PMCID: PMC9628692 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells hold great promise as a source for allogeneic cell therapy against hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Current treatments are hampered by variability in NK cell subset responses, a limitation which could be circumvented by specific expansion of highly potent single killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)+NKG2C+ adaptive NK cells to maximize missing-self reactivity. METHODS We developed a GMP-compliant protocol to expand adaptive NK cells from cryopreserved cells derived from select third-party superdonors, that is, donors harboring large adaptive NK cell subsets with desired KIR specificities at baseline. We studied the adaptive state of the cell product (ADAPT-NK) by flow cytometry and mass cytometry as well as cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-Seq). We investigated the functional responses of ADAPT-NK cells against a wide range of tumor target cell lines and primary AML samples using flow cytometry and IncuCyte as well as in a mouse model of AML. RESULTS ADAPT-NK cells were >90% pure with a homogeneous expression of a single self-HLA specific KIR and expanded a median of 470-fold. The ADAPT-NK cells largely retained their adaptive transcriptional signature with activation of effector programs without signs of exhaustion. ADAPT-NK cells showed high degranulation capacity and efficient killing of HLA-C/KIR mismatched tumor cell lines as well as primary leukemic blasts from AML patients. Finally, the expanded adaptive NK cells had preserved robust antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity potential and combination of ADAPT-NK cells with an anti-CD16/IL-15/anti-CD33 tri-specific engager led to near-complete killing of resistant CD45dim blast subtypes. CONCLUSIONS These preclinical data demonstrate the feasibility of off-the-shelf therapy with a non-engineered, yet highly specific, NK cell population with full missing-self recognition capability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Haroun-Izquierdo
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marianna Vincenti
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Herman Netskar
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanna van Ooijen
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bin Zhang
- University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Laura Bendzick
- University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Minoru Kanaya
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pouria Momayyezi
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Thune Wiiger
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanna Julie Hoel
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silje Zandstra Krokeide
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Veronika Kremer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Geir Tjonnfjord
- Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital and K.G. Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stéphanie Berggren
- Vecura, Karolinska Center for Cell Therapy Clinical Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Wikström
- Vecura, Karolinska Center for Cell Therapy Clinical Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pontus Blomberg
- Vecura, Karolinska Center for Cell Therapy Clinical Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Felices
- University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Björn Önfelt
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petter Höglund
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Björklund
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Quirin Hammer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lise Kveberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Frank Cichocki
- University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ebba Sohlberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mele D, Pessino G, Trisolini G, Luchena A, Benazzo M, Morbini P, Mantovani S, Oliviero B, Mondelli MU, Varchetta S. Impaired intratumoral natural killer cell function in head and neck carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:997806. [PMID: 36341402 PMCID: PMC9630640 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are emerging as unique players in the immune response against cancer; however, only limited data are available on tumor infiltrating NK cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), one of the most common cancer. Occurrence of HNSCC is closely related to the immune microenvironment, and immunotherapy is increasingly being applied to this setting. However, the limited success of this type of treatment in this tumor calls for further investigation in the field. Surgical HNSSC specimens of 32 consecutive patients were mechanically and enzymatically dissociated. Tumor cells were separated from infiltrating cells by short centrifugation and infiltrating NK cells were phenotypically and functionally characterized by multiple antibody staining and flow cytometry. Tumor infiltrating NK cells in HNSCC showed a peculiar phenotype predominantly characterized by increased NKG2A and reduced Siglec-7, NKG2D, NKp30 and CD16 expression. This phenotype was associated with a decreased ability to perform antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, NK, CD4 and CD8 shared an increment of glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor-related (GITR) costimulatory receptor which could be exploited for immunotherapy with agonistic anti-GITR antibodies combined with checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Mele
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Trisolini
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Luchena
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Benazzo
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Morbini
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario U. Mondelli
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefania Varchetta, ; Mario U. Mondelli,
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefania Varchetta, ; Mario U. Mondelli,
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cronk JM, Dziewulska KH, Puchalski P, Crittenden RB, Hammarskjöld ML, Brown MG. Altered-Self MHC Class I Sensing via Functionally Disparate Paired NK Cell Receptors Counters Murine Cytomegalovirus gp34-Mediated Immune Evasion. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1545-1554. [PMID: 36165178 PMCID: PMC9529956 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The murine CMV (MCMV) immunoevasin m04/gp34 escorts MHC class I (MHC I) molecules to the surface of infected cells where these complexes bind Ly49 inhibitory receptors (IRs) and prevent NK cell attack. Nonetheless, certain self-MHC I-binding Ly49 activating and inhibitory receptors are able to promote robust NK cell expansion and antiviral immunity during MCMV infection. A basis for MHC I-dependent NK cell sensing of MCMV-infected targets and control of MCMV infection however remains unclear. In this study, we discovered that the Ly49R activation receptor is selectively triggered during MCMV infection on antiviral NK cells licensed by the Ly49G2 IR. Ly49R activating receptor recognition of MCMV-infected targets is dependent on MHC I Dk and MCMV gp34 expression. Remarkably, although Ly49R is critical for Ly49G2-dependent antiviral immunity, blockade of the activation receptor in Ly49G2-deficient mice has no impact on virus control, suggesting that paired Ly49G2 MCMV sensing might enable Ly49R+ NK cells to better engage viral targets. Indeed, MCMV gp34 facilitates Ly49G2 binding to infected cells, and the IR is required to counter gp34-mediated immune evasion. A specific requirement for Ly49G2 in antiviral immunity is further explained by its capacity to license cytokine receptor signaling pathways and enhance Ly49R+ NK cell proliferation during infection. These findings advance our understanding of the molecular basis for functionally disparate self-receptor enhancement of antiviral NK cell immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John M Cronk
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Karolina H Dziewulska
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Patryk Puchalski
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; and
| | - Rowena B Crittenden
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; and
| | - Marie-Louise Hammarskjöld
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Michael G Brown
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA;
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; and
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Phan MTT, Kim J, Koh SK, Lim Y, Yu H, Lee M, Lee JM, Kang ES, Kim HY, Kim SK, Hwang I, Cho D. Selective Expansion of NKG2C+ Adaptive NK Cells Using K562 Cells Expressing HLA-E. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169426. [PMID: 36012691 PMCID: PMC9409060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive natural killer (NK) cells expressing self-specific inhibitory killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) can be expanded in vivo in response to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. Developing a method to preferentially expand this subset is essential for effective targeting of allogeneic cancer cells. A previous study developed an in vitro method to generate single KIR+ NK cells for enhanced targeting of the primary acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells; however, the expansion rate was quite low. Here, we present an effective expansion method using genetically modified K562-HLA-E feeder cells for long-term proliferation of adaptive NK cells displaying highly differentiated phenotype and comparable cytotoxicity, CD107a, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production. More importantly, our expansion method achieved more than a 10,000-fold expansion of adaptive NK cells after 6 weeks of culture, providing a high yield of alloreactive NK cells for cell therapy against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Trang Thi Phan
- Cell and Gene Therapy Institute (CGTI), Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Jinho Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea
| | - Seung Kwon Koh
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea
| | - Yuree Lim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Hongbi Yu
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea
| | - Mijeong Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea
| | - Jong-Min Lee
- Bio Research Center, Lugensci Co., Ltd., Bucheon 14556, Korea
| | - Eun-Suk Kang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Hyun-Young Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Sang-Ki Kim
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Ilwoong Hwang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi 39371, Korea
- Correspondence: (I.H.); (D.C.)
| | - Duck Cho
- Cell and Gene Therapy Institute (CGTI), Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Correspondence: (I.H.); (D.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wang X, Xiong H, Ning Z. Implications of NKG2A in immunity and immune-mediated diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:960852. [PMID: 36032104 PMCID: PMC9399941 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.960852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent studies, NKG2A is revealed to be a key immune checkpoint for both natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. It form heterodimer receptors with CD94, and targets the peptide-presenting human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) molecules. Upon crosslinking, NKG2A/CD94 delivers inhibitory signals for NK cells and CD8+ T cells, while blocking NKG2A can effectively unleash functions of these cytotoxic lymphocytes. The interaction between NKG2A and HLA-E contributes to tumor immune escape, and NKG2A-mediated mechanisms are currently being exploited to develop potential antitumor therapeutic strategies. In addition, growing evidence shows that NKG2A also plays important roles in other immune-related diseases including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, parasite infections and transplant rejection. Therefore, the current work focuses on describing the effect of NKG2A on immune regulation and exploring its potential role in immune-mediated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaochen Ning, ; Huabao Xiong,
| | - Zhaochen Ning
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaochen Ning, ; Huabao Xiong,
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Vollmers S, Lobermeyer A, Niehrs A, Fittje P, Indenbirken D, Nakel J, Virdi S, Brias S, Trenkner T, Sauer G, Peine S, Behrens GM, Lehmann C, Meurer A, Pauli R, Postel N, Roider J, Scholten S, Spinner CD, Stephan C, Wolf E, Wyen C, Richert L, Norman PJ, Sauter J, Schmidt AH, Hoelzemer A, Altfeld M, Körner C. Host KIR/HLA-C Genotypes Determine HIV-Mediated Changes of the NK Cell Repertoire and Are Associated With Vpu Sequence Variations Impacting Downmodulation of HLA-C. Front Immunol 2022; 13:922252. [PMID: 35911762 PMCID: PMC9334850 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.922252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a pivotal role in viral immunity, utilizing a large array of activating and inhibitory receptors to identify and eliminate virus-infected cells. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) represent a highly polymorphic receptor family, regulating NK cell activity and determining the ability to recognize target cells. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules serve as the primary ligand for KIRs. Herein, HLA-C stands out as being the dominant ligand for the majority of KIRs. Accumulating evidence indicated that interactions between HLA-C and its inhibitory KIR2DL receptors (KIR2DL1/L2/L3) can drive HIV-1-mediated immune evasion and thus may contribute to the intrinsic control of HIV-1 infection. Of particular interest in this context is the recent observation that HIV-1 is able to adapt to host HLA-C genotypes through Vpu-mediated downmodulation of HLA-C. However, our understanding of the complex interplay between KIR/HLA immunogenetics, NK cell-mediated immune pressure and HIV-1 immune escape is still limited. Therefore, we investigated the impact of specific KIR/HLA-C combinations on the NK cell receptor repertoire and HIV-1 Vpu protein sequence variations of 122 viremic, untreated HIV-1+ individuals. Compared to 60 HIV-1- controls, HIV-1 infection was associated with significant changes within the NK cell receptor repertoire, including reduced percentages of NK cells expressing NKG2A, CD8, and KIR2DS4. In contrast, the NKG2C+ and KIR3DL2+ NK cell sub-populations from HIV-1+ individuals was enlarged compared to HIV-1- controls. Stratification along KIR/HLA-C genotypes revealed a genotype-dependent expansion of KIR2DL1+ NK cells that was ultimately associated with increased binding affinities between KIR2DL1 and HLA-C allotypes. Lastly, our data hinted to a preferential selection of Vpu sequence variants that were associated with HLA-C downmodulation in individuals with high KIR2DL/HLA-C binding affinities. Altogether, our study provides evidence that HIV-1-associated changes in the KIR repertoire of NK cells are to some extent predetermined by host KIR2DL/HLA-C genotypes. Furthermore, analysis of Vpu sequence polymorphisms indicates that differential KIR2DL/HLA-C binding affinities may serve as an additional mechanism how host genetics impact immune evasion by HIV-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pia Fittje
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Sebastien Brias
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- First Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Gabriel Sauer
- Department I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sven Peine
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Georg M.N. Behrens
- Department for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Clara Lehmann
- Department I for Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anja Meurer
- Center for Internal Medicine and Infectiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Ramona Pauli
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum (MVZ) am Isartor, Munich, Germany
| | - Nils Postel
- Prinzmed, Practice for Infectious Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Roider
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Department of Infectious Diseases, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Christoph D. Spinner
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Internal Medicine II, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Stephan
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Wyen
- Department I for Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Praxis am Ebertplatz, Cologne, Germany
| | - Laura Richert
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm U1219 Bordeaux Population Health, Inria Sistm, Bordeaux, France
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | | | - Angelique Hoelzemer
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- First Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Körner
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christian Körner,
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Favaro RR, Phillips K, Delaunay-Danguy R, Ujčič K, Markert UR. Emerging Concepts in Innate Lymphoid Cells, Memory, and Reproduction. Front Immunol 2022; 13:824263. [PMID: 35774779 PMCID: PMC9237338 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.824263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the innate immune system, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), encompass five major populations (Natural Killer (NK) cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s, and lymphoid tissue inducer cells) whose functions include defense against pathogens, surveillance of tumorigenesis, and regulation of tissue homeostasis and remodeling. ILCs are present in the uterine environment of humans and mice and are dynamically regulated during the reproductive cycle and pregnancy. These cells have been repurposed to support pregnancy promoting maternal immune tolerance and placental development. To accomplish their tasks, immune cells employ several cellular and molecular mechanisms. They have the capacity to remember a previously encountered antigen and mount a more effective response to succeeding events. Memory responses are not an exclusive feature of the adaptive immune system, but also occur in innate immune cells. Innate immune memory has already been demonstrated in monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and ILCs. A population of decidual NK cells characterized by elevated expression of NKG2C and LILRB1 as well as a distinctive transcriptional and epigenetic profile was found to expand during subsequent pregnancies in humans. These cells secrete high amounts of interferon-γ and vascular endothelial growth factor likely favoring placentation. Similarly, uterine ILC1s in mice upregulate CXCR6 and expand in second pregnancies. These data provide evidence on the development of immunological memory of pregnancy. In this article, the characteristics, functions, and localization of ILCs are reviewed, emphasizing available data on the uterine environment. Following, the concept of innate immune memory and its mechanisms, which include epigenetic changes and metabolic rewiring, are presented. Finally, the emerging role of innate immune memory on reproduction is discussed. Advances in the comprehension of ILC functions and innate immune memory may contribute to uncovering the immunological mechanisms underlying female fertility/infertility, placental development, and distinct outcomes in second pregnancies related to higher birth weight and lower incidence of complications.
Collapse
|
39
|
NKG2C+ NK Cells for Immunotherapy of Glioblastoma Multiforme. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105857. [PMID: 35628668 PMCID: PMC9148069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In glioblastoma, non-classical human leucocyte antigen E (HLA-E) and HLA-G are frequently overexpressed. HLA-E loaded with peptides derived from HLA class I and from HLA-G contributes to inhibition of natural killer (NK) cells with expression of the inhibitory receptor CD94/NKG2A. We investigated whether NK cells expressing the activating CD94/NKG2C receptor counterpart were able to exert anti-glioma effects. NKG2C+ subsets were preferentially expanded by a feeder cell line engineered to express an artificial disulfide-stabilized trimeric HLA-E ligand (HLA-E*spG). NK cells expanded by a feeder cell line, which facilitates outgrowth of conventional NKG2A+, and fresh NK cells, were included for comparison. Expansion via the HLA-E*spG feeder cells selectively increased the fraction of NKG2C+ NK cells, which displayed a higher frequency of KIR2DL2/L3/S2 and CD16 when compared to expanded NKG2A+ NK cells. NKG2C+ NK cells exhibited increased cytotoxicity against K562 and KIR:HLA-matched and -mismatched primary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells when compared to NKG2A+ NK cells and corresponding fresh NK cells. Cytotoxic responses of NKG2C+ NK cells were even more pronounced when utilizing target cells engineered with HLA-E*spG. These findings support the notion that NKG2C+ NK cells have potential therapeutic value for treating gliomas.
Collapse
|
40
|
Single-cell transcriptomics reveal a unique memory-like NK cell subset that accumulates with ageing and correlates with disease severity in COVID-19. Genome Med 2022; 14:46. [PMID: 35501841 PMCID: PMC9060844 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01049-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that mediate antitumour and antiviral responses. However, very little is known about how ageing influences human NK cells, especially at the single-cell level. Methods We applied single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) to human lymphocytes and NK cells from 4 young and 4 elderly individuals and then analysed the transcriptome data using Seurat. We detected the proportion and phenotype of NK cell subsets in peripheral blood samples from a total of 62 young and 52 elderly healthy donors by flow cytometry. We also used flow cytometry to examine the effector functions of NK cell subsets upon IFN-α/IL-12+IL-15/K562/IL-2 stimulation in vitro in peripheral blood samples from a total of 64 young and 63 elderly healthy donors. We finally studied and integrated single-cell transcriptomes of NK cells from 15 young and 41 elderly COVID-19 patients with those from 12 young and 6 elderly healthy control individuals to investigate the impacts of ageing on NK cell subsets in COVID-19 disease. Results We discovered a memory-like NK subpopulation (NK2) exhibiting the largest distribution change between elderly and young individuals among lymphocytes. Notably, we discovered a unique NK subset that was predominantly CD52+ NK2 cells (NK2.1). These memory-like NK2.1 cells accumulated with age, exhibited proinflammatory characteristics, and displayed a type I interferon response state. Integrative analyses of a large-cohort COVID-19 dataset and our datasets revealed that NK2.1 cells from elderly COVID-19 patients are enriched for type I interferon signalling, which is positively correlated with disease severity in COVID-19. Conclusions We identified a unique memory-like NK cell subset that accumulates with ageing and correlates with disease severity in COVID-19. Our results identify memory-like NK2.1 cells as a potential target for developing immunotherapies for infectious diseases and for addressing age-related dysfunctions of the immune system. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13073-022-01049-3.
Collapse
|
41
|
Zuo W, Yu XX, Liu XF, Chang YJ, Wang Y, Zhang XH, Xu LP, Liu KY, Zhao XS, Huang XJ, Zhao XY. The Interaction of HLA-C1/KIR2DL2/L3 Promoted KIR2DL2/L3 Single-Positive/NKG2C-Positive Natural Killer Cell Reconstitution, Raising the Incidence of aGVHD after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:814334. [PMID: 35572602 PMCID: PMC9101514 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.814334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
NKG2C+ natural killer (NK) cell plays a vital role in CMV infection control after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, the modulation on NKG2C+ NK cell reconstitution is still unclear. NK cell education is affected by the interactions of HLA-I/killer immunoglobulin receptor (KIR). Our aim is to figure out which HLA-I/KIR interaction plays a dominant role in NKG2C+ NK education. Based on allogeneic haploidentical HSCT, we investigated the expansion and function of single KIR positive NKG2C+ NK cells via the interaction of KIR with both donor HLA and recipient HLA at days 30, 90, and 180 after HSCT. KIR2DL2/L3 single-positive/NKG2C+ cells were significantly expanded compared with KIR2DL1 or KIR3DL1 single-positive/NKG2C+ cells when donors and recipients were both HLA-C1/C1 or HLA-C1C1BW4 (p < 0.05), with higher NKp30 expression (p < 0.05). Moreover, the proportion of single KIR positive NK cells increased in both NKG2C+/NKG2A- NK cells and conventional NKG2C-/NKG2A- NK cells over time. We also observed that increased proportion of KIR2DL2/L3 single-positive/NKG2C+ NK cells correlated with higher incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). Our study allows a better understanding of HLA-I/KIR interaction in the NKG2C+ NK cell education after HSCT.
Collapse
|
42
|
Gao F, Zhou Z, Lin Y, Shu G, Yin G, Zhang T. Biology and Clinical Relevance of HCMV-Associated Adaptive NK Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:830396. [PMID: 35464486 PMCID: PMC9022632 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.830396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important component of the innate immune system due to their strong ability to kill virally infected or transformed cells without prior exposure to the antigen (Ag). However, the biology of human NK (hNK) cells has largely remained elusive. Recent advances have characterized several novel hNK subsets. Among them, adaptive NK cells demonstrate an intriguing specialized antibody (Ab)-dependent response and several adaptive immune features. Most adaptive NK cells express a higher level of NKG2C but lack an intracellular signaling adaptor, FcϵRIγ (hereafter abbreviated as FcRγ). The specific expression pattern of these genes, with other signature genes, is the result of a specific epigenetic modification. The expansion of adaptive NK cells in vivo has been documented in various viral infections, while the frequency of adaptive NK cells among peripheral blood mononuclear cells correlates with improved prognosis of monoclonal Ab treatment against leukemia. This review summarizes the discovery and signature phenotype of adaptive NK cells. We also discuss the reported association between adaptive NK cells and pathological conditions. Finally, we briefly highlight the application of adaptive NK cells in adoptive cell therapy against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhou
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guang Shu
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gang Yin
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Duan S, Liu S. Targeting NK Cells for HIV-1 Treatment and Reservoir Clearance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:842746. [PMID: 35371060 PMCID: PMC8967654 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.842746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) can inhibit the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and reduce viral loads in the peripheral blood to undetectable levels. However, the presence of latent HIV-1 reservoirs prevents complete HIV-1 eradication. Several drugs and strategies targeting T cells are now in clinical trials, but their effectiveness in reducing viral reservoirs has been mixed. Interestingly, innate immune natural killer (NK) cells, which are promising targets for cancer therapy, also play an important role in HIV-1 infection. NK cells are a unique innate cell population with features of adaptive immunity that can regulate adaptive and innate immune cell populations; therefore, they can be exploited for HIV-1 immunotherapy and reservoir eradication. In this review, we highlight immunotherapy strategies for HIV infection that utilize the beneficial properties of NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siqin Duan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuwen Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ishiyama K, Arakawa-Hoyt J, Aguilar OA, Damm I, Towfighi P, Sigdel T, Tamaki S, Babdor J, Spitzer MH, Reed EF, Sarwal MM, Lanier LL. Mass cytometry reveals single-cell kinetics of cytotoxic lymphocyte evolution in CMV-infected renal transplant patients. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2116588119. [PMID: 35181606 PMCID: PMC8872722 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2116588119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with graft rejection in renal transplantation. Memory-like natural killer (NK) cells expressing NKG2C and lacking FcεRIγ are established during CMV infection. Additionally, CD8+ T cells expressing NKG2C have been observed in some CMV-seropositive patients. However, in vivo kinetics detailing the development and differentiation of these lymphocyte subsets during CMV infection remain limited. Here, we interrogated the in vivo kinetics of lymphocytes in CMV-infected renal transplant patients using longitudinal samples compared with those of nonviremic (NV) patients. Recipient CMV-seropositive (R+) patients had preexisting memory-like NK cells (NKG2C+CD57+FcεRIγ-) at baseline, which decreased in the periphery immediately after transplantation in both viremic and NV patients. We identified a subset of prememory-like NK cells (NKG2C+CD57+FcεRIγlow-dim) that increased during viremia in R+ viremic patients. These cells showed a higher cytotoxic profile than preexisting memory-like NK cells with transient up-regulation of FcεRIγ and Ki67 expression at the acute phase, with the subsequent accumulation of new memory-like NK cells at later phases of viremia. Furthermore, cytotoxic NKG2C+CD8+ T cells and γδ T cells significantly increased in viremic patients but not in NV patients. These three different cytotoxic cells combinatorially responded to viremia, showing a relatively early response in R+ viremic patients compared with recipient CMV-seronegative viremic patients. All viremic patients, except one, overcame viremia and did not experience graft rejection. These data provide insights into the in vivo dynamics and interplay of cytotoxic lymphocytes responding to CMV viremia, which are potentially linked with control of CMV viremia to prevent graft rejection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Ishiyama
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Janice Arakawa-Hoyt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Oscar A Aguilar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Izabella Damm
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Parhom Towfighi
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Tara Sigdel
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Stanley Tamaki
- Parnassus Flow Cytometry Core, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Joel Babdor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Matthew H Spitzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Elaine F Reed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Minnie M Sarwal
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Lewis L Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143;
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Basílio-Queirós D, Venturini L, Luther-Wolf S, Dammann E, Ganser A, Stadler M, Falk CS, Weissinger EM. Adaptive NK cells undergo a dynamic modulation in response to human cytomegalovirus and recruit T cells in in vitro migration assays. Bone Marrow Transplant 2022; 57:712-720. [PMID: 35177828 PMCID: PMC9090630 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-022-01603-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivation remains a relevant complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) despite the great progress made in prophylaxis and treatment. Adaptive Natural Killer (NK) cells undergo a persistent reconfiguration in response to HCMV reactivation however, the exact role of adaptive NK cells in HCMV surveillance is currently unknown. We studied the relationship between HCMV reactivation and adaptive NK cells in 70 patients monitored weekly until day +100 after HSCT. Absolute cell counts of adaptive NK cells increased significantly after resolution of HCMV-reactivation compared to patients without reactivation. Patients with HCMV-reactivation had an early reconstitution of adaptive NK cells (“Responders”) and had mainly a single reactivation (75% Responders vs 48% Non-Responders). Adaptive NK cells eliminated HCMV-infected human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) in vitro and recruited T cells in an in vitro transwell migration assay. An extensive cytokine/chemokine panel demonstrated strongly increased secretion of CXCL10/IP-10, IFN-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-7 and CCL4. Thus, adaptive NK cells may control viral spread and T cell expansion and survival during HCMV-reactivation. Taken together, we have demonstrated the potential of adaptive NK cells in the control of HCMV reactivation both by direct cytotoxicity and by recruitment of other immune cells. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a β-herpes virus that causes life-long infection as a latent virus in its host. Its prevalence depends on socioeconomic geographical factors and can affect 50–90% of the population depending on these factors. HCMV infection is usually asymptomatic in healthy individuals. However, in patients lacking proper immune responses, such as following hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), HCMV can reactivate and increase the mortality and morbidity rates in these patients. We set to investigate the role of a population of innate cells, the adaptive Natural Killer (NK) cells, in the response to HCMV reactivation after HSCT. Our findings revealed that adaptive NK cells are modulated in response to HCMV reactivation after HSCT. Furthermore, in addition to their ability to eliminate HCMV-infected target cells after in vitro expansion, we have also shown that adaptive NK cells recruit T cells in response to co-culture with HCMV-infected target cells and identified secreted factors possibly involved in this recruitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Débora Basílio-Queirós
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Transplantation Biology Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Letizia Venturini
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Transplantation Biology Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Susanne Luther-Wolf
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Transplantation Biology Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Elke Dammann
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Transplantation Biology Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Arnold Ganser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Transplantation Biology Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Michael Stadler
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Transplantation Biology Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Christine S Falk
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Brunswick, Germany.,Hannover Medical School, Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hanover, Germany
| | - Eva M Weissinger
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Transplantation Biology Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Brunswick, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in innate immune responses to viral infections. Here, we review recent insights into the role of NK cells in viral infections, with particular emphasis on human studies. We first discuss NK cells in the context of acute viral infections, with flavivirus and influenza virus infections as examples. Questions related to activation of NK cells, homing to infected tissues and the role of tissue-resident NK cells in acute viral infections are also addressed. Next, we discuss NK cells in the context of chronic viral infections with hepatitis C virus and HIV-1. Also covered is the role of adaptive-like NK cell expansions as well as the appearance of CD56- NK cells in the course of chronic infection. Specific emphasis is then placed in viral infections in patients with primary immunodeficiencies affecting NK cells. Not least, studies in this area have revealed an important role for NK cells in controlling several herpesvirus infections. Finally, we address new data with respect to the activation of NK cells and NK cell function in humans infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) giving rise to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niklas K Björkström
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Benedikt Strunz
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Herrera L, Martin-Inaraja M, Santos S, Inglés-Ferrándiz M, Azkarate A, Perez-Vaquero MA, Vesga MA, Vicario JL, Soria B, Solano C, De Paz R, Marcos A, Ferreras C, Perez-Martinez A, Eguizabal C. Identifying SARS-CoV-2 'memory' NK cells from COVID-19 convalescent donors for adoptive cell therapy. Immunology 2021; 165:234-249. [PMID: 34775592 PMCID: PMC8652867 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 disease is the manifestation of syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which is causing a worldwide pandemic. This disease can lead to multiple and different symptoms, being lymphopenia associated with severity one of the most persistent. Natural killer cells (NK cells) are part of the innate immune system, being fighting against virus-infected cells one of their key roles. In this study, we determined the phenotype of NK cells after COVID-19 and the main characteristic of SARS-CoV-2-specific-like NK population in the blood of convalescent donors. CD57+ NKG2C+ phenotype in SARS-CoV-2 convalescent donors indicates the presence of 'memory'/activated NK cells as it has been shown for cytomegalovirus infections. Although the existence of this population is donor dependent, its expression may be crucial for the specific response against SARS-CoV-2, so that, it gives us a tool for selecting the best donors to produce off-the-shelf living drug for cell therapy to treat COVID-19 patients under the RELEASE clinical trial (NCT04578210).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Herrera
- Research Unit, Basque Center for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, Osakidetza, Galdakao, Spain.,Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Myriam Martin-Inaraja
- Research Unit, Basque Center for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, Osakidetza, Galdakao, Spain.,Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Silvia Santos
- Research Unit, Basque Center for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, Osakidetza, Galdakao, Spain.,Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Marta Inglés-Ferrándiz
- Research Unit, Basque Center for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, Osakidetza, Galdakao, Spain.,Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Aida Azkarate
- Research Unit, Basque Center for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, Osakidetza, Galdakao, Spain.,Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Miguel A Perez-Vaquero
- Research Unit, Basque Center for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, Osakidetza, Galdakao, Spain.,Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Miguel A Vesga
- Research Unit, Basque Center for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, Osakidetza, Galdakao, Spain.,Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Jose L Vicario
- Histocompatibility, Centro de Transfusión de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bernat Soria
- Instituto de Bioingeniería, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital General y Universitario de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Carlos Solano
- Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia/Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.,School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Raquel De Paz
- Hematology Department, University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Marcos
- Hematology Department, University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Ferreras
- Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Perez-Martinez
- Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department, University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Eguizabal
- Research Unit, Basque Center for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, Osakidetza, Galdakao, Spain.,Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Characterization of Adaptive-like γδ T Cells in Ugandan Infants during Primary Cytomegalovirus Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:v13101987. [PMID: 34696417 PMCID: PMC8537190 DOI: 10.3390/v13101987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-delta (γδ) T cells are unconventional T cells that help control cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in adults. γδ T cells develop early in gestation, and a fetal public γδ T cell receptor (TCR) clonotype is detected in congenital CMV infections. However, age-dependent γδ T cell responses to primary CMV infection are not well-understood. Flow cytometry and TCR sequencing was used to comprehensively characterize γδ T cell responses to CMV infection in a cohort of 32 infants followed prospectively from birth. Peripheral blood γδ T cell frequencies increased during infancy, and were higher among CMV-infected infants relative to uninfected. Clustering analyses revealed associations between CMV infection and activation marker expression on adaptive-like Vδ1 and Vδ3, but not innate-like Vγ9Vδ2 γδ T cell subsets. Frequencies of NKG2C+CD57+ γδ T cells were temporally associated with the quantity of CMV shed in saliva by infants with primary infection. The public γδ TCR clonotype was only detected in CMV-infected infants <120 days old and at lower frequencies than previously described in fetal infections. Our findings support the notion that CMV infection drives age-dependent expansions of specific γδ T cell populations, and provide insight for novel strategies to prevent CMV transmission and disease.
Collapse
|
49
|
Mikelez-Alonso I, Magadán S, González-Fernández Á, Borrego F. Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies and the many faces of NK cell memory: A look into how nanoparticles enhance NK cell activity. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113860. [PMID: 34237404 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes able to exert potent antitumor and antiviral functions by different means. Besides their classification as innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), NK cells exhibit memory-like and memory responses after cytokine preactivation, viral infections and hapten exposure. Multiple NK cell-based immunotherapies have been developed and are currently being tested, including the possibility to translate the NK cell memory responses into the clinic. Nevertheless, still there is a need to improve these therapies, especially for the treatment of solid tumors, and nanotechnology represents an attractive option to increase NK cell effector functions against transformed cells. In this article, we review the basis of NK cell activity, the diversity of the NK cell memory responses and the current NK cell-based immunotherapies that are being used in the clinic. Furthermore, we take a look into nanotechnology-based strategies targeting NK cells to modulate their responses for effective immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Mikelez-Alonso
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Immunopathology Group, Barakaldo, Spain; Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia - San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Susana Magadán
- CINBIO, Universidade de Vigo, Immunology Group, Vigo, Spain; Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS-GS), Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, Vigo, Spain
| | - África González-Fernández
- CINBIO, Universidade de Vigo, Immunology Group, Vigo, Spain; Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS-GS), Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, Vigo, Spain
| | - Francisco Borrego
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Immunopathology Group, Barakaldo, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Licensing Natural Killers for Antiviral Immunity. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070908. [PMID: 34358058 PMCID: PMC8308748 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM)-bearing receptors (IRs) enable discrimination between self- and non-self molecules on the surface of host target cells. In this regard, they have a vital role in self-tolerance through binding and activating intracellular tyrosine phosphatases which can inhibit cellular activation. Yet, self-MHC class I (MHC I)-specific IRs are versatile in that they can also positively impact lymphocyte functionality, as exemplified by their role in natural killer (NK) cell education, often referred to as ’licensing‘. Recent discoveries using defined mouse models of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection have revealed that select self-MHC I IRs can increase NK cell antiviral defenses as well, whereas other licensing IRs cannot, or instead impede virus-specific NK responses for reasons that remain poorly understood. This review highlights a role for self-MHC I ‘licensing’ IRs in antiviral immunity, especially in the context of CMV infection, their impact on virus-specific NK cells during acute infection, and their potential to affect viral pathogenesis and disease.
Collapse
|