1
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Rückert T, Romagnani C. Extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of natural killer cell clonality. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:80-106. [PMID: 38506411 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Clonal expansion of antigen-specific lymphocytes is the fundamental mechanism enabling potent adaptive immune responses and the generation of immune memory. Accompanied by pronounced epigenetic remodeling, the massive proliferation of individual cells generates a critical mass of effectors for the control of acute infections, as well as a pool of memory cells protecting against future pathogen encounters. Classically associated with the adaptive immune system, recent work has demonstrated that innate immune memory to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is stably maintained as large clonal expansions of natural killer (NK) cells, raising questions on the mechanisms for clonal selection and expansion in the absence of re-arranged antigen receptors. Here, we discuss clonal NK cell memory in the context of the mechanisms underlying clonal competition of adaptive lymphocytes and propose alternative selection mechanisms that might decide on the clonal success of their innate counterparts. We propose that the integration of external cues with cell-intrinsic sources of heterogeneity, such as variegated receptor expression, transcriptional states, and somatic variants, compose a bottleneck for clonal selection, contributing to the large size of memory NK cell clones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Rückert
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chiara Romagnani
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
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2
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Martin KE, Hammer Q, Perica K, Sadelain M, Malmberg KJ. Engineering immune-evasive allogeneic cellular immunotherapies. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01022-8. [PMID: 38658708 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Allogeneic cellular immunotherapies hold a great promise for cancer treatment owing to their potential cost-effectiveness, scalability and on-demand availability. However, immune rejection of adoptively transferred allogeneic T and natural killer (NK) cells is a substantial obstacle to achieving clinical responses that are comparable to responses obtained with current autologous chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies. In this Perspective, we discuss strategies to confer cell-intrinsic, immune-evasive properties to allogeneic T cells and NK cells in order to prevent or delay their immune rejection, thereby widening the therapeutic window. We discuss how common viral and cancer immune escape mechanisms can serve as a blueprint for improving the persistence of off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapies. The prospects of harnessing genome editing and synthetic biology to design cell-based precision immunotherapies extend beyond programming target specificities and require careful consideration of innate and adaptive responses in the recipient that may curtail the biodistribution, in vivo expansion and persistence of cellular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Martin
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Quirin Hammer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karlo Perica
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Cell Therapy Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michel Sadelain
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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3
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Momayyezi P, Bilev E, Ljunggren HG, Hammer Q. Viral escape from NK-cell-mediated immunosurveillance: A lesson for cancer immunotherapy? Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350465. [PMID: 37526136 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350465] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that participate in immune responses against virus-infected cells and tumors. As a countermeasure, viruses and tumors employ strategies to evade NK-cell-mediated immunosurveillance. In this review, we examine immune evasion strategies employed by viruses, focusing on examples from human CMV and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We explore selected viral evasion mechanisms categorized into three classes: (1) providing ligands for the inhibitory receptor NKG2A, (2) downregulating ligands for the activating receptor NKG2D, and (3) inducing the immunosuppressive cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. For each class, we draw parallels between immune evasion by viruses and tumors, reviewing potential opportunities for overcoming evasion in cancer therapy. We suggest that in-depth investigations of host-pathogen interactions between viruses and NK cells will not only deepen our understanding of viral immune evasion but also shed light on how NK cells counter such evasion attempts. Thus, due to the parallels of immune evasion by viruses and tumors, we propose that insights gained from antiviral NK-cell responses may serve as valuable lessons that can be leveraged for designing future cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouria Momayyezi
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eleni Bilev
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Quirin Hammer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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4
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Palau A, Segerberg F, Lidschreiber M, Lidschreiber K, Naughton AJ, Needhamsen M, Jung LA, Jagodic M, Cramer P, Lehmann S, Carlsten M, Lennartsson A. Perturbed epigenetic transcriptional regulation in AML with IDH mutations causes increased susceptibility to NK cells. Leukemia 2023; 37:1830-1841. [PMID: 37495775 PMCID: PMC10457197 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01972-3] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations are found in 20% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. However, only 30-40% of the patients respond to IDH inhibitors (IDHi). We aimed to identify a molecular vulnerability to tailor novel therapies for AML patients with IDH mutations. We characterized the transcriptional and epigenetic landscape with the IDH2i AG-221, using an IDH2 mutated AML cell line model and AML patient cohorts, and discovered a perturbed transcriptional regulatory network involving myeloid transcription factors that were partly restored after AG-221 treatment. In addition, hypermethylation of the HLA cluster caused a down-regulation of HLA class I genes, triggering an enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activation and an increased susceptibility to NK cell-mediated responses. Finally, analyses of DNA methylation data from IDHi-treated patients showed that non-responders still harbored hypermethylation in HLA class I genes. In conclusion, this study provides new insights suggesting that IDH mutated AML is particularly sensitive to NK cell-based personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Palau
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip Segerberg
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Lidschreiber
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katja Lidschreiber
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aonghus J Naughton
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Needhamsen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Lisa Anna Jung
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maja Jagodic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sören Lehmann
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Hematology Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Hematology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mattias Carlsten
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Center for Cell Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Andreas Lennartsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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5
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Arellano-Ballestero H, Sabry M, Lowdell MW. A Killer Disarmed: Natural Killer Cell Impairment in Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:633. [PMID: 36831300 PMCID: PMC9954109 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040633] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) treatment remains a big challenge due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease and its ability to progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The only curative option is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but most patients are unfit for this procedure and are left with only palliative treatment options, causing a big unmet need in the context of this disease. Natural killer (NK) cells are attractive candidates for MDS immunotherapy due to their ability to target myeloid leukemic cells without prior sensitization, and in recent years we have seen an arising number of clinical trials in AML and, recently, MDS. NK cells are reported to be highly dysfunctional in MDS patients, which can be overcome by adoptive NK cell immunotherapy or activation of endogenous NK cells. Here, we review the role of NK cells in MDS, the contribution of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to NK cell impairment, and the most recent data from NK cell-based clinical trials in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - May Sabry
- Department of Haematology, University College London, London NW3 5PF, UK
- InmuneBio Inc., Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA
- Novamune Ltd., London WC2R 1DJ, UK
| | - Mark W. Lowdell
- Department of Haematology, University College London, London NW3 5PF, UK
- InmuneBio Inc., Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA
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6
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Pollock NR, Harrison GF, Norman PJ. Immunogenomics of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor (KIR) and HLA Class I: Coevolution and Consequences for Human Health. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:1763-1775. [PMID: 35561968 PMCID: PMC10038757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interactions of killer cell immunoglobin-like receptors (KIR) with human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I regulate effector functions of key cytotoxic cells of innate and adaptive immunity. The extreme diversity of this interaction is genetically determined, having evolved in the ever-changing environment of pathogen exposure. Diversity of KIR and HLA genes is further facilitated by their independent segregation on separate chromosomes. That fetal implantation relies on many of the same types of immune cells as infection control places certain constraints on the evolution of KIR interactions with HLA. Consequently, specific inherited combinations of receptors and ligands may predispose to specific immune-mediated diseases, including autoimmunity. Combinatorial diversity of KIR and HLA class I can also differentiate success rates of immunotherapy directed to these diseases. Progress toward both etiopathology and predicting response to therapy is being achieved through detailed characterization of the extent and consequences of the combinatorial diversity of KIR and HLA. Achieving these goals is more tractable with the development of integrated analyses of molecular evolution, function, and pathology that will establish guidelines for understanding and managing risks. Here, we present what is known about the coevolution of KIR with HLA class I and the impact of their complexity on immune function and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Pollock
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo
| | - Genelle F Harrison
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo
| | - Paul J Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colo.
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7
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Meazza R, Falco M, Canevali P, Loiacono F, Colomar-Carando N, Muntasell A, Rea A, Mingari MC, Locatelli F, Moretta L, Lopez-Botet M, Pende D. Characterization of KIR + NK cell subsets with a monoclonal antibody selectively recognizing KIR2DL1 and blocking the specific interaction with HLA-C. HLA 2022; 100:119-132. [PMID: 35439359 PMCID: PMC9543057 DOI: 10.1111/tan.14640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The phenotypic identification of different NK cell subsets allows more in‐depth characterization of KIR repertoire and function, which are of potential interest in KIR and disease association studies. KIR genes are highly polymorphic, but a great homology exists among the various sequences and few monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specifically recognize a single KIR. This is the case of HP‐DM1 which was demonstrated by analysis of cell transfectants and epitope mapping to be exclusively KIR2DL1‐specific, covering all allotypes identified to date, except for KIR2DL1*022 and *020, and also to react with KIR2DS1*013. Here, we compared in immunofluorescence analyses the staining of HP‐DM1 with other available mAbs to precisely identify KIR2DL1+ NK cells in potential donors for αβT/B‐depleted haplo‐HSCT, with known KIR genotype. HP‐DM1 mAb was used in combination with EB6 or 11PB6 (anti‐KIR2DL1/S1 and anti‐KIR2DL3*005), 143211 (anti‐KIR2DL1/S5), and HP‐MA4 (anti‐KIR2DL1/S1/S3/S5) mAbs, allowing the accurate identification of different KIR+ NK cell subsets. These phenotypic evaluations appeared useful to dissect the expression pattern of various KIR2D in NK cells from KIR2DL3*005+ individuals, particularly if KIR2DS1 is present. HP‐DM1 mAb remarkably refined NK cell phenotyping of donors carrying KIR2DS5, either in the centromeric or telomeric region. Functional assays with KIR2DL1+/S1+/S5+ NK cells confirmed that only HP‐DM1 exclusively reacts with KIR2DL1. Finally, we demonstrated that HP‐DM1 mAb blocked KIR2DL1 recognition of C2+ HLA‐C. Altogether, the data support that HP‐DM1 is a unique reagent valuable for characterizing KIR+ NK cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Natalia Colomar-Carando
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Aura Muntasell
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Anna Rea
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.,Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Miguel Lopez-Botet
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniela Pende
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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8
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Digitale JC, Callaway PC, Martin M, Nelson G, Viard M, Rek J, Arinaitwe E, Dorsey G, Kamya M, Carrington M, Rodriguez-Barraquer I, Feeney ME. Association of Inhibitory Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Ligands With Higher Plasmodium falciparum Parasite Prevalence. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:175-183. [PMID: 33165540 PMCID: PMC8491837 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their HLA ligands influence the outcome of many infectious diseases. We analyzed the relationship of compound KIR-HLA genotypes with risk of Plasmodium falciparum infection in a longitudinal cohort of 890 Ugandan individuals. We found that presence of HLA-C2 and HLA-Bw4, ligands for inhibitory KIR2DL1 and KIR3DL1, respectively, increased the likelihood of P. falciparum parasitemia in an additive manner. Individuals homozygous for HLA-C2, which mediates strong inhibition via KIR2DL1, had the highest odds of parasitemia, HLA-C1/C2 heterozygotes had intermediate odds, and individuals homozygous for HLA-C1, which mediates weaker inhibition through KIR2DL2/3, had the lowest odds of parasitemia. In addition, higher surface expression of HLA-C, the ligand for inhibitory KIR2DL1/2/3, was associated with a higher likelihood of parasitemia. Together these data indicate that stronger KIR-mediated inhibition confers a higher risk of P. falciparum parasitemia and suggest that KIR-expressing effector cells play a role in mediating antiparasite immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean C Digitale
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San
Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University
of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Perri C Callaway
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San
Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Infectious Disease and Immunity Graduate Group, University
of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Maureen Martin
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for
Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, National
Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - George Nelson
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick
National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland,
USA
| | - Mathias Viard
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for
Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, National
Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Rek
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration,
Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Arinaitwe
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration,
Kampala, Uganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine, London, United
Kingdom
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San
Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Moses Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration,
Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University,
Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mary Carrington
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for
Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, National
Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH MIT and Harvard,
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Margaret E Feeney
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San
Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San
Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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9
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Deng Z, Zhen J, Harrison GF, Zhang G, Chen R, Sun G, Yu Q, Nemat-Gorgani N, Guethlein LA, He L, Tang M, Gao X, Cai S, Palmer WH, Shortt JA, Gignoux CR, Carrington M, Zou H, Parham P, Hong W, Norman PJ. Adaptive Admixture of HLA Class I Allotypes Enhanced Genetically Determined Strength of Natural Killer Cells in East Asians. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:2582-2596. [PMID: 33616658 PMCID: PMC8136484 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human natural killer (NK) cells are essential for controlling infection, cancer, and fetal development. NK cell functions are modulated by interactions between polymorphic inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and polymorphic HLA-A, -B, and -C ligands expressed on tissue cells. All HLA-C alleles encode a KIR ligand and contribute to reproduction and immunity. In contrast, only some HLA-A and -B alleles encode KIR ligands and they focus on immunity. By high-resolution analysis of KIR and HLA-A, -B, and -C genes, we show that the Chinese Southern Han (CHS) are significantly enriched for interactions between inhibitory KIR and HLA-A and -B. This enrichment has had substantial input through population admixture with neighboring populations, who contributed HLA class I haplotypes expressing the KIR ligands B*46:01 and B*58:01, which subsequently rose to high frequency by natural selection. Consequently, over 80% of Southern Han HLA haplotypes encode more than one KIR ligand. Complementing the high number of KIR ligands, the CHS KIR locus combines a high frequency of genes expressing potent inhibitory KIR, with a low frequency of those expressing activating KIR. The Southern Han centromeric KIR region encodes strong, conserved, inhibitory HLA-C-specific receptors, and the telomeric region provides a high number and diversity of inhibitory HLA-A and -B-specific receptors. In all these characteristics, the CHS represent other East Asians, whose NK cell repertoires are thus enhanced in quantity, diversity, and effector strength, likely augmenting resistance to endemic viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Deng
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jianxin Zhen
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Genelle F Harrison
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Guobin Zhang
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Rui Chen
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Ge Sun
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Qiong Yu
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Neda Nemat-Gorgani
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lisbeth A Guethlein
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Liumei He
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Mingzhong Tang
- Clinical Laboratory, Wuzhou Red Cross Hospital, Wuzhou, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojiang Gao
- Inflammatory Cell Dynamics Section, Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Siqi Cai
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - William H Palmer
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jonathan A Shortt
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christopher R Gignoux
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mary Carrington
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR), Frederick, MD21702, and Ragon Institute of MGH, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hongyan Zou
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Wenxu Hong
- Shenzhen Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Paul J Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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10
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Ljunggren HG. Paths taken towards NK cell-mediated immunotherapy of human cancer-a personal reflection. Scand J Immunol 2020; 93:e12993. [PMID: 33151595 PMCID: PMC7816273 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The discovery that NK cells are able to specifically recognize cells lacking the expression of self‐MHC class I molecules provided the first insight into NK cell recognition of tumour cells. It started a flourishing field of NK cell research aimed at exploring the molecular nature of NK cell receptors involved in tumour cell recognition. While much of the important early work was conducted in murine experimental model systems, studies of human NK cells rapidly followed. Over the years, human NK cell research has swiftly progressed, aided by new detailed molecular information on human NK cell development, differentiation, molecular specificity, tissue heterogeneity and functional capacity. NK cells have also been studied in many different diseases aside from cancer, including viral diseases, autoimmunity, allergy and primary immunodeficiencies. These fields of research have all, indirectly or directly, provided further insights into NK cell‐mediated recognition of target cells and paved the way for the development of NK cell‐based immunotherapies for human cancer. Excitingly, NK cell‐based immunotherapy now opens up for novel strategies aimed towards treating malignant diseases, either alone or in combination with other drugs. Reviewed here are some personal reflections of select contributions leading up to the current state‐of‐the‐art in the field, with a particular emphasis on contributions from our own laboratory. This review is part of a series of articles on immunology in Scandinavia, published in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Scandinavian Society for Immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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11
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Alfarra H, Weir J, Grieve S, Reiman T. Targeting NK Cell Inhibitory Receptors for Precision Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575609. [PMID: 33304346 PMCID: PMC7693637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune surveillance of cancer involves multiple types of immune cells including the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Natural killer (NK) cells are considered the most active ILC subset for tumor elimination because of their ability to target infected and malignant cells without prior sensitization. NK cells are equipped with an array of activating and inhibitory receptors (IRs); hence NK cell activity is controlled by balanced signals between the activating and IRs. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy that is known for its altered immune landscape. Despite improvements in therapeutic options for MM, this disease remains incurable. An emerging trend to improve clinical outcomes in MM involves harnessing the inherent ability of NK cells to kill malignant cells by recruiting NK cells and enhancing their cytotoxicity toward the malignant MM cells. Following the clinical success of blocking T cell IRs in multiple cancers, targeting NK cell IRs is drawing increasing attention. Relevant NK cell IRs that are attractive candidates for checkpoint blockades include KIRs, NKG2A, LAG-3, TIGIT, PD-1, and TIM-3 receptors. Investigating these NK cell IRs as pathogenic agents and therapeutic targets could lead to promising applications in MM therapy. This review describes the critical role of enhancing NK cell activity in MM and discusses the potential of blocking NK cell IRs as a future MM therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Humans
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Killer Cells, Natural/transplantation
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy
- Multiple Myeloma/immunology
- Multiple Myeloma/metabolism
- Multiple Myeloma/pathology
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Escape
- Tumor Microenvironment
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmi Alfarra
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Jackson Weir
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Stacy Grieve
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Tony Reiman
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Saint John, NB, Canada
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12
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Nowak J, Gwozdowicz S, Graczyk-Pol E, Mika-Witkowska R, Rogatko-Koros M, Nestorowicz K, Szlendak U, Malinowska A, Kaczmarek B, Nasilowska-Adamska B, Tormanowska M, Szczurowska N, Szypnicki J, Witkowska A, Lasota M, Malinowska E, Halaburda K. Epstein-Barr virus infections are strongly dependent on activating and inhibitory KIR-HLA pairs after T-cell replate unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the principles, and method of pairing analysis. HLA 2020; 94 Suppl 2:40-48. [PMID: 31758851 DOI: 10.1111/tan.13770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections are the main cause of increased morbidity and mortality among recipients in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Natural killer (NK) cells fight virally infected cells provided directional activation of cytotoxicity. In this study, we analyzed the role of receptor-ligand pairs that include inhibitory or activating killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) with their HLA class I ligands in the course of viral infections. The paper also presents an algorithm that allows performing automated inhibitory (i) KIR:HLA pairing and rechecking in the clinical setting. The obtained results indicate a significant adverse roles of reduced number of iKIR:HLA pairs (40% vs 9%; odds ratio [OR] = 6.67; P = .0057; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74-25.62) and the presence of activating KIR:HLA pairs (15% vs 5%, OR = 3.58, P = .028, 95% CI 1.19-10.73) in EBV infections post HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Nowak
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Gwozdowicz
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Graczyk-Pol
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Mika-Witkowska
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Rogatko-Koros
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Klaudia Nestorowicz
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Szlendak
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Malinowska
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Kaczmarek
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Nasilowska-Adamska
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Tormanowska
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Szczurowska
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jeremi Szypnicki
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Witkowska
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Lasota
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewelina Malinowska
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kazimierz Halaburda
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
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13
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Pfefferle A, Jacobs B, Haroun-Izquierdo A, Kveberg L, Sohlberg E, Malmberg KJ. Deciphering Natural Killer Cell Homeostasis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:812. [PMID: 32477340 PMCID: PMC7235169 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have a central role within the innate immune system, eliminating virally infected, foreign and transformed cells through their natural cytotoxic capacity. Release of their cytotoxic granules is tightly controlled through the balance of a large repertoire of inhibitory and activating receptors, and it is the unique combination of these receptors expressed by individual cells that confers immense diversity both in phenotype and functionality. The diverse, yet unique, NK cell repertoire within an individual is surprisingly stable over time considering the constant renewal of these cells at steady state. Here we give an overview of NK cell differentiation and discuss metabolic requirements, intra-lineage plasticity and transcriptional reprogramming during IL-15-driven homeostatic proliferation. New insights into the regulation of NK cell differentiation and homeostasis could pave the way for the successful implementation of NK cell-based immunotherapy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Pfefferle
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benedikt Jacobs
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alvaro Haroun-Izquierdo
- 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, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ebba Sohlberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - 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, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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14
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Pugh J, Nemat-Gorgani N, Djaoud Z, Guethlein LA, Norman PJ, Parham P. In vitro education of human natural killer cells by KIR3DL1. Life Sci Alliance 2019; 2:2/6/e201900434. [PMID: 31723004 PMCID: PMC6856763 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201900434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Using NK cells isolated from individuals who lack the Bw4 epitope on HLA-B, Pugh et al reveal that KIR3DL1+ NK cells can be educated in vitro by co-culturing them with target cells that display the missing epitope. During development, NK cells are “educated” to respond aggressively to cells with low surface expression of HLA class I, a hallmark of malignant and infected cells. The mechanism of education involves interactions between inhibitory killer immunoglobulin–like receptors (KIRs) and specific HLA epitopes, but the details of this process are unknown. Because of the genetic diversity of HLA class I genes, most people have NK cells that are incompletely educated, representing an untapped source of human immunity. We demonstrate how mature peripheral KIR3DL1+ human NK cells can be educated in vitro. To accomplish this, we trained NK cells expressing the inhibitory KIR3DL1 receptor by co-culturing them with target cells that expressed its ligand, Bw4+HLA-B. After this training, KIR3DL1+ NK cells increased their inflammatory and lytic responses toward target cells lacking Bw4+HLA-B, as though they had been educated in vivo. By varying the conditions of this basic protocol, we provide mechanistic and translational insights into the process NK cell education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Pugh
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Neda Nemat-Gorgani
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zakia Djaoud
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lisbeth A Guethlein
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Paul J Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Peter Parham
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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15
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Krieger E, Sabo R, Moezzi S, Cain C, Roberts C, Kimball P, Chesney A, McCarty J, Keating A, Romee R, Wiedl C, Qayyum R, Toor A. Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor-Ligand Interactions Predict Clinical Outcomes following Unrelated Donor Transplantations. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2019; 26:672-682. [PMID: 31676338 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2019.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and KIR ligand (KIRL) interactions play an important role in natural killer (NK) cell-mediated graft-versus-leukemia effect following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, there is considerable heterogeneity in the KIR gene and KIRL content in individuals, making it difficult to estimate the full clinical impact of NK cell reconstitution following HCT. Here we present a novel adaptive mathematical model designed to quantify these interactions to better assess the influence of NK cell-mediated alloreactivity on transplant outcomes. Ninety-eight HLA- matched unrelated donor (URD) HCT recipients were studied retrospectively. The KIR-KIRL interactions were quantified using a system of matrix equations. Unit values were ascribed to each KIR-KIRL interaction, and the directionality of interactions was denoted by either a positive (activating) or negative (inhibition) symbol; these interactions were then summed. The absolute values of both the missing KIRL and inhibitory KIR-KIRL interactions were significantly associated with overall survival and relapse. These score components were initially used to develop a weighted score (w-KIR score) and subsequently a simplified, nonweighted KIR-KIRL interaction score (IM-KIR score). Increased w-KIR score and IM-KIR score were predictive of all-cause mortality and relapse (w-KIR score: hazard ratio [HR], .37 [P = .001] and .44 [P = .044], respectively; IM-KIR score: HR, .5 [P = .049] and .44 [P = .002], respectively). IM-KIR score was also associated with NK cell reconstitution post-HCT. KIR-KIRL interactions as reflected by the w-KIR and IM-KIR scores influence both relapse risk and survival in recipients of HLA-matched URD HCT with hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Krieger
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Roy Sabo
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Sanauz Moezzi
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Caitlin Cain
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Catherine Roberts
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Pamela Kimball
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Alden Chesney
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - John McCarty
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Armand Keating
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christina Wiedl
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Rehan Qayyum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Amir Toor
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
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16
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Das J, Lanier LL. Data analysis to modeling to building theory in NK cell biology and beyond: How can computational modeling contribute? J Leukoc Biol 2019; 105:1305-1317. [PMID: 31063614 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.6mr1218-505r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of mathematical and computational tools in investigating Natural Killer (NK) cell biology and in general the immune system has increased steadily in the last few decades. However, unlike the physical sciences, there is a persistent ambivalence, which however is increasingly diminishing, in the biology community toward appreciating the utility of quantitative tools in addressing questions of biological importance. We survey some of the recent developments in the application of quantitative approaches for investigating different problems in NK cell biology and evaluate opportunities and challenges of using quantitative methods in providing biological insights in NK cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayajit Das
- Battelle Center for Mathematical Medicine, Research Institute at the Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Biophysics Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lewis L Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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17
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Goodridge JP, Jacobs B, Saetersmoen ML, Clement D, Hammer Q, Clancy T, Skarpen E, Brech A, Landskron J, Grimm C, Pfefferle A, Meza-Zepeda L, Lorenz S, Wiiger MT, Louch WE, Ask EH, Liu LL, Oei VYS, Kjällquist U, Linnarsson S, Patel S, Taskén K, Stenmark H, Malmberg KJ. Remodeling of secretory lysosomes during education tunes functional potential in NK cells. Nat Commun 2019; 10:514. [PMID: 30705279 PMCID: PMC6355880 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08384-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory signaling during natural killer (NK) cell education translates into increased responsiveness to activation; however, the intracellular mechanism for functional tuning by inhibitory receptors remains unclear. Secretory lysosomes are part of the acidic lysosomal compartment that mediates intracellular signalling in several cell types. Here we show that educated NK cells expressing self-MHC specific inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) accumulate granzyme B in dense-core secretory lysosomes that converge close to the centrosome. This discrete morphological phenotype is independent of transcriptional programs that regulate effector function, metabolism and lysosomal biogenesis. Meanwhile, interference of signaling from acidic Ca2+ stores in primary NK cells reduces target-specific Ca2+-flux, degranulation and cytokine production. Furthermore, inhibition of PI(3,5)P2 synthesis, or genetic silencing of the PI(3,5)P2-regulated lysosomal Ca2+-channel TRPML1, leads to increased granzyme B and enhanced functional potential, thereby mimicking the educated state. These results indicate an intrinsic role for lysosomal remodeling in NK cell education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie P Goodridge
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Benedikt Jacobs
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michelle L Saetersmoen
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dennis Clement
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Quirin Hammer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Trevor Clancy
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Skarpen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas Brech
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johannes Landskron
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian Grimm
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Munich (LMU), Munich, 80336, Germany
| | - Aline Pfefferle
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leonardo Meza-Zepeda
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, 0310, Norway.,Genomics Core Facility, Department of Core Facilities, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, 0310, Norway
| | - Susanne Lorenz
- Genomics Core Facility, Department of Core Facilities, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, 0310, Norway
| | - Merete Thune Wiiger
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - William E Louch
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eivind Heggernes Ask
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lisa L Liu
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vincent Yi Sheng Oei
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Una Kjällquist
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sten Linnarsson
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandip Patel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Kjetil Taskén
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Harald Stenmark
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310, Oslo, Norway. .,Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden.
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18
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Mahaweni NM, Ehlers FAI, Bos GMJ, Wieten L. Tuning Natural Killer Cell Anti-multiple Myeloma Reactivity by Targeting Inhibitory Signaling via KIR and NKG2A. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2848. [PMID: 30564241 PMCID: PMC6288976 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are attractive candidates for allogeneic cell-based immunotherapy due to their potent antitumor effector function and good safety profile. NK cells express killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and the NKG2A receptor important for NK cells education as well as providing inhibitory signals upon encountering HLA-expressing target cells. Multiple myeloma (MM) is an example of a tumor expressing relatively high levels of HLA molecules. In this review, we discuss the functional relevance of inhibitory KIRs and NKG2A for NK cells anti-MM response and strategies to lower these inhibitory signaling to enhance clinical efficacy of allogeneic NK cells in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niken M Mahaweni
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Tissue Typing Laboratory, Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Femke A I Ehlers
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Tissue Typing Laboratory, Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Gerard M J Bos
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Tissue Typing Laboratory, Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
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19
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Bernson E, Hallner A, Sander FE, Nicklasson M, Nilsson MS, Christenson K, Aydin E, Liljeqvist JÅ, Brune M, Foà R, Aurelius J, Martner A, Hellstrand K, Thorén FB. Cytomegalovirus Serostatus Affects Autoreactive NK Cells and Outcomes of IL2-Based Immunotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:1110-1119. [PMID: 29980537 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is reported to promote NK cell differentiation and education. The CMV-induced generation of highly differentiated adaptive-like NK cells has been proposed to affect favorably on the maintenance of remission in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). The impact of CMV infection and adaptive-like NK cells on relapse and survival of patients with AML not receiving allo-SCT remains unknown. We assayed CMV IgG serostatus to determine past CMV infection in 81 nontransplanted AML patients who were receiving relapse-prevention immunotherapy comprising histamine dihydrochloride and low-dose interleukin-2 (HDC/IL2; NCT01347996). CMV seropositivity correlated negatively with leukemia-free and overall survival of patients receiving HDC/IL2, but did not correlate with outcomes in a contemporary control cohort. Analysis of outcome after stratification of patients based on concordant or discordant killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and HLA genotypes implied that the negative impact of CMV seropositivity was restricted to patients lacking a ligand to inhibitory KIRs (iKIR). Previous CMV infection was also associated with fewer NK cells expressing only nonself iKIRs (NS-iKIR). We propose that CMV-driven NK cell education depletes the population of NS-iKIR NK cells, which in turn reduces the clinical benefit of relapse-preventive immunotherapy in AML. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(9); 1110-9. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Bernson
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alexander Hallner
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Frida E Sander
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Nicklasson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin S Nilsson
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin Christenson
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ebru Aydin
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan-Åke Liljeqvist
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Brune
- Department of Hematology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robin Foà
- Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University, Sapienza, Italy
| | - Johan Aurelius
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Hematology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Martner
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Hellstrand
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik B Thorén
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Wilk AJ, Blish CA. Diversification of human NK cells: Lessons from deep profiling. J Leukoc Biol 2018; 103:629-641. [PMID: 29350874 PMCID: PMC6133712 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.6ri0917-390r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are innate lymphocytes with important roles in immunoregulation, immunosurveillance, and cytokine production. Originally defined on the functional basis of their "natural" ability to lyse tumor targets and thought to be a relatively homogeneous group of lymphocytes, NK cells possess a remarkable degree of phenotypic and functional diversity due to the combinatorial expression of an array of activating and inhibitory receptors. Diversification of NK cells is multifaceted: mechanisms of NK cell education that promote self-tolerance result in a heterogeneous repertoire that further diversifies upon encounters with viral pathogens. Here, we review the genetic, developmental, and environmental sources of NK cell diversity with a particular focus on deep profiling and single-cell technologies that will enable a more thorough and accurate dissection of this intricate and poorly understood lymphocyte lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Wilk
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Catherine A. Blish
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, and Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
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21
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Boudreau JE, Hsu KC. Natural Killer Cell Education and the Response to Infection and Cancer Therapy: Stay Tuned. Trends Immunol 2018; 39:222-239. [PMID: 29397297 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The functional capacities of natural killer (NK) cells differ within and between individuals, reflecting considerable genetic variation. 'Licensing/arming', 'disarming', and 'tuning' are models that have been proposed to explain how interactions between MHC class I molecules and their cognate inhibitory receptors - Ly49 in mice and KIR in humans - 'educate' NK cells for variable reactivity and sensitivity to inhibition. In this review we discuss recent progress toward understanding the genetic, epigenetic, and molecular features that titrate NK effector function and inhibition, and the impact of variable NK cell education on human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette E Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
| | - Katharine C Hsu
- Immunology Program and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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22
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Malmberg KJ, Carlsten M, Björklund A, Sohlberg E, Bryceson YT, Ljunggren HG. Natural killer cell-mediated immunosurveillance of human cancer. Semin Immunol 2017; 31:20-29. [PMID: 28888619 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of natural killer (NK) cells to immunosurveillance of human cancer remains debatable. Here, we discuss advances in several areas of human NK cell research, many of which support the ability of NK cells to prevent cancer development and avoid relapse following adoptive immunotherapy. We describe the molecular basis for NK cell recognition of human tumor cells and provide evidence for NK cell-mediated killing of human primary tumor cells ex vivo. Subsequently, we highlight studies demonstrating the ability of NK cells to migrate to, and reside in, the human tumor microenvironment where selection of tumor escape variants from NK cells can occur. Indirect evidence for NK cell immunosurveillance against human malignancies is provided by the reduced incidence of cancer in individuals with high levels of NK cell cytotoxicity, and the significant clinical responses observed following infusion of human NK cells into cancer patients. Finally, we describe studies showing enhanced tumor progression, or increased cancer incidence, in patients with inherited and acquired defects in cellular cytotoxicity. All these observations have in common that they, either indirectly or directly, suggest a role for NK cells in mediating immunosurveillance against human cancer. This opens up for exciting possibilities with respect to further exploring NK cells in settings of adoptive immunotherapy in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; The KG Jebsen Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattias Carlsten
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Björklund
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ebba Sohlberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yenan T Bryceson
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative 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; Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL, USA.
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23
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Immune selection during tumor checkpoint inhibition therapy paves way for NK-cell "missing self" recognition. Immunogenetics 2017; 69:547-556. [PMID: 28699110 PMCID: PMC5537320 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-017-1011-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The ability of NK cells to specifically recognize cells lacking expression of self-MHC class I molecules was discovered over 30 years ago. It provided the foundation for the "missing self" hypothesis. Research in the two past decades has contributed to a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms that determine the specificity and strength of NK cell-mediated "missing self" responses to tumor cells. However, in light of the recent remarkable breakthroughs in clinical cancer immunotherapy, the cytolytic potential of NK cells still remains largely untapped in clinical settings. There is abundant evidence demonstrating partial or complete loss of HLA class I expression in a wide spectrum of human tumor types. Such loss may result from immune selection of escape variants by tumor-specific CD8 T cells and has more recently also been linked to acquired resistance to checkpoint inhibition therapy. In the present review, we discuss the early predictions of the "missing self" hypothesis, its molecular basis and outline the potential for NK cell-based adoptive immunotherapy to convert checkpoint inhibitor therapy-resistant patients into clinical responders.
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24
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Rathmann S, Keck C, Kreutz C, Weit N, Müller M, Timmer J, Glatzel S, Follo M, Malkovsky M, Werner M, Handgretinger R, Finke J, Fisch P. Partial break in tolerance of NKG2A−/LIR-1− single KIR+ NK cells early in the course of HLA-matched, KIR-mismatched hematopoietic cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2017; 52:1144-1155. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2017.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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25
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Meyer CE, Key PN, Zhu T, Shabsovich M, Ni A, Tripathy SK. Expression of the inhibitory receptor NKG2A correlates with increased liver and splenic NK cell response to activating receptor engagement. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2017; 5:177-189. [PMID: 28474506 PMCID: PMC5418142 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in the innate immune response to viruses and tumors, and comprise a large proportion of the hepatic lymphocyte population. They must remain tolerant to non‐pathogenic antigens while protecting the host from harmful agents. Herein, we investigate how the NK cell response to activation receptor engagement is altered in the liver. Methods In this study, we assess IFN‐γ production and degranulation of splenic NK cells and selected subsets of liver NK cells. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to asses IFN‐γ production and degranulation following stimulation of the NK cells with plate bound antibodies to activating receptors. Results We show that smaller percentages of hepatic NK cells produce interferon (IFN)–γ and/or degranulate than do splenic NK cells upon stimulation through activating receptors. We also found that smaller percentages of the circulating NK (cNK) cells in the liver produce IFN‐γ and/or degranulate, compared to the liver tissue resident NK (trNK) cells. In addition, IFN‐γ production by liver cNK cells is not increased in IL‐10 deficient mice, suggesting that their hyporesponsiveness is not mediated by the presence of this anti‐inflammatory cytokine in the hepatic microenvironment. On the other hand, liver trNK cells express higher levels of the inhibitory receptor NKG2A than do cNK cells, correlating with their increased IFN‐γ production and degranulation. Conclusions Liver cNK cells’ hyporesponsiveness to stimulation through activating receptors is independent of IL‐10, but correlates with decreased NKG2A expression compared to trNK cells. In addition, we demonstrate that liver NK cells become further hyporesponsive upon continuous engagement of an activating receptor on their cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Meyer
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Phillip N Key
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Toby Zhu
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Mark Shabsovich
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ann Ni
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sandeep K Tripathy
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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26
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Composition and dynamics of the uterine NK cell KIR repertoire in menstrual blood. Mucosal Immunol 2017; 10:322-331. [PMID: 27271316 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2016.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Uterine natural killer (NK) cells are abundantly present in endometrium and decidua. Their function is governed by interactions between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and cognate human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands. These interactions have implications for reproductive success. Whereas most uterine NK cells are known to express KIRs, little information is available about KIR repertoire formation and stability over time. This is primarily due to inherent difficulties in gaining access to human uterine tissue. As endometrial immune cells are shed during menstruation, menstrual blood may serve as a source for studies of KIRs on uterine NK cells. Here, we performed a combined assessment of six inhibitory and activating KIRs on uterine NK cells from paired menstrual and peripheral blood. Menstrual blood contained a high frequency of uterine NK cells expressing KIRs. The uterine NK cell KIR repertoires were markedly different from those in peripheral blood NK cells, biased toward KIR2D-receptor expression, and formed independently of selection conferred by cognate HLA class I molecules. Moreover, uterine NKG2C+self-KIR+ NK cell expansions were detected. Finally, the distinct KIR repertoires of uterine NK cells were stable over multiple menstrual cycles. Our results provide novel insight into KIR repertoire formation on human uterine NK cells.
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27
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Béziat V, Hilton HG, Norman PJ, Traherne JA. Deciphering the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor system at super-resolution for natural killer and T-cell biology. Immunology 2016; 150:248-264. [PMID: 27779741 PMCID: PMC5290243 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are components of two fundamental biological systems essential for human health and survival. First, they contribute to host immune responses, both innate and adaptive, through their expression by natural killer cells and T cells. Second, KIR play a key role in regulating placentation, and hence reproductive success. Analogous to the diversity of their human leucocyte antigen class I ligands, KIR are extremely polymorphic. In this review, we describe recent developments, fuelled by methodological advances, that are helping to decipher the KIR system in terms of haplotypes, polymorphisms, expression patterns and their ligand interactions. These developments are delivering deeper insight into the relevance of KIR in immune system function, evolution and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Béziat
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Hugo G Hilton
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Paul J Norman
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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28
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Goodridge JP, Önfelt B, Malmberg KJ. Newtonian cell interactions shape natural killer cell education. Immunol Rev 2016; 267:197-213. [PMID: 26284479 PMCID: PMC4832384 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Newton's third law of motion states that for every action on a physical object there is an equal and opposite reaction. The dynamic change in functional potential of natural killer (NK) cells during education bears many features of such classical mechanics. Cumulative physical interactions between cells, under a constant influence of homeostatic drivers of differentiation, lead to a reactive spectrum that ultimately shapes the functionality of each NK cell. Inhibitory signaling from an array of self‐specific receptors appear not only to suppress self‐reactivity but also aid in the persistence of effector functions over time, thereby allowing the cell to gradually build up a functional potential. Conversely, the frequent non‐cytolytic interactions between normal cells in the absence of such inhibitory signaling result in continuous stimulation of the cells and attenuation of effector function. Although an innate cell, the degree to which the fate of the NK cell is predetermined versus its ability to adapt to its own environment can be revealed through a Newtonian view of NK cell education, one which is both chronological and dynamic. As such, the development of NK cell functional diversity is the product of qualitatively different physical interactions with host cells, rather than simply the sum of their signals or an imprint based on intrinsically different transcriptional programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie P Goodridge
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Björn Önfelt
- Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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29
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Kadri N, Thanh TL, Höglund P. Selection, tuning, and adaptation in mouse NK cell education. Immunol Rev 2016; 267:167-77. [PMID: 26284477 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells recognize transformed cells with an array of germline-encoded inhibitory and activating receptors. Inhibitory Ly49 receptors bind major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules, providing a mechanism by which NK cells maintain self-tolerance yet eliminate cells expressing reduced levels of MHC-I. Additionally, MHC-I molecules are required for NK cell education, a process in which NK cells acquire responsiveness. In this review, we discuss three facets of MHC class I-dependent education of mouse NK cells: skewing of the inhibitory receptor repertoire, induction of functional responsiveness, and tuning in response to changes in MHC-I expression. We discuss prevailing models for education such as licensing and disarming and propose a model for positive selection of 'useful' NK cell subsets. Furthermore, we argue that both repertoire skewing and functional NK cell education may be altered in mature NK cells subject to changes in MHC-I input and suggest that this process may provide increased dynamics to the NK cell system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadir Kadri
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thuy Luu Thanh
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petter Höglund
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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30
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Rettman P, Willem C, David G, Riou R, Legrand N, Esbelin J, Cesbron A, Senitzer D, Gagne K, Retière C. New insights on the natural killer cell repertoire from a thorough analysis of cord blood cells. J Leukoc Biol 2016; 100:471-9. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1hi0116-036r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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31
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Bari R, Thapa R, Bao J, Li Y, Zheng J, Leung W. KIR2DL2/2DL3-E(35) alleles are functionally stronger than -Q(35) alleles. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23689. [PMID: 27030405 PMCID: PMC4814820 DOI: 10.1038/srep23689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 segregate as alleles of a single locus in the centromeric motif of the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene family. Although KIR2DL2/L3 polymorphism is known to be associated with many human diseases and is an important factor for donor selection in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the molecular determinant of functional diversity among various alleles is unclear. In this study we found that KIR2DL2/L3 with glutamic acid at position 35 (E35) are functionally stronger than those with glutamine at the same position (Q35). Cytotoxicity assay showed that NK cells from HLA-C1 positive donors with KIR2DL2/L3-E35 could kill more target cells lacking their ligands than NK cells with the weaker -Q35 alleles, indicating better licensing of KIR2DL2/L3+ NK cells with the stronger alleles. Molecular modeling analysis reveals that the glutamic acid, which is negatively charged, interacts with positively charged histidine located at position 55, thereby stabilizing KIR2DL2/L3 dimer and reducing entropy loss when KIR2DL2/3 binds to HLA-C ligand. The results of this study will be important for future studies of KIR2DL2/L3-associated diseases as well as for donor selection in allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafijul Bari
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rajoo Thapa
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ju Bao
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Wing Leung
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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32
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Koltan S, Debski R, Koltan A, Grzesk E, Tejza B, Eljaszewicz A, Gackowska L, Kubicka M, Kolodziej B, Kurylo-Rafinska B, Kubiszewska I, Wiese M, Januszewska M, Michalkiewicz J, Wysocki M, Styczynski J, Grzesk G. Phenotype of NK Cells Determined on the Basis of Selected Immunological Parameters in Children Treated due to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e2369. [PMID: 26717380 PMCID: PMC5291621 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent pediatric malignancy. The chemotherapy for ALL is associated with a profound secondary immune deficiency.We evaluated the number and phenotype of natural killer (NK) cells at diagnosis, after the intensive chemotherapy and following the completion of the entire treatment for patients with ALL. The fraction, absolute number, and percentage of NK cells expressing interferon-γ were determined in full blood samples. The fraction of NK cells expressing CD158a, CD158b, perforin, A, B, and K granzymes was examined in isolated NK cells.We have shown that patients assessed at ALL diagnosis showed significantly lower values of the fraction of NK cells and percentage of NK cells with the granzyme A expression. Additionally, the absolute number of NK cells, the expression of CD158a, CD158b, perforin, and granzyme A were significantly lower in patients who completed intensive chemotherapy. Also, there was a significantly higher fraction of NK cells expressing granzyme K in patients who completed the therapy.Abnormalities of NK cells were found at all stages of the treatment; however, the most pronounced changes were found at the end of intensive chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Koltan
- From the Departments of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology; and Immunology (SK, RD, AK, EG, BT, AE, LG, MK, BK, BK-R, IK, M Wiese, MJ, JM, M Wysocki, JS), Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland, and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland (GG)
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33
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Della Chiesa M, Sivori S, Carlomagno S, Moretta L, Moretta A. Activating KIRs and NKG2C in Viral Infections: Toward NK Cell Memory? Front Immunol 2015; 6:573. [PMID: 26617607 PMCID: PMC4638145 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important players in the immune defense against viral infections. The contribution of activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and CD94/NKG2C in regulating anti-viral responses has recently emerged. Thus, in the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting, the presence of donor activating KIRs (aKIRs) may protect against viral infections, while in HIV-infected individuals, KIR3DS1, in combination with HLA-Bw4-I80, results in reduction of viral progression. Since, studies have been performed mainly at the genetic or transcriptional level, the effective size, the function, and the "licensing" status of NK cells expressing aKIRs, as well as the nature of their viral ligands, require further investigation. Certain viral infections, mainly due to Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), can deeply influence the NK cell development and function by inducing a marked expansion of mature NKG2C(+) NK cells expressing self-activating KIRs. This suggests that NKG2C and/or aKIRs are involved in the selective proliferation of this subset. The persistent, HCMV-induced, imprinting suggests that NK cells may display unexpected adaptive immune traits. The role of aKIRs and NKG2C in regulating NK cell responses and promoting a memory-like response to certain viruses is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariella Della Chiesa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova , Genoa , Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova , Genoa , Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova , Genoa , Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Dipartimento di Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Bambin Gesù , Roma , Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova , Genoa , Italy
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34
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Sharkey AM, Xiong S, Kennedy PR, Gardner L, Farrell LE, Chazara O, Ivarsson MA, Hiby SE, Colucci F, Moffett A. Tissue-Specific Education of Decidual NK Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 195:3026-32. [PMID: 26320253 PMCID: PMC4574523 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
During human pregnancy, fetal trophoblast cells invade the decidua and remodel maternal spiral arteries to establish adequate nutrition during gestation. Tissue NK cells in the decidua (dNK) express inhibitory NK receptors (iNKR) that recognize allogeneic HLA-C molecules on trophoblast. Where this results in excessive dNK inhibition, the risk of pre-eclampsia or growth restriction is increased. However, the role of maternal, self-HLA-C in regulating dNK responsiveness is unknown. We investigated how the expression and function of five iNKR in dNK is influenced by maternal HLA-C. In dNK isolated from women who have HLA-C alleles that carry a C2 epitope, there is decreased expression frequency of the cognate receptor, KIR2DL1. In contrast, women with HLA-C alleles bearing a C1 epitope have increased frequency of the corresponding receptor, KIR2DL3. Maternal HLA-C had no significant effect on KIR2DL1 or KIR2DL3 in peripheral blood NK cells (pbNK). This resulted in a very different KIR repertoire for dNK capable of binding C1 or C2 epitopes compared with pbNK. We also show that, although maternal KIR2DL1 binding to C2 epitope educates dNK cells to acquire functional competence, the effects of other iNKR on dNK responsiveness are quite different from those in pbNK. This provides a basis for understanding how dNK responses to allogeneic trophoblast affect the outcome of pregnancy. Our findings suggest that the mechanisms that determine the repertoire of iNKR and the effect of self-MHC on NK education may differ in tissue NK cells compared with pbNK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Sharkey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; and
| | - Shiqiu Xiong
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; and
| | - Philippa R Kennedy
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; and
| | - Lucy Gardner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; and
| | - Lydia E Farrell
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; and
| | - Olympe Chazara
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; and
| | - Martin A Ivarsson
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; and
| | - Susan E Hiby
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; and
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SW, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom; and
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35
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Manser AR, Weinhold S, Uhrberg M. Human KIR repertoires: shaped by genetic diversity and evolution. Immunol Rev 2015; 267:178-96. [DOI: 10.1111/imr.12316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angela R. Manser
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics; Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf; Medical Faculty; Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Sandra Weinhold
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics; Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf; Medical Faculty; Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Markus Uhrberg
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics; Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf; Medical Faculty; Düsseldorf Germany
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Dunphy SE, Guinan KJ, Chorcora CN, Jayaraman J, Traherne JA, Trowsdale J, Pende D, Middleton D, Gardiner CM. 2DL1, 2DL2 and 2DL3 all contribute to KIR phenotype variability on human NK cells. Genes Immun 2015; 16:301-10. [PMID: 25950617 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2015.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that function as part of the innate immune system. Their activity is controlled by a range of inhibitory and activating receptors, including the important killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). The KIR are a multi-gene family of receptors that interact with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I family of molecules and are characterised by extensive allelic polymorphism. Their expression on the cell surface of NK cells is highly variable, but the factors responsible for this variability are not yet clearly understood. In the current study, we investigated KIR expression in a healthy human cohort that we had previously characterised in depth at a genetic level, with KIR allele typing and HLA class I ligand genotypes available for all donors (n=198). Allelic polymorphism significantly affected the phenotypic expression of all KIR analysed, whereas HLA ligand background influenced the expression levels of 2DL1 and 2DL3. In particular, we found that although 2DL2 may influence 2DL1 expression, this appears to be owing to variation in 2DL1 copy number. Finally, the inhibitory receptor LILRB1 had higher expression levels in individuals with B/B KIR genotypes, suggesting a possible relationship between KIR and non-KIR receptors, which serves to balance NK cell activation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Dunphy
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, 152-160 Pearse Street, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - K J Guinan
- Current address: BioAtlantis Ltd., Kerry Technology Park, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
| | - C Ní Chorcora
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, 152-160 Pearse Street, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - J Jayaraman
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge; Division of Immunology, Cambridge, UK
| | - J A Traherne
- 1] Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge; Division of Immunology, Cambridge, UK [2] Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Trowsdale
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - D Pende
- Immunology Laboratory, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
| | - D Middleton
- Transplant Immunology Laboratory, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - C M Gardiner
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, 152-160 Pearse Street, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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37
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Gras Navarro A, Björklund AT, Chekenya M. Therapeutic potential and challenges of natural killer cells in treatment of solid tumors. Front Immunol 2015; 6:202. [PMID: 25972872 PMCID: PMC4413815 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that hold tremendous potential for effective immunotherapy for a broad range of cancers. Due to the mode of NK cell killing, requiring one-to-one target engagement and site-directed release of cytolytic granules, the therapeutic potential of NK cells has been most extensively explored in hematological malignancies. However, their ability to precisely kill antibody coated cells, cancer stem cells, and genotoxically altered cells, while maintaining tolerance to healthy cells makes them appealing therapeutic effectors for all cancer forms, including metastases. Due to their release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NK cells may potently reverse the anti-inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME) and augment adaptive immune responses by promoting differentiation, activation, and/or recruitment of accessory immune cells to sites of malignancy. Nevertheless, integrated and coordinated mechanisms of subversion of NK cell activity against the tumor and its microenvironment exist. Although our understanding of the receptor ligand interactions that regulate NK cell functionality has evolved remarkably, the diversity of ligands and receptors is complex, as is their mechanistic foundations in regulating NK cell function. In this article, we review the literature and highlight how the TME manipulates the NK cell phenotypes, genotypes, and tropism to evade tumor recognition and elimination. We discuss counter strategies that may be adopted to augment the efficacy of NK cell anti-tumor surveillance, the clinical trials that have been undertaken so far in solid malignancies, critically weighing the challenges and opportunities with this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas T Björklund
- Karolinska University Hospital, Hematology Center and Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Martha Chekenya
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
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38
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Thomas LM. Current perspectives on natural killer cell education and tolerance: emerging roles for inhibitory receptors. Immunotargets Ther 2015; 4:45-53. [PMID: 27471711 PMCID: PMC4918248 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s61498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are regulated through the coordinated functions of activating and inhibitory receptors. These receptors can act during the initial engagement of an NK cell with a target cell, or in subsequent NK cell engagements to maintain tolerance. Notably, each individual possesses a sizable minority-population of NK cells that are devoid of inhibitory receptors that recognize the surrounding MHC class I (ie, self-MHC). Since these NK cells cannot perform conventional inhibition, they are rendered less responsive through the process of NK cell education (also known as licensing) in order to reduce the likelihood of auto-reactivity. This review will delineate current views on NK cell education, clarify various misconceptions about NK cell education, and, lastly, discuss the relevance of NK cell education in anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Michael Thomas
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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39
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Pical-Izard C, Crocchiolo R, Granjeaud S, Kochbati E, Just-Landi S, Chabannon C, Frassati C, Picard C, Blaise D, Olive D, Fauriat C. Reconstitution of natural killer cells in HLA-matched HSCT after reduced-intensity conditioning: impact on clinical outcome. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2015; 21:429-39. [PMID: 25579888 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.11.681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in the development of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) have allowed a broader range of patients to access allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Reconstitution of an effective immune system post-transplant, including natural killer (NK) cells, is critical for both tumor control and infectious disease control or prevention. The development and functions of NK cells in such settings remain elusive. Here we analyzed NK cell development in HLA-matched HSCT from related or unrelated donors, after RIC that included antithymocyte globulin (N = 45 patients). Our data reveal that NK cells quickly recover after RIC-HSCT, irrespective of donor type. Rapidly re-emerging NK cells, however, remain immature for more than 6 months. Effector functions resemble that of immature NK cells because they poorly produce IFN-γ and TNF-α in response to target cell stimulation, despite a rapid acquisition of degranulation ability and MIP-1β production. Strikingly, rapid reconstitution of cytokine production correlates with a lower relapse incidence (P = .01) and a better survival rate (P < .0001) at 1 year post-transplant, whereas degranulation capacity was associated with less relapse (P = .05). Our study demonstrates rapid quantitative reconstitution of the NK cell compartment despite administration of potent immune suppressive drugs as part of the conditioning regimen and after transplantation. However, there is a prolonged persistence of functional defects, the correction of which positively correlates with clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Pical-Izard
- Inserm, U1068, Centre Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CNRS, UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Roberto Crocchiolo
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Onco-Hematology Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France; Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Inserm, U1068, Centre Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CNRS, UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Eloise Kochbati
- Inserm, U1068, Centre Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CNRS, UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Sylvaine Just-Landi
- Inserm, U1068, Centre Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CNRS, UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Christian Chabannon
- Inserm, U1068, Centre Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CNRS, UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France; Centre de Thérapie Cellulaire, Département de Biologie du Cancer, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France; Inserm CIC-1049, Centre d'Investigations Cliniques en Biothérapie, Marseille, France
| | - Coralie Frassati
- Histocompatibility Laboratory, UMR 7268 ADÉS, Aix-Marseille Université/EFS/CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Picard
- Histocompatibility Laboratory, UMR 7268 ADÉS, Aix-Marseille Université/EFS/CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Blaise
- Inserm, U1068, Centre Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CNRS, UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France; Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Daniel Olive
- Inserm, U1068, Centre Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CNRS, UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Cyril Fauriat
- Inserm, U1068, Centre Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CNRS, UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
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40
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Thoens C, Berger C, Trippler M, Siemann H, Lutterbeck M, Broering R, Schlaak J, Heinemann FM, Heinold A, Nattermann J, Scherbaum N, Alter G, Timm J. KIR2DL3⁺NKG2A⁻ natural killer cells are associated with protection from productive hepatitis C virus infection in people who inject drugs. J Hepatol 2014; 61:475-81. [PMID: 24780303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Despite continuous high-risk behavior, a subgroup among people who inject drugs (PWID) remains seronegative for hepatitis C virus (HCV) suggesting that a state of "natural resistance" to HCV Infection may exist. Homozygosity for KIR2DL3 and its ligand HLA-C1 group alleles has been associated with control of HCV infection, however, the mechanism mediating this protective effect remained unclear. METHODS Peripheral NK cells from PWID (n=104) were phenotypically and functionally characterized by multicolor flow cytometry. Expression levels of the NK cell receptor ligands were analysed in liver biopsies and primary human hepatocytes. RESULTS HCV seronegative PWID (n=34) had increased levels of KIR2DL3(+)NKG2A(-) NK cells compared to healthy controls (n=10; p<0.001) and PWID with chronic (n=38; p<0.001) or resolved infection (n=37; p<0.001). There was an inverse correlation between the frequency of KIR2DL3(+) and NKG2A(+) NK cells (r=-0.53; p<0.0001). Importantly, expression of HLA-E, the ligand for NKG2A, was significantly upregulated in liver biopsies of HCV infected patients (n=51) compared to HBV infected patients (n=22; p<0.01) and correlated with HCV viral load (r=0.32; p<0.0029). In functional analyses KIR2DL3(-)NKG2A(+) NK cells but not KIR2DL3(+)NKG2A(-) NK cells were significantly inhibited by HLA-E ligation. Accordingly, interferon gamma secretion of NK cells from PWID with chronic infection but not from HCV seronegative PWID was significantly suppressed in the presence of HLA-E. CONCLUSIONS KIR2DL3(+)NKG2A(-) NK cells are not sensitive to HLA-E-mediated inhibition and may thereby control early HCV infection prior to seroconversion and result in an apparent state of "natural resistance" to HCV in PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Thoens
- Institute of Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Martin Trippler
- Department for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Holger Siemann
- Addiction Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Rhine State Hospital, Hospital of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Melanie Lutterbeck
- Department for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Ruth Broering
- Department for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Jörg Schlaak
- Department for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Falko M Heinemann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinold
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Jacob Nattermann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- Addiction Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Rhine State Hospital, Hospital of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Galit Alter
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Boston, USA
| | - Joerg Timm
- Institute of Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany.
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41
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Sleiman M, Brons NHC, Kaoma T, Dogu F, Villa-Forte A, Lenoble P, Hentges F, Kotsch K, Gadola SD, Vilches C, Zimmer J. NK cell killer Ig-like receptor repertoire acquisition and maturation are strongly modulated by HLA class I molecules. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:2602-10. [PMID: 24554773 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between clonally distributed inhibitory receptors and their activating counterparts on NK cells and HLA class I molecules defines NK cell functions, but the role of HLA class I ligands in the acquisition of their receptors during NK development is still unclear. Although some studies demonstrated that HLA-C affects the expression of killer Ig-like receptors (KIR), other studies showed that NK cells acquire their KIR repertoire in a stochastic manner. Only when infected with human CMV is an expansion of self-specific KIR(+) NKG2C(+) NK cells detected. To gain more insight into this question, we compared the coexpression of different KIR molecules, NKG2A, CD8, and CD57, on NK cells in healthy donors and seven patients with deficient HLA class I expression due to mutations in one of the TAP genes. Our results show a correlation between the presence/absence of HLA class I molecules and the coexpression of their receptors. In an HLA class I low-expression context, an increase in KIR molecules' coexpression is detected on the NKG2A(+) CD8(+) subset. In functional assays, hyporesponsiveness was observed for TAP-deficient NK cells derived from four patients. In contrast, NK cells from patient five were functional, whereas CD107a(+) and IFN-γ(+) CD56(dim) NK cells presented a different pattern of HLA class I receptors compared with healthy donors. Taken together, our results provide strong evidence for the role of HLA class I molecules in NK cell maturation and KIR repertoire acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Sleiman
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Allergology, Public Research Center for Health, L-1526 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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42
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Schellekens J, Gagne K, Marsh SGE. Natural killer cells and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor polymorphisms: their role in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1109:139-58. [PMID: 24473783 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9437-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important effector cells in the early control of infected, malignant, and "nonself" cells. Various receptor families are involved in enabling NK cells to detect and efficiently eliminate these target cells. The killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family is a set of receptors that are very polymorphic with regard to gene content, expression level, and expression pattern. KIRs are responsible for the induction of a NK cell alloreactive response through their interaction with HLA class I molecules. The role of NK cells in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been studied for many years, and induction of antileukemic responses by donor NK cells has been reported. Conflicting data still exist on the exact circumstances in which the KIR repertoire affects and influences clinical outcome after HSCT. More large-scale studies are needed on well-defined cohorts to unravel the mechanism of action of the NK cell-mediated alloresponse in an HSCT setting.
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43
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Steiner NK, Dakshanamurthy S, Nguyen N, Hurley CK. Allelic variation of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 2DS5 impacts glycosylation altering cell surface expression levels. Hum Immunol 2013; 75:124-8. [PMID: 24269691 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2013.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer cell stimulatory receptor gene, KIR2DS5, is polymorphic. While KIR2DS5*002 is most frequently observed, other alleles have also been found. The proteins encoded by these alleles (KIR2DS5*002-*009) are expressed at varying levels on the surface of NKL and Jurkat transfectants. Gel electrophoresis of all allelic products showed two isoforms which differ in the extent of maturation of N-linked glycosylation. These isoforms differed in intensity and molecular weight among the allelic products. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to identify polymorphic variation at residues 123 and 157 as key in altering glycosylation and levels of surface expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko K Steiner
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Nicholas Nguyen
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Carolyn Katovich Hurley
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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44
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Selective expansion of human natural killer cells leads to enhanced alloreactivity. Cell Mol Immunol 2013; 11:160-8. [PMID: 24240123 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2013.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), natural killer (NK) cells lacking their cognate inhibitory ligand can induce graft-versus-leukemia responses, without the induction of severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This feature can be exploited for cellular immunotherapy. In this study, we examined selective expansion of NK cell subsets expressing distinct killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) within the whole human peripheral blood NK cell population, in the presence of HLA-Cw3 (C1) or Cw4 (C2) transfected K562 stimulator cells. Coculture of KIR(+) NK cells with C1 or C2 positive K562 cells, in the presence of IL-2+IL-15, triggered the outgrowth of NK cells that missed their cognate ligand. This resulted in an increased frequency of alloreactive KIR(+) NK cells within the whole NK cell population. Also, after preculture with K562 cells lacking their cognate ligand, we observed that this alloreactive NK population revealed higher numbers of CD107(+) cells when cocultured with the relevant K562 HLA-C transfected target cells, as compared to coculture with untransfected K562 cells. This enhanced reactivity was confirmed using primary leukemic cells as target. This study demonstrates that HLA class I expression can mediate the skewing of the NK cell repertoire and enrich the population for cells with enhanced alloreactivity towards leukemic target cells. This feature may support future clinical applications of NK cell-based immunotherapy.
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45
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Alhajjat AM, Strong BS, Durkin ET, Turner LE, Wadhwani RK, Midura EF, Keswani SG, Shaaban AF. Trogocytosis as a mechanistic link between chimerism and prenatal tolerance. CHIMERISM 2013; 4:126-31. [PMID: 24121538 DOI: 10.4161/chim.26666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In utero hematopoietic cellular transplantation (IUHCT) holds great promise for the treatment of congenital diseases of cellular dysfunction such as sickle cell disease, immunodeficiency disorders and inherited metabolic disorders. However, repeated failures in clinical cases of IUHCT that do not involve an immunodeficiency disease force a closer examination of the fetal immune system. While the mechanisms regulating T cell tolerance have been previously studied, the educational mechanisms leading to NK cell tolerance in prenatal chimeras remain unknown. As a low level of donor cells (1.8%) is required to induce and maintain this tolerance, it is likely that these mechanisms employ indirect host-donor interaction. This report examines donor-to-host MHC transfer (trogocytosis) as an intrinsic mechanism regulating the development and maintenance of NK cell tolerance in prenatal chimeras. The findings demonstrate that phenotypically tolerant host NK cells express low levels of transferred donor MHC antigens during development and later as mature cytotoxic lymphocytes. Further study is needed to understand how the cis-recognition of transferred donor MHC ligand influences the selection and maintenance of tolerant NK cells in prenatal chimeras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir M Alhajjat
- Department of Surgery; University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine; Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Beverly S Strong
- Department of Surgery; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Emily T Durkin
- Department of Surgery; Boston Children's Hospital; Boston, MA USA
| | - Lucas E Turner
- Department of Surgery; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Ram K Wadhwani
- Department of Surgery; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Emily F Midura
- Department of Surgery; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Sundeep G Keswani
- Department of Surgery; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Aimen F Shaaban
- Department of Surgery; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati, OH USA
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46
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David G, Djaoud Z, Willem C, Legrand N, Rettman P, Gagne K, Cesbron A, Retière C. Large spectrum of HLA-C recognition by killer Ig-like receptor (KIR)2DL2 and KIR2DL3 and restricted C1 SPECIFICITY of KIR2DS2: dominant impact of KIR2DL2/KIR2DS2 on KIR2D NK cell repertoire formation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:4778-88. [PMID: 24078689 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The interactions of killer Ig-like receptor 2D (KIR2D) with HLA-C ligands contribute to functional NK cell education and regulate NK cell functions. Although simple alloreactive rules have been established for inhibitory KIR2DL, those governing activating KIR2DS function are still undefined, and those governing the formation of the KIR2D repertoire are still debated. In this study, we investigated the specificity of KIR2DL1/2/3 and KIR2DS1/2, dissected each KIR2D function, and assessed the impact of revisited specificities on the KIR2D NK cell repertoire formation from a large cohort of 159 KIR and HLA genotyped individuals. We report that KIR2DL2(+) and KIR2DL3(+) NK cells reacted similarly against HLA-C(+) target cells, irrespective of C1 or C2 allele expression. In contrast, KIR2DL1(+) NK cells specifically reacted against C2 alleles, suggesting a larger spectrum of HLA-C recognition by KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 than KIR2DL1. KIR2DS2(+) KIR2DL2(-) NK cell clones were C1-reactive irrespective of their HLA-C environment. However, when KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL2 were coexpressed, NK cell inhibition via KIR2DL2 overrode NK cell activation via KIR2DS2. In contrast, KIR2DL1 and KIR2DS2 had an additive enhancing effect on NK cell responses against C1C1 target cells. KIR2DL2/3/S2 NK cells predominated within the KIR repertoire in KIR2DL2/S2(+) individuals. In contrast, the KIR2DL1/S1 NK cell compartment is dominant in C2C2 KIR2DL2/S2(-) individuals. Moreover, our results suggest that together with KIR2DL2, activating KIR2DS1 and KIR2DS2 expression limits KIR2DL1 acquisition on NK cells. Altogether, our results suggest that the NK cell repertoire is remolded by the activating and inhibitory KIR2D and their cognate ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle David
- EA4271 - "ImmunoVirologie et Polymorphisme Génétique", Etablissement Français du Sang/Pays de la Loire, Université de Nantes, 44011 Nantes Cedex 01, France
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Xiong S, Sharkey AM, Kennedy PR, Gardner L, Farrell LE, Chazara O, Bauer J, Hiby SE, Colucci F, Moffett A. Maternal uterine NK cell-activating receptor KIR2DS1 enhances placentation. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:4264-72. [PMID: 24091323 DOI: 10.1172/jci68991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced trophoblast invasion and vascular conversion in decidua are thought to be the primary defect of common pregnancy disorders including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Genetic studies suggest these conditions are linked to combinations of polymorphic killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) genes expressed by maternal decidual NK cells (dNK) and HLA-C genes expressed by fetal trophoblast. Inhibitory KIR2DL1 and activating KIR2DS1 both bind HLA-C2, but confer increased risk or protection from pregnancy disorders, respectively. The mechanisms underlying these genetic associations with opposing outcomes are unknown. We show that KIR2DS1 is highly expressed in dNK, stimulating strong activation of KIR2DS1+ dNK. We used microarrays to identify additional responses triggered by binding of KIR2DS1 or KIR2DL1 to HLA-C2 and found different responses in dNK coexpressing KIR2DS1 with KIR2DL1 compared with dNK only expressing KIR2DL1. Activation of KIR2DS1+ dNK by HLA-C2 stimulated production of soluble products including GM-CSF, detected by intracellular FACS and ELISA. We demonstrated that GM-CSF enhanced migration of primary trophoblast and JEG-3 trophoblast cells in vitro. These findings provide a molecular mechanism explaining how recognition of HLA class I molecules on fetal trophoblast by an activating KIR on maternal dNK may be beneficial for placentation.
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Ivarsson MA, Loh L, Marquardt N, Kekäläinen E, Berglin L, Björkström NK, Westgren M, Nixon DF, Michaëlsson J. Differentiation and functional regulation of human fetal NK cells. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:3889-901. [PMID: 23945237 DOI: 10.1172/jci68989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The human fetal immune system is naturally exposed to maternal allogeneic cells, maternal antibodies, and pathogens. As such, it is faced with a considerable challenge with respect to the balance between immune reactivity and tolerance. Here, we show that fetal natural killer (NK) cells differentiate early in utero and are highly responsive to cytokines and antibody-mediated stimulation but respond poorly to HLA class I-negative target cells. Strikingly, expression of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) did not educate fetal NK cells but rendered them hyporesponsive to target cells lacking HLA class I. In addition, fetal NK cells were highly susceptible to TGF-β-mediated suppression, and blocking of TGF-β signaling enhanced fetal NK cell responses to target cells. Our data demonstrate that KIR-mediated hyporesponsiveness and TGF-β-mediated suppression are major factors determining human fetal NK cell hyporesponsiveness to HLA class I-negative target cells and provide a potential mechanism for fetal-maternal tolerance in utero. Finally, our results provide a basis for understanding the role of fetal NK cells in pregnancy complications in which NK cells could be involved, for example, during in utero infections and anti-RhD-induced fetal anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Ivarsson
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Frazier WR, Steiner N, Hou L, Dakshanamurthy S, Hurley CK. Allelic variation in KIR2DL3 generates a KIR2DL2-like receptor with increased binding to its HLA-C ligand. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:6198-208. [PMID: 23686481 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Although extensive homology exists between their extracellular domains, NK cell inhibitory receptors killer Ig-like receptor (KIR) 2DL2*001 and KIR2DL3*001 have previously been shown to differ substantially in their HLA-C binding avidity. To explore the largely uncharacterized impact of allelic diversity, the most common KIR2DL2/3 allelic products in European American and African American populations were evaluated for surface expression and binding affinity to their HLA-C group 1 and 2 ligands. Although no significant differences in the degree of cell membrane localization were detected in a transfected human NKL cell line by flow cytometry, surface plasmon resonance and KIR binding to a panel of HLA allotypes demonstrated that KIR2DL3*005 differed significantly from other KIR2DL3 allelic products in its ability to bind HLA-C. The increased affinity and avidity of KIR2DL3*005 for its ligand was also demonstrated to have a larger impact on the inhibition of IFN-γ production by the human KHYG-1 NK cell line compared with KIR2DL3*001, a low-affinity allelic product. Site-directed mutagenesis established that the combination of arginine at residue 11 and glutamic acid at residue 35 in KIR2DL3*005 were critical to the observed phenotype. Although these residues are distal to the KIR/HLA-C interface, molecular modeling suggests that alteration in the interdomain hinge angle of KIR2DL3*005 toward that found in KIR2DL2*001, another strong receptor of the KIR2DL2/3 family, may be the cause of this increased affinity. The regain of inhibitory capacity by KIR2DL3*005 suggests that the rapidly evolving KIR locus may be responding to relatively recent selective pressures placed upon certain human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Frazier
- Department of Oncology, C.W. Bill Young Marrow Donor Recruitment and Research Program, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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Sternberg-Simon M, Brodin P, Pickman Y, Onfelt B, Kärre K, Malmberg KJ, Höglund P, Mehr R. Natural killer cell inhibitory receptor expression in humans and mice: a closer look. Front Immunol 2013; 4:65. [PMID: 23532016 PMCID: PMC3607804 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Natural Killer (NK) cell population is composed of subsets of varying sizes expressing different combinations of inhibitory receptors for MHC class I molecules. Genes within the NK gene complex, including the inhibitory receptors themselves, seem to be the primary intrinsic regulators of inhibitory receptor expression, but the MHC class I background is an additional Modulating factor. In this paper, we have performed a parallel study of the inhibitory receptor repertoire in inbred mice of the C57Bl/6 background and in a cohort of 44 humans. Deviations of subset frequencies from the “product rule (PR),” i.e., differences between observed and expected frequencies of NK cells, were used to identify MHC-independent and MHC-dependent control of receptor expression frequencies. Some deviations from the PR were similar in mice and humans, such as the decreased presence of NK cell subset lacking inhibitory receptors. Others were different, including a role for NKG2A in determining over- or under-representation of specific subsets in humans but not in mice. Thus, while human and murine inhibitory receptor repertoires differed in details, there may also be shared principles governing NK cell repertoire formation in these two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Sternberg-Simon
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University Ramat-Gan, Israel
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