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Boyle MJ, Engwerda CR, Jagannathan P. The impact of Plasmodium-driven immunoregulatory networks on immunity to malaria. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01041-5. [PMID: 38862638 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01041-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Malaria, caused by infection with Plasmodium parasites, drives multiple regulatory responses across the immune landscape. These regulatory responses help to protect against inflammatory disease but may in some situations hamper the acquisition of adaptive immune responses that clear parasites. In addition, the regulatory responses that occur during Plasmodium infection may negatively affect malaria vaccine efficacy in the most at-risk populations. Here, we discuss the specific cellular mechanisms of immunoregulatory networks that develop during malaria, with a focus on knowledge gained from human studies and studies that involve the main malaria parasite to affect humans, Plasmodium falciparum. Leveraging this knowledge may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches to increase protective immunity to malaria during infection or after vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Boyle
- Life Sciences Division, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | | | - Prasanna Jagannathan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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2
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Forconi CS, Nixon C, Wu HW, Odwar B, Pond-Tor S, Ong'echa JM, Kurtis J, Moormann AM. T follicular helper cell profiles differ by malaria antigen and for children compared to adults. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.13.589352. [PMID: 38659768 PMCID: PMC11042194 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.13.589352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Circulating T-follicular helper (cT FH ) cells have the potential to provide an additional correlate of protection against Plasmodium falciparum ( Pf) as they are essential to promote B cell production of long-lasting antibodies. Assessing the specificity of cT FH subsets to individual malaria antigens is vital to understanding the variation observed in antibody responses and identifying promising malaria vaccine candidates. Methods Using spectral flow cytometry and unbiased clustering analysis we assessed antigen-specific cT FH cell recall responses in vitro to malaria vaccine candidates Pf SEA-1A and Pf GARP within a cross-section of children and adults living in a malaria holoendemic region of western Kenya. Findings In children, a broad array of cT FH subsets (defined by cytokine and transcription factor expression) were reactive to both malaria antigens, Pf SEA-1A and Pf GARP, while adults had a narrow profile centering on cT FH 17- and cT FH 1/17-like subsets following stimulation with Pf GARP only. Interpretation Because T FH 17 cells are involved in the maintenance of memory antibody responses within the context of parasitic infections, our results suggest that Pf GARP might generate longer lived antibody responses compared to Pf SEA-1A. These findings have intriguing implications for evaluating malaria vaccine candidates as they highlight the importance of including cT FH profiles when assessing interdependent correlates of protective immunity.
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3
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Münz C. Modulation of Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV)-Associated Cancers by Co-Infections. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5739. [PMID: 38136285 PMCID: PMC10741436 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic and persistent Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is carried by more than 95% of the human adult population. While asymptomatic in most of these, EBV can cause a wide variety of malignancies of lymphoid or epithelial cell origin. Some of these are also associated with co-infections that either increase EBV-induced tumorigenesis or weaken its immune control. The respective pathogens include Kaposi-sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), Plasmodium falciparum and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this review, I will discuss the respective tumor entities and possible mechanisms by which co-infections increase the EBV-associated cancer burden. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms could allow us to identify crucial features of EBV-associated malignancies and defects in their immune control. These could then be explored to develop therapies against the respective cancers by targeting EBV and/or the respective co-infections with pathogen-specific therapies or vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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4
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Muriuki BM, Forconi CS, Kirwa EK, Maina TK, Ariera BO, Bailey JA, Ghansah A, Moormann AM, Ong’echa JM. Evaluation of KIR3DL1/KIR3DS1 allelic polymorphisms in Kenyan children with endemic Burkitt lymphoma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0275046. [PMID: 37647275 PMCID: PMC10468049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) is a fast-growing germinal center B cell lymphoma, affecting 5-10 per 100,000 children annually, in the equatorial belt of Africa. We hypothesize that co-infections with Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) impair host natural killer (NK) and T cell responses to tumor cells, and thus increase the risk of eBL pathogenesis. NK cell education is partially controlled by killer immunoglobulin-like receptors and variable expression of KIR3DL1 has been associated with other malignancies. Here, we investigated whether KIR3D-mediated mechanisms contribute to eBL, by testing for an association of KIR3DL1/KIR3DS1 genotypes with the disease in 108 eBL patients and 99 healthy Kenyan children. KIR3DL1 allelic typing and EBV loads were assessed by PCR. We inferred previously observed phenotypes from the genotypes. The frequencies of KIR3DL1/KIR3DL1 and KIR3DL1/KIR3DS1 did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Additionally, none of the study participants was homozygous for KIR3DS1 alleles. EBV loads did not differ by the KIR3DL1 genotypes nor were they different between eBL survivors and non-survivors. Our results suggest that eBL pathogenesis may not simply involve variations in KIR3DL1 and KIR3DS1 genotypes. However, considering the complexity of the KIR3DL1 locus, this study could not exclude a role for copy number variation in eBL pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice M. Muriuki
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Catherine S. Forconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Erastus K. Kirwa
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Titus K. Maina
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Bonface O. Ariera
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jeffrey A. Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Anita Ghansah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ann M. Moormann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - John M. Ong’echa
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
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5
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Seheult JN, Otteson GE, Jevremovic D, Horna P, Timm MM, Yuan J, Morice WG, Olteanu H, Shi M. Establishing NK-Cell Receptor Restriction by Flow Cytometry and Detecting Potential NK-Cell Clones of Uncertain Significance. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100255. [PMID: 37385341 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100255] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells develop a complex inhibitory and/or activating NK-cell receptor system, including killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs or CD158) and CD94/NKG2 dimers, which are variably combined to generate the individual's NK-cell receptor repertoire. Establishing NK-cell receptor restriction by flow cytometric immunophenotyping is an important step in diagnosing NK-cell neoplasms, but reference interval (RI) data for interpreting these studies are lacking. Specimens from 145 donors and 63 patients with NK-cell neoplasms were used to identify discriminatory rules based on 95% and 99% nonparametric RIs for CD158a+, CD158b+, CD158e+, KIR-negative, and NKG2A+ NK-cell populations to establish NK-cell receptor restriction. These 99% upper RI limits (NKG2a >88% or CD158a >53% or CD158b >72% or CD158e >54% or KIR-negative >72%) provided optimal discrimination between NK-cell neoplasm cases and healthy donor controls with an accuracy of 100% compared with the clinicopathologic diagnosis. The selected rules were applied to 62 consecutive samples received in our flow cytometry laboratory that were reflexed to an NK-cell panel due to an expanded NK-cell percentage (exceeding 40% of total lymphocytes). Twenty-two (35%) of 62 samples were found to harbor a very small NK-cell population with restricted NK-cell receptor expression based on the rule combination, suggestive of NK-cell clonality. A thorough clinicopathologic evaluation for the 62 patients did not reveal diagnostic features of NK-cell neoplasms; therefore, these potential clonal populations of NK cells were designated as NK-cell clones of uncertain significance (NK-CUS). In this study, we established decision rules for NK-cell receptor restriction from the largest published cohorts of healthy donors and NK-cell neoplasms. The presence of small NK-cell populations with restricted NK-cell receptors does not appear to be an uncommon finding, and its significance requires further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jansen N Seheult
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Gregory E Otteson
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Dragan Jevremovic
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Pedro Horna
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Michael M Timm
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ji Yuan
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - William G Morice
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Horatiu Olteanu
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Min Shi
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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6
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Cocker ATH, Guethlein LA, Parham P. The CD56-CD16+ NK cell subset in chronic infections. Biochem Soc Trans 2023:233017. [PMID: 37140380 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Long-term human diseases can shape the immune system, and natural killer (NK) cells have been documented to differentiate into distinct subsets specifically associated with chronic virus infections. One of these subsets found in large frequencies in HIV-1 are the CD56-CD16+ NK cells, and this population's association with chronic virus infections is the subject of this review. Human NK cells are classically defined by CD56 expression, yet increasing evidence supports the NK cell status of the CD56-CD16+ subset which we discuss herein. We then discuss the evidence linking CD56-CD16+ NK cells to chronic virus infections, and the potential immunological pathways that are altered by long-term infection that could be inducing the population's differentiation. An important aspect of NK cell regulation is their interaction with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class-I molecules, and we highlight work that indicates both virus and genetic-mediated variations in HLA expression that have been linked to CD56-CD16+ NK cell frequencies. Finally, we offer a perspective on CD56-CD16+ NK cell function, taking into account recent work that implies the subset is comparable to CD56+CD16+ NK cell functionality in antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity response, and the definition of CD56-CD16+ NK cell subpopulations with varying degranulation capacity against target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T H Cocker
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, U.S.A
| | - Lisbeth A Guethlein
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, U.S.A
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, U.S.A
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7
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Saikumar Lakshmi P, Oduor CI, Forconi CS, M'Bana V, Bly C, Gerstein RM, Otieno JA, Ong'echa JM, Münz C, Luftig MA, Brehm MA, Bailey JA, Moormann AM. Endemic Burkitt lymphoma avatar mouse models for exploring inter-patient tumor variation and testing targeted therapies. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202101355. [PMID: 36878637 PMCID: PMC9990458 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a childhood cancer in sub-Saharan Africa characterized by Epstein-Barr virus and malaria-associated aberrant B-cell activation and MYC chromosomal translocation. Survival rates hover at 50% after conventional chemotherapies; therefore, clinically relevant models are necessary to test additional therapies. Hence, we established five patient-derived BL tumor cell lines and corresponding NSG-BL avatar mouse models. Transcriptomics confirmed that our BL lines maintained fidelity from patient tumors to NSG-BL tumors. However, we found significant variation in tumor growth and survival among NSG-BL avatars and in Epstein-Barr virus protein expression patterns. We tested rituximab responsiveness and found one NSG-BL model exhibiting direct sensitivity, characterized by apoptotic gene expression counterbalanced by unfolded protein response and mTOR pro-survival pathways. In rituximab-unresponsive tumors, we observed an IFN-α signature confirmed by the expression of IRF7 and ISG15. Our results demonstrate significant inter-patient tumor variation and heterogeneity, and that contemporary patient-derived BL cell lines and NSG-BL avatars are feasible tools to guide new therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes for these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Saikumar Lakshmi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Cliff I Oduor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Catherine S Forconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Viriato M'Bana
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Courtney Bly
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Rachel M Gerstein
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Juliana A Otieno
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Ministry of Medical Services, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John M Ong'echa
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Christian Münz
- Department of Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Micah A Luftig
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael A Brehm
- Program in Molecular Medicine and the Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ann M Moormann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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8
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Desimio MG, Covino DA, Rivalta B, Cancrini C, Doria M. The Role of NK Cells in EBV Infection and Related Diseases: Current Understanding and Hints for Novel Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061914. [PMID: 36980798 PMCID: PMC10047181 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus most often transmitted during infancy and infecting the vast majority of human beings. Usually, EBV infection is nearly asymptomatic and results in life-long persistency of the virus in a latent state under the control of the host immune system. Yet EBV can cause an acute infectious mononucleosis (IM), particularly in adolescents, and is associated with several malignancies and severe diseases that pose a serious threat to individuals with specific inborn error of immunity (IEI). While there is a general consensus on the requirement for functional CD8 T cells to control EBV infection, the role of the natural killer (NK) cells of the innate arm of immunity is more enigmatic. Here we provide an overview of the interaction between EBV and NK cells in the immunocompetent host as well as in the context of primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. Moreover, we report in vitro data on the mechanisms that regulate the capacity of NK cells to recognize and kill EBV-infected cell targets and discuss the potential of recently optimized NK cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of EBV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Desimio
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela A Covino
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Rivalta
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Cancrini
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Doria
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
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9
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Odera DO, Tuju J, Mwai K, Nkumama IN, Fürle K, Chege T, Kimathi R, Diehl S, Musasia FK, Rosenkranz M, Njuguna P, Hamaluba M, Kapulu MC, Frank R, Osier FHA, Abdi AI, Chi PC, de Laurent Z, Jao I, Kamuya D, Kamuyu G, Makale J, Murungi L, Musyoki J, Muthui M, Mwacharo J, Kariuki S, Mwanga D, Mwongeli J, Ndungu F, Njue M, Nyangweso G, Kimani D, Ngoi JM, Musembi J, Ngoto O, Otieno E, Ooko M, Shangala J, Wambua J, Mohammed KS, Omuoyo D, Mosobo M, Kibinge N, Kinyanjui S, Bejon P, Lowe B, Marsh K, Marsh V, Abebe Y, Billingsley PF, Sim BKL, Hoffman SL, James ER, Richie TL, Audi A, Olewe F, Oloo J, Ongecha J, Ongas MO, Koskei N, Bull PC, Hodgson SH, Kivisi C, Imwong M, Murphy SC, Ogutu B, Tarning J, Winterberg M, Williams TN. Anti-merozoite antibodies induce natural killer cell effector function and are associated with immunity against malaria. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabn5993. [PMID: 36753561 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn5993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are potent immune effectors that can be activated via antibody-mediated Fc receptor engagement. Using multiparameter flow cytometry, we found that NK cells degranulate and release IFN-γ upon stimulation with antibody-opsonized Plasmodium falciparum merozoites. Antibody-dependent NK (Ab-NK) activity was largely strain transcending and enhanced invasion inhibition into erythrocytes. Ab-NK was associated with the successful control of parasitemia after experimental malaria challenge in African adults. In an independent cohort study in children, Ab-NK increased with age, was boosted by concurrent P. falciparum infections, and was associated with a lower risk of clinical episodes of malaria. Nine of the 14 vaccine candidates tested induced Ab-NK, including some less well-characterized antigens: P41, P113, MSP11, RHOPH3, and Pf_11363200. These data highlight an important role of Ab-NK activity in immunity against malaria and provide a potential mechanism for evaluating vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis O Odera
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - James Tuju
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Kennedy Mwai
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Irene N Nkumama
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristin Fürle
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timothy Chege
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Rinter Kimathi
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Stefan Diehl
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fauzia K Musasia
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Micha Rosenkranz
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patricia Njuguna
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mainga Hamaluba
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Melissa C Kapulu
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Roland Frank
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Faith H A Osier
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
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10
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Mace EM. Human natural killer cells: Form, function, and development. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:371-385. [PMID: 36195172 PMCID: PMC9905317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that mediate important effector functions in the control of viral infection and malignancy. Their ability to distinguish "self" from "nonself" and lyse virally infected and tumorigenic cells through germline-encoded receptors makes them important players in maintaining human health and a powerful tool for immunotherapeutic applications and fighting disease. This review introduces our current understanding of NK cell biology, including key facets of NK cell differentiation and the acquisition and execution of NK cell effector function. Further, it addresses the clinical relevance of NK cells in both primary immunodeficiency and immunotherapy. It is intended to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of this important and interesting innate immune effector cell subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Mace
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York.
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11
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Ty M, Sun S, Callaway PC, Rek J, Press KD, van der Ploeg K, Nideffer J, Hu Z, Klemm S, Greenleaf W, Donato M, Tukwasibwe S, Arinaitwe E, Nankya F, Musinguzi K, Andrew D, de la Parte L, Mori DM, Lewis SN, Takahashi S, Rodriguez-Barraquer I, Greenhouse B, Blish C, Utz PJ, Khatri P, Dorsey G, Kamya M, Boyle M, Feeney M, Ssewanyana I, Jagannathan P. Malaria-driven expansion of adaptive-like functional CD56-negative NK cells correlates with clinical immunity to malaria. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadd9012. [PMID: 36696483 PMCID: PMC9976268 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.add9012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells likely play an important role in immunity to malaria, but the effect of repeated malaria on NK cell responses remains unclear. Here, we comprehensively profiled the NK cell response in a cohort of 264 Ugandan children. Repeated malaria exposure was associated with expansion of an atypical, CD56neg population of NK cells that differed transcriptionally, epigenetically, and phenotypically from CD56dim NK cells, including decreased expression of PLZF and the Fc receptor γ-chain, increased histone methylation, and increased protein expression of LAG-3, KIR, and LILRB1. CD56neg NK cells were highly functional and displayed greater antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity than CD56dim NK cells. Higher frequencies of CD56neg NK cells were associated with protection against symptomatic malaria and high parasite densities. After marked reductions in malaria transmission, frequencies of these cells rapidly declined, suggesting that continuous exposure to Plasmodium falciparum is required to maintain this modified, adaptive-like NK cell subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Ty
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shenghuan Sun
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Perri C Callaway
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Rek
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Jason Nideffer
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zicheng Hu
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sandy Klemm
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Michele Donato
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Dean Andrew
- Queensland Institute for Medical Research, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Saki Takahashi
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Bryan Greenhouse
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Blish
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - P J Utz
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Purvesh Khatri
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Moses Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michelle Boyle
- Queensland Institute for Medical Research, Queensland, Australia
| | - Margaret Feeney
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Prasanna Jagannathan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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12
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Cocker ATH, Liu F, Djaoud Z, Guethlein LA, Parham P. CD56-negative NK cells: Frequency in peripheral blood, expansion during HIV-1 infection, functional capacity, and KIR expression. Front Immunol 2022; 13:992723. [PMID: 36211403 PMCID: PMC9539804 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.992723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human NK cells are usually defined as CD3-CD56+ lymphocytes. However, a CD56-CD16+ (CD56neg) lymphocyte population that displays NK-associated markers expands during chronic viral infections such as HIV-1 and HCV, and, to lesser extent, in herpesvirus infections. This CD56neg NK cell subset has been understudied because it requires the exclusion of other lymphocytes to accurately identify its presence. Many questions remain regarding the origin, development, phenotype, and function of the CD56neg NK cell population. Our objective was to determine the frequency of this NK subset in healthy controls and its alteration in viral infections by performing a meta-analysis. In addition to this, we analyzed deposited CyTOF and scRNAseq datasets to define the phenotype and subsets of the CD56neg NK cell population, as well as their functional variation. We found in 757 individuals, from a combined 28 studies and 6 datasets, that the CD56neg subset constitutes 5.67% of NK cells in healthy peripheral blood, while HIV-1 infection increases this population by a mean difference of 10.69%. Meta-analysis of surface marker expression between NK subsets showed no evidence of increased exhaustion or decreased proliferation within the CD56neg subset. CD56neg NK cells have a distinctive pattern of KIR expression, implying they have a unique potential for KIR-mediated education. A perforin-CD94-NKG2C-NKp30- CD56neg population exhibited different gene expression and degranulation responses against K562 cells compared to other CD56neg cells. This analysis distinguishes two functionally distinct subsets of CD56neg NK cells. They are phenotypically diverse and have differing capacity for education by HLA class-I interactions with KIRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T. H. Cocker
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Alexander T. H. Cocker,
| | - Fuguo Liu
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Laboratory Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Zakia Djaoud
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lisbeth A. Guethlein
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Peter Parham
- Department of Structural Biology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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13
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Vaaben AV, Levan J, Nguyen CBT, Callaway PC, Prahl M, Warrier L, Nankya F, Musinguzi K, Kakuru A, Muhindo MK, Dorsey G, Kamya MR, Feeney ME. In Utero Activation of Natural Killer Cells in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:566-575. [PMID: 35876164 PMCID: PMC9441208 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac307] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common infectious cause of birth defects and neurological damage in newborns. Despite a well-established role for natural killer (NK) cells in control of CMV infection in older children and adults, it remains unknown whether fetal NK cells can sense and respond to CMV infection acquired in utero. METHODS Here, we investigate the impact of congenital CMV infection on the neonatal NK-cell repertoire by assessing the frequency, phenotype, and functional profile of NK cells in cord blood samples from newborns with congenital CMV and from uninfected controls enrolled in a birth cohort of Ugandan mothers and infants. RESULTS We find that neonatal NK cells from congenitally CMV infected newborns show increased expression of cytotoxic mediators, signs of maturation and activation, and an expansion of mature CD56- NK cells, an NK-cell subset associated with chronic viral infections in adults. Activation was particularly prominent in NK cell subsets expressing the Fcγ receptor CD16, indicating a role for antibody-mediated immunity against CMV in utero. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that NK cells can be activated in utero and suggest that NK cells may be an important component of the fetal and infant immune response against CMV. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT02793622.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Vaaben
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Justine Levan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Catherine B T Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, 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 Diseases and Immunity Graduate Group, University of California Berkeley, California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Mary Prahl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lakshmi Warrier
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Abel Kakuru
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mary K Muhindo
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - 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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14
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Movassagh M, Morton SU, Hehnly C, Smith J, Doan TT, Irizarry R, Broach JR, Schiff SJ, Bailey JA, Paulson JN. mirTarRnaSeq: An R/Bioconductor Statistical Package for miRNA-mRNA Target Identification and Interaction Analysis. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:439. [PMID: 35698050 PMCID: PMC9191533 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08558-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We introduce mirTarRnaSeq, an R/Bioconductor package for quantitative assessment of miRNA-mRNA relationships within sample cohorts. mirTarRnaSeq is a statistical package to explore predicted or pre-hypothesized miRNA-mRNA relationships following target prediction.We present two use cases applying mirTarRnaSeq. First, to identify miRNA targets, we examined EBV miRNAs for interaction with human and virus transcriptomes of stomach adenocarcinoma. This revealed enrichment of mRNA targets highly expressed in CD105+ endothelial cells, monocytes, CD4+ T cells, NK cells, CD19+ B cells, and CD34 cells. Next, to investigate miRNA-mRNA relationships in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection across time, we used paired miRNA and RNA sequenced datasets of SARS-CoV-2 infected lung epithelial cells across three time points (4, 12, and 24 hours post-infection). mirTarRnaSeq identified evidence for human miRNAs targeting cytokine signaling and neutrophil regulation immune pathways from 4 to 24 hours after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Confirming the clinical relevance of these predictions, three of the immune specific mRNA-miRNA relationships identified in human lung epithelial cells after SARS-CoV-2 infection were also observed to be differentially expressed in blood from patients with COVID-19. Overall, mirTarRnaSeq is a robust tool that can address a wide-range of biological questions providing improved prediction of miRNA-mRNA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedeh Movassagh
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sarah U Morton
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christine Hehnly
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Jasmine Smith
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Trang T Doan
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States.,Center for Neural Engineering and Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Departments of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Neurosurgery and Physics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Rafael Irizarry
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - James R Broach
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Steven J Schiff
- Center for Neural Engineering and Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Departments of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Neurosurgery and Physics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Joseph N Paulson
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States.
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15
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Münz C. Natural killer cell responses to human oncogenic γ-herpesvirus infections. Semin Immunol 2022; 60:101652. [PMID: 36162228 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The two γ-herpesviruses Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are each associated with more than 1% of all tumors in humans. While EBV establishes persistent infection in nearly all adult individuals, KSHV benefits from this widespread EBV prevalence for its own persistence. Interestingly, EBV infection expands early differentiated NKG2A+KIR- NK cells that protect against lytic EBV infection, while KSHV co-infection drives accumulation of poorly functional CD56-CD16+ NK cells. Thus persistent γ-herpesvirus infections are sculptors of human NK cell repertoires and the respectively stimulated NK cell subsets should be considered for immunotherapies of EBV and KSHV associated malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Switzerland.
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16
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Wen Y, Xu H, Han J, Jin R, Chen H. How Does Epstein–Barr Virus Interact With Other Microbiomes in EBV-Driven Cancers? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:852066. [PMID: 35281433 PMCID: PMC8904896 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.852066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The commensal microbiome refers to a large spectrum of microorganisms which mainly consists of viruses and bacteria, as well as some other components such as protozoa and fungi. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is considered as a common component of the human commensal microbiome due to its spread worldwide in about 95% of the adult population. As the first oncogenic virus recognized in human, numerous studies have reported the involvement of other components of the commensal microbiome in the increasing incidence of EBV-driven cancers. Additionally, recent advances have also defined the involvement of host–microbiota interactions in the regulation of the host immune system in EBV-driven cancers as well as other circumstances. The regulation of the host immune system by the commensal microbiome coinfects with EBV could be the implications for how we understand the persistence and reactivation of EBV, as well as the progression of EBV-associated cancers, since majority of the EBV persist as asymptomatic carrier. In this review, we attempt to summarize the possible mechanisms for EBV latency, reactivation, and EBV-driven tumorigenesis, as well as casting light on the role of other components of the microbiome in EBV infection and reactivation. Besides, whether novel microbiome targeting strategies could be applied for curing of EBV-driven cancer is discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Runming Jin
- *Correspondence: Hongbo Chen, ; Runming Jin,
| | - Hongbo Chen
- *Correspondence: Hongbo Chen, ; Runming Jin,
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17
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Albayrak N, Dirix V, Aerts L, Van Praet A, Godefroid A, Dauby N, Windey P, Muylle I, Mascart F, Corbière V. Differential expression of maturation and activation markers on NK cells in patients with active and latent tuberculosis. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 111:1031-1042. [PMID: 34889470 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4a1020-641rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells were recently suggested to be important for the initial control of M. tuberculosis infection. The phenotypes of the 3 main NK blood subsets, CD56bright , CD56dim , and CD56neg cells, were characterized by flow cytometry in a cohort of 81 prospectively enrolled subjects (21 untreated patients with active tuberculosis -aTB-, 35 latently TB infected -LTBI- subjects, and 25 non-infected controls), using 9 different mAbs added to whole blood. Compared to LTBI subjects, patients with aTB had lower proportions of total NK cells, lower proportions and numbers of CD56neg cells expressing early maturation markers (CD161, NKp30, NKp46), but higher density of NKp30 and NKp46 expression on both CD56neg and CD56dim subsets, associated with higher expression of granzymes A/B. They also had higher proportions of activated CD69pos cells within all 3 NK cell subsets and, the percentage of CD69pos CD56dim cells among CD69pos and/or NKG2Cpos NK cells was identified as a potential biomarker to discriminate aTB from LTBI. LTBI subjects were in contrast characterized by higher expression of late maturation markers (CD57, KIR molecules) on the CD56neg subset, by higher proportions of NKG2Cpos KIRpos CD56dim NK cells, and by higher in vitro IFN-γ production than patients with aTB. Thus, the in-depth phenotypic characterization of blood NK cell subsets provides new insights on possible functional modifications and the potential role of NK cells in the control of M. tuberculosis infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurhan Albayrak
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Mucosal Immunity, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Violette Dirix
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Mucosal Immunity, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Aerts
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Mucosal Immunity, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Van Praet
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Mucosal Immunity, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Audrey Godefroid
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Mucosal Immunity, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dauby
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patricia Windey
- Occupational Medicine Department, Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Françoise Mascart
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Mucosal Immunity, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Véronique Corbière
- Laboratory of Vaccinology and Mucosal Immunity, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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18
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Münz C. Modification of EBV-Associated Pathologies and Immune Control by Coinfections. Front Oncol 2021; 11:756480. [PMID: 34778072 PMCID: PMC8581224 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.756480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) persistently infects more than 95% of the human adult population. Even so it can readily transform human B cells after infection in vitro, it only rarely causes tumors in patients. A substantial proportion of the 1% of all human cancers that are associated with EBV occurs during coinfections, including those with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the also oncogenic and closely EBV-related Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In this review, I will discuss how these infections interact with EBV, modify its immune control, and shape its tumorigenesis. The underlying mechanisms reveal new aspects of EBV-associated pathologies and point toward treatment possibilities for their prevention by the human immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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19
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Forconi CS, Mulama DH, Saikumar Lakshmi P, Foley J, Otieno JA, Kurtis JD, Berg LJ, Ong’echa JM, Münz C, Moormann AM. Interplay between IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-17A and PD-1 Expressing EBNA1-Specific CD4 + and CD8 + T Cell Responses in the Etiologic Pathway to Endemic Burkitt Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215375. [PMID: 34771539 PMCID: PMC8582526 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) is a common pediatric cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. The incidence of this aggressive B-cell cancer is linked to Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) co-infections during childhood. Most eBL tumors contain EBV and are characterized by the Epstein–Barr Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA1) latency I pattern of viral gene expression. The aim of our study was to compare the phenotypes and functions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to EBNA1 in children diagnosed with eBL and in healthy EBV-seropositive children to highlight differences that contribute to the balance between anti-viral immunity and eBL pathogenesis. Abstract Children diagnosed with endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) are deficient in interferon-γ (IFN-γ) responses to Epstein–Barr Nuclear Antigen1 (EBNA1), the viral protein that defines the latency I pattern in this B cell tumor. However, the contributions of immune-regulatory cytokines and phenotypes of the EBNA1-specific T cells have not been characterized for eBL. Using a bespoke flow cytometry assay we measured intracellular IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-17A expression and phenotyped CD4+ and CD8+ T cell effector memory subsets specific to EBNA1 for eBL patients compared to two groups of healthy children with divergent malaria exposures. In response to EBNA1 and a malaria antigen (PfSEA-1A), the three study groups exhibited strikingly different cytokine expression and T cell memory profiles. EBNA1-specific IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cell response rates were lowest in eBL (40%) compared to children with high malaria (84%) and low malaria (66%) exposures (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0004, respectively). However, eBL patients did not differ in CD8+ T cell response rates or the magnitude of IFN-γ expression. In contrast, eBL children were more likely to have EBNA1-specific CD4+ T cells expressing IL-10, and less likely to have polyfunctional IFN-γ+IL-10+ CD4+ T cells (p = 0.02). They were also more likely to have IFN-γ+IL-17A+, IFN-γ+ and IL-17A+ CD8+ T cell subsets compared to healthy children. Cytokine-producing T cell subsets were predominantly CD45RA+CCR7+ TNAIVE-LIKE cells, yet PD-1, a marker of persistent activation/exhaustion, was more highly expressed by the central memory (TCM) and effector memory (TEM) T cell subsets. In summary, our study suggests that IL-10 mediated immune regulation and depletion of IFN-γ+ EBNA1-specific CD4+ T cells are complementary mechanisms that contribute to impaired T cell cytotoxicity in eBL pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S. Forconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; (C.S.F.); (P.S.L.); (J.F.)
| | - David H. Mulama
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (D.H.M.); (J.M.O.)
| | - Priya Saikumar Lakshmi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; (C.S.F.); (P.S.L.); (J.F.)
| | - Joslyn Foley
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; (C.S.F.); (P.S.L.); (J.F.)
| | - Juliana A. Otieno
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Ministry of Medical Services, Kisumu 40100, Kenya;
| | - Jonathan D. Kurtis
- Center for International Health Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
| | - Leslie J. Berg
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - John M. Ong’echa
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu 40100, Kenya; (D.H.M.); (J.M.O.)
| | - Christian Münz
- Department of Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Ann M. Moormann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; (C.S.F.); (P.S.L.); (J.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +508-856-8826
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20
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The Role of Coinfections in the EBV-Host Broken Equilibrium. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071399. [PMID: 34372605 PMCID: PMC8310153 DOI: 10.3390/v13071399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a well-adapted human virus, and its infection is exclusive to our species, generally beginning in the childhood and then persisting throughout the life of most of the affected adults. Although this infection generally remains asymptomatic, EBV can trigger life-threatening conditions under unclear circumstances. The EBV lifecycle is characterized by interactions with other viruses or bacteria, which increases the probability of awakening its pathobiont capacity. For instance, EBV infects B cells with the potential to alter the germinal center reaction (GCR)—an adaptive immune structure wherein mutagenic-driven processes take place. HIV- and Plasmodium falciparum-induced B cell hyperactivation also feeds the GCR. These agents, along with the B cell tropic KSHV, converge in the ontogeny of germinal center (GC) or post-GC lymphomas. EBV oral transmission facilitates interactions with local bacteria and HPV, thereby increasing the risk of periodontal diseases and head and neck carcinomas. It is less clear as to how EBV is localized in the stomach, but together with Helicobacter pylori, they are known to be responsible for gastric cancer. Perhaps this mechanism is reminiscent of the local inflammation that attracts different herpesviruses and enhances graft damage and chances of rejection in transplanted patients. In this review, we discussed the existing evidence suggestive of EBV possessing the potential to synergize or cooperate with these agents to trigger or worsen the disease.
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21
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Natural Killer Cell Responses during Human γ-Herpesvirus Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060655. [PMID: 34203904 PMCID: PMC8232711 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpesviruses are main sculptors of natural killer (NK) cell repertoires. While the β-herpesvirus human cytomegalovirus (CMV) drives the accumulation of adaptive NKG2C-positive NK cells, the human γ-herpesvirus Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) expands early differentiated NKG2A-positive NK cells. While adaptive NK cells support adaptive immunity by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, NKG2A-positive NK cells seem to preferentially target lytic EBV replicating B cells. The importance of this restriction of EBV replication during γ-herpesvirus pathogenesis will be discussed. Furthermore, the modification of EBV-driven NK cell expansion by coinfections, including by the other human γ-herpesvirus Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), will be summarized.
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22
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Muriuki BM, Forconi CS, Oluoch PO, Bailey JA, Ghansah A, Moormann AM, Ong'echa JM. Association of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors with endemic Burkitt lymphoma in Kenyan children. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11343. [PMID: 34059753 PMCID: PMC8166913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90596-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) is an aggressive pediatric B cell lymphoma, common in Equatorial Africa. Co-infections with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Plasmodium falciparum, coupled with c-myc translocation are involved in eBL etiology. Infection-induced immune evasion mechanisms to avoid T cell cytotoxicity may increase the role of Natural killer (NK) cells in anti-tumor immunosurveillance. Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes on NK cells exhibit genotypic and allelic variations and are associated with susceptibility to diseases and malignancies. However, their role in eBL pathogenesis remains undefined. This retrospective study genotyped sixteen KIR genes and compared their frequencies in eBL patients (n = 104) and healthy geographically-matched children (n = 104) using sequence-specific primers polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) technique. The relationship between KIR polymorphisms with EBV loads and eBL pathogenesis was investigated. Possession of ≥ 4 activating KIRs predisposed individuals to eBL (OR = 3.340; 95% CI 1.530-7.825; p = 0.004). High EBV levels were observed in Bx haplogroup (p = 0.016) and AB genotypes (p = 0.042) relative to AA haplogroup and AA genotype respectively, in eBL patients but not in healthy controls. Our results suggest that KIR-mediated NK cell stimulation could mute EBV control, contributing to eBL pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice M Muriuki
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Catherine S Forconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Peter O Oluoch
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Anita Ghansah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ann M Moormann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - John M Ong'echa
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya.
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23
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High-dimensional mass cytometry analysis of NK cell alterations in AML identifies a subgroup with adverse clinical outcome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2020459118. [PMID: 34050021 PMCID: PMC8179170 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020459118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are major antileukemic immune effectors. Leukemic blasts have a negative impact on NK cell function and promote the emergence of phenotypically and functionally impaired NK cells. In the current work, we highlight an accumulation of CD56-CD16+ unconventional NK cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aberrant subset initially described as being elevated in patients chronically infected with HIV-1. Deep phenotyping of NK cells was performed using peripheral blood from patients with newly diagnosed AML (n = 48, HEMATOBIO cohort, NCT02320656) and healthy subjects (n = 18) by mass cytometry. We showed evidence of a moderate to drastic accumulation of CD56-CD16+ unconventional NK cells in 27% of patients. These NK cells displayed decreased expression of NKG2A as well as the triggering receptors NKp30 and NKp46, in line with previous observations in HIV-infected patients. High-dimensional characterization of these NK cells highlighted a decreased expression of three additional major triggering receptors required for NK cell activation, NKG2D, DNAM-1, and CD96. A high proportion of CD56-CD16+ NK cells at diagnosis was associated with an adverse clinical outcome and decreased overall survival (HR = 0.13; P = 0.0002) and event-free survival (HR = 0.33; P = 0.018) and retained statistical significance in multivariate analysis. Pseudotime analysis of the NK cell compartment highlighted a disruption of the maturation process, with a bifurcation from conventional NK cells toward CD56-CD16+ NK cells. Overall, our data suggest that the accumulation of CD56-CD16+ NK cells may be the consequence of immune escape from innate immunity during AML progression.
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Reduced frequency of cytotoxic CD56 dim CD16 + NK cells leads to impaired antibody-dependent degranulation in EBV-positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:13-24. [PMID: 33993319 PMCID: PMC8738354 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02956-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Around 30–50% of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) cases in immunocompetent individuals from industrialized countries are associated with the B-lymphotropic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Although natural killer (NK) cells exhibit anti-viral and anti-tumoral functions, virtually nothing is known about quantitative and qualitative differences in NK cells in patients with EBV+ cHL vs. EBV- cHL. Here, we prospectively investigated 36 cHL patients without known immune suppression or overt immunodeficiency at diagnosis. All 10 EBV+ cHL patients and 25 out 26 EBV- cHL were seropositive for EBV antibodies, and EBV+ cHL patients presented with higher plasma EBV DNA levels compared to EBV- cHL patients. We show that the CD56dim CD16+ NK cell subset was decreased in frequency in EBV+ cHL patients compared to EBV- cHL patients. This quantitative deficiency translates into an impaired CD56dim NK cell mediated degranulation toward rituximab-coated HLA class 1 negative lymphoblastoid cells in EBV+ compared to EBV- cHL patients. We finally observed a trend to a decrease in the rituximab-associated degranulation and ADCC of in vitro expanded NK cells of EBV+ cHL compared to healthy controls. Our findings may impact on the design of adjunctive treatment targeting antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in EBV+ cHL.
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25
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Roles of Lytic Viral Replication and Co-Infections in the Oncogenesis and Immune Control of the Epstein-Barr Virus. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092275. [PMID: 34068598 PMCID: PMC8126045 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) colonizes more than 95% of the adult human population. Its cancer-forming potential is usually contained by lifelong immune control. Genetic alterations and immune modulation by co-infection point towards cytotoxic lymphocytes, such as natural killer and CD8+ T cells, as the main pillars of this immune protection. In this review, we discuss how the EBV infection program that leads to infectious virion production and co-infections, such as with malaria parasites, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), modulate this immune control. Abstract Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is the prototypic human tumor virus whose continuous lifelong immune control is required to prevent lymphomagenesis in the more than 90% of the human adult population that are healthy carriers of the virus. Here, we review recent evidence that this immune control has not only to target latent oncogenes, but also lytic replication of EBV. Furthermore, genetic variations identify the molecular machinery of cytotoxic lymphocytes as essential for this immune control and recent studies in mice with reconstituted human immune system components (humanized mice) have begun to provide insights into the mechanistic role of these molecules during EBV infection. Finally, EBV often does not act in isolation to cause disease. Some of EBV infection-modulating co-infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), have been modeled in humanized mice. These preclinical in vivo models for EBV infection, lymphomagenesis, and cell-mediated immune control do not only promise a better understanding of the biology of this human tumor virus, but also the possibility to explore vaccine candidates against it.
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KSHV infection drives poorly cytotoxic CD56-negative natural killer cell differentiation in vivo upon KSHV/EBV dual infection. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109056. [PMID: 33951431 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpesvirus infections shape the human natural killer (NK) cell compartment. While Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) expands immature NKG2A+ NK cells, human cytomegalovirus (CMV) drives accumulation of adaptive NKG2C+ NK cells. Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a close relative of EBV, and both are associated with lymphomas, including primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), which nearly always harbors both viruses. In this study, KSHV dual infection of mice with reconstituted human immune system components leads to the accumulation of CD56-CD16+CD38+CXCR6+ NK cells. CD56-CD16+ NK cells were also more frequently found in KSHV-seropositive Kenyan children. This NK cell subset is poorly cytotoxic against otherwise-NK-cell-susceptible and antibody-opsonized targets. Accordingly, NK cell depletion does not significantly alter KSHV infection in humanized mice. These data suggest that KSHV might escape NK-cell-mediated immune control by driving CD56-CD16+ NK cell differentiation.
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27
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Systems analysis and controlled malaria infection in Europeans and Africans elucidate naturally acquired immunity. Nat Immunol 2021; 22:654-665. [PMID: 33888898 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-021-00911-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Controlled human infections provide opportunities to study the interaction between the immune system and malaria parasites, which is essential for vaccine development. Here, we compared immune signatures of malaria-naive Europeans and of Africans with lifelong malaria exposure using mass cytometry, RNA sequencing and data integration, before and 5 and 11 days after venous inoculation with Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites. We observed differences in immune cell populations, antigen-specific responses and gene expression profiles between Europeans and Africans and among Africans with differing degrees of immunity. Before inoculation, an activated/differentiated state of both innate and adaptive cells, including elevated CD161+CD4+ T cells and interferon-γ production, predicted Africans capable of controlling parasitemia. After inoculation, the rapidity of the transcriptional response and clusters of CD4+ T cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells and innate T cells were among the features distinguishing Africans capable of controlling parasitemia from susceptible individuals. These findings can guide the development of a vaccine effective in malaria-endemic regions.
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28
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Wijaya RS, Read SA, Schibeci S, Han S, Azardaryany MK, van der Poorten D, Lin R, Yuen L, Lam V, Douglas MW, George J, Ahlenstiel G. Expansion of dysfunctional CD56-CD16+ NK cells in chronic hepatitis B patients. Liver Int 2021; 41:969-981. [PMID: 33411395 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells are primary innate effector cells that play an important role in the control of human viral infections. During chronic viral infection, NK cells undergo significant changes in phenotype, function and subset distribution, including the appearance of CD56-CD16+ (CD56-) NK cells, previously identified in chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus infection. However, the presence of CD56- NK cells in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains unknown. METHODS Phenotype and function of CD56- NK cells from patients with CHB (n = 28) were assessed using flow cytometry and in vitro stimulation with HBV antigen. RESULTS CHB patients had a higher frequency of CD56- NK cells compared to healthy controls in peripheral blood (6.2% vs 1.4%, P < .0001). Compared to CD56+ NK cells, CD56- NK cells had increased expression of inhibitory receptors, and reduced expression of activating receptors, as measured by MFI and qPCR. CD56- NK cells were less responsive to target cell and cytokine stimulation compared to their CD56+ counterparts. In addition, CD56- NK cells demonstrated defective dendritic cells (DCs) interactions resulting in reduced DCs maturation, lower expression of NK CD69 and impaired capacity of NK cells to eliminate immature DCs in co-culture studies. Finally, frequency of CD56- NK cells was positively correlated with serum HBV DNA levels. CONCLUSION Chronic HBV infection induces the expansion of highly dysfunctional of CD56- NK cells that likely contribute to inefficient innate and adaptive antiviral immune response in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratna S Wijaya
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Tangerang, Indonesia
| | - Scott A Read
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Blacktown Clinical School, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, NSW, Australia.,Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Schibeci
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Shuanglin Han
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Mahmoud K Azardaryany
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Rita Lin
- Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Lawrence Yuen
- Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Vincent Lam
- Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark W Douglas
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Golo Ahlenstiel
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Blacktown Clinical School, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, NSW, Australia.,Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown, NSW, Australia
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29
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Natural Killer Cells in Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081836. [PMID: 33921413 PMCID: PMC8068932 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are life-threatening complications arising after solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantations. Although the majority of these lymphoproliferations are of B cell origin, and are frequently associated with primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection or reactivation in the post-transplant period, rare cases of T cell and natural killer (NK) cell-originated PTLDs have also been described. A general assumption is that PTLDs result from the impairment of anti-viral and anti-tumoral immunosurveillance due to the long-term use of immunosuppressants in transplant recipients. T cell impairment is known to play a critical role in the immune-pathogenesis of post-transplant EBV-linked complications, while the role of NK cells has been less investigated, and is probably different between EBV-positive and EBV-negative PTLDs. As a part of the innate immune response, NK cells are critical for protecting hosts during the early response to virus-induced tumors. The complexity of their function is modulated by a myriad of activating and inhibitory receptors expressed on cell surfaces. This review outlines our current understanding of NK cells in the pathogenesis of PTLD, and discusses their potential implications for current PTLD therapies and novel NK cell-based therapies for the containment of these disorders.
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30
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A NKp80-Based Identification Strategy Reveals that CD56 neg NK Cells Are Not Completely Dysfunctional in Health and Disease. iScience 2020; 23:101298. [PMID: 32622268 PMCID: PMC7334412 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are usually identified by the absence of other lineage markers, due to the lack of cell-surface-specific receptors. CD56neg NK cells, classically identified as CD56negCD16+, are very scarce in the peripheral blood of healthy people but they expand in some pathological conditions. However, studies on CD56neg NK cells had revealed different results regarding the phenotype and functionality. This could be due to, among others, the unstable expression of CD16, which hinders CD56neg NK cells’ proper identification. Hence, we aim to determine an alternative surface marker to CD16 to better identify CD56neg NK cells. We have found that NKp80 is superior to CD16. Furthermore, we found differences between the functionality of CD56negNKp80+ and CD56negCD16+, suggesting that the effector functions of CD56neg NK cells are not as diminished as previously thought. We proposed NKp80 as a noteworthy marker to identify and accurately re-characterize human CD56neg NK cells. NKp80 is a more precise marker than CD16 in order to identify CD56neg NK cells CD16, but no NKp80, is downmodulated after cryopreservation and cell activation CD56neg NK cells effector functions are not as diminished as previously described
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31
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Variations in killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor and human leukocyte antigen genes and immunity to malaria. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 17:799-806. [PMID: 32541835 PMCID: PMC7294524 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world. Immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum malaria vary among individuals and between populations. Human genetic variation in immune system genes is likely to play a role in this heterogeneity. Natural killer (NK) cells produce inflammatory cytokines in response to malaria infection, kill intraerythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum parasites by cytolysis, and participate in the initiation and development of adaptive immune responses to plasmodial infection. These functions are modulated by interactions between killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). Therefore, variations in KIR and HLA genes can have a direct impact on NK cell functions. Understanding the role of KIRs and HLAs in immunity to malaria can help to better characterize antimalarial immune responses. In this review, we summarize the different KIRs and HLAs associated with immunity to malaria thus far.
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32
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Forconi CS, Oduor CI, Oluoch PO, Ong'echa JM, Münz C, Bailey JA, Moormann AM. A New Hope for CD56 negCD16 pos NK Cells as Unconventional Cytotoxic Mediators: An Adaptation to Chronic Diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:162. [PMID: 32373555 PMCID: PMC7186373 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells play an essential role in antiviral and anti-tumoral immune responses. In peripheral blood, NK cells are commonly classified into two major subsets: CD56brightCD16neg and CD56dimCD16pos despite the characterization of a CD56negCD16pos subset 25 years ago. Since then, several studies have described the prevalence of an CD56negCD16pos NK cell subset in viral non-controllers as the basis for their NK cell dysfunction. However, the mechanistic basis for their cytotoxic impairment is unclear. Recently, using a strict flow cytometry gating strategy to exclude monocytes, we reported an accumulation of CD56negCD16pos NK cells in Plasmodium falciparum malaria-exposed children and pediatric cancer patients diagnosed with endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL). Here, we use live-sorted cells, histological staining, bulk RNA-sequencing and flow cytometry to confirm that this CD56negCD16pos NK cell subset has the same morphological features as the other NK cell subsets and a similar transcriptional profile compared to CD56dimCD16pos NK cells with only 120 genes differentially expressed (fold change of 1.5, p < 0.01 and FDR<0.05) out of 9235 transcripts. CD56negCD16pos NK cells have a distinct profile with significantly higher expression of MPEG1 (perforin 2), FCGR3B (CD16b), FCGR2A, and FCGR2B (CD32A and B) as well as CD6, CD84, HLA-DR, LILRB1/2, and PDCD1 (PD-1), whereas Interleukin 18 (IL18) receptor genes (IL18RAP and IL18R1), cytotoxic genes such as KLRF1 (NKp80) and NCR1 (NKp46), and inhibitory HAVCR2 (TIM-3) are significantly down-regulated compared to CD56dimCD16pos NK cells. Together, these data confirm that CD56negCD16pos cells are legitimate NK cells, yet their transcriptional and protein expression profiles suggest their cytotoxic potential is mediated by pathways reliant on antibodies such as antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent respiratory burst (ADRB), and enhanced by complement receptor 3 (CR3) and FAS/FASL interaction. Our findings support the premise that chronic diseases induce NK cell modifications that circumvent proinflammatory mediators involved in direct cytotoxicity. Therefore, individuals with such altered NK cell profiles may respond differently to NK-mediated immunotherapies, infections or vaccines depending on which cytotoxic mechanisms are being engaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Forconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Cliff I Oduor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.,Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Peter O Oluoch
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, United States.,Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John M Ong'echa
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Christian Münz
- Laboratory of Viral Immunology, Experimental Immunology Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Ann M Moormann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, United States
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33
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Müller-Durovic B, Grählert J, Devine OP, Akbar AN, Hess C. CD56-negative NK cells with impaired effector function expand in CMV and EBV co-infected healthy donors with age. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:724-740. [PMID: 30686790 PMCID: PMC6366961 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer cells lacking expression of CD56 (CD56neg NK cells) have been described in chronic HIV and hepatitis C virus infection. Features and functions of CD56neg NK cells in the context of latent infection with CMV and / or EBV with age are not known. In a cohort of healthy donors >60 years of age, we found that co-infection with CMV and EBV drives expansion of CD56neg NK cells. Functionally, CD56neg NK cells displayed reduced cytotoxic capacity and IFN-γ production, a feature that was enhanced with CMV / EBV co-infection. Further, the frequency of CD56neg NK cells correlated with accumulation of end-stage-differentiated T cells and a reduced CD4 / CD8 T cell ratio, reflecting an immune risk profile. CD56neg NK cells had a mature phenotype characterized by low CD57 and KIR expression and lacked characteristics of cell senescence. No changes in their activating NK cell receptor expression, and no upregulation of the negative co-stimulation receptors PD-1 or TIM-3 were observed. In all, our data identify expansion of dysfunctional CD56neg NK cells in CMV+EBV+ elderly individuals suggesting that these cells may function as shape-shifters of cellular immunity and argue for a previously unrecognized role of EBV in mediating immune risk in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jasmin Grählert
- University Hospital Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Oliver P Devine
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Arne N Akbar
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christoph Hess
- University Hospital Basel, Department of Biomedicine, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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34
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Quintana MDP, Smith-Togobo C, Moormann A, Hviid L. Endemic Burkitt lymphoma - an aggressive childhood cancer linked to Plasmodium falciparum exposure, but not to exposure to other malaria parasites. APMIS 2020; 128:129-135. [PMID: 32133709 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The prevalence of BL is ten-fold higher in areas with stable transmission of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, where it is the most common childhood cancer, and is referred to as endemic BL (eBL). In addition to its association with exposure to P. falciparum infection, eBL is strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection (>90%). This is in contrast to BL as it occurs outside P. falciparum-endemic areas (sporadic BL), where only a minority of the tumours are EBV-positive. Although the striking geographical overlap in the distribution of eBL and P. falciparum was noted shortly after the first detailed description of eBL in 1958, the molecular details of the interaction between malaria and eBL remain unresolved. It is furthermore unexplained why exposure to P. falciparum appears to be essentially a prerequisite to the development of eBL, whereas other types of malaria parasites that infect humans have no impact. In this brief review, we summarize how malaria exposure may precipitate the malignant transformation of a B-cell clone that leads to eBL, and propose an explanation for why P. falciparum uniquely has this capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Pilar Quintana
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilia Smith-Togobo
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Ann Moormann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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35
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NK Cells in the Treatment of Hematological Malignancies. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8101557. [PMID: 31569769 PMCID: PMC6832953 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have the innate ability to kill cancer cells, however, tumor cells may acquire the capability of evading the immune response, thereby leading to malignancies. Restoring or potentiation of this natural antitumor activity of NK cells has become a relevant therapeutic approach in cancer and, particularly, in hematological cancers. The use of tumor-specific antibodies that promote antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) through the ligation of CD16 receptor on NK cells has become standard for many hematologic malignancies. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is another key therapeutic strategy that harnesses the alloreactivity of NK cells against cancer cells. This strategy may be refined by adoptive transfer of NK cells that may be previously expanded, activated, or redirected (chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells) against cancer cells. The antitumor activity of NK cells can also be boosted by cytokines or immunostimulatory drugs such as lenalidomide or pomalidomide. Finally, targeting immunosubversive mechanisms developed by hematological cancers and, in particular, using antibodies that block NK cell inhibitory receptors and checkpoint proteins are novel promising therapeutic approaches in these malignant diseases.
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36
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High prevalence of CD3, NK, and NKT cells in the graft predicts adverse outcome after matched-related and unrelated transplantations with post transplantation cyclophosphamide. Bone Marrow Transplant 2019; 55:544-552. [PMID: 31541204 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-019-0665-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The predictive value of graft composition and plasma biomarkers on the outcome of allogeneic HSCT is well known for conventional GVHD prophylaxis based on calcineurin inhibitors with or without antithymocyte globulin. Currently, there is limited data whether these results could be translated to post transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy). The prospective extension cohort of NCT02294552 trial enrolled 79 adult patients with acute leukemia in CR. Twenty-six received matched-related bone marrow (BM) grafts with single-agent PTCy and 53 received unrelated peripheral blood stem cell graft (PBSC) with PTCy, tacrolimus, and MMF. The grafts were studied by the flow cytometry, and plasma samples were analyzed by ELISA. In the cluster and major component analysis, we determined that transplantation from donors with high content of CD3, NKT, and CD16-CD56 + subpopulations in the PBSC grafts was associated with poor immunological recovery and compromised event-free survival (50% vs. 80%, HR 2.93, p = 0.015) both due to increased relapse incidence and non-relapse mortality. The significant independent predictor of moderate and severe chronic GVHD was the high prevalence of and iNKT, Vβ11, and double-positive cells in the PBSC grafts from young donors (HR 2.75, p = 0.0483). No patterns could be identified for BM grafts and for plasma biomarkers.
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37
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Moormann AM, Nixon CE, Forconi CS. Immune effector mechanisms in malaria: An update focusing on human immunity. Parasite Immunol 2019; 41:e12628. [PMID: 30972776 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed dramatic decreases in malaria-associated mortality and morbidity around the world. This progress has largely been due to intensified malaria control measures, implementation of rapid diagnostics and establishing a network to anticipate and mitigate antimalarial drug resistance. However, the ultimate tool for malaria prevention is the development and implementation of an effective vaccine. To date, malaria vaccine efforts have focused on determining which of the thousands of antigens expressed by Plasmodium falciparum are instrumental targets of protective immunity. The antigenic variation and antigenic polymorphisms arising in parasite genes under immune selection present a daunting challenge for target antigen selection and prioritization, and is a given caveat when interpreting immune recall responses or results from monovalent vaccine trials. Other immune evasion strategies executed by the parasite highlight the myriad of ways in which it can become a recurrent infection. This review provides an update on immune effector mechanisms in malaria and focuses on our improved ability to interrogate the complexity of human immune system, accelerated by recent methodological advances. Appreciating how the human immune landscape influences the effectiveness and longevity of antimalarial immunity will help explain which conditions are necessary for immune effector mechanisms to prevail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Moormann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Christina E Nixon
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Catherine S Forconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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