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An R, Jiang Z, Zhu Y, Jiao S, Pang S. Genomic full-length sequence of the HLA-C*07:154 allele was identified by full-length group-specific sequencing. HLA 2024; 103:e15373. [PMID: 38358079 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15373] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Genomic full-length sequence of HLA-C*07:154 was identified by group-specific sequencing in a Chinese individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run An
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Qingdao Blood Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhi Jiang
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Qingdao Blood Center, Qingdao, China
| | - YuLi Zhu
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Qingdao Blood Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuxian Jiao
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Qingdao Blood Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Shutao Pang
- HLA Typing Laboratory, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Qingdao Blood Center, Qingdao, China
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2
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Bjorgen JC, Dick JK, Cromarty R, Hart GT, Rhein J. NK cell subsets and dysfunction during viral infection: a new avenue for therapeutics? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1267774. [PMID: 37928543 PMCID: PMC10620977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the setting of viral challenge, natural killer (NK) cells play an important role as an early immune responder against infection. During this response, significant changes in the NK cell population occur, particularly in terms of their frequency, location, and subtype prevalence. In this review, changes in the NK cell repertoire associated with several pathogenic viral infections are summarized, with a particular focus placed on changes that contribute to NK cell dysregulation in these settings. This dysregulation, in turn, can contribute to host pathology either by causing NK cells to be hyperresponsive or hyporesponsive. Hyperresponsive NK cells mediate significant host cell death and contribute to generating a hyperinflammatory environment. Hyporesponsive NK cell populations shift toward exhaustion and often fail to limit viral pathogenesis, possibly enabling viral persistence. Several emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at addressing NK cell dysregulation have arisen in the last three decades in the setting of cancer and may prove to hold promise in treating viral diseases. However, the application of such therapeutics to treat viral infections remains critically underexplored. This review briefly explores several therapeutic approaches, including the administration of TGF-β inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive NK cell therapies, CAR NK cells, and NK cell engagers among other therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C. Bjorgen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jenna K. Dick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Ross Cromarty
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Geoffrey T. Hart
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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3
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Volcic M, Wiesmüller L, Kirchhoff F. Small but Highly Versatile: The Viral Accessory Protein Vpu. Annu Rev Virol 2023; 10:243-259. [PMID: 37406340 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-111821-100816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs and SIVs, respectively) encode several small proteins (Vif, Vpr, Nef, Vpu, and Vpx) that are called accessory because they are not generally required for viral replication in cell culture. However, they play complex and important roles for viral immune evasion and spread in vivo. Here, we discuss the diverse functions and the relevance of the viral protein U (Vpu) that is expressed from a bicistronic RNA during the late stage of the viral replication cycle and found only in HIV-1 and closely related SIVs. It is well established that Vpu counteracts the restriction factor tetherin, mediates degradation of the primary viral CD4 receptors, and inhibits activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B. Recent studies identified additional activities and provided new insights into the sophisticated mechanisms by which Vpu enhances and prolongs the release of fully infectious viral particles. In addition, it has been shown that Vpu prevents superinfection not only by degrading CD4 but also by modulating DNA repair mechanisms to promote degradation of nuclear viral complementary DNA in cells that are already productively infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meta Volcic
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany;
| | - Lisa Wiesmüller
- Division of Gynecological Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany;
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4
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Anderson JL, Sandstrom K, Smith WR, Wetzel M, Klenchin VA, Evans DT. MHC Class I Ligands of Rhesus Macaque Killer Cell Ig-like Receptors. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 210:1815-1826. [PMID: 37036309 PMCID: PMC10192222 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Definition of MHC class I ligands of rhesus macaque killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs) is fundamental to NK cell biology in this species as an animal model for infectious diseases, reproductive biology, and transplantation. To provide a more complete foundation for studying NK cell responses, rhesus macaque KIRs representing common allotypes of lineage II KIR genes were tested for interactions with MHC class I molecules representing diverse Macaca mulatta (Mamu)-A, -B, -E, -F, -I, and -AG alleles. KIR-MHC class I interactions were identified by coincubating reporter cell lines bearing chimeric KIR-CD3ζ receptors with target cells expressing individual MHC class I molecules and were corroborated by staining with KIR IgG-Fc fusion proteins. Ligands for 12 KIRs of previously unknown specificity were identified that fell into three general categories: interactions with multiple Mamu-Bw4 molecules, interactions with Mamu-A-related molecules, including allotypes of Mamu-AG and the hybrid Mamu-B*045:03 molecule, or interactions with Mamu-A1*012:01. Whereas most KIRs found to interact with Mamu-Bw4 are inhibitory, most of the KIRs that interact with Mamu-AG are activating. The KIRs that recognize Mamu-A1*012:01 belong to a phylogenetically distinct group of macaque KIRs with a 3-aa deletion in the D0 domain that is also present in human KIR3DL1/S1 and KIR3DL2. This study more than doubles the number of rhesus macaque KIRs with defined MHC class I ligands and identifies interactions with Mamu-AG, -B*045, and -A1*012. These findings support overlapping, but nonredundant, patterns of ligand recognition that reflect extensive functional diversification of these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Anderson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Kjell Sandstrom
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Willow R. Smith
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Molly Wetzel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Vadim A. Klenchin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - David T. Evans
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
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5
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Aguiar VRC, Castelli EC, Single RM, Bashirova A, Ramsuran V, Kulkarni S, Augusto DG, Martin MP, Gutierrez-Arcelus M, Carrington M, Meyer D. Comparison between qPCR and RNA-seq reveals challenges of quantifying HLA expression. Immunogenetics 2023; 75:249-262. [PMID: 36707444 PMCID: PMC9883133 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II loci are essential elements of innate and acquired immunity. Their functions include antigen presentation to T cells leading to cellular and humoral immune responses, and modulation of NK cells. Their exceptional influence on disease outcome has now been made clear by genome-wide association studies. The exons encoding the peptide-binding groove have been the main focus for determining HLA effects on disease susceptibility/pathogenesis. However, HLA expression levels have also been implicated in disease outcome, adding another dimension to the extreme diversity of HLA that impacts variability in immune responses across individuals. To estimate HLA expression, immunogenetic studies traditionally rely on quantitative PCR (qPCR). Adoption of alternative high-throughput technologies such as RNA-seq has been hampered by technical issues due to the extreme polymorphism at HLA genes. Recently, however, multiple bioinformatic methods have been developed to accurately estimate HLA expression from RNA-seq data. This opens an exciting opportunity to quantify HLA expression in large datasets but also brings questions on whether RNA-seq results are comparable to those by qPCR. In this study, we analyze three classes of expression data for HLA class I genes for a matched set of individuals: (a) RNA-seq, (b) qPCR, and (c) cell surface HLA-C expression. We observed a moderate correlation between expression estimates from qPCR and RNA-seq for HLA-A, -B, and -C (0.2 ≤ rho ≤ 0.53). We discuss technical and biological factors which need to be accounted for when comparing quantifications for different molecular phenotypes or using different techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor R. C. Aguiar
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP Brazil ,Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Erick C. Castelli
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit, School of Medicine, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Richard M. Single
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT USA
| | - Arman Bashirova
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD USA ,Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Veron Ramsuran
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD USA ,Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA ,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa ,School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Smita Kulkarni
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD USA ,Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA ,Host-Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Danillo G. Augusto
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD USA ,Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA ,Department of Biological Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC USA ,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR Brazil
| | - Maureen P. Martin
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD USA ,Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Maria Gutierrez-Arcelus
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Mary Carrington
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD USA ,Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA ,Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Diogo Meyer
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP Brazil
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6
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Israr M, Lam F, DeVoti J, Mace EM, Papayannakos C, Abramson A, Steinberg BM, Bonagura VR. PGE 2 expression by HPV6/11-induced respiratory papillomas blocks NK cell activation in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250036. [PMID: 36608264 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250036] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a rare chronic disease caused primarily by human papillomavirus types 6 and 11, consists of repeated growth of premalignant papillomas in the airway. RRP is characterized by multiple abnormalities in innate and adaptive immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in immune surveillance and are part of the innate immune responses that help prevent tumor growth. We identified that papillomas lack classical class I MHC and retain nonclassical class I MHC expression. Moreover, in this study, we have identified and characterized the mechanism that blocks NK cell targeting of papilloma cells. Here, we show for the first time that the PGE2 secreted by papilloma cells directly inhibits NK cells activation/degranulation principally through the PGE2 receptor EP2, and to a lesser extent through EP4 signaling. Thus, papilloma cells have a potent mechanism to block NK cell function that likely supports papilloma cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Israr
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Fung Lam
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - James DeVoti
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia Medical Center, NY, USA
| | | | - Allan Abramson
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Bettie M Steinberg
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Vincent R Bonagura
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
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7
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Loi E, Moi L, Cabras P, Arduino G, Costanzo G, Del Giacco S, Erlich HA, Firinu D, Caddori A, Zavattari P. HLA-C dysregulation as a possible mechanism of immune evasion in SARS-CoV-2 and other RNA-virus infections. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1011829. [PMID: 36325330 PMCID: PMC9618630 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1011829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the mechanisms by which viruses can evade the host’s immune system is to modify the host’s DNA methylation pattern. This work aims to investigate the DNA methylation and gene expression profile of COVID-19 patients, divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic, and healthy controls, focusing on genes involved in the immune response. In this study, changes in the methylome of COVID-19 patients’ upper airways cells, the first barrier against respiratory infections and the first cells presenting viral antigens, are shown for the first time. Our results showed alterations in the methylation pattern of genes encoding proteins implicated in the response against pathogens, in particular the HLA-C gene, also important for the T-cell mediated memory response. HLA-C expression significantly decreases in COVID-19 patients, especially in those with a more severe prognosis and without other possibly confounding co-morbidities. Moreover, our bionformatic analysis revealed that the identified methylation alteration overlaps with enhancers regulating HLA-C expression, suggesting an additional mechanism exploited by SARS-CoV-2 to inhibit this fundamental player in the host’s immune response. HLA-C could therefore represent both a prognostic marker and an excellent therapeutic target, also suggesting a preventive intervention that conjugate a virus-specific antigenic stimulation with an adjuvant increasing the T-cell mediated memory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Loi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Loredana Moi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Cabras
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital SS. Trinità, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Arduino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital SS. Trinità, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Costanzo
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Henry A. Erlich
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aldo Caddori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital SS. Trinità, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zavattari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Patrizia Zavattari,
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8
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Vollmers S, Lobermeyer A, Niehrs A, Fittje P, Indenbirken D, Nakel J, Virdi S, Brias S, Trenkner T, Sauer G, Peine S, Behrens GM, Lehmann C, Meurer A, Pauli R, Postel N, Roider J, Scholten S, Spinner CD, Stephan C, Wolf E, Wyen C, Richert L, Norman PJ, Sauter J, Schmidt AH, Hoelzemer A, Altfeld M, Körner C. Host KIR/HLA-C Genotypes Determine HIV-Mediated Changes of the NK Cell Repertoire and Are Associated With Vpu Sequence Variations Impacting Downmodulation of HLA-C. Front Immunol 2022; 13:922252. [PMID: 35911762 PMCID: PMC9334850 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.922252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a pivotal role in viral immunity, utilizing a large array of activating and inhibitory receptors to identify and eliminate virus-infected cells. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) represent a highly polymorphic receptor family, regulating NK cell activity and determining the ability to recognize target cells. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules serve as the primary ligand for KIRs. Herein, HLA-C stands out as being the dominant ligand for the majority of KIRs. Accumulating evidence indicated that interactions between HLA-C and its inhibitory KIR2DL receptors (KIR2DL1/L2/L3) can drive HIV-1-mediated immune evasion and thus may contribute to the intrinsic control of HIV-1 infection. Of particular interest in this context is the recent observation that HIV-1 is able to adapt to host HLA-C genotypes through Vpu-mediated downmodulation of HLA-C. However, our understanding of the complex interplay between KIR/HLA immunogenetics, NK cell-mediated immune pressure and HIV-1 immune escape is still limited. Therefore, we investigated the impact of specific KIR/HLA-C combinations on the NK cell receptor repertoire and HIV-1 Vpu protein sequence variations of 122 viremic, untreated HIV-1+ individuals. Compared to 60 HIV-1- controls, HIV-1 infection was associated with significant changes within the NK cell receptor repertoire, including reduced percentages of NK cells expressing NKG2A, CD8, and KIR2DS4. In contrast, the NKG2C+ and KIR3DL2+ NK cell sub-populations from HIV-1+ individuals was enlarged compared to HIV-1- controls. Stratification along KIR/HLA-C genotypes revealed a genotype-dependent expansion of KIR2DL1+ NK cells that was ultimately associated with increased binding affinities between KIR2DL1 and HLA-C allotypes. Lastly, our data hinted to a preferential selection of Vpu sequence variants that were associated with HLA-C downmodulation in individuals with high KIR2DL/HLA-C binding affinities. Altogether, our study provides evidence that HIV-1-associated changes in the KIR repertoire of NK cells are to some extent predetermined by host KIR2DL/HLA-C genotypes. Furthermore, analysis of Vpu sequence polymorphisms indicates that differential KIR2DL/HLA-C binding affinities may serve as an additional mechanism how host genetics impact immune evasion by HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pia Fittje
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Sebastien Brias
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- First Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Gabriel Sauer
- Department I for Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sven Peine
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Georg M.N. Behrens
- Department for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Clara Lehmann
- Department I for Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anja Meurer
- Center for Internal Medicine and Infectiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Ramona Pauli
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum (MVZ) am Isartor, Munich, Germany
| | - Nils Postel
- Prinzmed, Practice for Infectious Diseases, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Roider
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Department of Infectious Diseases, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Christoph D. Spinner
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Internal Medicine II, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Stephan
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Wyen
- Department I for Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Praxis am Ebertplatz, Cologne, Germany
| | - Laura Richert
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm U1219 Bordeaux Population Health, Inria Sistm, Bordeaux, France
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | | | - Angelique Hoelzemer
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- First Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Körner
- Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christian Körner,
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9
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Vollmers S, Lobermeyer A, Körner C. The New Kid on the Block: HLA-C, a Key Regulator of Natural Killer Cells in Viral Immunity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113108. [PMID: 34831331 PMCID: PMC8620871 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The human leukocyte antigen system (HLA) is a cluster of highly polymorphic genes essential for the proper function of the immune system, and it has been associated with a wide range of diseases. HLA class I molecules present intracellular host- and pathogen-derived peptides to effector cells of the immune system, inducing immune tolerance in healthy conditions or triggering effective immune responses in pathological situations. HLA-C is the most recently evolved HLA class I molecule, only present in humans and great apes. Differentiating from its older siblings, HLA-A and HLA-B, HLA-C exhibits distinctive features in its expression and interaction partners. HLA-C serves as a natural ligand for multiple members of the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family, which are predominately expressed by natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are crucial for the early control of viral infections and accumulating evidence indicates that interactions between HLA-C and its respective KIR receptors determine the outcome and progression of viral infections. In this review, we focus on the unique role of HLA-C in regulating NK cell functions and its consequences in the setting of viral infections.
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10
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Aguiar VRC, Augusto DG, Castelli EC, Hollenbach JA, Meyer D, Nunes K, Petzl-Erler ML. An immunogenetic view of COVID-19. Genet Mol Biol 2021; 44:e20210036. [PMID: 34436508 PMCID: PMC8388242 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2021-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Meeting the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic requires an interdisciplinary approach. In this context, integrating knowledge of immune function with an understanding of how genetic variation influences the nature of immunity is a key challenge. Immunogenetics can help explain the heterogeneity of susceptibility and protection to the viral infection and disease progression. Here, we review the knowledge developed so far, discussing fundamental genes for triggering the innate and adaptive immune responses associated with a viral infection, especially with the SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms. We emphasize the role of the HLA and KIR genes, discussing what has been uncovered about their role in COVID-19 and addressing methodological challenges of studying these genes. Finally, we comment on questions that arise when studying admixed populations, highlighting the case of Brazil. We argue that the interplay between immunology and an understanding of genetic associations can provide an important contribution to our knowledge of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor R. C. Aguiar
- Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Genética e Biologia
Evolutiva, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Danillo G. Augusto
- University of California, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences,
Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Genética, Curitiba,
PR, Brazil
| | - Erick C. Castelli
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu,
Departamento de Patologia, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Jill A. Hollenbach
- University of California, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences,
Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Diogo Meyer
- Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Genética e Biologia
Evolutiva, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Kelly Nunes
- Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Genética e Biologia
Evolutiva, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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11
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Legrand N, David G, Rodallec A, Gaultier A, Salmon D, Cesbron A, Wittkop L, Raffi F, Gendzekhadze K, Retière C, Allavena C, Gagne K. Influence of HLA-C environment on the spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C in European HIV-HCV co-infected individuals. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 204:107-124. [PMID: 33314121 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell functions are regulated by diverse inhibitory and activating receptors, including killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), which interact with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. Some KIR/HLA genetic combinations were reported associated with spontaneous clearance (SC) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) but with discordant results, possibly reflecting KIR and/or HLA gene polymorphism according to populations. KIR/HLA genetic combinations associated with both an exhaustive NK and T cell repertoire were investigated in a cohort of HIV-HCV co-infected individuals with either SC (n = 68) or chronic infection (CI, n = 163) compared to uninfected blood donors [controls (Ctrl), n = 100]. Multivariate analysis showed that the HLA C2C2 environment was associated with SC only in European HIV-HCV co-infected individuals [odds ratio (OR) = 4·30, 95% confidence interval = 1·57-12·25, P = 0·005]. KIR2D+ NK cell repertoire and potential of degranulation of KIR2DL1/S1+ NK cells were similar in the SC European cohort compared to uninfected individuals. In contrast, decreased frequencies of KIR2DS1+ and KIR2DL2+ NK cells were detected in the CI group of Europeans compared to SC and a decreased frequency of KIR2DL1/S1+ NK cells compared to controls. Regarding T cells, higher frequencies of DNAX accessory molecule-1 (DNAM-1)+ and CD57+ T cells were observed in SC in comparison to controls. Interestingly, SC subjects emphasized increased frequencies of KIR2DL2/L3/S2+ T cells compared to CI subjects. Our study underlines that the C2 environment may activate efficient KIR2DL1+ NK cells in a viral context and maintain a KIR2DL2/L3/S2+ mature T cell response in the absence of KIR2DL2 engagement with its cognate ligands in SC group of HCV-HIV co-infected European patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Legrand
- Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS), Nantes, France.,Université de Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France
| | - G David
- Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS), Nantes, France.,Université de Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France
| | - A Rodallec
- Department of Virology, CHU Nantes Hotel Dieu, Nantes, France
| | - A Gaultier
- Department of Biostatistics, CHU Hotel Dieu, Nantes, France
| | - D Salmon
- AP-HP Department of Infectious Diseases, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | - L Wittkop
- INSERM UMR1219, Université de Bordeaux ISPED, Bordeaux, France
| | - F Raffi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nantes, France
| | - K Gendzekhadze
- Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - C Retière
- Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS), Nantes, France.,Université de Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Nantes, France
| | - C Allavena
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nantes, France
| | - K Gagne
- Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS), Nantes, France.,Université de Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO, Nantes, France.,LabEx Transplantex, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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12
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Hopfensperger K, Richard J, Stürzel CM, Bibollet-Ruche F, Apps R, Leoz M, Plantier JC, Hahn BH, Finzi A, Kirchhoff F, Sauter D. Convergent Evolution of HLA-C Downmodulation in HIV-1 and HIV-2. mBio 2020; 11:e00782-20. [PMID: 32665270 PMCID: PMC7360927 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00782-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA-C-mediated antigen presentation induces the killing of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected CD4+ T cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). To evade killing, many HIV-1 group M strains decrease HLA-C surface levels using their accessory protein Vpu. However, some HIV-1 group M isolates lack this activity, possibly to prevent the activation of natural killer (NK) cells. Analyzing diverse primate lentiviruses, we found that Vpu-mediated HLA-C downregulation is not limited to pandemic group M but is also found in HIV-1 groups O and P as well as several simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs). We show that Vpu targets HLA-C primarily at the protein level, independently of its ability to suppress NF-κB-driven gene expression, and that in some viral lineages, HLA-C downregulation may come at the cost of efficient counteraction of the restriction factor tetherin. Remarkably, HIV-2, which does not carry a vpu gene, uses its accessory protein Vif to decrease HLA-C surface expression. This Vif activity requires intact binding sites for the Cullin5/Elongin ubiquitin ligase complex but is separable from its ability to counteract APOBEC3G. Similar to HIV-1 Vpu, the degree of HIV-2 Vif-mediated HLA-C downregulation varies considerably among different virus isolates. In agreement with opposing selection pressures in vivo, we show that the reduction of HLA-C surface levels by HIV-2 Vif is accompanied by increased NK cell-mediated killing. In summary, our results highlight the complex role of HLA-C in lentiviral infections and demonstrate that HIV-1 and HIV-2 have evolved at least two independent mechanisms to decrease HLA-C levels on infected cells.IMPORTANCE Genome-wide association studies suggest that HLA-C expression is a major determinant of viral load set points and CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-infected individuals. On the one hand, efficient HLA-C expression enables the killing of infected cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). On the other hand, HLA-C sends inhibitory signals to natural killer (NK) cells and enhances the infectivity of newly produced HIV particles. HIV-1 group M viruses modulate HLA-C expression using the accessory protein Vpu, possibly to balance CTL- and NK cell-mediated immune responses. Here, we show that the second human immunodeficiency virus, HIV-2, can use its accessory protein Vif to evade HLA-C-mediated restriction. Furthermore, our mutational analyses provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. In summary, our results reveal how the two human AIDS viruses modulate HLA-C, a key component of the antiviral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Richard
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Christina M Stürzel
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Frederic Bibollet-Ruche
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Richard Apps
- NIH Center for Human Immunology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marie Leoz
- Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, UNICAEN, GRAM 2.0, Rouen, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Plantier
- Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, UNICAEN, GRAM 2.0, Rouen University Hospital, Department of Virology, Laboratory Associated with the National Reference Center on HIV, Rouen, France
| | - Beatrice H Hahn
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrés Finzi
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Sauter
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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13
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Umviligihozo G, Cobarrubias KD, Chandrarathna S, Jin SW, Reddy N, Byakwaga H, Muzoora C, Bwana MB, Lee GQ, Hunt PW, Martin JN, Brumme CJ, Bangsberg DR, Karita E, Allen S, Hunter E, Ndung'u T, Brumme ZL, Brockman MA. Differential Vpu-Mediated CD4 and Tetherin Downregulation Functions among Major HIV-1 Group M Subtypes. J Virol 2020; 94:e00293-20. [PMID: 32376625 PMCID: PMC7343213 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00293-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Downregulation of BST-2/tetherin and CD4 by HIV-1 viral protein U (Vpu) promotes viral egress and allows infected cells to evade host immunity. Little is known however about the natural variability in these Vpu functions among the genetically diverse viral subtypes that contribute to the HIV-1 pandemic. We collected Vpu isolates from 332 treatment-naive individuals living with chronic HIV-1 infection in Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, and Canada. Together, these Vpu isolates represent four major HIV-1 group M subtypes (A [n = 63], B [n = 84], C [n = 94], and D [n = 59]) plus intersubtype recombinants and uncommon strains (n = 32). The ability of each Vpu clone to downregulate endogenous CD4 and tetherin was quantified using flow cytometry following transfection into an immortalized T-cell line and compared to that of a reference Vpu clone derived from HIV-1 subtype B NL4.3. Overall, the median CD4 downregulation function of natural Vpu isolates was similar to that of NL4.3 (1.01 [interquartile range {IQR}, 0.86 to 1.18]), while the median tetherin downregulation function was moderately lower than that of NL4.3 (0.90 [0.79 to 0.97]). Both Vpu functions varied significantly among HIV-1 subtypes (Kruskal-Wallis P < 0.0001). Specifically, subtype C clones exhibited the lowest CD4 and tetherin downregulation activities, while subtype D and B clones were most functional for both activities. We also identified Vpu polymorphisms associated with CD4 or tetherin downregulation function and validated six of these using site-directed mutagenesis. Our results highlight the marked extent to which Vpu function varies among global HIV-1 strains, raising the possibility that natural variation in this accessory protein may contribute to viral pathogenesis and/or spread.IMPORTANCE The HIV-1 accessory protein Vpu enhances viral spread by downregulating CD4 and BST-2/tetherin on the surface of infected cells. Natural variability in these Vpu functions may contribute to HIV-1 pathogenesis, but this has not been investigated among the diverse viral subtypes that contribute to the HIV-1 pandemic. In this study, we found that Vpu function differs significantly among HIV-1 subtypes A, B, C, and D. On average, subtype C clones displayed the lowest ability to downregulate both CD4 and tetherin, while subtype B and D clones were more functional. We also identified Vpu polymorphisms that associate with functional differences among HIV-1 isolates and subtypes. Our study suggests that genetic diversity in Vpu may play an important role in the differential pathogenesis and/or spread of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Umviligihozo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kyle D Cobarrubias
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sandali Chandrarathna
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steven W Jin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole Reddy
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - Helen Byakwaga
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Conrad Muzoora
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mwebesa B Bwana
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Guinevere Q Lee
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter W Hunt
- University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeff N Martin
- University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chanson J Brumme
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Etienne Karita
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group-Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group-Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eric Hunter
- Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group-Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
- Emory Vaccine Center at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thumbi Ndung'u
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zabrina L Brumme
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark A Brockman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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14
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Bystanders or real players: virtual memory T cells keep chronic infections in check. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 17:797-798. [PMID: 32451451 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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15
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Prévost J, Edgar CR, Richard J, Trothen SM, Jacob RA, Mumby MJ, Pickering S, Dubé M, Kaufmann DE, Kirchhoff F, Neil SJD, Finzi A, Dikeakos JD. HIV-1 Vpu Downregulates Tim-3 from the Surface of Infected CD4 + T Cells. J Virol 2020; 94:e01999-19. [PMID: 31941771 PMCID: PMC7081912 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01999-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Along with other immune checkpoints, T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3) is expressed on exhausted CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and is upregulated on the surface of these cells upon infection by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Recent reports have suggested an antiviral role for Tim-3. However, the molecular determinants of HIV-1 which modulate cell surface Tim-3 levels have yet to be determined. Here, we demonstrate that HIV-1 Vpu downregulates Tim-3 from the surface of infected primary CD4+ T cells, thus attenuating HIV-1-induced upregulation of Tim-3. We also provide evidence that the transmembrane domain of Vpu is required for Tim-3 downregulation. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we determined that Vpu is in close proximity to Tim-3 and alters its subcellular localization by directing it to Rab 5-positive (Rab 5+) vesicles and targeting it for sequestration within the trans- Golgi network (TGN). Intriguingly, Tim-3 knockdown and Tim-3 blockade increased HIV-1 replication in primary CD4+ T cells, thereby suggesting that Tim-3 expression might represent a natural immune mechanism limiting viral spread.IMPORTANCE HIV infection modulates the surface expression of Tim-3, but the molecular determinants remain poorly understood. Here, we show that HIV-1 Vpu downregulates Tim-3 from the surface of infected primary CD4+ T cells through its transmembrane domain and alters its subcellular localization. Tim-3 blockade increases HIV-1 replication, suggesting a potential negative role of this protein in viral spread that is counteracted by Vpu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Prévost
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cassandra R Edgar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan Richard
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Steven M Trothen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rajesh Abraham Jacob
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mitchell J Mumby
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Suzanne Pickering
- Department of Infectious Disease, King's College London School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mathieu Dubé
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel E Kaufmann
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stuart J D Neil
- Department of Infectious Disease, King's College London School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrés Finzi
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jimmy D Dikeakos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Cubero EM, Ogbe A, Pedroza-Pacheco I, Cohen MS, Haynes BF, Borrow P, Peppa D. Subordinate Effect of -21M HLA-B Dimorphism on NK Cell Repertoire Diversity and Function in HIV-1 Infected Individuals of African Origin. Front Immunol 2020; 11:156. [PMID: 32132995 PMCID: PMC7041644 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells play an important role in antiviral defense and their potent effector function identifies them as key candidates for immunotherapeutic interventions in chronic viral infections. Their remarkable functional agility is achieved by virtue of a wide array of germline-encoded inhibitory and activating receptors ensuring a self-tolerant and tunable repertoire. NK cell diversity is generated by a combination of factors including genetic determinants and infections/environmental factors, which together shape the NK cell pool and functional potential. Recently a genetic polymorphism at position -21 of HLA-B, which influences the supply of HLA-E binding peptides and availability of HLA-E for recognition by the inhibitory NK cell receptor NKG2A, was shown to have a marked influence on NK cell functionality in healthy human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) seronegative Caucasian individuals. In this study, -21 methionine (M)-expressing alleles supplying HLA-E binding peptides were largely poor ligands for inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), and a bias to NKG2A-mediated education of functionally-potent NK cells was observed. Here, we investigated the effect of this polymorphism on the phenotype and functional capacity of peripheral blood NK cells in a cohort of 36 African individuals with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)/HCMV co-infection. A similarly profound influence of dimorphism at position -21 of HLA-B on NK cells was not evident in these subjects. They predominantly expressed African specific HLA-B and -C alleles that contribute a distinct supply of NKG2A and KIR ligands, and these genetic differences were compounded by the marked effect of HIV-1/HCMV co-infection on NK cell differentiation. Together, these factors resulted in a lack of correlation of the HLA-B -21 polymorphism with surface abundance of HLA-E and loss of the NK cell functional advantage in subjects with -21M HLA-B alleles. Instead, our data suggest that during HIV/HCMV co-infection exposure of NK cells to an environment that displays altered HLA-E ligands drives adaptive NKG2C+ NK cell expansions influencing effector responses. Increased efforts to understand how NK cells are functionally calibrated to self-HLA during chronic viral infections will pave the way to developing targeted therapeutic interventions to overcome the current barriers to enhancing immune-based antiviral control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Moreno Cubero
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ane Ogbe
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Myron S. Cohen
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Barton F. Haynes
- Duke University Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Persephone Borrow
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitra Peppa
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of HIV, Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL),, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Goodson-Gregg FJ, Rothbard B, Zhang A, Wright PW, Li H, Walker-Sperling VE, Carrington M, Anderson SK. Tuning of NK-Specific HLA-C Expression by Alternative mRNA Splicing. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3034. [PMID: 31998314 PMCID: PMC6966967 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A complex system regulating HLA-C expression in NK cells, driven by an NK-specific promoter that produces alternatively spliced variants of the 5'-UTR has been recently identified. Exon content of the NK-specific 5'-UTR varies strikingly across HLA-C alleles, with some exons being allele specific. In order to investigate the possibility that allelic variation in the 5'-UTR modulates HLA-C expression levels, cDNAs containing several distinct classes of 5'-UTR were compared. Subtle changes in 5'-UTR content had a significant effect on the expression of HLA-C * 03 and HLA-C * 12 cDNA clones, suggesting that alternative splicing can fine-tune the level of protein expression. The HLA-C * 06 allele was found to be highly expressed in relation to the other alleles studied. However, its increased expression was primarily associated with differences in the peptide-binding groove. Although the impact of allele-specific alternative splicing of NK-Pro transcripts on protein levels can be modest when compared with the effect of changes in peptide-loading, alternative splicing may represent an additional regulatory mechanism to fine-tune HLA-C levels within NK cells in distinct tissue environments or at different stages of maturation in order to achieve optimal levels of missing-self recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick J Goodson-Gregg
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Brian Rothbard
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Amy Zhang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Paul W Wright
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Hongchuan Li
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Victoria E Walker-Sperling
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States.,Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Mary Carrington
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States.,Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Stephen K Anderson
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
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18
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The Education of NK Cells Determines Their Responsiveness to Autologous HIV-Infected CD4 T Cells. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01185-19. [PMID: 31511383 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01185-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies support a role for specific killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)-HLA combinations in protection from HIV infection and slower progression to AIDS. Natural killer (NK) cells acquire effector functions through education, a process that requires the interaction of inhibitory NK cell receptors with their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (or HLA class I [HLA-I]) ligands. HLA-C allotypes are ligands for the inhibitory KIRs (iKIRs) KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, and KIR2DL3, whereas the ligand for KIR3DL1 is HLA-Bw4. HIV infection reduces the expression of HLA-A, -B, and -C on the surfaces of infected CD4 (iCD4) T cells. Here we investigated whether education through iKIR-HLA interactions influenced NK cell responses to autologous iCD4 cells. Enriched NK cells were stimulated with autologous iCD4 cells or with uninfected CD4 cells as controls. The capacities of single-positive (sp) KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3, and KIR3DL1 NK cells to produce CCL4, gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and/or CD107a were assessed by flow cytometry. Overall, we observed that the potency of NK cell education was directly related to the frequency of each spiKIR+ NK cell's ability to respond to the reduction of its cognate HLA ligand on autologous iCD4 cells, as measured by the frequency of production by spiKIR+ NK cells of CCL4, IFN-γ, and/or CD107a. Both NK cell education and HIV-mediated changes in HLA expression influenced NK cell responses to iCD4 cells.IMPORTANCE Epidemiological studies show that natural killer (NK) cells have anti-HIV activity: they are able to reduce the risk of HIV infection and/or slow HIV disease progression. How NK cells contribute to these outcomes is not fully characterized. We used primary NK cells and autologous HIV-infected cells to examine the role of education through four inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (iKIRs) from persons with HLA types that are able to educate NK cells bearing one of these iKIRs. HIV-infected cells activated NK cells through missing-self mechanisms due to the downmodulation of cell surface HLA expression mediated by HIV Nef and Vpu. A higher frequency of educated than uneducated NK cells expressing each of these iKIRs responded to autologous HIV-infected cells by producing CCL4, IFN-γ, and CD107a. Since NK cells were from non-HIV-infected individuals, they model the consequences of healthy NK cell-HIV-infected cell interactions occurring in the HIV eclipse phase, when new infections are susceptible to extinction.
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19
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van Stigt Thans T, Akko JI, Niehrs A, Garcia-Beltran WF, Richert L, Stürzel CM, Ford CT, Li H, Ochsenbauer C, Kappes JC, Hahn BH, Kirchhoff F, Martrus G, Sauter D, Altfeld M, Hölzemer A. Primary HIV-1 Strains Use Nef To Downmodulate HLA-E Surface Expression. J Virol 2019; 93:e00719-19. [PMID: 31375574 PMCID: PMC6798123 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00719-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has evolved elaborate ways to evade immune cell recognition, including downregulation of classical HLA class I (HLA-I) from the surfaces of infected cells. Recent evidence identified HLA-E, a nonclassical HLA-I, as an important part of the antiviral immune response to HIV-1. Changes in HLA-E surface levels and peptide presentation can prompt both CD8+ T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell responses to viral infections. Previous studies reported unchanged or increased HLA-E levels on HIV-1-infected cells. Here, we examined HLA-E surface levels following infection of CD4+ T cells with primary HIV-1 strains and observed that a subset downregulated HLA-E. Two primary strains of HIV-1 that induced the strongest reduction in surface HLA-E expression were chosen for further testing. Expression of single Nef or Vpu proteins in a T-cell line, as well as tail swap experiments exchanging the cytoplasmic tail of HLA-A2 with that of HLA-E, demonstrated that Nef modulated HLA-E surface levels and targeted the cytoplasmic tail of HLA-E. Furthermore, infection of primary CD4+ T cells with HIV-1 mutants showed that a lack of functional Nef (and Vpu to some extent) impaired HLA-E downmodulation. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate for the first time that HIV-1 can downregulate HLA-E surface levels on infected primary CD4+ T cells, potentially rendering them less vulnerable to CD8+ T-cell recognition but at increased risk of NKG2A+ NK cell killing.IMPORTANCE For almost two decades, it was thought that HIV-1 selectively downregulated the highly expressed HLA-I molecules HLA-A and HLA-B from the cell surface in order to evade cytotoxic-T-cell recognition, while leaving HLA-C and HLA-E molecules unaltered. It was stipulated that HIV-1 infection thereby maintained inhibition of NK cells via inhibitory receptors that bind HLA-C and HLA-E. This concept was recently revised when a study showed that primary HIV-1 strains reduce HLA-C surface levels, whereas the cell line-adapted HIV-1 strain NL4-3 lacks this ability. Here, we demonstrate that infection with distinct primary HIV-1 strains results in significant downregulation of surface HLA-E levels. Given the increasing evidence for HLA-E as an important modulator of CD8+ T-cell and NKG2A+ NK cell functions, this finding has substantial implications for future immunomodulatory approaches aimed at harnessing cytotoxic cellular immunity against HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janet I Akko
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Annika Niehrs
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | | | - Laura Richert
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- Université Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, UMR 1219, Inria SISTM, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christina M Stürzel
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christopher T Ford
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina Ochsenbauer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and CFAR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - John C Kappes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and CFAR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Beatrice H Hahn
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Glòria Martrus
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Sauter
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angelique Hölzemer
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Ramirez PW, Sharma S, Singh R, Stoneham CA, Vollbrecht T, Guatelli J. Plasma Membrane-Associated Restriction Factors and Their Counteraction by HIV-1 Accessory Proteins. Cells 2019; 8:E1020. [PMID: 31480747 PMCID: PMC6770538 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The plasma membrane is a site of conflict between host defenses and many viruses. One aspect of this conflict is the host's attempt to eliminate infected cells using innate and adaptive cell-mediated immune mechanisms that recognize features of the plasma membrane characteristic of viral infection. Another is the expression of plasma membrane-associated proteins, so-called restriction factors, which inhibit enveloped virions directly. HIV-1 encodes two countermeasures to these host defenses: The membrane-associated accessory proteins Vpu and Nef. In addition to inhibiting cell-mediated immune-surveillance, Vpu and Nef counteract membrane-associated restriction factors. These include BST-2, which traps newly formed virions at the plasma membrane unless counteracted by Vpu, and SERINC5, which decreases the infectivity of virions unless counteracted by Nef. Here we review key features of these two antiviral proteins, and we review Vpu and Nef, which deplete them from the plasma membrane by co-opting specific cellular proteins and pathways of membrane trafficking and protein-degradation. We also discuss other plasma membrane proteins modulated by HIV-1, particularly CD4, which, if not opposed in infected cells by Vpu and Nef, inhibits viral infectivity and increases the sensitivity of the viral envelope glycoprotein to host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Ramirez
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Shilpi Sharma
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Rajendra Singh
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Charlotte A Stoneham
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Thomas Vollbrecht
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - John Guatelli
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
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21
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Huang SH, McCann CD, Mota TM, Wang C, Lipkin SM, Jones RB. Have Cells Harboring the HIV Reservoir Been Immunoedited? Front Immunol 2019; 10:1842. [PMID: 31447850 PMCID: PMC6691121 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoediting is an important concept in oncology, delineating the mechanisms through which tumors are selected for resistance to immune-mediated elimination. The recent emergence of immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, as pillars of cancer therapy has intensified interest in immunoediting as a constraint limiting the efficacy of these approaches. Immunoediting manifests at a number of levels for different cancers, for example through the establishment of immunosuppressive microenvironments within solid tumors. Of particular interest to the current review, selection also occurs at the cellular level; and recent studies have revealed novel mechanisms by which tumor cells acquire intrinsic resistance to immune recognition and elimination. While the selection of escape mutations in viral epitopes by HIV-specific T cells, which is a hallmark of chronic HIV infection, can be considered a form of immunoediting, few studies have considered the possibility that HIV-infected cells themselves may parallel tumors in having differential intrinsic susceptibilities to immune-mediated elimination. Such selection, on the level of an infected cell, may not play a significant role in untreated HIV, where infection is propagated by high levels of cell-free virus produced by cells that quickly succumb to viral cytopathicity. However, it may play an unappreciated role in individuals treated with effective antiretroviral therapy where viral replication is abrogated. In this context, an "HIV reservoir" persists, comprising long-lived infected cells which undergo extensive and dynamic clonal expansion. The ability of these cells to persist in infected individuals has generally been attributed to viral latency, thought to render them invisible to immune recognition, and/or to their compartmentalization in anatomical sites that are poorly accessible to immune effectors. Recent data from ex vivo studies have led us to propose that reservoir-harboring cells may additionally have been selected for intrinsic resistance to CD8+ T cells, limiting their elimination even in the context of antigen expression. Here, we draw on knowledge from tumor immunoediting to discuss potential mechanisms by which clones of HIV reservoir-harboring cells may resist elimination by CD8+ T cells. The establishment of such parallels may provide a premise for testing therapeutics designed to sensitize tumor cells to immune-mediated elimination as novel approaches aimed at curing HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Han Huang
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chase D. McCann
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, United States
| | - Talia M. Mota
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Steven M. Lipkin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - R. Brad Jones
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, United States
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