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Qu Y, Zeng A, Cheng Y, Li S. Natural killer cell memory: challenges and opportunities for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2376410. [PMID: 38987282 PMCID: PMC11238922 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2376410] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Substantial advancements have been made in recent years in comprehending immune memory, which enhances the secondary response through prior infections. The ability of vertebrate T and B lymphocytes to exhibit classic recall responses has long been regarded as a distinguishing characteristic. However, natural killer (NK) cells have been found to acquire immunological memory in a manner akin to T and B cells. The fundamental principles derived from the investigation of NK cell memory offer novel insights into innate immunity and have the potential to pave the way for innovative strategies to enhance therapeutic interventions against multiple diseases including cancer. Here, we reviewed the fundamental characteristics, memory development and regulatory mechanism of NK cell memory. Moreover, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the accomplishments, obstacles, and future direction pertaining to the utilization of NK cell memory in the field of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Qu
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Anhui Zeng
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulu Cheng
- Department of Disinfection Supply Center, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Lam PY, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F. Highlight of 2023: Unlocking the therapeutic potential of natural killer cells-advances in adaptive functions, cellular engineering and immunotherapy. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:444-447. [PMID: 38693888 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells possess potent cytotoxicity against infected and cancerous cells and hold promise in the development of new immunotherapies. This article for the Highlights of 2023 Series focuses on current advances in NK cell biology in cancerous and infectious settings and highlights opportunities for therapeutic interventions, including engineered NK cell therapies and advancements in feeder cell technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Yeng Lam
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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3
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Narmada BC, Khakpoor A, Shirgaonkar N, Narayanan S, Aw PPK, Singh M, Ong KH, Owino CO, Ng JWT, Yew HC, Binte Mohamed Nasir NS, Au VB, Sng R, Kaliaperumal N, Khine HHTW, di Tocco FC, Masayuki O, Naikar S, Ng HX, Chia SL, Seah CXY, Alnawaz MH, Wai CLY, Tay AYL, Mangat KS, Chew V, Yu W, Connolly JE, Periyasamy G, Plissonnier ML, Levrero M, Lim SG, DasGupta R. Single-cell landscape of functionally cured chronic hepatitis B patients reveals activation of innate and altered CD4-CTL-driven adaptive immunity. J Hepatol 2024; 81:42-61. [PMID: 38423478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss or functional cure (FC) is considered the optimal therapeutic outcome for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the immune-pathological biomarkers and underlying mechanisms of FC remain unclear. In this study we comprehensively interrogate disease-associated cell states identified within intrahepatic tissue and matched PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) from patients with CHB or after FC, at the resolution of single cells, to provide novel insights into putative mechanisms underlying FC. METHODS We combined single-cell transcriptomics (single-cell RNA sequencing) with multiparametric flow cytometry-based immune phenotyping, and multiplexed immunofluorescence to elucidate the immunopathological cell states associated with CHB vs. FC. RESULTS We found that the intrahepatic environment in CHB and FC displays specific cell identities and molecular signatures that are distinct from those found in matched PBMCs. FC is associated with the emergence of an altered adaptive immune response marked by CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and an activated innate response represented by liver-resident natural killer cells, specific Kupffer cell subtypes and marginated neutrophils. Surprisingly, we found MHC class II-expressing hepatocytes in patients achieving FC, as well as low but persistent levels of covalently closed circular DNA and pregenomic RNA, which may play an important role in FC. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides conceptually novel insights into the immuno-pathological control of HBV cure, and opens exciting new avenues for clinical management, biomarker discovery and therapeutic development. We believe that the discoveries from this study, as it relates to the activation of an innate and altered immune response that may facilitate sustained, low-grade inflammation, may have broader implications in the resolution of chronic viral hepatitis. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS This study dissects the immuno-pathological cell states associated with functionally cured chronic hepatitis B (defined by the loss of HBV surface antigen or HBsAg). We identified the sustained presence of very low viral load, accessory antigen-presenting hepatocytes, adaptive-memory-like natural killer cells, and the emergence of helper CD4 T cells with cytotoxic or effector-like signatures associated with functional cure, suggesting previously unsuspected alterations in the adaptive immune response, as well as a key role for the innate immune response in achieving or maintaining functional cure. Overall, the insights generated from this study may provide new avenues for the development of alternative therapies as well as patient surveillance for better clinical management of chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balakrishnan Chakrapani Narmada
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 60 Biopolis St., #02-01 Genome, Singapore 138672; Experimental Drug Development Centre, A∗STAR, 10 Biopolis Way, Chromos, Singapore 138670, Singapore
| | - Atefeh Khakpoor
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Niranjan Shirgaonkar
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 60 Biopolis St., #02-01 Genome, Singapore 138672
| | - Sriram Narayanan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Pauline Poh Kim Aw
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 60 Biopolis St., #02-01 Genome, Singapore 138672
| | - Malay Singh
- Bioinformatics Institute, A∗STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Kok Haur Ong
- Bioinformatics Institute, A∗STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Collins Oduor Owino
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 60 Biopolis St., #02-01 Genome, Singapore 138672; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jane Wei Ting Ng
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Chuing Yew
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Veonice Bijin Au
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Reina Sng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Nivashini Kaliaperumal
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Htet Htet Toe Wai Khine
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Otsuka Masayuki
- Translational Immunology Institute (TII), SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Shamita Naikar
- Translational Immunology Institute (TII), SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Hui Xin Ng
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Su Li Chia
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Myra Hj Alnawaz
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Chris Lee Yoon Wai
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amy Yuh Ling Tay
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kamarjit Singh Mangat
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Valerie Chew
- Translational Immunology Institute (TII), SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Weimiao Yu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore; Bioinformatics Institute, A∗STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - John Edward Connolly
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Giridharan Periyasamy
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, A∗STAR, 10 Biopolis Way, Chromos, Singapore 138670, Singapore
| | | | - Massimo Levrero
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Lyon, France; Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; University of Lyon Claude Bernard 1 (UCLB1), Lyon, France; Department of Medicine SCIAC and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) Center for Life Nanosciences (CLNS), University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Seng Gee Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore; Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore.
| | - Ramanuj DasGupta
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 60 Biopolis St., #02-01 Genome, Singapore 138672.
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Mugo RM, Oser L, Midha A, Adjah J, Kundik A, Laubschat A, Höfler P, Musimbi ZD, Hayani R, Schlosser-Brandenburg J, Hartmann S, Rausch S. Acute Ascaris infection impairs the effector functions of natural killer cells in single and Salmonella co-infected pigs. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14586. [PMID: 38918457 PMCID: PMC11199589 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a key role in defense against Salmonella infections during the early phase of infection. Our previous work showed that the excretory/secretory products of Ascaris suum repressed NK activity in vitro. Here, we asked if NK cell functionality was influenced in domestic pigs during coinfection with Ascaris and Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium. Ascaris coinfection completely abolished the IL-12 and IL-18 driven elevation of IFN-γ production seen in CD16 + CD8α + perforin + NK cells of Salmonella single-infected pigs. Furthermore, Ascaris coinfection prohibited the Salmonella-driven rise in NK perforin levels and CD107a surface expression. In line with impaired effector functions, NK cells from Ascaris-single and coinfected pigs displayed elevated expression of the inhibitory KLRA1 and NKG2A receptors genes, contrasting with the higher expression of the activating NKp46 and NKp30 receptors in NK cells during Salmonella single infection. These differences were accompanied by the highly significant upregulation of T-bet protein expression in NK cells from Ascaris-single and Ascaris/Salmonella coinfected pigs. Together, our data strongly indicate a profound repression of NK functionality by an Ascaris infection which may hinder infected individuals from adequately responding to a concurrent bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Mugo
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Larissa Oser
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ankur Midha
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joshua Adjah
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arkadi Kundik
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra Laubschat
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Höfler
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zaneta D Musimbi
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rima Hayani
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Hartmann
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rausch
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Lauruschkat CD, Muchsin I, Rein AF, Erhard F, Grathwohl D, Dölken L, Köchel C, Nehmer A, Falk CS, Grigoleit GU, Einsele H, Wurster S, Kraus S. Impaired T cells and "memory-like" NK-cell reconstitution is linked to late-onset HCMV reactivation after letermovir cessation. Blood Adv 2024; 8:2967-2979. [PMID: 38315873 PMCID: PMC11302378 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is the only cure for many hematologic malignancies. However, alloSCT recipients are susceptible to opportunistic pathogens, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Letermovir prophylaxis has revolutionized HCMV management, but the challenge of late HCMV reactivations has emerged. Immunological surrogates of clinically significant HCMV infection (csCMVi) after discontinuation of letermovir remain to be defined. Therefore, we studied natural killer (NK)-cell reconstitution along with the global and HCMV pp65-specific T-cell repertoire of 24 alloSCT recipients at 7 time points before (day +90) and after (days +120-270) cessation of letermovir prophylaxis. Patients who experienced csCMVi had lower counts of IFN-γ+ HCMV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells than HCMV controllers. Furthermore, patients with csCMVi displayed late impairment of NK-cell reconstitution, especially suppression of "memory-like" CD159c+CD56dim NK-cell counts that preceded csCMVi events in most patients. Moreover, several surrogates of immune reconstitution were associated with the severity of HCMV manifestation, with patients suffering from HCMV end-organ disease and/or refractory HCMV infection harboring least HCMV-specific T cells and "memory-like" NK cells. Altogether, our findings establish an association of delayed or insufficient proliferation of both HCMV-specific T cells and "memory-like" NK cells with csCMVi and the severity of HCMV manifestations after discontinuation of letermovir prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ihsan Muchsin
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alice Felicitas Rein
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Erhard
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Denise Grathwohl
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lars Dölken
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Köchel
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Nehmer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christine Susanne Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Medizinische Hochschule Hanover, Hanover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, TTU-IICH, Hanover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Diseases, BREATH Site, Hanover, Germany
| | - Götz Ulrich Grigoleit
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Helios Hospital Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wurster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Sabrina Kraus
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Khalifa AM, Nakamura T, Sato Y, Harashima H. Vaccination with a combination of STING agonist-loaded lipid nanoparticles and CpG-ODNs protects against lung metastasis via the induction of CD11b highCD27 low memory-like NK cells. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:36. [PMID: 38553761 PMCID: PMC10981311 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00502-w] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are effective in attacking tumor cells that escape T cell attack. Memory NK cells are believed to function as potent effector cells in cancer immunotherapy. However, knowledge of their induction, identification, and potential in vivo is limited. Herein, we report on the induction and identification of memory-like NK cells via the action of a combination of a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist loaded into lipid nanoparticles (STING-LNPs) and cytosine-phosphorothioate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs), and the potential of the inducted memory-like NK cells to prevent melanoma lung metastasis. METHODS The antitumor effects of either the STING-LNPs, CpG-ODNs, or the combination therapy were evaluated using a B16-F10 lung metastasis model. The effect of the combined treatment was evaluated by measuring cytokine production. The induction of memory-like NK cells was demonstrated via flow cytometry and confirmed through their preventative effect. RESULTS The combination of STING-LNPs and CpG-ODNs tended to enhance the production of interleukin 12 (IL-12) and IL-18, and exerted a therapeutic effect against B16-F10 lung metastasis. The combination therapy increased the population of CD11bhighCD27low NK cells. Although monotherapies failed to show preventative effects, the combination therapy induced a surprisingly strong preventative effect, which indicates that CD11bhighCD27low cells could be a phenotype of memory-like NK cells. CONCLUSION As far as could be ascertained, this is the first report of the in vivo induction, identification, and confirmation of a phenotype of the memory-like NK cells through a prophylactic effect via the use of an immunotherapeutic drug. Our findings provide novel insights into the in vivo induction of CD11bhighCD27low memory-like NK cells thus paving the way for the development of efficient immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa M Khalifa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakamura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Afshari M, Kolackova M, Rosecka M, Čelakovská J, Krejsek J. Unraveling the skin; a comprehensive review of atopic dermatitis, current understanding, and approaches. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1361005. [PMID: 38500882 PMCID: PMC10944924 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1361005] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by red pruritic skin lesions, xerosis, ichthyosis, and skin pain. Among the social impacts of atopic dermatitis are difficulties and detachment in relationships and social stigmatization. Additionally, atopic dermatitis is known to cause sleep disturbance, anxiety, hyperactivity, and depression. Although the pathological process behind atopic dermatitis is not fully known, it appears to be a combination of epidermal barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation. Skin is the largest organ of the human body which acts as a mechanical barrier to toxins and UV light and a natural barrier against water loss. Both functions face significant challenges due to atopic dermatitis. The list of factors that can potentially trigger or contribute to atopic dermatitis is extensive, ranging from genetic factors, family history, dietary choices, immune triggers, and environmental factors. Consequently, prevention, early clinical diagnosis, and effective treatment may be the only resolutions to combat this burdensome disease. Ensuring safe and targeted drug delivery to the skin layers, without reaching the systemic circulation is a promising option raised by nano-delivery systems in dermatology. In this review, we explored the current understanding and approaches of atopic dermatitis and outlined a range of the most recent therapeutics and dosage forms brought by nanotechnology. This review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moeina Afshari
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Martina Kolackova
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Michaela Rosecka
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Jarmila Čelakovská
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Jan Krejsek
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czechia
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Horta AL, Gigley J, Boutet M, Lavau G, Weiss LM, Huang H. Memory-like NK Cells Are a Critical Component of Vaccine-Induced Immunity to Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:617-631. [PMID: 38197653 PMCID: PMC10872457 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease by Trypanosoma cruzi infection is a major public health issue. The available therapeutic agents have limited efficacy and significant side effects. A reliable vaccine would reduce the threat of T. cruzi infections and prevent Chagas disease. Understanding the immune response to this infection would improve vaccine design. We previously demonstrated that adoptively transferred NK cells from mice immunized with highly attenuated T. cruzi, GFP-DDDHA strain, provided potent protection in naive recipients against secondary lethal challenge with various wild-type (WT) strains. To understand the importance of NK cells in protecting mice against T. cruzi infection, we performed an in-depth characterization of NK cell phenotype, responses, and memory-like traits during acute infections due to GFP-DDDHA and WT strains and in immunized mice during a recall response to a WT lethal challenge. NK cells robustly expanded and became more mature and cytolytic during the GFP-DDDHA strain immunization. NK cells in immunized mice responded more robustly after WT lethal challenge than during an acute primary WT infection. In addition, protection by immunization with the GFP-DDDHA strain is significantly weakened in NK cell-deficient mice and did not prevent parasitemia from WT lethal challenge, indicating that NK cells with memory-like traits were a critical component for early control of WT lethal challenge. Prior T. cruzi vaccine development studies have not included studies of this rapid NK response. These findings provide insights into overcoming existing challenges in developing a safe and effective vaccine to prevent this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline L. Horta
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Jason Gigley
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Marie Boutet
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Gregoire Lavau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Huan Huang
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
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Shekarkar Azgomi M, Badami GD, Lo Pizzo M, Tamburini B, Dieli C, La Manna MP, Dieli F, Caccamo N. Integrated Analysis of Single-Cell and Bulk RNA Sequencing Data Reveals Memory-like NK Cell Subset Associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis Latency. Cells 2024; 13:293. [PMID: 38391906 PMCID: PMC10886487 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate-like lymphocytes that belong to the family of type-1 innate lymphoid cells and rapidly respond to virus-infected and tumor cells. In this study, we have combined scRNA-seq data and bulk RNA-seq data to define the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of peripheral blood NK cells. While the role of NK cells in immune surveillance against virus infections and tumors has been well established, their contribution to protective responses to other intracellular microorganisms, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is still poorly understood. In this study, we have combined scRNA-seq data and bulk RNA-seq data to illuminate the molecular characteristics of circulating NK cells in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) disease and subjects with latent Mtb infection (LTBI) and compared these characteristics with those of healthy donors (HDs) and patients with non-TB other pulmonary infectious diseases (ODs). We show here that the NK cell cluster was significantly increased in LTBI subjects, as compared to patients with active TB or other non-TB pulmonary diseases and HD, and this was mostly attributable to the expansion of an NK cell population expressing KLRC2, CD52, CCL5 and HLA-DRB1, which most likely corresponds to memory-like NK2.1 cells. These data were validated by flow cytometry analysis in a small cohort of samples, showing that LTBI subjects have a significant expansion of NK cells characterized by the prevalence of memory-like CD52+ NKG2C+ NK cells. Altogether, our results provide some new information on the role of NK cells in protective immune responses to Mtb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Shekarkar Azgomi
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.A.); (G.D.B.); (M.L.P.); (B.T.); (C.D.); (M.P.L.M.); (N.C.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostic (BND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giusto Davide Badami
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.A.); (G.D.B.); (M.L.P.); (B.T.); (C.D.); (M.P.L.M.); (N.C.)
| | - Marianna Lo Pizzo
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.A.); (G.D.B.); (M.L.P.); (B.T.); (C.D.); (M.P.L.M.); (N.C.)
| | - Bartolo Tamburini
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.A.); (G.D.B.); (M.L.P.); (B.T.); (C.D.); (M.P.L.M.); (N.C.)
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Childcare, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Costanza Dieli
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.A.); (G.D.B.); (M.L.P.); (B.T.); (C.D.); (M.P.L.M.); (N.C.)
| | - Marco Pio La Manna
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.A.); (G.D.B.); (M.L.P.); (B.T.); (C.D.); (M.P.L.M.); (N.C.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostic (BND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dieli
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.A.); (G.D.B.); (M.L.P.); (B.T.); (C.D.); (M.P.L.M.); (N.C.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostic (BND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Nadia Caccamo
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP) Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.S.A.); (G.D.B.); (M.L.P.); (B.T.); (C.D.); (M.P.L.M.); (N.C.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostic (BND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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10
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Yeoh WJ, Krebs P. SHIP1 and its role for innate immune regulation-Novel targets for immunotherapy. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350446. [PMID: 37742135 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Phosphoinositide-3-kinase/AKT (PI3K/AKT) signaling plays key roles in the regulation of cellular activity in both health and disease. In immune cells, this PI3K/AKT pathway is critically regulated by the phosphoinositide phosphatase SHIP1, which has been reported to modulate the function of most immune subsets. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of SHIP1 with a focus on innate immune cells, where we reflect on the most pertinent aspects described in the current literature. We also present several small-molecule agonists and antagonists of SHIP1 developed over the last two decades, which have led to improved outcomes in several preclinical models of disease. We outline these promising findings and put them in relation to human diseases with unmet medical needs, where we discuss the most attractive targets for immune therapies based on SHIP1 modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jie Yeoh
- Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Krebs
- Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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11
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Pean P, Madec Y, Nerrienet E, Borand L, Laureillard D, Fernandez M, Marcy O, Scott-Algara D. Natural Killer Repertoire Restoration in TB/HIV Co-Infected Individuals Experienced an Immune Reconstitution Syndrome (CAMELIA Trial, ANRS 12153). Pathogens 2023; 12:1241. [PMID: 37887757 PMCID: PMC10610037 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101241] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
IRIS is a common complication in HIV-infected patients treated for tuberculosis (TB) and cART. Our aim was to evaluate NK cell reconstitution in HIV-infected patients with TB-IRIS compared to those without IRIS. 147 HIV-infected patients with TB from the CAMELIA trial were enrolled. HIV+TB+ patients were followed for 32 weeks. The NK cell repertoire was assessed in whole blood at different time points. As CAMELIA has two arms (early and late cART initiation), we analysed them separately. At enrolment, individuals had low CD4 cell counts (27 cells/mm3) and high plasma viral loads (5.76 and 5.50 log/mL for IRIS and non-IRIS individuals, respectively). Thirty-seven people developed IRIS (in the early and late arms). In the early and late arms, we observed similar proportions of total NK and NK cell subsets in TB-IRIS and non-IRIS individuals during follow-up, except for the CD56dimCD16pos (both arms) and CD56dimCD16neg (late arm only) subsets, which were higher in TB-IRIS and non-IRIS individuals, respectively, after cART. Regarding the repertoire and markers of NK cells, significant differences (lower expression of NKp30, NKG2A (CD159a), NKG2D (CD314) were observed in TB-IRIS compared to non-IRIS individuals after the start of cART. In the late arm, some changes (increased expression of CD69, NKG2C, CD158i) were observed in TB-IRIS compared to non-IRIS individuals, but only before cART initiation (during TB treatment). KIR expression by NK cells (CD158a and CD158i) was similar in both groups. CD69 expression by NK cells decreased in all groups. Expression of the NCR repertoire (NKp30, NKp44, NKp46) has similar kinetics in TB-IRIS subjects compared to non-IRIS subjects regardless of the arm analysed. NK cell reconstitution appeared to be better in TB-IRIS subjects. Although NK cell reconstitution is impaired in HIV infection after cART, as previously reported, it does not appear to be affected by the development of IRIS in HIV and TB-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polidy Pean
- Immunology Unit, Institute Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Pen 12000, Cambodia
| | - Yoann Madec
- Epidemiology of Emerging Diseases, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, 75000 Paris, France;
| | | | - Laurence Borand
- Clinical Research Team, Epidemiology and Public Health Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phom Penh 12000, Cambodia;
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 20600, USA
| | - Didier Laureillard
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, University Hospital, 30900 Nimes, France;
| | | | - Olivier Marcy
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, University of Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Daniel Scott-Algara
- Unité de Biologie Cellulaire et Lymphocytes, Institut Pasteur, 75000 Paris, France;
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12
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Lauruschkat CD, Muchsin I, Rein A, Erhard F, Grathwohl D, Dölken L, Köchel C, Falk CS, Einsele H, Wurster S, Grigoleit GU, Kraus S. CD4+ T cells are the major predictor of HCMV control in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients on letermovir prophylaxis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148841. [PMID: 37234158 PMCID: PMC10206124 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT) recipients. Recently, antiviral letermovir prophylaxis during the first 100 days after alloSCT replaced PCR-guided preemptive therapy as the primary standard of care for HCMV reactivations. Here, we compared NK-cell and T-cell reconstitution in alloSCT recipients receiving preemptive therapy or letermovir prophylaxis in order to identify potential biomarkers predicting prolonged and symptomatic HCMV reactivation. Methods To that end, the NK-cell and T-cell repertoire of alloSCT recipients managed with preemptive therapy (n=32) or letermovir prophylaxis (n=24) was characterized by flow cytometry on days +30, +60, +90 and +120 after alloSCT. Additionally, background-corrected HCMV-specific T-helper (CD4+IFNγ+) and cytotoxic (CD8+IFNγ+CD107a+) T cells were quantified after pp65 stimulation. Results Compared to preemptive therapy, letermovir prophylaxis prevented HCMV reactivation and decreased HCMV peak viral loads until days +120 and +365. Letermovir prophylaxis resulted in decreased T-cell numbers but increased NK-cell numbers. Interestingly, despite the inhibition of HCMV, we found high numbers of "memory-like" (CD56dimFcεRIγ- and/or CD159c+) NK cells and an expansion of HCMV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in letermovir recipients. We further compared immunological readouts in patients on letermovir prophylaxis with non/short-term HCMV reactivation (NSTR) and prolonged/symptomatic HCMV reactivation (long-term HCMV reactivation, LTR). Median HCMV-specific CD4+ T-cell frequencies were significantly higher in NSTR patients (day +60, 0.35 % vs. 0.00 % CD4+IFNγ+/CD4+ cells, p=0.018) than in patients with LTR, whereas patients with LTR had significantly higher median regulatory T-cell (Treg) frequencies (day +90, 2.2 % vs. 6.2 % CD4+CD25+CD127dim/CD4+ cells, p=0.019). ROC analysis confirmed low HCMV specific CD4+ (AUC on day +60: 0.813, p=0.019) and high Treg frequencies (AUC on day +90: 0.847, p=0.021) as significant predictors of prolonged and symptomatic HCMV reactivation. Discussion Taken together, letermovir prophylaxis delays HCMV reactivation and alters NK- and T-cell reconstitution. High numbers of HCMV-specific CD4+ T cells and low numbers of Tregs seem to be pivotal to suppress post-alloSCT HCMV reactivation during letermovir prophylaxis. Administration of more advanced immunoassays that include Treg signature cytokines might contribute to the identification of patients at high-risk for long-term and symptomatic HCMV reactivation who might benefit from prolonged administration of letermovir.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ihsan Muchsin
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Alice Rein
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Erhard
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Denise Grathwohl
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lars Dölken
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research (HZI), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Köchel
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christine Susanne Falk
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hanover, Germany
- TTU-IICH, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- BREATH Site, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wurster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Götz Ulrich Grigoleit
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Helios Hospital Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Kraus
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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13
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Hojjatipour T, Maali A, Azad M. Natural killer cell epigenetic reprogramming in tumors and potential for cancer immunotherapy. Epigenomics 2023; 15:249-266. [PMID: 37125432 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0454] [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: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical members of the innate lymphoid cell population and have a pivotal role in cancer eradication. NK cell maturation, development and function are tightly regulated by epigenetic modifications, which can also be recruited for cancer propagation and immune escape. NK cells have the potential to be activated against tumors through several epigenetic regulators. Given that epigenetic changes are inducible and reversible, focusing on aberrant epigenetic regulations recruited by tumor cells provides a tremendous opportunity for cancer treatment. This review presents a comprehensive picture of NK cell normal epigenetic regulation and cancer-driven epigenetic modifications. From our perspective, a better understanding of epigenetic regulators that can edit and revise NK cells' activity is a promising avenue for NK cell-based therapy in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Hojjatipour
- Department of Hematology & Blood Transfusion, Students Research Center, School of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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14
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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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15
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Control of human cytomegalovirus replication by liver resident natural killer cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1409. [PMID: 36918610 PMCID: PMC10014884 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37181-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are considered to be important for control of human cytomegalovirus- a major pathogen in immune suppressed transplant patients. Viral infection promotes the development of an adaptive phenotype in circulating natural killer cells that changes their anti-viral function. In contrast, less is understood how natural killer cells that reside in tissue respond to viral infection. Here we show natural killer cells resident in the liver have an altered phenotype in cytomegalovirus infected individuals and display increased anti-viral activity against multiple viruses in vitro and identify and characterise a subset of natural killer cells responsible for control. Crucially, livers containing natural killer cells with better capacity to control cytomegalovirus replication in vitro are less likely to experience viraemia post-transplant. Taken together, these data suggest that virally induced expansion of tissue resident natural killer cells in the donor organ can reduce the chance of viraemia post-transplant.
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16
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Tandel N, Negi S, Dalai SK, Tyagi RK. Role of natural killer and B cell interaction in inducing pathogen specific immune responses. Int Rev Immunol 2023:1-19. [PMID: 36731424 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2023.2172406] [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: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The innate lymphoid cell (ILC) system comprising of the circulating and tissue-resident cells is known to clear infectious pathogens, establish immune homeostasis as well as confer antitumor immunity. Human natural killer cells (hNKs) and other ILCs carry out mopping of the infectious pathogens and perform cytolytic activity regulated by the non-adaptive immune system. The NK cells generate immunological memory and rapid recall response tightly regulated by the adaptive immunity. The interaction of NK and B cell, and its role to induce the pathogen specific immunity is not fully understood. Hence, present article sheds light on the interaction between NK and B cells and resulting immune responses in the infectious diseases. The immune responses elicited by the NK-B cell interaction is of particular importance for developing therapeutic vaccines against the infectious pathogens. Further, experimental evidences suggest the immune-response driven by NK cell population elicits the host-specific antibodies and memory B cells. Also, recently developed humanized immune system (HIS) mice and their importance in to understanding the NK-B cell interaction and resulting pathogen specific immunity has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikunj Tandel
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Sushmita Negi
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Biomedical Parasitology and Nano-immunology Lab, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, India
| | - Sarat K Dalai
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Rajeev K Tyagi
- Division of Cell Biology and Immunology, Biomedical Parasitology and Nano-immunology Lab, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, India
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17
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Sanchez Sanchez G, Tafesse Y, Papadopoulou M, Vermijlen D. Surfing on the waves of the human γδ T cell ontogenic sea. Immunol Rev 2023; 315:89-107. [PMID: 36625367 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
While γδ T cells are present virtually in all vertebrates, there is a remarkable lack of conservation of the TRG and TRD loci underlying the generation of the γδ T cell receptor (TCR), which is associated with the generation of species-specific γδ T cells. A prominent example is the human phosphoantigen-reactive Vγ9Vδ2 T cell subset that is absent in mice. Murine γδ thymocyte cells were among the first immune cells identified to follow a wave-based layered development during embryonic and early life, and since this initial observation, in-depth insight has been obtained in their thymic ontogeny. By contrast, less is known about the development of human γδ T cells, especially regarding the generation of γδ thymocyte waves. Here, after providing an overview of thymic γδ wave generation in several vertebrate classes, we review the evidence for γδ waves in the human fetal thymus, where single-cell technologies have allowed the breakdown of human γδ thymocytes into functional waves with important TCR associations. Finally, we discuss the possible mechanisms contributing to the generation of waves of γδ thymocytes and their possible significance in the periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Sanchez Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Yohannes Tafesse
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Maria Papadopoulou
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - David Vermijlen
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.,ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
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18
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Maheshwari A. Innate Immune Memory in Macrophages. NEWBORN (CLARKSVILLE, MD.) 2023; 2:60-79. [PMID: 37206580 PMCID: PMC10193650 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages have been recognized as the primary mediators of innate immunity starting from embryonic/fetal development. Macrophage-mediated defenses may not be as antigen-specific as adaptive immunity, but increasing information suggests that these responses do strengthen with repeated immunological triggers. The concept of innate memory in macrophages has been described as "trained immunity" or "innate immune memory (IIM)." As currently understood, this cellular memory is rooted in epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming. The recognition of IIM may be particularly important in the fetus and the young neonate who are yet to develop protective levels of adaptive immunity, and could even be of preventive/therapeutic importance in many disorders. There may also be a possibility of therapeutic enhancement with targeted vaccination. This article presents a review of the properties, mechanisms, and possible clinical significance of macrophage-mediated IIM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Maheshwari
- Founding Chairman, Global Newborn Society, Clarksville, Maryland, United States of America
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19
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Kloc M, Kubiak JZ, Zdanowski R, Ghobrial RM. Memory Macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010038. [PMID: 36613481 PMCID: PMC9819859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunological memory is a crucial part of the immune defense that allows organisms to respond against previously encountered pathogens or other harmful factors. Immunological memory is based on the establishment of epigenetic modifications of the genome. The ability to memorize encounters with pathogens and other harmful factors and mount enhanced defense upon subsequent encounters is an evolutionarily ancient mechanism operating in all animals and plants. However, the term immunological memory is usually restricted to the organisms (invertebrates and vertebrates) possessing the immune system. The mammalian immune system, with innate and adaptive branches, is the most sophisticated among vertebrates. The concept of innate memory and memory macrophages is relatively new and thus understudied. We introduce the concept of immunological memory and describe types of memory in different species and their evolutionary status. We discuss why the traditional view of innate immune cells as the first-line defenders is too restrictive and how the innate immune cells can accumulate and retain immunologic memory. We describe how the initial priming leads to chromatin remodeling and epigenetic changes, which allow memory macrophage formation. We also summarize what is currently known about the mechanisms underlying development of memory macrophages; their molecular and metabolic signature and surface markers; and how they may contribute to immune defense, diseases, and organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Kloc
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Transplant Immunology, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, The Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Genetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Jacek Z. Kubiak
- Dynamics and Mechanics of Epithelia Group, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, University of Rennes, CNRS, UMR 6290, 35043 Rennes, France
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine National Research Institute, Szaserow 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Zdanowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine National Research Institute, Szaserow 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafik M. Ghobrial
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Transplant Immunology, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, The Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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20
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Romero-Martín L, Duran-Castells C, Olivella M, Rosás-Umbert M, Ruiz-Riol M, Sanchez J, Hartigan-O Connor D, Mothe B, Olvera À, Brander C. Disruption of the HLA-E/NKG2X axis is associated with uncontrolled HIV infections. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1027855. [PMID: 36466823 PMCID: PMC9716355 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1027855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The contribution of the HLA-E/NKG2X axis in NK-mediated control of HIV infection remains unclear. We have studied the relationship between HLA-E expression and phenotypical as well as functional characteristics of NK cells, in the context of chronic HIV infection and in an in vitro model of acute infection. High viremia in HIV+ individuals was related to increased HLA-E expression, and changes in NK subpopulations, especially a reduction of the CD56bright as well as an increase in adaptive NK subpopulation. Uncontrolled HIV infection was also characterized by a reversion of the NKG2A/NKG2C expression ratio and a loss of positive and negative regulation of NK mediated by HLA-E. This was reflected in a lower cytotoxic, degranulation and cytokine production capacity, especially in CD56bright and adaptive NK. In line with these results, HLA-E expression showed a positive correlation with viral growth inhibition in an in vitro model of acute infection at day 7, which was lost after 14 days of culture. Using HLA-E expressing K562 cells, we determined that only one out of 11 described HIV-derived HLA-E epitopes increased HLA-E surface stability. In spite of that, eight of the 11 epitopes were capable of increasing degranulation and three drove differences in NK-cell mediated cell lysis or cytokine secretion. In conclusion, our results indicate that HLA-E molecules presenting HIV-derived epitopes may sensitize target cells for NK lysis in early HIV infection. However, prolonged exposure to elevated HLA-E expression levels in vivo may lead to NK cell dysfunction and reduced viral control In chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Romero-Martín
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Duran-Castells
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Olivella
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Míriam Rosás-Umbert
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz-Riol
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Dennis Hartigan-O Connor
- California National Primate Research Center and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Beatriz Mothe
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Fundació Lluita contra la Sida, Infectious Disease Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Àlex Olvera
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Brander
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Immunologic Role of Innate Lymphoid Cells against Mycobacterial tuberculosis Infection. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112828. [DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), is one of the leading causes of mortality due to respiratory tract infections worldwide. Infection by M. tb involves activation of a type I immune response characteristic of T helper type 1 (Th1) lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, Interleukin-12 (IL-12), and interferon (IFN)-γ, all of which stimulate the activation of macrophages and robust phagocytosis in order to prevent further infectious manifestations and systemic dissemination. Recent discoveries about innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have provided further insight about how these cells participate within the protective immune response against M. tb infection and help boost the type I immune response. In order to clearly understand the mechanisms of M. tb infection and advance the efficacy of future treatment and prevention, we must first look at the individual functions each type of immune cell plays within this process, specifically ILCs. By review of the recent literature and current evidence, our group aims to summarize the characterization of the three major groups of ILCs, including NK cells, and analyze the role that each group of ILCs play in the infectious process against M. tb in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the host immune response. Equally, previous studies have also highlighted the effects of how administration of the Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine influences the cells and cytokines of the immune response against M. tb. Our group also aims to highlight the effects that BCG vaccine has on ILCs and how these effects provide added protection against M. tb.
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22
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Aiello A, Ligotti ME, Garnica M, Accardi G, Calabrò A, Pojero F, Arasanz H, Bocanegra A, Blanco E, Chocarro L, Echaide M, Fernandez-Rubio L, Ramos P, Piñeiro-Hermida S, Kochan G, Zareian N, Farzaneh F, Escors D, Caruso C, Candore G. How Can We Improve Vaccination Response in Old People? Part I: Targeting Immunosenescence of Innate Immunity Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179880. [PMID: 36077278 PMCID: PMC9456428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination, being able to prevent millions of cases of infectious diseases around the world every year, is the most effective medical intervention ever introduced. However, immunosenescence makes vaccines less effective in providing protection to older people. Although most studies explain that this is mainly due to the immunosenescence of T and B cells, the immunosenescence of innate immunity can also be a significant contributing factor. Alterations in function, number, subset, and distribution of blood neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer and dendritic cells are detected in aging, thus potentially reducing the efficacy of vaccines in older individuals. In this paper, we focus on the immunosenescence of the innate blood immune cells. We discuss possible strategies to counteract the immunosenescence of innate immunity in order to improve the response to vaccination. In particular, we focus on advances in understanding the role and the development of new adjuvants, such as TLR agonists, considered a promising strategy to increase vaccination efficiency in older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aiello
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mattia Emanuela Ligotti
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maider Garnica
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Giulia Accardi
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Calabrò
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Fanny Pojero
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Hugo Arasanz
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Bocanegra
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ester Blanco
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luisa Chocarro
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miriam Echaide
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leticia Fernandez-Rubio
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pablo Ramos
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sergio Piñeiro-Hermida
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.P.-H.); (C.C.)
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nahid Zareian
- The Rayne Institute, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Farzin Farzaneh
- The Rayne Institute, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - David Escors
- Oncoimmunology Group, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Calogero Caruso
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.P.-H.); (C.C.)
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
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23
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NK and cells with NK-like activities in cancer immunotherapy-clinical perspectives. Med Oncol 2022; 39:131. [PMID: 35716327 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01735-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphoid cells of innate immunity that take important roles in immune surveillance. NK cells are considered as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, and their infiltration into tumor area is related positively with prolonged patient survival. They are defined as CD16+ CD56+ CD3- cells in clinic. NK cells promote cytolytic effects on target cells and induce their apoptosis. Loss of NK cell cytotoxic activity and reduction in the number of activating receptors are the current issues for application of such cells in cellular immunotherapy, which resulted in the diminished long-term effects. The focus of this review is to discuss about the activity of NK cells and cells with NK-like activity including natural killer T (NKT), cytokine-induced killer (CIK) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells in immunotherapy of human solid cancers.
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24
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Capuano C, Pighi C, Battella S, Pulcinelli F, Santoro C, Ferretti A, Turriziani O, De Federicis D, Fionda C, Sciumè G, Galandrini R, Palmieri G. (Auto)Antibody Responses Shape Memory NK Cell Pool Size and Composition. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030625. [PMID: 35327427 PMCID: PMC8945707 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030625] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo establishment and long-term persistence of a heterogeneous memory or an adaptive NK cell pool represents a functional adaptation to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in humans. Memory NK cells are commonly identified by lack of the FcεRIγ signalling chain, variably associated to the preferential but not completely overlapping expression of the HLA-E receptor NKG2C and CD57 maturation marker. Although characterized by selective hyperresponsiveness to IgG stimulation, the impact of the CD16/antibody interaction in regulating the establishment/maintenance and size, and in determining the relative abundance of this population, is still under investigation. Memory NK cell subset ex vivo profile and in vitro responsiveness to CD16 stimulation was evaluated in HCMV+ healthy donors and in patients affected by immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease. We identified the FcεRIγ− NKG2C+CD57+ memory NK cell subset, whose abundance is uniquely associated with anti-HCMV antibody levels in healthy seropositive donors, and which is significantly expanded in ITP patients. This fully mature memory subset robustly and selectively expands in vitro in response to mAb-opsonized targets or ITP-derived platelets and displays superior CD16-dependent IFNγ production. Our work identifies opsonizing antibodies as a host-dependent factor that shapes HCMV-driven memory NK cell compartment. We first demonstrate that chronic exposure to auto-antibodies contributes to the establishment/expansion of a highly specialized and unique memory NK cell subset with distinct CD16-dependent functional capabilities. We also identify the specific contribution of the lack of FcεRIγ chain in conferring to NKG2C+CD57+ memory cells a higher responsivity to CD16 engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Chiara Pighi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Simone Battella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Fabio Pulcinelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Cristina Santoro
- Hematology Division, Policlinico Umberto I, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Antonietta Ferretti
- Hematology Division, Policlinico Umberto I, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Ombretta Turriziani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Davide De Federicis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Cinzia Fionda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Sciumè
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Ricciarda Galandrini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.); Tel.: +39-06-4997-4084 (R.G.); +39-06-446-8448 (G.P.)
| | - Gabriella Palmieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.); Tel.: +39-06-4997-4084 (R.G.); +39-06-446-8448 (G.P.)
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25
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Abstract
Purpose of review Immunological memory is an important evolutionary adaptation of the immune system. Previously restricted to the adaptive immune system, the concept of memory has recently been broadened to the innate immune system. This review summarizes recent studies that highlight the contribution of the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in supporting immunological memory. Recent findings Short-lived innate immune cells can build a long-lasting memory of infection to improve their response to secondary challenges. Studies show that these unexpected properties of the innate immune system are sustained by epigenetic and metabolic changes in the HSC compartment. Summary HSCs are durably altered in response to pathogens and serve as long-term support for innate immune memory. Many questions remain regarding the mechanisms contributing to the induction and the maintenance of this immune memory in HSCs. Answering these questions will open new perspectives to understand how environmental factors shape the HSC activity over time.
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26
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Lau CM, Wiedemann GM, Sun JC. Epigenetic regulation of natural killer cell memory. Immunol Rev 2022; 305:90-110. [PMID: 34908173 PMCID: PMC8955591 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunological memory is the underlying mechanism by which the immune system remembers previous encounters with pathogens to produce an enhanced secondary response upon re-encounter. It stands as the hallmark feature of the adaptive immune system and the cornerstone of vaccine development. Classic recall responses are executed by conventional T and B cells, which undergo somatic recombination and modify their receptor repertoire to ensure recognition of a vast number of antigens. However, recent evidence has challenged the dogma that memory responses are restricted to the adaptive immune system, which has prompted a reevaluation of what delineates "immune memory." Natural killer (NK) cells of the innate immune system have been at the forefront of these pushed boundaries, and have proved to be more "adaptable" than previously thought. Like T cells, we now appreciate that their "natural" abilities actually require a myriad of signals for optimal responses. In this review, we discuss the many signals required for effector and memory NK cell responses and the epigenetic mechanisms that ultimately endow their enhanced features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Lau
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gabriela M. Wiedemann
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Joseph C. Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA,Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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27
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Shkair L, Garanina EE, Martynova EV, Kolesnikova AI, Arkhipova SS, Titova AA, Rizvanov AA, Khaiboullina SF. Immunogenic Properties of MVs Containing Structural Hantaviral Proteins: An Original Study. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14010093. [PMID: 35056989 PMCID: PMC8779827 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an emerging infectious disease that remains a global public health threat. The highest incidence rate is among zoonotic disease cases in Russia. Most cases of HFRS are reported in the Volga region of Russia, which commonly identifies the Puumala virus (PUUV) as a pathogen. HFRS management is especially challenging due to the lack of specific treatments and vaccines. This study aims to develop new approaches for HFRS prevention. Our goal is to test the efficacy of microvesicles (MVs) as PUUV nucleocapsid (N) and glycoproteins (Gn/Gc) delivery vehicles. Our findings show that MVs could deliver the PUUV N and Gn/Gc proteins in vitro. We have also demonstrated that MVs loaded with PUUV proteins could elicit a specific humoral and cellular immune response in vivo. These data suggest that an MV-based vaccine could control HFRS.
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28
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Khalil M, Mei A, Hashemi E, Wang D, Schumacher M, Terhune S, Malarkannan S. Method to Study Adaptive NK Cells Following MCMV Infections. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2463:195-204. [PMID: 35344176 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2160-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Immunological memory is a fundamental feature of the adaptive immune system that protects the host from recurrent infections from pathogens. Natural killer (NK) cells are a predominant member of the innate immune system that lack clonotypic receptors, which are essential for memory formation. However, evidence demonstrates that a unique subpopulation of NK cells develops adaptive-like features using germline-encoded receptors. Recent studies have shown that infection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) leads to clonal expansion of NKG2C+ and Ly49H+ NK cells, in humans and mouse, respectively. These activation receptors have the capability to recognize CMV-encoded proteins and facilitate a recall response upon reinfection. Although NK cells do not rearrange genes encoding their activating receptors as seen in B and T cells, they possess a selective process to generate memory features and a long-lived progeny. Here, we describe an established in vivo protocol for infecting mice with mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) to study an adaptive NK cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Khalil
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ao Mei
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Elaheh Hashemi
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Dandan Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Megan Schumacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Scott Terhune
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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29
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Barnes SA, Trew I, de Jong E, Foley B. Making a Killer: Selecting the Optimal Natural Killer Cells for Improved Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:765705. [PMID: 34777383 PMCID: PMC8578927 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.765705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies have emerged as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory leukemia. Unlike T cell-based therapies, NK cells harbor an innate capacity to eliminate malignant cells without prior sensitization and can be adoptively transferred between individuals without the need for extensive HLA matching. A wide variety of therapeutic NK cell sources are currently being investigated clinically, including allogeneic donor-derived NK cells, stem cell-derived NK cells and NK cell lines. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that not all NK cells are endowed with the same antitumor potential. Despite advances in techniques to enhance NK cell cytotoxicity and persistence, the initial identification and utilization of highly functional NK cells remains essential to ensure the future success of adoptive NK cell therapies. Indeed, little consideration has been given to the identification and selection of donors who harbor NK cells with potent antitumor activity. In this regard, there is currently no standard donor selection criteria for adoptive NK cell therapy. Here, we review our current understanding of the factors which govern NK cell functional fate, and propose a paradigm shift away from traditional phenotypic characterization of NK cell subsets towards a functional profile based on molecular and metabolic characteristics. We also discuss previous selection models for NK cell-based immunotherapies and highlight important considerations for the selection of optimal NK cell donors for future adoptive cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A Barnes
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Isabella Trew
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Emma de Jong
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Bree Foley
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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30
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Murphy DM, Mills KHG, Basdeo SA. The Effects of Trained Innate Immunity on T Cell Responses; Clinical Implications and Knowledge Gaps for Future Research. Front Immunol 2021; 12:706583. [PMID: 34489958 PMCID: PMC8417102 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.706583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The burgeoning field of innate immune training, also called trained immunity, has given immunologists new insights into the role of innate responses in protection against infection and in modulating inflammation. Moreover, it has led to a paradigm shift in the way we think about immune memory and the interplay between innate and adaptive immune systems in conferring immunity against pathogens. Trained immunity is the term used to describe the medium-term epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming of innate immune cells in peripheral tissues or in the bone marrow stem cell niche. It is elicited by an initial challenge, followed by a significant period of rest that results in an altered response to a subsequent, unrelated challenge. Trained immunity can be associated with increased production of proinflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β, TNF and IL-6, and increased expression of markers on innate immune cells associated with antigen presentation to T cells. The microenvironment created by trained innate immune cells during the secondary challenge may have profound effects on T cell responses, such as altering the differentiation, polarisation and function of T cell subtypes, including Th17 cells. In addition, the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ plays a critical role in establishing trained immunity. In this review, we discuss the evidence that trained immunity impacts on or can be impacted by T cells. Understanding the interplay between innate immune training and how it effects adaptive immunity will give insights into how this phenomenon may affect the development or progression of disease and how it could be exploited for therapeutic interventions or to enhance vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dearbhla M Murphy
- Human and Translational Immunology Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kingston H G Mills
- Immune Regulation Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sharee A Basdeo
- Human and Translational Immunology Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Mikelez-Alonso I, Magadán S, González-Fernández Á, Borrego F. Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies and the many faces of NK cell memory: A look into how nanoparticles enhance NK cell activity. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113860. [PMID: 34237404 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes able to exert potent antitumor and antiviral functions by different means. Besides their classification as innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), NK cells exhibit memory-like and memory responses after cytokine preactivation, viral infections and hapten exposure. Multiple NK cell-based immunotherapies have been developed and are currently being tested, including the possibility to translate the NK cell memory responses into the clinic. Nevertheless, still there is a need to improve these therapies, especially for the treatment of solid tumors, and nanotechnology represents an attractive option to increase NK cell effector functions against transformed cells. In this article, we review the basis of NK cell activity, the diversity of the NK cell memory responses and the current NK cell-based immunotherapies that are being used in the clinic. Furthermore, we take a look into nanotechnology-based strategies targeting NK cells to modulate their responses for effective immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Mikelez-Alonso
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Immunopathology Group, Barakaldo, Spain; Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia - San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Susana Magadán
- CINBIO, Universidade de Vigo, Immunology Group, Vigo, Spain; Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS-GS), Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, Vigo, Spain
| | - África González-Fernández
- CINBIO, Universidade de Vigo, Immunology Group, Vigo, Spain; Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS-GS), Hospital Alvaro Cunqueiro, Vigo, Spain
| | - Francisco Borrego
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Immunopathology Group, Barakaldo, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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Evidence of Long-Lasting Humoral and Cellular Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Even in Elderly COVID-19 Convalescents Showing a Mild to Moderate Disease Progression. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11080805. [PMID: 34440549 PMCID: PMC8401673 DOI: 10.3390/life11080805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We here evaluate the humoral and cellular immune response against SARS-CoV-2 in 41 COVID-19 convalescents. As previous studies mostly included younger individuals, one advantage of our study is the comparatively high mean age of the convalescents included in the cohort considered (54 ± 8.4 years). While anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were still detectable in 95% of convalescents up to 8 months post infection, an antibody-decay over time was generally observed in most donors. Using a multiplex assay, our data additionally reveal that most convalescents exhibit a broad humoral immunity against different viral epitopes. We demonstrate by flow cytometry that convalescent donors show a significantly elevated number of natural killer cells when compared to healthy controls, while no differences were found concerning other leucocyte subpopulations. We detected a specific long-lasting cellular immune response in convalescents by stimulating immune cells with SARS-CoV-2-specific peptides, covering domains of the viral spike, membrane and nucleocapsid protein, and measuring interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release thereafter. We modified a commercially available ELISA assay for IFN-γ determination in whole-blood specimens of COVID-19 convalescents. One advantage of this assay is that it does not require special equipment and can, thus, be performed in any standard laboratory. In conclusion, our study adds knowledge regarding the persistence of immunity of convalescents suffering from mild to moderate COVID-19. Moreover, our study provides a set of simple methods to characterize and confirm experienced COVID-19.
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Littera R, Chessa L, Deidda S, Angioni G, Campagna M, Lai S, Melis M, Cipri S, Firinu D, Santus S, Lai A, Porcella R, Rassu S, Meloni F, Schirru D, Cordeddu W, Kowalik MA, Ragatzu P, Vacca M, Cannas F, Alba F, Carta MG, Del Giacco S, Restivo A, Deidda S, Palimodde A, Congera P, Perra R, Orrù G, Pes F, Loi M, Murru C, Urru E, Onali S, Coghe F, Giglio S, Perra A. Natural killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors trigger differences in immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255608. [PMID: 34352002 PMCID: PMC8341547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The diversity in the clinical course of COVID-19 has been related to differences in innate and adaptative immune response mechanisms. Natural killer (NK) lymphocytes are critical protagonists of human host defense against viral infections. It would seem that reduced circulating levels of these cells have an impact on COVID-19 progression and severity. Their activity is strongly regulated by killer-cell immuno-globulin-like receptors (KIRs) expressed on the NK cell surface. The present study’s focus was to investigate the impact of KIRs and their HLA Class I ligands on SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods KIR gene frequencies, KIR haplotypes, KIR ligands and combinations of KIRs and their HLA Class I ligands were investigated in 396 Sardinian patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Comparisons were made between 2 groups of patients divided according to disease severity: 240 patients were symptomatic or paucisymptomatic (Group A), 156 hospitalized patients had severe disease (Group S). The immunogenetic characteristics of patients were also compared to a population group of 400 individuals from the same geographical areas. Results Substantial differences were obtained for KIR genes, KIR haplotypes and KIR-HLA ligand combinations when comparing patients of Group S to those of Group A. Patients in Group S had a statistically significant higher frequency of the KIR A/A haplotype compared to patients in Group A [34.6% vs 23.8%, OR = 1.7 (95% CI 1.1–2.6); P = 0.02, Pc = 0.04]. Moreover, the KIR2DS2/HLA C1 combination was poorly represented in the group of patients with severe symptoms compared to those of the asymptomatic-paucisymptomatic group [33.3% vs 50.0%, OR = 0.5 (95% CI 0.3–0.8), P = 0.001, Pc = 0.002]. Multivariate analysis confirmed that, regardless of the sex and age of the patients, the latter genetic variable correlated with a less severe disease course [ORM = 0.4 (95% CI 0.3–0.7), PM = 0.0005, PMC = 0.005]. Conclusions The KIR2DS2/HLA C1 functional unit resulted to have a strong protective effect against the adverse outcomes of COVID-19. Combined to other well known factors such as advanced age, male sex and concomitant autoimmune diseases, this marker could prove to be highly informative of the disease course and thus enable the timely intervention needed to reduce the mortality associated with the severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, larger studies in other populations as well as experimental functional studies will be needed to confirm our findings and further pursue the effect of KIR receptors on NK cell immune-mediated response to SARS-Cov-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Littera
- Complex Structure of Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Sardinian Regional Company for the Protection of Health (ATS Sardegna), Cagliari, Italy
- Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation O.d.V., Non Profit Organisation, Cagliari, Italy
- * E-mail: (RL); (LC); (SG); (AP)
| | - Luchino Chessa
- Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation O.d.V., Non Profit Organisation, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- * E-mail: (RL); (LC); (SG); (AP)
| | - Silvia Deidda
- Complex Structure of Pneumology, SS Trinità Hospital, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Goffredo Angioni
- Complex Structure of Infectious Diseases, SS Trinità Hospital, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marcello Campagna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Lai
- Complex Structure of Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Sardinian Regional Company for the Protection of Health (ATS Sardegna), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Melis
- Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation O.d.V., Non Profit Organisation, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Selene Cipri
- Complex Structure of Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Sardinian Regional Company for the Protection of Health (ATS Sardegna), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Lai
- Local Crisis Unit (UCL), ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rita Porcella
- Complex Structure of Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Sardinian Regional Company for the Protection of Health (ATS Sardegna), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefania Rassu
- Complex Structure of Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Sardinian Regional Company for the Protection of Health (ATS Sardegna), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federico Meloni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniele Schirru
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - William Cordeddu
- Complex Structure of Infectious Diseases, SS Trinità Hospital, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Ragatzu
- Complex Structure of Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Sardinian Regional Company for the Protection of Health (ATS Sardegna), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Vacca
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Cannas
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Alba
- Complex Structure of Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Sardinian Regional Company for the Protection of Health (ATS Sardegna), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- 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
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Deidda
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Palimodde
- Complex Structure of Pneumology, SS Trinità Hospital, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Congera
- Complex Structure of Pneumology, SS Trinità Hospital, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Perra
- Complex Structure of Pneumology, SS Trinità Hospital, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Molecular Biology Service Laboratory, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Pes
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Loi
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Murru
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrico Urru
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Onali
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Coghe
- Clinical Chemical and Microbiology Laboratory, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Giglio
- Complex Structure of Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Sardinian Regional Company for the Protection of Health (ATS Sardegna), Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- * E-mail: (RL); (LC); (SG); (AP)
| | - Andrea Perra
- Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation O.d.V., Non Profit Organisation, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- * E-mail: (RL); (LC); (SG); (AP)
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Yousefi Y, Haq S, Banskota S, Kwon YH, Khan WI. Trichuris muris Model: Role in Understanding Intestinal Immune Response, Inflammation and Host Defense. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080925. [PMID: 34451389 PMCID: PMC8399713 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080925] [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: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several parasites have evolved to survive in the human intestinal tract and over 1 billion people around the world, specifically in developing countries, are infected with enteric helminths. Trichuris trichiura is one of the world’s most common intestinal parasites that causes human parasitic infections. Trichuris muris, as an immunologically well-defined mouse model of T. trichiura, is extensively used to study different aspects of the innate and adaptive components of the immune system. Studies on T. muris model offer insights into understanding host immunity, since this parasite generates two distinct immune responses in resistant and susceptible strains of mouse. Apart from the immune cells, T. muris infection also influences various components of the intestinal tract, especially the gut microbiota, mucus layer, epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Here, we reviewed the different immune responses generated by innate and adaptive immune components during acute and chronic T. muris infections. Furthermore, we discussed the importance of studying T. muris model in understanding host–parasite interaction in the context of alteration in the host’s microbiota, intestinal barrier, inflammation, and host defense, and in parasite infection-mediated modulation of other immune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeganeh Yousefi
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Room 3N7, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (Y.Y.); (S.H.); (S.B.); (Y.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Sabah Haq
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Room 3N7, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (Y.Y.); (S.H.); (S.B.); (Y.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Suhrid Banskota
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Room 3N7, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (Y.Y.); (S.H.); (S.B.); (Y.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Yun Han Kwon
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Room 3N7, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (Y.Y.); (S.H.); (S.B.); (Y.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Waliul I. Khan
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Room 3N7, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (Y.Y.); (S.H.); (S.B.); (Y.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-905-521-2100 (ext. 22846)
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Dębska-Zielkowska J, Moszkowska G, Zieliński M, Zielińska H, Dukat-Mazurek A, Trzonkowski P, Stefańska K. KIR Receptors as Key Regulators of NK Cells Activity in Health and Disease. Cells 2021; 10:1777. [PMID: 34359951 PMCID: PMC8303609 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the cellular immune response. They target mainly cancer and virally infected cells. To a high extent cytotoxic activity of NK cells is regulated inter alia by signals from killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules are important ligands for KIR receptors. Binding of ligands (such as MHC I) to the KIR receptors has the important role in solid organ or hematopoietic cell transplantation. Of note, the understanding of the relationship between KIR and MHC receptors may contribute to the improvement of transplant results. Donor-recipient matching, which also includes the KIR typing, may improve monitoring, individualize the treatment and allow for predicting possible effects after transplantation, such as the graft-versus-leukemia effect (GvL) or viral re-infection. There are also less evident implications of KIR/MHC matching, such as with pregnancy and cancer. In this review, we present the most relevant literature reports on the importance of the KIR/MHC relationship on NK cell activity and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)/solid organ transplantation (SOT) effects, the risk of allograft rejection, protection against post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, pregnancy complications, cancer and adoptive therapy with NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Dębska-Zielkowska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (G.M.); (M.Z.); (H.Z.); (A.D.-M.); (P.T.)
| | - Grażyna Moszkowska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (G.M.); (M.Z.); (H.Z.); (A.D.-M.); (P.T.)
| | - Maciej Zieliński
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (G.M.); (M.Z.); (H.Z.); (A.D.-M.); (P.T.)
| | - Hanna Zielińska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (G.M.); (M.Z.); (H.Z.); (A.D.-M.); (P.T.)
| | - Anna Dukat-Mazurek
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (G.M.); (M.Z.); (H.Z.); (A.D.-M.); (P.T.)
| | - Piotr Trzonkowski
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (G.M.); (M.Z.); (H.Z.); (A.D.-M.); (P.T.)
| | - Katarzyna Stefańska
- Department of Obstetrics, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland;
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36
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Interleukin-2 therapy of cancer-clinical perspectives. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 98:107836. [PMID: 34218217 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-2 is a pleiotropic cytokine that displays opposing activities on immune system acting either in favor of or against cancer progression. Advanced/metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are the two types of cancers that included most studies implemented for assessing the role of high-dose IL-2 therapy. The use of high-dose IL-2 therapy can, however, increase the rate of toxicities and interferes with the activity of endothelial cells (ECs) and effector T cells in tumor microenvironment (TME). This implies the need for adjusting strategies related to the cytokine therapy, such as suppressing signals that are interfering with the activity of this cytokine or the use of engineered IL-2 variants. The focus of this review is to discuss about pros and cons related to the IL-2 therapy and propose strategies to increase the efficacy of therapy. The outcomes of this literature will call for application of variants of IL-2 engineered to represent higher half-life and efficacy, and are more safe in the area of cancer immunotherapy.
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37
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Mosaddeghi P, Shahabinezhad F, Dorvash M, Goodarzi M, Negahdaripour M. Harnessing the non-specific immunogenic effects of available vaccines to combat COVID-19. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:1650-1661. [PMID: 33185497 PMCID: PMC7678415 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1833577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
No proven remedy is identified for COVID-19 yet. SARS-CoV-2, the viral agent, is recognized by some endosomal and cytosolic receptors following cell entry, entailing innate and adaptive immunity stimulation, notably through interferon induction. Impairment in immunity activation in some patients, mostly elderlies, leads to high mortalities; thus, promoting immune responses may help. BCG vaccine is under investigation to prevent COVID-19 due to its non-specific effects on the immune system. However, other complementary immune-induction methods at early stages of the disease may be needed. Here, the potentially preventive immunologic effects of BCG and influenza vaccination are compared with the immune response defects caused by aging and COVID-19. BCG co-administration with interferon-α/-β, or influenza vaccine is suggested to overcome its shortcomings in interferon signaling against COVID-19. However, further studies are highly recommended to assess the outcomes of such interventions considering their probable adverse effects especially augmented innate immune responses and overproduction of proinflammatory mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouria Mosaddeghi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Student Research Group, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farbod Shahabinezhad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Dorvash
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Student Research Group, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Goodarzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Xia M, Wang B, Wang Z, Zhang X, Wang X. Epigenetic Regulation of NK Cell-Mediated Antitumor Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:672328. [PMID: 34017344 PMCID: PMC8129532 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.672328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical innate lymphocytes that can directly kill target cells without prior immunization. NK cell activation is controlled by the balance of multiple germline-encoded activating and inhibitory receptors. NK cells are a heterogeneous and plastic population displaying a broad spectrum of functional states (resting, activating, memory, repressed, and exhausted). In this review, we present an overview of the epigenetic regulation of NK cell-mediated antitumor immunity, including DNA methylation, histone modification, transcription factor changes, and microRNA expression. NK cell-based immunotherapy has been recognized as a promising strategy to treat cancer. Since epigenetic alterations are reversible and druggable, these studies will help identify new ways to enhance NK cell-mediated antitumor cytotoxicity by targeting intrinsic epigenetic regulators alone or in combination with other strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoran Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xulong Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Lim SA, Moon Y, Shin MH, Kim TJ, Chae S, Yee C, Hwang D, Park H, Lee KM. Hypoxia-Driven HIF-1α Activation Reprograms Pre-Activated NK Cells towards Highly Potent Effector Phenotypes via ERK/STAT3 Pathways. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081904. [PMID: 33920906 PMCID: PMC8071270 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In patients with advanced cancer, hypoxic stress shapes NK cells toward tumor-resistant and immunosuppressive phenotypes. Therefore, a strategy to restore NK cell function within hypoxia would be crucial for successful tumor immunotherapy. By manipulating pO2 exposure to naïve vs. pre-activated NK cells, we found that HIF-1α-dependent metabolic reprogramming of NK cells is the key to overcoming hypoxia-mediated NK cell impairment. Exposure of pre-activated NK cells to hypoxia with 1.5% pO2 initiated metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and reduction of p21/p53-dependent apoptotic pathways, with concomitant upregulation of cell cycle-promoting genes and downregulation of cell cycle-arrest genes via HIF-1a/ERK/STAT3 activation. Furthermore, upregulation of NKp44 activating receptor in hypoxia-exposed pre-activated NK cells elevated cytotoxicity of K562, CEM, and A375 tumor cells, in both in-vitro and in-vivo tumor-clearance assays. Therefore, HIF-1α-mediated metabolic reprogramming of NK cells could reverse their impaired phenotype, generating functionally robust NK cells for adoptive therapy and clinical evaluation. Abstract NK cells are the predominant innate lymphocyte subsets specialized to kill malignant tumor cells. In patients with advanced cancer, hypoxic stress shapes NK cells toward tumor-resistant and immunosuppressive phenotypes, hence a strategy to restore NK function is critical for successful tumor immunotherapy. Here, we present evidence that pre-activation and subsequent HIF-1α-dependent metabolic shift of NK cells from oxidative phosphorylation into glycolysis are keys to overcome hypoxia-mediated impairment in NK cell survival, proliferation, and tumor cytotoxicity. Specifically, exposing NK cells to 7–9 days of normoxic culture followed by a pO2 of 1.5% hypoxia led to a highly potent effector phenotype via HIF-1α stabilization and upregulation of its target genes, BNIP3, PDK1, VEGF, PKM2, and LDHA. RNA sequencing and network analyses revealed that concomitant reduction of p21/p53 apoptotic pathways along with upregulation of cell cycle-promoting genes, CCNE1, CDC6, CDC20, and downregulation of cell cycle-arrest genes, CDKN1A, GADD45A, and MDM2 were accountable for superior expansion of NK cells via ERK/STAT3 activation. Furthermore, HIF-1α-dependent upregulation of the NKp44 receptor in hypoxia-exposed NK cells resulted in increased killing against K562, CEM, and A375 tumor targets both in-vitro and in-vivo tumor clearance assays. Therefore, hypoxic exposure on pre-activated proliferating NK cells triggered HIF-1α-dependent pathways to initiate coordinated regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity at the global gene transcription level. Our results uncover a previously unidentified role of HIF-1α-mediated metabolic reprogramming that can reverse impaired NK effector phenotypes to generate requisite numbers of functionally robust NK cells for adoptive cellular therapy for clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon Ah Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.A.L.); (M.H.S.); (T.-J.K.)
| | - Yunwon Moon
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea;
| | - Min Hwa Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.A.L.); (M.H.S.); (T.-J.K.)
| | - Tae-Jin Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.A.L.); (M.H.S.); (T.-J.K.)
| | - Sehyun Chae
- Korea Brain Bank, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41068, Korea;
| | - Cassian Yee
- Departments of Melanoma Medical Oncology and Immunology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
| | - Daehee Hwang
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Hyunsung Park
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea;
- Correspondence: (H.P.); (K.-M.L.); Tel.: +82-2-6490-2670 (H.P.); +82-2-920-6251 (K-M.L.)
| | - Kyung-Mi Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.A.L.); (M.H.S.); (T.-J.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Bio-Integrated Electronics, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Correspondence: (H.P.); (K.-M.L.); Tel.: +82-2-6490-2670 (H.P.); +82-2-920-6251 (K-M.L.)
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Ebihara T, Tatematsu M, Fuchimukai A, Yamada T, Yamagata K, Takasuga S, Yamada T. Trained innate lymphoid cells in allergic diseases. Allergol Int 2021; 70:174-180. [PMID: 33328130 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) reside in peripheral tissues such as the lungs, skin, nasal cavity, and gut and provoke innate type 2 immunity against allergen exposure, parasitic worm infection, and respiratory virus infection by producing TH2 cytokines. Recent advances in understanding ILC2 biology revealed that ILC2s can be trained by IL-33 or allergic inflammation, are long-lived, and mount memory-like type 2 immune responses to any other allergens afterwards. In contrast, IL-33, together with retinoic acid, induces IL-10-producing immunosuppressive ILC2s. In this review, we discuss how the allergic cytokine milieu and other immune cells direct the generation of trained ILC2s with immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive recall capability in allergic diseases and infections associated with type 2 immunity. The molecular mechanisms of trained immunity by ILCs and the physiological relevance of trained ILC2s are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ebihara
- Department of Medical Biology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan.
| | - Megumi Tatematsu
- Department of Medical Biology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Akane Fuchimukai
- Department of Medical Biology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Toshiki Yamada
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Kenki Yamagata
- Department of Medical Biology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Takasuga
- Department of Medical Biology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Takechiyo Yamada
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
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Perera Molligoda Arachchige AS. Human NK cells: From development to effector functions. Innate Immun 2021; 27:212-229. [PMID: 33761782 PMCID: PMC8054151 DOI: 10.1177/17534259211001512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are the major lymphocyte subset of the innate immune system that mediates antiviral and anti-tumor responses. It is well established that they develop mechanisms to distinguish self from non-self during the process of NK cell education. Unlike T and B cells, natural killer cells lack clonotypic receptors and are activated after recognizing their target via germline-encoded receptors through natural cytotoxicity, cytokine stimulation, and Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Subsequently, they utilize cytotoxic granules, death receptor ligands, and cytokines to perform their effector functions. In this review, we provide a general overview of human NK cells, as opposed to murine NK cells, discussing their ontogeny, maturation, receptor diversity, types of responses, and effector functions. Furthermore, we also describe recent advances in human NK cell biology, including tissue-resident NK cell populations, NK cell memory, and novel approaches used to target NK cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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42
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Ruibal P, Voogd L, Joosten SA, Ottenhoff THM. The role of donor-unrestricted T-cells, innate lymphoid cells, and NK cells in anti-mycobacterial immunity. Immunol Rev 2021; 301:30-47. [PMID: 33529407 PMCID: PMC8154655 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12948] [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] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination strategies against mycobacteria, focusing mostly on classical T‐ and B‐cells, have shown limited success, encouraging the addition of alternative targets. Classically restricted T‐cells recognize antigens presented via highly polymorphic HLA class Ia and class II molecules, while donor‐unrestricted T‐cells (DURTs), with few exceptions, recognize ligands via genetically conserved antigen presentation molecules. Consequently, DURTs can respond to the same ligands across diverse human populations. DURTs can be activated either through cognate TCR ligation or via bystander cytokine signaling. TCR‐driven antigen‐specific activation of DURTs occurs upon antigen presentation via non‐polymorphic molecules such as HLA‐E, CD1, MR1, and butyrophilin, leading to the activation of HLA‐E–restricted T‐cells, CD1‐restricted T‐cells, mucosal‐associated invariant T‐cells (MAITs), and TCRγδ T‐cells, respectively. NK cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which lack rearranged TCRs, are activated through other receptor‐triggering pathways, or can be engaged through bystander cytokines, produced, for example, by activated antigen‐specific T‐cells or phagocytes. NK cells can also develop trained immune memory and thus could represent cells of interest to mobilize by novel vaccines. In this review, we summarize the latest findings regarding the contributions of DURTs, NK cells, and ILCs in anti–M tuberculosis, M leprae, and non‐tuberculous mycobacterial immunity and explore possible ways in which they could be harnessed through vaccines and immunotherapies to improve protection against Mtb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Ruibal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Voogd
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Simone A Joosten
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom H M Ottenhoff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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43
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Beaulieu AM. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of memory NK cell responses. Immunol Rev 2021; 300:125-133. [PMID: 33491231 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic innate lymphocytes with key roles in host protection against viruses and malignancy. Notwithstanding their historical classification as innate immune cells, NK cells are now understood to have some capacity to mount memory or memory-like immune responses in which effector cells undergo antigen-driven expansion and give rise to long-lived memory cells with enhanced functionality. Understanding how antigen-specific effector and memory NK responses are regulated is an important and active area of research in the field. Here, we discuss key transcription factors and epigenetic processes involved in antigen-specific effector and memory NK cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee M Beaulieu
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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44
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Soleimanian S, Yaghobi R. Harnessing Memory NK Cell to Protect Against COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1309. [PMID: 32973527 PMCID: PMC7468462 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The worldwide struggle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a public health crisis continues to sweep across the globe. Up to now, effective antiviral treatment against COVID-19 is not available. Therefore, throughout virus infections, a thorough clarification of the virus-host immune system interactions will be most probably helpful to encounter these challenges. Emerging evidence suggests that just like SARS and MERS, COVID-19 primarily suppresses the innate immune system, enabling its stable propagation during the early stage of infection. Consequently, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines have been increasing during infection progression associated with severe lung pathology. It is imperative to consider hyper inflammation in vaccine designing, as vaccine-induced immune responses must have a protective role against infection without leading to immunopathology. Among the front-line responders to viral infections, Natural Killer (NK) cells have immense therapeutic potential, forming a bridge between innate and adaptive responses. A subset of NK cells exhibits putatively increased effector functions against viruses following pathogen-specific and immunization. Memory NK cells have higher cytotoxicity and effector activity, compared with the conventional NK cells. As a pioneering strategy, prompt accumulation and long-term maintenance of these memory NK cells could be an efficacious viral treatment. According to the high prevalence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in the world, it remains to be determined whether HCMV adaptive NK cells could play a protective role against this new emerging virus. In addition, the new adaptive-like KIR+NKG2C+ NK cell subset (the adaptive-like lung tissue residue [tr]NK cell) in the context of the respiratory infection at this site could specifically exhibit the expansion upon COVID-19. Another aspect of NK cells we should note, utilizing modified NK cells such as allogeneic off-the-shelf CAR-NK cells as a state-of-the-art strategy for the treatment of COVID-19. In this line, we speculate introducing NKG2C into chimeric antigen receptors in NK cells might be a potential approach in future viral immunotherapy for emerging viruses. In this contribution, we will briefly discuss the current status and future perspective of NK cells, which provide to successfully exploit NK cell-mediated antiviral activity that may offer important new tools in COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramin Yaghobi
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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45
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Angka L, Market M, Ardolino M, Auer RC. Is innate immunity our best weapon for flattening the curve? J Clin Invest 2020; 130:3954-3956. [PMID: 32510470 PMCID: PMC7410037 DOI: 10.1172/jci140530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Angka
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology
| | - Marisa Market
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology
| | - Michele Ardolino
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology
- Centre for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, and
| | - Rebecca C. Auer
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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