1
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Jin J, Mao X, Zhang D. A differential diagnosis method for systemic CAEBV and the prospect of EBV-related immune cell markers via flow cytometry. Ann Med 2024; 56:2329136. [PMID: 38502913 PMCID: PMC10953786 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2329136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) infection of the T-cell or Natural killer (NK)-cell type, systemic form (systemic CAEBV or sCAEBV) was defined by the WHO in 2017 as an EBV-related lymphoproliferative disorder and is listed as an EBV-positive T-cell and NK-cell proliferation. The clinical manifestations and prognoses are heterogeneous. This makes systemic CAEBV indistinguishable from other EBV-positive T-cell and NK-cell proliferations. Early diagnosis of systemic CAEBV and early hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can improve patient prognosis. At present, the diagnosis of systemic CAEBV relies mainly on age, clinical manifestations, and cell lineage, incurring missed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, long diagnosis time, and inability to identify high-risk systemic CAEBV early. The diagnostic methods for systemic CAEBV are complicated and lack systematic description. The recent development of diagnostic procedures, including molecular biological and immunological techniques such as flow cytometry, has provided us with the ability to better understand the proliferation of other EBV-positive T cells and NK cells, but there is no definitive review of their value in diagnosing systemic CAEBV. This article summarizes the recent progress in systemic CAEBV differential diagnosis and the prospects of flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jin
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xia Mao
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Donghua Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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2
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Seheult JN, Otteson GE, Jevremovic D, Horna P, Timm MM, Yuan J, Morice WG, Olteanu H, Shi M. Establishing NK-Cell Receptor Restriction by Flow Cytometry and Detecting Potential NK-Cell Clones of Uncertain Significance. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100255. [PMID: 37385341 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells develop a complex inhibitory and/or activating NK-cell receptor system, including killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs or CD158) and CD94/NKG2 dimers, which are variably combined to generate the individual's NK-cell receptor repertoire. Establishing NK-cell receptor restriction by flow cytometric immunophenotyping is an important step in diagnosing NK-cell neoplasms, but reference interval (RI) data for interpreting these studies are lacking. Specimens from 145 donors and 63 patients with NK-cell neoplasms were used to identify discriminatory rules based on 95% and 99% nonparametric RIs for CD158a+, CD158b+, CD158e+, KIR-negative, and NKG2A+ NK-cell populations to establish NK-cell receptor restriction. These 99% upper RI limits (NKG2a >88% or CD158a >53% or CD158b >72% or CD158e >54% or KIR-negative >72%) provided optimal discrimination between NK-cell neoplasm cases and healthy donor controls with an accuracy of 100% compared with the clinicopathologic diagnosis. The selected rules were applied to 62 consecutive samples received in our flow cytometry laboratory that were reflexed to an NK-cell panel due to an expanded NK-cell percentage (exceeding 40% of total lymphocytes). Twenty-two (35%) of 62 samples were found to harbor a very small NK-cell population with restricted NK-cell receptor expression based on the rule combination, suggestive of NK-cell clonality. A thorough clinicopathologic evaluation for the 62 patients did not reveal diagnostic features of NK-cell neoplasms; therefore, these potential clonal populations of NK cells were designated as NK-cell clones of uncertain significance (NK-CUS). In this study, we established decision rules for NK-cell receptor restriction from the largest published cohorts of healthy donors and NK-cell neoplasms. The presence of small NK-cell populations with restricted NK-cell receptors does not appear to be an uncommon finding, and its significance requires further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jansen N Seheult
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Gregory E Otteson
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Dragan Jevremovic
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Pedro Horna
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Michael M Timm
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ji Yuan
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - William G Morice
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Horatiu Olteanu
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Min Shi
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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3
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Semenzato G, Calabretto G, Barilà G, Gasparini VR, Teramo A, Zambello R. Not all LGL leukemias are created equal. Blood Rev 2023; 60:101058. [PMID: 36870881 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Large Granular Lymphocyte (LGL) Leukemia is a rare, heterogeneous even more that once thought, chronic lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the clonal expansion of T- or NK-LGLs that requires appropriate immunophenotypic and molecular characterization. As in many other hematological conditions, genomic features are taking research efforts one step further and are also becoming instrumental in refining discrete subsets of LGL disorders. In particular, STAT3 and STAT5B mutations may be harbored in leukemic cells and their presence has been linked to diagnosis of LGL disorders. On clinical grounds, a correlation has been established in CD8+ T-LGLL patients between STAT3 mutations and clinical features, in particular neutropenia that favors the onset of severe infections. Revisiting biological aspects, clinical features as well as current and predictable emerging treatments of these disorders, we will herein discuss why appropriate dissection of different disease variants is needed to better manage patients with LGL disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianpietro Semenzato
- University of Padova, Department of Medicine, Hematology Unit, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy.
| | - Giulia Calabretto
- University of Padova, Department of Medicine, Hematology Unit, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Gregorio Barilà
- University of Padova, Department of Medicine, Hematology Unit, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Rebecca Gasparini
- University of Padova, Department of Medicine, Hematology Unit, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonella Teramo
- University of Padova, Department of Medicine, Hematology Unit, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy.
| | - Renato Zambello
- University of Padova, Department of Medicine, Hematology Unit, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy.
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4
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Pu Q, Cao X, Liu Y, Yan D, Tan R, Li J, Yue B. Comprehensive Analysis and Summary of the Value of Immunophenotypes of Mature NK Cell Tumors for Differential Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918487. [PMID: 35812422 PMCID: PMC9263723 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918487] [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: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have been performed to comprehensively analyze and summarize the immunophenotype and differential diagnosis of mature NK cell tumors, and there is often overlap between tumorigenic and reactive NK cell phenotypes. Furthermore, the impact of different phenotypes on patient prognosis has rarely been reported. Methods The degree of expression of extracellular and intracellular markers of NK cells in each group was compared by FCM, and the differences in expression of various markers among different disease groups and their impact on prognosis have been analyzed and summarized. Results Compared with normal NK cells, tumor cells of ANKL and ENKTL had characteristics of being more activated and progressive with larger FSC, in contrast to NK-CLPD and RNKL. Differential diagnoses with RNKL, ANKL, and ENKTL have broader FCM clues. In contrast, the phenotypes of NK-CLPD and RNKL are not significantly different, and consistent phenotypic abnormalities require ongoing monitoring to confirm malignant clones. The sensitivity of differentiating malignant NK cells from reactive NK cells by KIRs alone was poor. The clustering results showed that CD5, CD16, CD56, CD57, CD94, CD45RA, CD45RO, HLA-DR, KIRs, Granzyme B, Perforin and Ki-67 were differentially distributed in the expression of three NK cell tumors and reactive NK cell hyperplasia, so a comprehensive judgment using a wide range of antibody combinations is required in disease staging diagnosis. The tumor cell loads in BM and PB were also compared, and there was a clear correlation between the two. Moreover, the sensitivity of PB for monitoring tumor cells was up to 87.10%, suggesting that PB could be used as an alternative to BM for the diagnosis and screening of NK cell tumors. Analysis of the phenotypic impact of ENKTL patients on prognosis showed that those with CD7 and CD45RO expression had a poor prognosis, while those with positive KIRs had a better prognosis. Conclusion This study systematically characterized the FCM of mature NK cell tumors, emphasizing the importance and clinical value of accurate immunophenotyping in diagnosing, classifying, determining prognosis, and guiding treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyao Pu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Clinical Laboratory of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xueyan Cao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuke Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Clinical Laboratory of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dongyao Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Clinical Laboratory of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ran Tan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Clinical Laboratory of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiwei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Baohong Yue
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Clinical Laboratory of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Faculty of Laboratory Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Baohong Yue,
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5
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Giussani E, Binatti A, Calabretto G, Gasparini VR, Teramo A, Vicenzetto C, Barilà G, Facco M, Coppe A, Semenzato G, Bortoluzzi S, Zambello R. Lack of Viral Load Within Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorder of Natural Killer Cells: What Is Outside the Leukemic Clone? Front Oncol 2021; 10:613570. [PMID: 33585237 PMCID: PMC7873950 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.613570] [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: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Large granular lymphocyte leukemias (LGLL) are sustained by proliferating cytotoxic T cells or NK cells, as happens in Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorder of Natural Killer cells (CLPD-NK), whose etiology is only partly understood. Different hypotheses have been proposed on the original events triggering NK cell hyperactivation and transformation, including a role of viral agents. In this perspective, we revise the lines of evidence that suggested a pathogenetic role in LGLL of the exposure to retroviruses and that identified Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in other NK cell leukemias and lymphomas and focus on the contrasting data about the importance of viral agents in CLPD-NK. EBV was detected in aggressive NK leukemias but not in the indolent CLPD-NK, where seroreactivity against HTLV-1 retrovirus envelope BA21 protein antigens has been reported in patients, although lacking clear evidence of HTLV infection. We next present original results of whole exome sequencing data analysis that failed to identify viral sequences in CLPD-NK. We recently demonstrated that proliferating NK cells of patients harbor several somatic lesions likely contributing to sustain NK cell proliferation. Thus, we explore whether "neoantigens" similar to the BA21 antigen could be generated by aberrancies present in the leukemic clone. In light of the literature and new data, we evaluated the intriguing hypothesis that NK cell activation can be caused by retroviral agents located outside the hematopoietic compartment and on the possible mechanisms involved with the prospects of immunotherapy-based approaches to limit the growth of NK cells in CLPD-NK disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Giussani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Binatti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Calabretto
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Rebecca Gasparini
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Antonella Teramo
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Vicenzetto
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Gregorio Barilà
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Facco
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Coppe
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Semenzato
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Bortoluzzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,CRIBI Biotechnology Centre, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Renato Zambello
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
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6
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Linking the KIR phenotype with STAT3 and TET2 mutations to identify chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of NK cells. Blood 2021; 137:3237-3250. [PMID: 33512451 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020006721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Distinguishing chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of NK cells (CLPD-NK) from reactive NK-cell expansion is challenging. We assessed the value of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor(KIR) phenotyping and targeted high-throughput sequencing in a cohort of 114 consecutive patients with NK cell proliferation, retrospectively assigned to a CLPD-NK group (n = 46) and a reactive NK group (n = 68). We then developed an NK-cell clonality score combining flow cytometry and molecular profiling with a positive predictive value of 93%. STAT3 and TET2 mutations were respectively identified in 27% and 34% of the patients with CLPD-NK, constituting a new diagnostic hallmark for this disease. TET2-mutated CLPD-NK preferentially exhibited a CD16low phenotype, more frequently displayed a lower platelet count, and was associated with other hematologic malignancies such as myelodysplasia. To explore the mutational clonal hierarchy of CLPD-NK, we performed whole-exome sequencing of sorted, myeloid, T, and NK cells and found that TET2 mutations were shared by myeloid and NK cells in 3 of 4 cases. Thus, we hypothesized that TET2 alterations occur in early hematopoietic progenitors which could explain a potential link between CLPD-NK and myeloid malignancies. Finally, we analyzed the transcriptome by RNA sequencing of 7 CLPD-NK and evidenced 2 groups of patients. The first group displayed STAT3 mutations or SOCS3 methylation and overexpressed STAT3 target genes. The second group, including 2 TET2-mutated cases, significantly underexpressed genes known to be downregulated in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. Our results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of NK-cell proliferative disorders and, potentially, new therapeutic opportunities.
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7
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Zamai L, Del Zotto G, Buccella F, Gabrielli S, Canonico B, Artico M, Ortolani C, Papa S. Understanding the Synergy of NKp46 and Co-Activating Signals in Various NK Cell Subpopulations: Paving the Way for More Successful NK-Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030753. [PMID: 32204481 PMCID: PMC7140651 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The NK cell population is characterized by distinct NK cell subsets that respond differently to the various activating stimuli. For this reason, the determination of the optimal cytotoxic activation of the different NK cell subsets can be a crucial aspect to be exploited to counter cancer cells in oncologic patients. To evaluate how the triggering of different combination of activating receptors can affect the cytotoxic responses of different NK cell subsets, we developed a microbead-based degranulation assay. By using this new assay, we were able to detect CD107a+ degranulating NK cells even within the less cytotoxic subsets (i.e., resting CD56bright and unlicensed CD56dim NK cells), thus demonstrating its high sensitivity. Interestingly, signals delivered by the co-engagement of NKp46 with 2B4, but not with CD2 or DNAM-1, strongly cooperate to enhance degranulation on both licensed and unlicensed CD56dim NK cells. Of note, 2B4 is known to bind CD48 hematopoietic antigen, therefore this observation may provide the rationale why CD56dim subset expansion correlates with successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation mediated by alloreactive NK cells against host T, DC and leukemic cells, while sparing host non-hematopoietic tissues and graft versus host disease. The assay further confirms that activation of LFA-1 on NK cells leads to their granule polarization, even if, in some cases, this also takes to an inhibition of NK cell degranulation, suggesting that LFA-1 engagement by ICAMs on target cells may differently affect NK cell response. Finally, we observed that NK cells undergo a time-dependent spontaneous (cytokine-independent) activation after blood withdrawal, an aspect that may strongly bias the evaluation of the resting NK cell response. Altogether our data may pave the way to develop new NK cell activation and expansion strategies that target the highly cytotoxic CD56dim NK cells and can be feasible and useful for cancer and viral infection treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61032 Urbino, Italy
- INFN-Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Assergi, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0722-304319; Fax: +39-0722-304319
| | - Genny Del Zotto
- Area Aggregazione Servizi e Laboratori Diagnostici, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Flavia Buccella
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61032 Urbino, Italy
| | - Sara Gabrielli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61032 Urbino, Italy
| | - Barbara Canonico
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61032 Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Ortolani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61032 Urbino, Italy
| | - Stefano Papa
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61032 Urbino, Italy
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8
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Zamai L, Del Zotto G, Buccella F, Gabrielli S, Canonico B, Artico M, Ortolani C, Papa S. Understanding the Synergy of NKp46 and Co-Activating Signals in Various NK Cell Subpopulations: Paving the Way for More Successful NK-Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Cells 2020. [PMID: 32204481 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030753.pmid:32204481;pmcid:pmc7140651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The NK cell population is characterized by distinct NK cell subsets that respond differently to the various activating stimuli. For this reason, the determination of the optimal cytotoxic activation of the different NK cell subsets can be a crucial aspect to be exploited to counter cancer cells in oncologic patients. To evaluate how the triggering of different combination of activating receptors can affect the cytotoxic responses of different NK cell subsets, we developed a microbead-based degranulation assay. By using this new assay, we were able to detect CD107a+ degranulating NK cells even within the less cytotoxic subsets (i.e., resting CD56bright and unlicensed CD56dim NK cells), thus demonstrating its high sensitivity. Interestingly, signals delivered by the co-engagement of NKp46 with 2B4, but not with CD2 or DNAM-1, strongly cooperate to enhance degranulation on both licensed and unlicensed CD56dim NK cells. Of note, 2B4 is known to bind CD48 hematopoietic antigen, therefore this observation may provide the rationale why CD56dim subset expansion correlates with successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation mediated by alloreactive NK cells against host T, DC and leukemic cells, while sparing host non-hematopoietic tissues and graft versus host disease. The assay further confirms that activation of LFA-1 on NK cells leads to their granule polarization, even if, in some cases, this also takes to an inhibition of NK cell degranulation, suggesting that LFA-1 engagement by ICAMs on target cells may differently affect NK cell response. Finally, we observed that NK cells undergo a time-dependent spontaneous (cytokine-independent) activation after blood withdrawal, an aspect that may strongly bias the evaluation of the resting NK cell response. Altogether our data may pave the way to develop new NK cell activation and expansion strategies that target the highly cytotoxic CD56dim NK cells and can be feasible and useful for cancer and viral infection treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61032 Urbino, Italy
- INFN-Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Assergi, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Genny Del Zotto
- Area Aggregazione Servizi e Laboratori Diagnostici, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Flavia Buccella
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61032 Urbino, Italy
| | - Sara Gabrielli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61032 Urbino, Italy
| | - Barbara Canonico
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61032 Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Ortolani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61032 Urbino, Italy
| | - Stefano Papa
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61032 Urbino, Italy
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9
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Teramo A, Barilà G, Calabretto G, Vicenzetto C, Gasparini VR, Semenzato G, Zambello R. Insights Into Genetic Landscape of Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia. Front Oncol 2020; 10:152. [PMID: 32133291 PMCID: PMC7040228 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Large granular lymphocyte leukemia (LGLL) is a chronic proliferation of clonal cytotoxic lymphocytes, usually presenting with cytopenias and yet lacking a specific therapy. The disease is heterogeneous, including different subsets of patients distinguished by LGL immunophenotype (CD8+ Tαβ, CD4+ Tαβ, Tγδ, NK) and the clinical course of the disease (indolent/symptomatic/aggressive). Even if the etiology of LGLL remains elusive, evidence is accumulating on the genetic landscape driving and/or sustaining chronic LGL proliferations. The most common gain-of-function mutations identified in LGLL patients are on STAT3 and STAT5b genes, which have been recently recognized as clonal markers and were included in the 2017 WHO classification of the disease. A significant correlation between STAT3 mutations and symptomatic disease has been highlighted. At variance, STAT5b mutations could have a different clinical impact based on the immunophenotype of the mutated clone. In fact, they are regarded as the signature of an aggressive clinical course with a poor prognosis in CD8+ T-LGLL and aggressive NK cell leukemia, while they are devoid of negative prognostic significance in CD4+ T-LGLL and Tγδ LGLL. Knowing the specific distribution of STAT mutations helps identify the discrete mechanisms sustaining LGL proliferations in the corresponding disease subsets. Some patients equipped with wild type STAT genes are characterized by less frequent mutations in different genes, suggesting that other pathogenetic mechanisms are likely to be involved. In this review, we discuss how the LGLL mutational pattern allows a more precise and detailed tumor stratification, suggesting new parameters for better management of the disease and hopefully paving the way for a targeted clinical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Teramo
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, Department of Medicine (DIMED), Padova University School of Medicine, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Gregorio Barilà
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, Department of Medicine (DIMED), Padova University School of Medicine, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Calabretto
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, Department of Medicine (DIMED), Padova University School of Medicine, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Vicenzetto
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, Department of Medicine (DIMED), Padova University School of Medicine, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Rebecca Gasparini
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, Department of Medicine (DIMED), Padova University School of Medicine, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Semenzato
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, Department of Medicine (DIMED), Padova University School of Medicine, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Renato Zambello
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, Department of Medicine (DIMED), Padova University School of Medicine, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
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10
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Wu Z, Subramanian N, Jacobsen EM, Laib Sampaio K, van der Merwe J, Hönig M, Mertens T. NK Cells from RAG- or DCLRE1C-Deficient Patients Inhibit HCMV. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7110546. [PMID: 31717670 PMCID: PMC6920872 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7110546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The recombination-activating genes (RAGs) and the DNA cross-link repair 1C gene (DCLRE1C) encode the enzymes RAG1, RAG2 and Artemis. They are critical components of the V(D)J recombination machinery. V(D)J recombination is well known as a prerequisite for the development and antigen diversity of T and B cells. New findings suggested that RAG deficiency impacts the cellular fitness and function of murine NK cells. It is not known whether NK cells from severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) patients with defective RAGs or DCLRE1C (RAGs−/DCLRE1C−-NK) are active against virus infections. Here, we evaluated the anti-HCMV activity of RAGs−/DCLRE1C−-NK cells. NK cells from six SCID patients were functional in inhibiting HCMV transmission between cells in vitro. We also investigated the expansion of HCMV-induced NK cell subset in the RAG- or DCLRE1C-deficient patients. A dynamic expansion of NKG2C+ NK cells in one RAG-2-deficient patient was observed post HCMV acute infection. Our study firstly reveals the antiviral activity of human RAGs−/ DCLRE1C−-NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeguang Wu
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Eva-Maria Jacobsen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Manfred Hönig
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Mertens
- Institute of Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-731-500-65101; Fax: +49-731-500-65102
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11
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The Memories of NK Cells: Innate-Adaptive Immune Intrinsic Crosstalk. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:1376595. [PMID: 28078307 PMCID: PMC5204097 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1376595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although NK cells are considered part of the innate immune system, a series of evidences has demonstrated that they possess characteristics typical of the adaptive immune system. These NK adaptive features, in particular their memory-like functions, are discussed from an ontogenetic and evolutionary point of view.
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12
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Béziat V, Hilton HG, Norman PJ, Traherne JA. Deciphering the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor system at super-resolution for natural killer and T-cell biology. Immunology 2016; 150:248-264. [PMID: 27779741 PMCID: PMC5290243 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are components of two fundamental biological systems essential for human health and survival. First, they contribute to host immune responses, both innate and adaptive, through their expression by natural killer cells and T cells. Second, KIR play a key role in regulating placentation, and hence reproductive success. Analogous to the diversity of their human leucocyte antigen class I ligands, KIR are extremely polymorphic. In this review, we describe recent developments, fuelled by methodological advances, that are helping to decipher the KIR system in terms of haplotypes, polymorphisms, expression patterns and their ligand interactions. These developments are delivering deeper insight into the relevance of KIR in immune system function, evolution and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Béziat
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Hugo G Hilton
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Paul J Norman
- Departments of Structural Biology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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13
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Bárcena P, Jara-Acevedo M, Tabernero MD, López A, Sánchez ML, García-Montero AC, Muñoz-García N, Vidriales MB, Paiva A, Lecrevisse Q, Lima M, Langerak AW, Böttcher S, van Dongen JJM, Orfao A, Almeida J. Phenotypic profile of expanded NK cells in chronic lymphoproliferative disorders: a surrogate marker for NK-cell clonality. Oncotarget 2016; 6:42938-51. [PMID: 26556869 PMCID: PMC4767482 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the lack of a universal and specific marker of clonality hampers the diagnosis and classification of chronic expansions of natural killer (NK) cells. Here we investigated the utility of flow cytometric detection of aberrant/altered NK-cell phenotypes as a surrogate marker for clonality, in the diagnostic work-up of chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of NK cells (CLPD-NK). For this purpose, a large panel of markers was evaluated by multiparametric flow cytometry on peripheral blood (PB) CD56low NK cells from 60 patients, including 23 subjects with predefined clonal (n = 9) and polyclonal (n = 14) CD56low NK-cell expansions, and 37 with CLPD-NK of undetermined clonality; also, PB samples from 10 healthy adults were included. Clonality was established using the human androgen receptor (HUMARA) assay. Clonal NK cells were found to show decreased expression of CD7, CD11b and CD38, and higher CD2, CD94 and HLADR levels vs. normal NK cells, together with a restricted repertoire of expression of the CD158a, CD158b and CD161 killer-associated receptors. In turn, NK cells from both clonal and polyclonal CLPD-NK showed similar/overlapping phenotypic profiles, except for high and more homogeneous expression of CD94 and HLADR, which was restricted to clonal CLPD-NK. We conclude that the CD94hi/HLADR+ phenotypic profile proved to be a useful surrogate marker for NK-cell clonality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Bárcena
- Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC, CSIC-USAL), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), (NUCLEUS) and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - María Jara-Acevedo
- Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC, CSIC-USAL), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), (NUCLEUS) and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Antonio López
- Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC, CSIC-USAL), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), (NUCLEUS) and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - María Luz Sánchez
- Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC, CSIC-USAL), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), (NUCLEUS) and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Andrés C García-Montero
- Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC, CSIC-USAL), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), (NUCLEUS) and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Noemí Muñoz-García
- Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC, CSIC-USAL), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), (NUCLEUS) and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - María Belén Vidriales
- Department of Hematology and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Artur Paiva
- Unidade de Gestão Operacional em Citometria, Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC-Coimbra Health School, Análises Clínicas e Saúde Pública, Coimbra,Portugal
| | - Quentin Lecrevisse
- Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC, CSIC-USAL), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), (NUCLEUS) and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Margarida Lima
- Department of Hematology, Laboratory of Cytometry, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Porto, Portugal
| | - Anton W Langerak
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Böttcher
- Medical Clinic II, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jacques J M van Dongen
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alberto Orfao
- Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC, CSIC-USAL), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), (NUCLEUS) and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julia Almeida
- Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC, CSIC-USAL), Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), (NUCLEUS) and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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14
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Flow Cytometric Immunophenotyping Is Sensitive for the Early Diagnosis of De Novo Aggressive Natural Killer Cell Leukemia (ANKL): A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158827. [PMID: 27483437 PMCID: PMC4970793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive natural killer cell leukemia (ANKL) is a fatal hematological neoplasm characterized by a fulminating clinical course and extremely high mortality. Current diagnosis of this disease is not effective during the early stages and it is easily misdiagnosed as other NK cell disorders. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and flow cytometric immunophenotype of 47 patients with ANKL. Patients with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) and chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of NK cell (CLPD-NK), who were diagnosed during the same time period were used for comparisons. Abnormal NK cells in ANKL were found to have a distinctiveCD56bright/CD16dim immunophenotype and markedly increased Ki-67 expression, whereas CD57 negativity and reduced expression of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR), CD161, CD7, CD8 and perforin were exhibited compared with other NK cell proliferative disorders (p<0.05). The positive rates of flow cytometry detection (97.4%) was higher than those of cytomorphological (89.5%), immunohistochemical (90%), cytogenetic (56.5%) and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computer tomography (18-FDG-PET/CT) examinations (50%) (p<0.05). ANKL is a highly aggressive leukemia with high mortality. Flow cytometry detection is sensitive for the early and differential diagnosis of ANKL with high specificity.
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15
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Selection and expansion of natural killer cells for NK cell-based immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:477-84. [PMID: 26810567 PMCID: PMC4826432 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1792-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have been used in several clinical trials as adaptive immunotherapy. The low numbers of these cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) have resulted in various approaches to preferentially expand primary NK cells from PBMC. While some clinical trials have used the addition of interleukin 2 (IL-2) to co-stimulate the expansion of purified NK cells from allogeneic donors, recent studies have shown promising results in achieving in vitro expansion of NK cells to large numbers for adoptive immunotherapy. NK cell expansion requires multiple cell signals for survival, proliferation and activation. Thus, expansion strategies have been focused either to substitute these factors using autologous feeder cells or to use genetically modified allogeneic feeder cells. Recent developments in the clinical use of genetically modified NK cell lines with chimeric antigen receptors, the development of expansion protocols for the clinical use of NK cell from human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells are challenging improvements for NK cell-based immunotherapy. Transfer of several of these protocols to clinical-grade production of NK cells necessitates adaptation of good manufacturing practice conditions, and the development of freezing conditions to establish NK cell stocks will require some effort and, however, should enhance the therapeutic options of NK cells in clinical medicine.
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16
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Della Chiesa M, Sivori S, Carlomagno S, Moretta L, Moretta A. Activating KIRs and NKG2C in Viral Infections: Toward NK Cell Memory? Front Immunol 2015; 6:573. [PMID: 26617607 PMCID: PMC4638145 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important players in the immune defense against viral infections. The contribution of activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and CD94/NKG2C in regulating anti-viral responses has recently emerged. Thus, in the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting, the presence of donor activating KIRs (aKIRs) may protect against viral infections, while in HIV-infected individuals, KIR3DS1, in combination with HLA-Bw4-I80, results in reduction of viral progression. Since, studies have been performed mainly at the genetic or transcriptional level, the effective size, the function, and the "licensing" status of NK cells expressing aKIRs, as well as the nature of their viral ligands, require further investigation. Certain viral infections, mainly due to Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), can deeply influence the NK cell development and function by inducing a marked expansion of mature NKG2C(+) NK cells expressing self-activating KIRs. This suggests that NKG2C and/or aKIRs are involved in the selective proliferation of this subset. The persistent, HCMV-induced, imprinting suggests that NK cells may display unexpected adaptive immune traits. The role of aKIRs and NKG2C in regulating NK cell responses and promoting a memory-like response to certain viruses is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariella Della Chiesa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova , Genoa , Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova , Genoa , Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova , Genoa , Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Dipartimento di Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Bambin Gesù , Roma , Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Università di Genova , Genoa , Italy
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17
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Sivori S, Olive D, López-Botet M, Vitale M. NK receptors: tools for a polyvalent cell family. Front Immunol 2014; 5:617. [PMID: 25520722 PMCID: PMC4253963 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sivori
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DI.ME.S.), Centro di Eccellenza per le Ricerche Biomediche (CEBR), Università degli Studi di Genova , Genova , Italy
| | - Daniel Olive
- U1068, CRCM, Immunity and Cancer, INSERM , Marseille , France ; Institut Paoli-Calmettes , Marseille , France ; UM 105, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille , France ; UMR7258, CNRS , Marseille , France
| | - Miguel López-Botet
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Universitat Pompeu Fabra , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Massimo Vitale
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria S.Martino-IST , Genova , Italy
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18
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Nemat-Gorgani N, Edinur HA, Hollenbach JA, Traherne JA, Dunn PPJ, Chambers GK, Parham P, Norman PJ. KIR diversity in Māori and Polynesians: populations in which HLA-B is not a significant KIR ligand. Immunogenetics 2014; 66:597-611. [PMID: 25139336 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-014-0794-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
HLA class I molecules and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) form a diverse system of ligands and receptors that individualize human immune systems in ways that improve the survival of individuals and populations. Human settlement of Oceania by island-hopping East and Southeast Asian migrants started ~3,500 years ago. Subsequently, New Zealand was reached ~750 years ago by ancestral Māori. To examine how this history impacted KIR and HLA diversity, and their functional interaction, we defined at high resolution the allelic and haplotype diversity of the 13 expressed KIR genes in 49 Māori and 34 Polynesians. Eighty KIR variants, including four 'new' alleles, were defined, as were 35 centromeric and 22 telomeric KIR region haplotypes, which combine to give >50 full-length KIR haplotypes. Two new and divergent variant KIR form part of a telomeric KIR haplotype, which appears derived from Papua New Guinea and was probably obtained by the Asian migrants en route to Polynesia. Māori and Polynesian KIR are very similar, but differ significantly from African, European, Japanese, and Amerindian KIR. Māori and Polynesians have high KIR haplotype diversity with corresponding allotype diversity being maintained throughout the KIR locus. Within the population, each individual has a unique combination of HLA class I and KIR. Characterizing Māori and Polynesians is a paucity of HLA-B allotypes recognized by KIR. Compensating for this deficiency are high frequencies (>50 %) of HLA-A allotypes recognized by KIR. These HLA-A allotypes are ones that modern humans likely acquired from archaic humans at a much earlier time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Nemat-Gorgani
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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