1
|
Nicolini A, Ferrari P. Involvement of tumor immune microenvironment metabolic reprogramming in colorectal cancer progression, immune escape, and response to immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1353787. [PMID: 39119332 PMCID: PMC11306065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1353787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a k`ey hallmark of tumors, developed in response to hypoxia and nutrient deficiency during tumor progression. In both cancer and immune cells, there is a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to aerobic glycolysis, also known as the Warburg effect, which then leads to lactate acidification, increased lipid synthesis, and glutaminolysis. This reprogramming facilitates tumor immune evasion and, within the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer and immune cells collaborate to create a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The growing interest in the metabolic reprogramming of the TME, particularly its significance in colorectal cancer (CRC)-one of the most prevalent cancers-has prompted us to explore this topic. CRC exhibits abnormal glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and increased lipid synthesis. Acidosis in CRC cells hampers the activity of anti-tumor immune cells and inhibits the phagocytosis of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), while nutrient deficiency promotes the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2-like macrophages. In CRC cells, activation of G-protein coupled receptor 81 (GPR81) signaling leads to overexpression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and reduces the antigen presentation capability of dendritic cells. Moreover, the genetic and epigenetic cell phenotype, along with the microbiota, significantly influence CRC metabolic reprogramming. Activating RAS mutations and overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) occur in approximately 50% and 80% of patients, respectively, stimulating glycolysis and increasing levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and MYC proteins. Certain bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which activate CD8+ cells and genes involved in antigen processing and presentation, while other mechanisms support pro-tumor activities. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in selected CRC patients has shown promise, and the combination of these with drugs that inhibit aerobic glycolysis is currently being intensively researched to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Unit of Oncology, Department of Medical and Oncological Area, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Oh M, Jung S, Kim YA, Lee GY, Han SN. Dietary vitamin D 3 supplementation enhances splenic NK cell activity in healthy and diabetic male mice. Nutr Res 2024; 127:144-155. [PMID: 38954977 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus negatively affects the immune system, resulting in reduced natural killer (NK) cell activity. Vitamin D has been shown to regulate innate and adaptive immune cells. However, the effects of vitamin D on NK cells remain inconclusive, especially in the context of diabetes. We hypothesized that dietary vitamin D3 supplementation can enhance NK cell activity in diabetic mice. Therefore, we investigated the effects of dietary vitamin D3 on NK cell activity in control and diabetic mice and explored the mechanisms of NK cell activity modulation by vitamin D3. Control (CON) and diabetic mice (db/db) were randomly divided into 2 groups, then fed either a control diet (948 IU vitamin D3/kg diet, vDC) or a diet supplemented with vitamin D3 (9,477 IU vitamin D3/kg diet, vDS) for 8 weeks. Diabetic mice exhibited lower NK cell activity than control mice. The vDS group had significantly higher NK cell activity than the vDC group in both control and diabetic mice. The vDS group had a higher percentage of CD11b single-positive NK cells than the vDC group (CON-vDS 34%; db/db-vDS 30%; CON-vDC 27%; db/db-vDC 22%). The intracellular expression of splenic TGF-β was significantly higher in the db/db group than in the CON group. Overall, vDS group had higher Bcl2 and Tbx21 mRNA expressions than the vDC group. In conclusion, the present study shows that NK cell activity is impaired under diabetic conditions, possibly due to the reduced percentage of mature NK cells. Moreover, NK activity is enhanced by dietary supplementation in both control and diabetic mice that may be associated with changes in the proportion of mature NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minha Oh
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohee Jung
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Ah Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga Young Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Nim Han
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lightsey S, Sharma B. Natural Killer Cell Mechanosensing in Solid Tumors. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:328. [PMID: 38671750 PMCID: PMC11048000 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040328] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, which are an exciting alternative cell source for cancer immunotherapies, must sense and respond to their physical environment to traffic to and eliminate cancer cells. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which NK cells receive mechanical signals and explore recent key findings regarding the impact of the physical characteristics of solid tumors on NK cell functions. Data suggest that different mechanical stresses present in solid tumors facilitate NK cell functions, especially infiltration and degranulation. Moreover, we review recent engineering advances that can be used to systemically study the role of mechanical forces on NK cell activity. Understanding the mechanisms by which NK cells interpret their environment presents potential targets to enhance NK cell immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Blanka Sharma
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 23610, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stosik M, Tokarz-Deptuła B, Deptuła W. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in teleosts against data on ILCs in humans. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 146:109415. [PMID: 38296004 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
It is assumed that cells corresponding to innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in humans, in addition to lymphoid tissue inducer cells (LTi), are also found in teleosts. In this systematic group of organisms, however, they are a poorly understood cell population. In contrast to the data on ILCs in humans, which also remain incomplete despite advanced research, in teleosts, these cells require much more attention. ILCs in teleosts have been presented as cells that may be evolutionary precursors of NK cells or ILCs identified in mammals, including humans. It is a highly heterogeneous group of cells in both humans and fish and their properties, as revealed by studies in humans, are most likely to remain strictly dependent on the location of these cells and the physiological state of the individual from which they originate. They form a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. The premise of this paper is to review the current knowledge of ILCs in teleosts, taking into account data on similar cells in humans. A review of the knowledge concerning these particular cells, elements of innate immunity mechanisms as equivalent to, or perhaps dominant over, adaptive immunity mechanisms in teleosts, as presented, may inspire the need for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michał Stosik
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Poland
| | | | - Wiesław Deptuła
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barshidi A, Ardeshiri K, Ebrahimi F, Alian F, Shekarchi AA, Hojjat-Farsangi M, Jadidi-Niaragh F. The role of exhausted natural killer cells in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of leukemia. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:59. [PMID: 38254135 PMCID: PMC10802000 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01428-2] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune responses to cancer cells involve both innate and acquired immune cells. In the meantime, the most attention has been drawn to the adaptive immune cells, especially T cells, while, it is now well known that the innate immune cells, especially natural killer (NK) cells, play a vital role in defending against malignancies. While the immune cells are trying to eliminate malignant cells, cancer cells try to prevent the function of these cells and suppress immune responses. The suppression of NK cells in various cancers can lead to the induction of an exhausted phenotype in NK cells, which will impair their function. Recent studies have shown that the occurrence of this phenotype in various types of leukemic malignancies can affect the prognosis of the disease, and targeting these cells may be considered a new immunotherapy method in the treatment of leukemia. Therefore, a detailed study of exhausted NK cells in leukemic diseases can help both to understand the mechanisms of leukemia progression and to design new treatment methods by creating a deeper understanding of these cells. Here, we will comprehensively review the immunobiology of exhausted NK cells and their role in various leukemic malignancies. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asal Barshidi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Keivan Ardeshiri
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farbod Ebrahimi
- Nanoparticle Process Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Alian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Shekarchi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhi L, Wang X, Gao Q, He W, Shang C, Guo C, Niu Z, Zhu W, Zhang X. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors determining natural killer cell fate: Phenotype and function. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115136. [PMID: 37453199 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are derived from hematopoietic stem cells. They belong to the innate lymphoid cell family, which is an important part of innate immunity. This family plays a role in the body mainly through the release of perforin, granzyme, and various cytokines and is involved in cytotoxicity and cytokine-mediated immune regulation. NK cells involved in normal immune regulation and the tumor microenvironment (TME) can exhibit completely different states. Here, we discuss the growth, development, and function of NK cells in regard to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are those that influence NK cells to promote cell maturation and exert their effector functions under the control of internal metabolism and self-related genes. Extrinsic factors include the metabolism of the TME and the influence of related proteins on the "fate" of NK cells. This review targets the potential of NK cell metabolism, cellular molecules, regulatory genes, and other mechanisms involved in immune regulation. We further discuss immune-mediated tumor therapy, which is the trend of current research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingtong Zhi
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Xing Wang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Qing Gao
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wenhui He
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Chongye Shang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Changjiang Guo
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Niu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wuling Zhu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wong P, Foltz JA, Chang L, Neal CC, Yao T, Cubitt CC, Tran J, Kersting-Schadek S, Palakurty S, Jaeger N, Russler-Germain DA, Marin ND, Gang M, Wagner JA, Zhou AY, Jacobs MT, Foster M, Schappe T, Marsala L, McClain E, Pence P, Becker-Hapak M, Fisk B, Petti AA, Griffith OL, Griffith M, Berrien-Elliott MM, Fehniger TA. T-BET and EOMES sustain mature human NK cell identity and antitumor function. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e162530. [PMID: 37279078 PMCID: PMC10313375 DOI: 10.1172/jci162530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the T-box transcription factors (TFs) T-BET and EOMES are necessary for initiation of NK cell development, their ongoing requirement for mature NK cell homeostasis, function, and molecular programming remains unclear. To address this, T-BET and EOMES were deleted in unexpanded primary human NK cells using CRISPR/Cas9. Deleting these TFs compromised in vivo antitumor response of human NK cells. Mechanistically, T-BET and EOMES were required for normal NK cell proliferation and persistence in vivo. NK cells lacking T-BET and EOMES also exhibited defective responses to cytokine stimulation. Single-cell RNA-Seq revealed a specific T-box transcriptional program in human NK cells, which was rapidly lost following T-BET and EOMES deletion. Further, T-BET- and EOMES-deleted CD56bright NK cells acquired an innate lymphoid cell precursor-like (ILCP-like) profile with increased expression of the ILC-3-associated TFs RORC and AHR, revealing a role for T-box TFs in maintaining mature NK cell phenotypes and an unexpected role of suppressing alternative ILC lineages. Our study reveals the critical importance of sustained EOMES and T-BET expression to orchestrate mature NK cell function and identity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Wong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology
| | | | - Lily Chang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology
| | | | - Tony Yao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mark Foster
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bryan Fisk
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology
| | | | | | | | | | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Evers BD, Hils M, Heuser C, Hölge IM, Argiriu D, Skabytska Y, Kaesler S, Posch C, Knolle PA, Biedermann T. Inflammatory Cues Direct Skin-Resident Type 1 Innate Lymphoid Cells to Adopt a Psoriasis-Promoting Identity. JID INNOVATIONS 2023; 3:100204. [PMID: 37533580 PMCID: PMC10392090 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2023.100204] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are gatekeepers in barrier organs, where they maintain tissue integrity and contribute to host defense as well as tissue repair. Inappropriate activation of ILCs, however, can lead to immunopathology with detrimental results. In this study, we focused on type 1 ILCs (ILC1s), which under inflammatory conditions constitute a poorly defined population with ambiguous functions. To delineate the properties of ILC1s in skin pathology, we used the well-established mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis. Although ILC1s represented a minority among cutaneous lymphocytes in vehicle-treated controls, they rapidly expanded during early psoriasis and ultimately increased by >20-fold. This rapid increase was verified using two additional psoriasis models. Inflammatory ILC1s from imiquimod-treated skin were defined as CD44+, CXCR6+, and CD11b+ and substantially contributed to TNF-α and GM-CSF production, rendering them a potential candidate to shape the inflammatory infiltrate. In accordance with the psoriasis-specific microenvironment, skin ILC1s upregulated the IL-23 receptor whereas expression of the IL-12Rβ2 subunit was diminished. As a consequence, neutralization of IL-12 only had a minor impact, whereas blocking IL-23 reduced both ILC1 abundance and disease severity. Together, our findings identify skin ILC1s as a likely player in early psoriasis and a prospective target for therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix D.G. Evers
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Miriam Hils
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Heuser
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Department of Functional Immune Cell Modulation, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga M. Hölge
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Désirée Argiriu
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Yuliya Skabytska
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Kaesler
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Posch
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Vienna Healthcare Group, Vienna, Austria
- Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Faculty of Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Percy A. Knolle
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Molfetta R, Petillo S, Cippitelli M, Paolini R. SUMOylation and related post-translational modifications in natural killer cell anti-cancer responses. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1213114. [PMID: 37313439 PMCID: PMC10258607 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1213114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMOylation is a reversible modification that involves the covalent attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) to target proteins, leading to changes in their localization, function, stability, and interactor profile. SUMOylation and additional related post-translational modifications have emerged as important modulators of various biological processes, including regulation of genomic stability and immune responses. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that play a critical role in host defense against viral infections and tumors. NK cells can recognize and kill infected or transformed cells without prior sensitization, and their activity is tightly regulated by a balance of activating and inhibitory receptors. Expression of NK cell receptors as well as of their specific ligands on target cells is finely regulated during malignant transformation through the integration of different mechanisms including ubiquitin- and ubiquitin-like post-translational modifications. Our review summarizes the role of SUMOylation and other related pathways in the biology of NK cells with a special emphasis on the regulation of their response against cancer. The development of novel selective inhibitors as useful tools to potentiate NK-cell mediated killing of tumor cells is also briefly discussed.
Collapse
|
11
|
Kumar V, Stewart JH. Immunometabolic reprogramming, another cancer hallmark. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1125874. [PMID: 37275901 PMCID: PMC10235624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular carcinogenesis is a multistep process that involves acquired abnormalities in key biological processes. The complexity of cancer pathogenesis is best illustrated in the six hallmarks of the cancer: (1) the development of self-sufficient growth signals, (2) the emergence of clones that are resistant to apoptosis, (3) resistance to the antigrowth signals, (4) neo-angiogenesis, (5) the invasion of normal tissue or spread to the distant organs, and (6) limitless replicative potential. It also appears that non-resolving inflammation leads to the dysregulation of immune cell metabolism and subsequent cancer progression. The present article delineates immunometabolic reprogramming as a critical hallmark of cancer by linking chronic inflammation and immunosuppression to cancer growth and metastasis. We propose that targeting tumor immunometabolic reprogramming will lead to the design of novel immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - John H. Stewart
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA, United States
- Louisiana State University- Louisiana Children’s Medical Center, Stanley S. Scott, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The X-linked epigenetic regulator UTX controls NK cell-intrinsic sex differences. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:780-791. [PMID: 36928413 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01463-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Viral infection outcomes are sex biased, with males generally more susceptible than females. Paradoxically, the numbers of antiviral natural killer (NK) cells are increased in males. We demonstrate that while numbers of NK cells are increased in male mice, they display decreased effector function compared to females in mice and humans. These differences were not solely dependent on gonadal hormones, because they persisted in gonadectomized mice. Kdm6a (which encodes the protein UTX), an epigenetic regulator that escapes X inactivation, was lower in male NK cells, while NK cell-intrinsic UTX deficiency in female mice increased NK cell numbers and reduced effector responses. Furthermore, mice with NK cell-intrinsic UTX deficiency showed increased lethality to mouse cytomegalovirus. Integrative multi-omics analysis revealed a critical role for UTX in regulating chromatin accessibility and gene expression critical for NK cell homeostasis and effector function. Collectively, these data implicate UTX as a critical molecular determinant of sex differences in NK cells.
Collapse
|
13
|
Wong DCP, Ding JL. The mechanobiology of NK cells- 'Forcing NK to Sense' target cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188860. [PMID: 36791921 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune lymphocytes that recognize and kill cancer and infected cells, which makes them unique 'off-the-shelf' candidates for a new generation of immunotherapies. Biomechanical forces in homeostasis and pathophysiology accrue additional immune regulation for NK immune responses. Indeed, cellular and tissue biomechanics impact NK receptor clustering, cytoskeleton remodeling, NK transmigration through endothelial cells, nuclear mechanics, and even NK-dendritic cell interaction, offering a plethora of unexplored yet important dynamic regulation for NK immunotherapy. Such events are made more complex by the heterogeneity of human NK cells. A significant question remains on whether and how biochemical and biomechanical cues collaborate for NK cell mechanotransduction, a process whereby mechanical force is sensed, transduced, and translated to downstream mechanical and biochemical signalling. Herein, we review recent advances in understanding how NK cells perceive and mechanotransduce biophysical cues. We focus on how the cellular cytoskeleton crosstalk regulates NK cell function while bearing in mind the heterogeneity of NK cells, the direct and indirect mechanical cues for NK anti-tumor activity, and finally, engineering advances that are of translational relevance to NK cell biology at the systems level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren Chen Pei Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
| | - Jeak Ling Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore; Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, 119077, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abeynaike SA, Huynh TR, Mehmood A, Kim T, Frank K, Gao K, Zalfa C, Gandarilla A, Shultz L, Paust S. Human Hematopoietic Stem Cell Engrafted IL-15 Transgenic NSG Mice Support Robust NK Cell Responses and Sustained HIV-1 Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:365. [PMID: 36851579 PMCID: PMC9960100 DOI: 10.3390/v15020365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice reconstituted with human immune systems are instrumental in the investigation of HIV-1 pathogenesis and therapeutics. Natural killer (NK) cells have long been recognized as a key mediator of innate anti-HIV responses. However, established humanized mouse models do not support robust human NK cell development from engrafted human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). A major obstacle to human NK cell reconstitution is the lack of human interleukin-15 (IL-15) signaling, as murine IL-15 is a poor stimulator of the human IL-15 receptor. Here, we demonstrate that immunodeficient NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mice expressing a transgene encoding human IL-15 (NSG-Tg(IL-15)) have physiological levels of human IL-15 and support long-term engraftment of human NK cells when transplanted with human umbilical-cord-blood-derived HSCs. These Hu-NSG-Tg(IL-15) mice demonstrate robust and long-term reconstitution with human immune cells, but do not develop graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), allowing for long-term studies of human NK cells. Finally, we show that these HSC engrafted mice can sustain HIV-1 infection, resulting in human NK cell responses in HIV-infected mice. We conclude that Hu-NSG-Tg(IL-15) mice are a robust novel model to study NK cell responses to HIV-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn A. Abeynaike
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tridu R. Huynh
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Division of Internal Medicine, Scripps Clinic/Scripps Green Hospital, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Abeera Mehmood
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Teha Kim
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kayla Frank
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kefei Gao
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cristina Zalfa
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Angel Gandarilla
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Silke Paust
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rodriguez-Rodriguez N, Clark PA, Gogoi M, Ferreira ACF, Kerscher B, Crisp A, Jolin HE, Murphy JE, Sivasubramaniam M, Pedro L, Walker JA, Heycock MWD, Shields JD, Barlow JL, McKenzie ANJ. Identification of aceNKPs, a committed common progenitor population of the ILC1 and NK cell continuum. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203454119. [PMID: 36442116 PMCID: PMC7614094 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203454119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of innate lymphoid cell (ILC) transcription factor reporter mice has shown a previously unexpected complexity in ILC hematopoiesis. Using novel polychromic mice to achieve higher phenotypic resolution, we have characterized bone marrow progenitors that are committed to the group 1 ILC lineage. These common ILC1/NK cell progenitors (ILC1/NKP), which we call "aceNKPs", are defined as lineage-Id2+IL-7Rα+CD25-α4β7-NKG2A/C/E+Bcl11b-. In vitro, aceNKPs differentiate into group 1 ILCs, including NK-like cells that express Eomes without the requirement for IL-15, and produce IFN-γ and perforin upon IL-15 stimulation. Following reconstitution of Rag2-/-Il2rg-/- hosts, aceNKPs give rise to a spectrum of mature ILC1/NK cells (regardless of their tissue location) that cannot be clearly segregated into the traditional ILC1 and NK subsets, suggesting that group 1 ILCs constitute a dynamic continuum of ILCs that can develop from a common progenitor. In addition, aceNKP-derived ILC1/NK cells effectively ameliorate tumor burden in a model of lung metastasis, where they acquired a cytotoxic NK cell phenotype. Our results identify the primary ILC1/NK progenitor that lacks ILC2 or ILC3 potential and is strictly committed to ILC1/NK cell production irrespective of tissue homing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noe Rodriguez-Rodriguez
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Paula A Clark
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Mayuri Gogoi
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Ana C F Ferreira
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Bernhard Kerscher
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Langen 63225, Germany
| | - Alastair Crisp
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Helen E Jolin
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Jane E Murphy
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Meera Sivasubramaniam
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Luisa Pedro
- Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer A Walker
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Morgan W D Heycock
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jillian L Barlow
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew N J McKenzie
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li Y, Basar R, Wang G, Liu E, Moyes JS, Li L, Kerbauy LN, Uprety N, Fathi M, Rezvan A, Banerjee PP, Muniz-Feliciano L, Laskowski TJ, Ensley E, Daher M, Shanley M, Mendt M, Acharya S, Liu B, Biederstädt A, Rafei H, Guo X, Melo Garcia L, Lin P, Ang S, Marin D, Chen K, Bover L, Champlin RE, Varadarajan N, Shpall EJ, Rezvani K. KIR-based inhibitory CARs overcome CAR-NK cell trogocytosis-mediated fratricide and tumor escape. Nat Med 2022; 28:2133-2144. [PMID: 36175679 PMCID: PMC9942695 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-02003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Trogocytosis is an active process that transfers surface material from targeted to effector cells. Using multiple in vivo tumor models and clinical data, we report that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) activation in natural killer (NK) cells promoted transfer of the CAR cognate antigen from tumor to NK cells, resulting in (1) lower tumor antigen density, thus impairing the ability of CAR-NK cells to engage with their target, and (2) induced self-recognition and continuous CAR-mediated engagement, resulting in fratricide of trogocytic antigen-expressing NK cells (NKTROG+) and NK cell hyporesponsiveness. This phenomenon could be offset by a dual-CAR system incorporating both an activating CAR against the cognate tumor antigen and an NK self-recognizing inhibitory CAR that transferred a 'don't kill me' signal to NK cells upon engagement with their TROG+ siblings. This system prevented trogocytic antigen-mediated fratricide, while sparing activating CAR signaling against the tumor antigen, and resulted in enhanced CAR-NK cell activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rafet Basar
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guohui Wang
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Enli Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Judy S Moyes
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lucila N Kerbauy
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nadima Uprety
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mohsen Fathi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ali Rezvan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pinaki P Banerjee
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luis Muniz-Feliciano
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tamara J Laskowski
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emily Ensley
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - May Daher
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mayra Shanley
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mayela Mendt
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sunil Acharya
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Biederstädt
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine III: Hematology and Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hind Rafei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xingliang Guo
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luciana Melo Garcia
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul Lin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sonny Ang
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Marin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ken Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura Bover
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Richard E Champlin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Navin Varadarajan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Talbot CD, Walsh MD, Cutty SJ, Elsayed R, Vlachaki E, Bruce AEE, Wardle FC, Nelson AC. Eomes function is conserved between zebrafish and mouse and controls left-right organiser progenitor gene expression via interlocking feedforward loops. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:982477. [PMID: 36133924 PMCID: PMC9483813 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.982477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The T-box family transcription factor Eomesodermin (Eomes) is present in all vertebrates, with many key roles in the developing mammalian embryo and immune system. Homozygous Eomes mutant mouse embryos exhibit early lethality due to defects in both the embryonic mesendoderm and the extraembryonic trophoblast cell lineage. In contrast, zebrafish lacking the predominant Eomes homologue A (Eomesa) do not suffer complete lethality and can be maintained. This suggests fundamental differences in either the molecular function of Eomes orthologues or the molecular configuration of processes in which they participate. To explore these hypotheses we initially analysed the expression of distinct Eomes isoforms in various mouse cell types. Next we compared the functional capabilities of these murine isoforms to zebrafish Eomesa. These experiments provided no evidence for functional divergence. Next we examined the functions of zebrafish Eomesa and other T-box family members expressed in early development, as well as its paralogue Eomesb. Though Eomes is a member of the Tbr1 subfamily we found evidence for functional redundancy with the Tbx6 subfamily member Tbx16, known to be absent from eutherians. However, Tbx16 does not appear to synergise with Eomesa cofactors Mixl1 and Gata5. Finally, we analysed the ability of Eomesa and other T-box factors to induce zebrafish left-right organiser progenitors (known as dorsal forerunner cells) known to be positively regulated by vgll4l, a gene we had previously shown to be repressed by Eomesa. Here we demonstrate that Eomesa indirectly upregulates vgll4l expression via interlocking feedforward loops, suggesting a role in establishment of left-right asymmetry. Conversely, other T-box factors could not similarly induce left-right organiser progenitors. Overall these findings demonstrate conservation of Eomes molecular function and participation in similar processes, but differential requirements across evolution due to additional co-expressed T-box factors in teleosts, albeit with markedly different molecular capabilities. Our analyses also provide insights into the role of Eomesa in left-right organiser formation in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conor D. Talbot
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Mark D. Walsh
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J. Cutty
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt’s House, Guy’s Campus, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Randa Elsayed
- Warwick Medical School, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Eirini Vlachaki
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley E. E. Bruce
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fiona C. Wardle
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt’s House, Guy’s Campus, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew C. Nelson
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Single-cell multiomics analysis reveals regulatory programs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cell Discov 2022; 8:68. [PMID: 35853872 PMCID: PMC9296597 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) microenvironment consists of many different cell types and structural components that play critical roles in cancer progression and drug resistance, but the cellular architecture and underlying gene regulatory features of ccRCC have not been fully characterized. Here, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) to generate transcriptional and epigenomic landscapes of ccRCC. We identified tumor cell-specific regulatory programs mediated by four key transcription factors (TFs) (HOXC5, VENTX, ISL1, and OTP), and these TFs have prognostic significance in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Targeting these TFs via short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) or small molecule inhibitors decreased tumor cell proliferation. We next performed an integrative analysis of chromatin accessibility and gene expression for CD8+ T cells and macrophages to reveal the different regulatory elements in their subgroups. Furthermore, we delineated the intercellular communications mediated by ligand–receptor interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, our multiomics approach further clarifies the cellular heterogeneity of ccRCC and identifies potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
19
|
Wong DCP, Lee EHC, Er J, Yow I, Koean RAG, Ang O, Xiao J, Low BC, Ding JL. Lung Cancer Induces NK Cell Contractility and Cytotoxicity Through Transcription Factor Nuclear Localization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:871326. [PMID: 35652099 PMCID: PMC9149376 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.871326] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Actomyosin-mediated cellular contractility is highly conserved for mechanotransduction and signalling. While this phenomenon has been observed in adherent cell models, whether/how contractile forces regulate the function of suspension cells like natural killer (NK) cells during cancer surveillance, is unknown. Here, we demonstrated in coculture settings that the evolutionarily conserved NK cell transcription factor, Eomes, undergoes nuclear shuttling during lung cancer cell surveillance. Biophysical and biochemical analyses revealed mechanistic enhancement of NK cell actomyosin-mediated contractility, which is associated with nuclear flattening, thus enabling nuclear entry of Eomes associated with enhanced NK cytotoxicity. We found that NK cells responded to the presumed immunosuppressive TGFβ in the NK-lung cancer coculture medium to sustain its intracellular contractility through myosin light chain phosphorylation, thereby promoting Eomes nuclear localization. Therefore, our results demonstrate that lung cancer cells provoke NK cell contractility as an early phase activation mechanism and that Eomes is a plausible mechano-responsive protein for increased NK cytotoxicity. There is scope for strategic application of actomyosin-mediated contractility modulating drugs ex vivo, to reinvigorate NK cells prior to adoptive cancer immunotherapy in vivo (177 words).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren Chen Pei Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Junzhi Er
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ivan Yow
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Owen Ang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jingwei Xiao
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Chuan Low
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- University Scholars Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeak Ling Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sugimura R, Chao Y. Deciphering Innate Immune Cell-Tumor Microenvironment Crosstalk at a Single-Cell Level. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:803947. [PMID: 35646915 PMCID: PMC9140036 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.803947] [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: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment encompasses various innate immune cells which regulate tumor progression. Exploiting innate immune cells is a new frontier of cancer immunotherapy. However, the classical surface markers for cell-type classification cannot always well-conclude the phenotype, which will further hinge our understanding. The innate immune cells include dendritic cells, monocytes/macrophages, natural killer cells, and innate lymphoid cells. They play important roles in tumor growth and survival, in some cases promoting cancer, in other cases negating cancer. The precise characterization of innate immune cells at the single-cell level will boost the potential of cancer immunotherapy. With the development of single-cell RNA sequencing technology, the transcriptome of each cell in the tumor microenvironment can be dissected at a single-cell level, which paves a way for a better understanding of the cell type and its functions. Here, we summarize the subtypes and functions of innate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment based on recent literature on single-cell technology. We provide updates on recent achievements and prospects for how to exploit novel functions of tumor-associated innate immune cells and target them for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
21
|
Liu S, Meng Y, Liu L, Lv Y, Yu W, Liu T, Wang L, Mu D, Zhou Q, Liu M, Ren Y, Zhang D, Li B, Sun Q, Ren X. CD4 + T cells are required to improve the efficacy of CIK therapy in non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:441. [PMID: 35523765 PMCID: PMC9076680 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04882-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As a widely studied adoptive treatment method, CIK (cytokine-induced killer cells) treatment has shown clinical benefits in many clinical trials on non-small cell lung cancer. As a heterogeneous cell population, however, CIK cells have a strong instability and individual differences in their efficacies, which are collaboratively regulated by the tumor microenvironment and CIK subpopulations. Among them, CD4+ T cells belong to a crucial subgroup of the CIK cell population, and their influence on CIK therapy is still unclear. Herein, we show how CD4+ T cells positively regulate the functions of CD3+CD56+ T and CD3+CD8+ T cells. During this process, we found that Th1/Th17 CD4+ subgroups can induce the phosphorylation of the AKT pathway by secreting IL-17A, and upregulate the expression of T-bet/Eomes transcription factors, thereby restoring the function of CD8+/CD3+CD56+ T cells and reversing the exhaustion of PD-1+Tim-3+ T cells. These findings will provide guidance for the clinical screening of suitable populations for CIK treatment and formulation of strategies for CIK therapy plus immune checkpoint treatment. Based on these findings, we are conducting an open-label phase II study (NCT04836728) is to evaluate the effects of autologous CIKs in combination with PD-1 inhibitor in the first-line treatment of IV NSCLC, and hope to observe patients' benefits in this clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaochuan Liu
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Meng
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Liang Liu
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingge Lv
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenwen Yu
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Liu
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Limei Wang
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Di Mu
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiuru Zhou
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Liu
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yulin Ren
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Baihui Li
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Sun
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China ,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China ,grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Schroeder JH, Howard JK, Lord GM. Transcription factor-driven regulation of ILC1 and ILC3. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:564-579. [PMID: 35618586 PMCID: PMC10166716 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have functional relevance under both homeostatic and disease settings, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly in the context of maintaining the integrity of mucosal surfaces. Early reports highlighted group 1 and 3 ILC regulatory transcription factors (TFs), T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet; Tbx21) and RAR-related orphan nuclear receptor γt (RORγt; Rorc), as key regulators of ILC biology. Since then, other canonical TFs have been shown to have a role in the development and function of ILC subsets. In this review, we focus on recent insights into the balance between mature ILC1 and ILC3 based on these TFs and how they interact with other key cell-intrinsic molecular pathways. We outline how this TF interplay might be explored to identify novel candidate therapeutic avenues for human diseases.
Collapse
|
23
|
Fang D, Cui K, Cao Y, Zheng M, Kawabe T, Hu G, Khillan JS, Li D, Zhong C, Jankovic D, Sher A, Zhao K, Zhu J. Differential regulation of transcription factor T-bet induction during NK cell development and T helper-1 cell differentiation. Immunity 2022; 55:639-655.e7. [PMID: 35381213 PMCID: PMC9059963 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive CD4+ T helper cells and their innate counterparts, innate lymphoid cells, utilize an identical set of transcription factors (TFs) for their differentiation and functions. However, similarities and differences in the induction of these TFs in related lymphocytes are still elusive. Here, we show that T helper-1 (Th1) cells and natural killer (NK) cells displayed distinct epigenomes at the Tbx21 locus, which encodes T-bet, a critical TF for regulating type 1 immune responses. The initial induction of T-bet in NK precursors was dependent on the NK-specific DNase I hypersensitive site Tbx21-CNS-3, and the expression of the interleukin-18 (IL-18) receptor; IL-18 induced T-bet expression through the transcription factor RUNX3, which bound to Tbx21-CNS-3. By contrast, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-binding motifs within Tbx21-CNS-12 were critical for IL-12-induced T-bet expression during Th1 cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, type 1 innate and adaptive lymphocytes utilize distinct enhancer elements for their development and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Difeng Fang
- Molecular and Cellular Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Kairong Cui
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yaqiang Cao
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mingzhu Zheng
- Molecular and Cellular Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology School of Medicine, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Takeshi Kawabe
- Immunobiology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Gangqing Hu
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Jaspal S Khillan
- Mouse Genetics and Gene Modification Section, Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Molecular and Cellular Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Chao Zhong
- Molecular and Cellular Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dragana Jankovic
- Immunoparasitology Unit, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alan Sher
- Immunobiology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Keji Zhao
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jinfang Zhu
- Molecular and Cellular Immunoregulation Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chang M, Tang X, Nelson L, Nyberg G, Du Z. Differential effects on natural killer cell production by membrane-bound cytokine stimulations. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:1820-1838. [PMID: 35297033 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Robust manufacturing production of natural killer (NK) cells has been challenging in allogeneic NK cell-based therapy. Here, we compared the impact of cytokines on NK cell expansion by developing recombinant K562 feeder cell lines expressing membrane-bound cytokines, mIL15, mIL21, and 41BBL, individually or in combination. We found that 41BBL played a dominant role in promoting up to 500,000-fold of NK cell expansion after a 21-day culture process without inducing exhaustion. However, 41BBL stimulation reduced the overall cytotoxic activity of NK cells when combined with mIL15 and mIL21. Additionally, long-term stimulation with mIL15 and mIL21, but not 41BBL, increased CD56 expression and CD56bright population, which is unexpectedly correlated with the NK cell cytotoxicity. By conducting single-cell sequencing, we identified distinct subpopulations of NK cells induced by different cytokines, including an adaptive-like CD56brightCD16-CD49a+ subset induced by mIL15. Through gene expression analysis, we found that cytokines modulated signaling pathways and target genes involved in cell cycle, senescence, self-renewal, migration, and maturation, in a different manner. Together, our study demonstrated cytokine signal pathways play different roles in NK cell expansion and differentiation, which shed light on NK cell process design to improve productivity and product quality. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiping Chang
- Process Cell Sciences, Biologics Process R&D, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Tang
- Process Cell Sciences, Biologics Process R&D, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Luke Nelson
- Process Cell Sciences, Biologics Process R&D, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Gregg Nyberg
- Process Cell Sciences, Biologics Process R&D, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Zhimei Du
- Process Cell Sciences, Biologics Process R&D, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Roe K. NK-Cell Exhaustion, B-Cell Exhaustion and T-Cell Exhaustion - the Differences and Similarities. Immunology 2022; 166:155-168. [PMID: 35266556 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell exhaustion has been extensively researched, compared to B-cell exhaustion and NK-cell exhaustion, which have received considerably less attention; and there is less of a consensus on the precise definitions of NK-cell and B-cell exhaustion. NK-cell exhaustion, B-cell exhaustion and T-cell exhaustion are examples of lymphocyte exhaustion, and they have several differences and similarities. Lymphocyte exhaustion is also frequently confused with anergy, cellular senescence and suppression, because these conditions can have significant overlapping similarities with exhaustion. An additional source of confusion is due to the fact that lymphocyte exhaustion is not a binary state, but instead has a spectrum of severity induced by different levels and durations of continuous antigenic stimulation. Concurrent multiple types of lymphocyte exhaustion are possible, and this situation is henceforth called poly-lymphocyte exhaustion. Poly-lymphocyte exhaustion for the same cancer or pathogen would be especially dangerous. Since there are significant advantages for a pathogen by inducing poly-lymphocyte exhaustion in an immune system, there are pathogens with an evolved capability to induce poly-lymphocyte exhaustion. These pathogens may include certain manipulative viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoan parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Roe
- Retired, San Jose, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Angelo LS, Hogg GD, Abeynaike S, Bimler L, Vargas-Hernandez A, Paust S. Phenotypic and Functional Plasticity of CXCR6+ Peripheral Blood NK Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 12:810080. [PMID: 35173710 PMCID: PMC8841448 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.810080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human NK cells are comprised of phenotypic subsets, whose potentially unique functions remain largely unexplored. C-X-C-motif-chemokine-receptor-6 (CXCR6)+ NK cells have been identified as phenotypically immature tissue-resident NK cells in mice and humans. A small fraction of peripheral blood (PB)-NK cells also expresses CXCR6. However, prior reports about their phenotypic and functional plasticity are conflicting. In this study, we isolated, expanded, and phenotypically and functionally evaluated CXCR6+ and CXCR6– PB-NK cells, and contrasted results to bulk liver and spleen NK cells. We found that CXCR6+ and CXCR6– PB-NK cells preserved their distinct phenotypic profiles throughout 14 days of in vitro expansion (“day 14”), after which phenotypically immature CXCR6+ PB-NK cells became functionally equivalent to CXCR6– PB-NK cells. Despite a consistent reduction in CD16 expression and enhanced expression of the transcription factor Eomesodermin (Eomes), day 14 CXCR6+ PB-NK cells had superior antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) compared to CXCR6– PB-NK cells. Further, bulk liver NK cells responded to IL-15, but not IL-2 stimulation, with STAT-5 phosphorylation. In contrast, bulk splenic and PB-NK cells robustly responded to both cytokines. Our findings may allow for the selection of superior NK cell subsets for infusion products increasingly used to treat human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura S. Angelo
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Graham D. Hogg
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shawn Abeynaike
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Lynn Bimler
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alexander Vargas-Hernandez
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Silke Paust
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Silke Paust,
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Reyes RM, Zhang C, Deng Y, Ji N, Mukherjee N, Padron AS, Clark CA, Svatek RS, Curiel TJ. CD122-targeted interleukin-2 and αPD-L1 treat bladder cancer and melanoma via distinct mechanisms, including CD122-driven natural killer cell maturation. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:2006529. [PMID: 34858732 PMCID: PMC8632314 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.2006529] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) and melanoma are amenable to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, yet most patients with advanced/metastatic disease do not respond. CD122-targeted interleukin (IL)-2 can improve ICB efficacy, but mechanisms are unclear. We tested αPD-L1 and CD122-directed immunotherapy with IL-2/αIL-2 complexes (IL-2c) in primary and metastatic bladder and melanoma tumors. IL-2c treatment of orthotopic MB49 and MBT-2 BC generated NK cell antitumor immunity through enhanced activation, reduced exhaustion, and promotion of a mature, effector NK cell phenotype. By comparison, subcutaneous B16-F10 melanoma, which is IL-2c sensitive, requires CD8+ T and not NK cells, yet we found αPD-L1 efficacy requires both CD8+ T and NK cells. We then explored αPD-L1 and IL-2c mechanisms at distinct metastatic sites and found intraperitoneal B16-F10 metastases were sensitive to αPD-L1 and IL-2c, with IL-2c but not αPD-L1, increasing CD122+ mature NK cell function, confirming conserved IL-2c effects in distinct cancer types and anatomic compartments. αPD-L1 failed to control tumor growth and prolong survival in B16-F10 lung metastases, yet IL-2c treated B16-F10 lung metastases effectively even in T cell and adaptive immunity deficient mice, which was abrogated by NK cell depletion in wild-type mice. Flow cytometric analyses of NK cells in B16-F10 lung metastases suggest that IL-2c directly boosts NK cell activation and effector function. Thus, αPD-L1 and IL-2c mediate nonredundant, immune microenvironment-specific treatment mechanisms involving CD8+ T and NK cells in primary and metastatic BC and melanoma. Mechanistic differences suggest effective treatment combinations including in other tumors or sites, warranting further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Reyes
- South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Chenghao Zhang
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yilun Deng
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Niannian Ji
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Neelam Mukherjee
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Alvaro S Padron
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Curtis A Clark
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Robert S Svatek
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Tyler J Curiel
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Vazquez J, Chavarria M, Chasman DA, Schwartz RW, Tyler CT, Lopez G, Fisher RC, Ong IM, Stanic AK. Multiomic analysis reveals decidual-specific transcriptional programing of MAIT cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13495. [PMID: 34411378 PMCID: PMC8720468 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells have been recently identified at the maternal-fetal interface. However, transcriptional programming of decidual MAIT cells in pregnancy remains poorly understood. METHOD OF STUDY We employed a multiomic approach to address this question. Mononuclear cells from the decidua basalis and parietalis, and control PBMCs, were analyzed via flow cytometry to investigate MAIT cells in the decidua and assess their transcription factor expression. In a separate study, both decidual and matched peripheral MAIT cells were analyzed using Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing (CITE-seq) coupled with gene expression analysis. Lastly, decidual MAIT cells were stimulated with E.coli and expression of MR1 by antigen presenting cells was measured to evaluate decidual MAIT cell function. RESULTS First, we identified MAIT cells in both the decidua basalis and parietalis. CITE-seq, coupled with scRNA-seq gene expression analysis, highlighted transcriptional programming differences between decidual and matched peripheral MAIT cells at a single cell resolution. Transcription factor expression analysis further highlighted transcriptional differences between decidual MAIT cells and non-matched peripheral MAIT cells. Functionally, MAIT cells are skewed towards IFNγ and TNFα production upon stimulation, with E.coli leading to IFNγ production. Lastly, we demonstrate that MR1, the antigen presenting molecule restricting MAIT cells, is expressed by decidual APCs. CONCLUSION MAIT cells are present in the decidua basalis and obtain a unique gene expression profile. The presence of MR1 on APCs coupled with in vitro activation by E.coli suggests that MAIT cells might be involved in tissue-repair mechanisms at the maternal-fetal interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Deborah A. Chasman
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics
| | - Rene Welch Schwartz
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics
| | | | | | | | - Irene M. Ong
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tuong ZK, Stewart BJ, Guo SA, Clatworthy MR. Epigenetics and tissue immunity-Translating environmental cues into functional adaptations. Immunol Rev 2021; 305:111-136. [PMID: 34821397 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing appreciation that many innate and adaptive immune cell subsets permanently reside within non-lymphoid organs, playing a critical role in tissue homeostasis and defense. The best characterized are macrophages and tissue-resident T lymphocytes that work in concert with organ structural cells to generate appropriate immune responses and are functionally shaped by organ-specific environmental cues. The interaction of tissue epithelial, endothelial and stromal cells is also required to attract, differentiate, polarize and maintain organ immune cells in their tissue niche. All of these processes require dynamic regulation of cellular transcriptional programmes, with epigenetic mechanisms playing a critical role, including DNA methylation and post-translational histone modifications. A failure to appropriately regulate immune cell transcription inevitably results in inadequate or inappropriate immune responses and organ pathology. Here, with a focus on the mammalian kidney, an organ which generates differing regional environmental cues (including hypersalinity and hypoxia) due to its physiological functions, we will review the basic concepts of tissue immunity, discuss the technologies available to profile epigenetic modifications in tissue immune cells, including those that enable single-cell profiling, and consider how these mechanisms influence the development, phenotype, activation and function of different tissue immune cell subsets, as well as the immunological function of structural cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zewen Kelvin Tuong
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, MRC-Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Benjamin J Stewart
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, MRC-Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Shuang Andrew Guo
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, MRC-Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Menna R Clatworthy
- Molecular Immunity Unit, Department of Medicine, MRC-Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.,Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Schroeder JH, Roberts LB, Meissl K, Lo JW, Hromadová D, Hayes K, Zabinski T, Read E, Moreira Heliodoro C, Reis R, Howard JK, Grencis RK, Neves JF, Strobl B, Lord GM. Sustained Post-Developmental T-Bet Expression Is Critical for the Maintenance of Type One Innate Lymphoid Cells In Vivo. Front Immunol 2021; 12:760198. [PMID: 34795671 PMCID: PMC8594445 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.760198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) play a significant role in the intestinal immune response and T-bet+ CD127+ group 1 cells (ILC1) have been linked to the pathogenesis of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the functional importance of ILC1 in the context of an intact adaptive immune response has been controversial. In this report we demonstrate that induced depletion of T-bet using a Rosa26-Cre-ERT2 model resulted in the loss of intestinal ILC1, pointing to a post-developmental requirement of T-bet expression for these cells. In contrast, neither colonic lamina propria (cLP) ILC2 nor cLP ILC3 abundance were altered upon induced deletion of T-bet. Mechanistically, we report that STAT1 or STAT4 are not required for intestinal ILC1 development and maintenance. Mice with induced deletion of T-bet and subsequent loss of ILC1 were protected from the induction of severe colitis in vivo. Hence, this study provides support for the clinical development of an IBD treatment based on ILC1 depletion via targeting T-bet or its downstream transcriptional targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Hendrik Schroeder
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luke B. Roberts
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katrin Meissl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonathan W. Lo
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dominika Hromadová
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kelly Hayes
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tomasz Zabinski
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Read
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust Cell Therapies and Regenerative Medicine PhD Programme, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rita Reis
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane K. Howard
- Department of Diabetes, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard K. Grencis
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Joana F. Neves
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Birgit Strobl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Graham M. Lord
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kiekens L, Van Loocke W, Taveirne S, Wahlen S, Persyn E, Van Ammel E, De Vos Z, Matthys P, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Taghon T, Van Vlierberghe P, Vandekerckhove B, Leclercq G. T-BET and EOMES Accelerate and Enhance Functional Differentiation of Human Natural Killer Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:732511. [PMID: 34630413 PMCID: PMC8497824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.732511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T-bet and Eomes are transcription factors that are known to be important in maturation and function of murine natural killer (NK) cells. Reduced T-BET and EOMES expression results in dysfunctional NK cells and failure to control tumor growth. In contrast to mice, the current knowledge on the role of T-BET and EOMES in human NK cells is rudimentary. Here, we ectopically expressed either T-BET or EOMES in human hematopoietic progenitor cells. Combined transcriptome, chromatin accessibility and protein expression analyses revealed that T-BET or EOMES epigenetically represses hematopoietic stem cell quiescence and non-NK lineage differentiation genes, while activating an NK cell-specific transcriptome and thereby drastically accelerating NK cell differentiation. In this model, the effects of T-BET and EOMES are largely overlapping, yet EOMES shows a superior role in early NK cell maturation and induces faster NK receptor and enhanced CD16 expression. T-BET particularly controls transcription of terminal maturation markers and epigenetically controls strong induction of KIR expression. Finally, NK cells generated upon T-BET or EOMES overexpression display improved functionality, including increased IFN-γ production and killing, and especially EOMES overexpression NK cells have enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Our findings reveal novel insights on the regulatory role of T-BET and EOMES in human NK cell maturation and function, which is essential to further understand human NK cell biology and to optimize adoptive NK cell therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kiekens
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van Loocke
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Taveirne
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Wahlen
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Persyn
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els Van Ammel
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zenzi De Vos
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick Matthys
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Taghon
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Georges Leclercq
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Han J, Ke C, Jiang B, Zhou H, Xu H, Xie X. Down-regulation of PR/SET domain 10 underlies natural killer cell dysfunction in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 206:366-377. [PMID: 34562314 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the world's leading cause of tumor-related mortalities. Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role at the first immunological defense line against HCC initiation and progression. NK cell dysfunction is therefore an important mechanism for immune evasion of HCC cells. In the present study using a murine HCC model, we revealed the down-regulation of PR/SET Domain 10 (PRDM10) in hepatic NK cells that were phenotypically and functionally exhausted. PRDM10 silencing diminished the expression of natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), augmented T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) expression, and decreased the expression of interferon (IFN)-γ, perforin and granzyme B in normal hepatic NK cells in vitro. Consistently, PRDM10-deficient NK cells exhibited impaired cytotoxicity on target cells. In contrast, PRDM10 over-expression promoted NKG2D and Fas ligand (FasL) expression, reduced CD96 expression and enhanced transcripts of IFN-γ, perforin and granzyme B in NK cells in vivo. Moreover, PRDM10 silencing and PRDM10 over-expression down-regulated and up-regulated Eomesodermin (Eomes) expression, respectively. In summary, this study reveals PRDM10 down-regulation as a novel mechanism underlying NK cell dysfunction and identifies PRDM10 as a supporting factor of NK cell function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Han
- The Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chao Ke
- The Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- The Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hongjian Zhou
- The Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hanbin Xu
- The Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xingwang Xie
- The Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Li Z, Gao Y, He C, Wei H, Zhang J, Zhang H, Hu L, Jiang W. Purinergic Receptor P2Y 6 Is a Negative Regulator of NK Cell Maturation and Function. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:1555-1565. [PMID: 34426542 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
NK cells are critical innate immune cells that target the tumor cells and cancer-initiating cells and clear viruses by producing cytokines and cytotoxic granules. However, the role of the purinergic receptor P2Y6 in the NK cells remains largely unknown. In this study, we discovered that the expression of P2Y6 was decreased upon the activation of the NK cells. Moreover, in the P2Y6-deficient mice, we found that the deficiency of P2Y6 promoted the development of the NK precursor cells into immature NK and mature NK cells. We also found that the P2Y6 deficiency increased, but the P2Y6 receptor agonist UDP or UDP analog 5-OMe-UDP decreased the production of IFN-γ in the activated NK cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the P2Y6-deficient NK cells exhibited stronger cytotoxicity in vitro and antimetastatic effects in vivo. Mechanistically, P2Y6 deletion promoted the expression of T-bet (encoded by Tbx21), with or without the stimulation of IL-15. In the absence of P2Y6, the levels of phospho-serine/threonine kinase and pS6 in the NK cells were significantly increased upon the stimulation of IL-15. Collectively, we demonstrated that the P2Y6 receptor acted as a negative regulator of the NK cell function and inhibited the maturation and antitumor activities of the NK cells. Therefore, inhibition of the P2Y6 receptor increases the antitumor activities of the NK cells, which may aid in the design of innovative strategies to improve NK cell-based cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlong Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaoxin Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Wei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzheng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Soleimanian S, Yaghobi R, Karimi MH, Geramizadeh B, Roozbeh J, Hossein Aghdaie M, Heidari M. Circulating NKG2C + NK cell expressing CD107a/LAMP-1 subsets at the onset of CMV reactivation in seropositive kidney transplant recipients. Transpl Immunol 2021; 69:101460. [PMID: 34492297 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101460] [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: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection contributes to morbidity and mortality among kidney transplant recipients. Natural killer (NK) cells can battle against CMV in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This study aimed to analyze the association between CMV reactivation and the proportion of NK cell subsets and their activity. In a cross-sectional study, ten CMV reactivated KTRs, and ten non- CMV reactivated ones were recruited. Ten matched healthy controls were also included in this cohort. The presence of anti-CMV-IgG Ab in both KTR subgroups from seronegative donors and healthy controls was determined. The frequency of distinct subsets of memory-like NK cells was analyzed through NKG2C, NKG2A, and CD57 using flow cytometry. The activity of NK cells was evaluated after stimulation via coculture with K562 cell line and then assessment of the frequency of CD107a and granzyme B. The mRNA levels of transcription factors, including T-bet, EAT, and inflammatory proteins, including IFN-γ and perforin contributing to NK cell activation, were also evaluated. Results showed a significantly lower frequency of NKG2C + NKG2A-CD57+ NK cell population in CMV-reactivated KTRs compared to non-reactivated ones (P-value:0.003). NKG2C+ NK cells expressing CD107a/LAMP-1 significantly was increased in CMV-reactivated KTRs compared to non-reactivated ones (P-value: 0.0002). The mRNA level of IFN-γ had a significant increase in the CMV-reactivated KTRs vs. nonreactive ones (P-value: 0.004). Finally, evaluation of the NK cells' cytotoxicity and activity through assessment of CD107a/LAMP-1 expression and IFN-γ secretion may be helpful for the identification of the risk of CMV reactivation in KTRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeede Soleimanian
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ramin Yaghobi
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | | | - Bita Geramizadeh
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jamshid Roozbeh
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mojdeh Heidari
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hsu KS, Goodale BC, Ely KH, Hampton TH, Stanton BA, Enelow RI. Single-cell RNA-seq Analysis Reveals That Prenatal Arsenic Exposure Results in Long-term, Adverse Effects on Immune Gene Expression in Response to Influenza A Infection. Toxicol Sci 2021; 176:312-328. [PMID: 32514536 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic exposure via drinking water is a serious environmental health concern. Epidemiological studies suggest a strong association between prenatal arsenic exposure and subsequent childhood respiratory infections, as well as morbidity from respiratory diseases in adulthood, long after systemic clearance of arsenic. We investigated the impact of exclusive prenatal arsenic exposure on the inflammatory immune response and respiratory health after an adult influenza A virus (IAV) lung infection. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 100 ppb sodium arsenite in utero, and subsequently infected with IAV (H1N1) after maturation to adulthood. Assessment of lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at various time points post-IAV infection reveals greater lung damage and inflammation in arsenic-exposed mice versus control mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of immune cells harvested from IAV-infected lungs suggests that the enhanced inflammatory response is mediated by dysregulation of innate immune function of monocyte-derived macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and alveolar macrophages. Our results suggest that prenatal arsenic exposure results in lasting effects on the adult host innate immune response to IAV infection, long after exposure to arsenic, leading to greater immunopathology. This study provides the first direct evidence that exclusive prenatal exposure to arsenic in drinking water causes predisposition to a hyperinflammatory response to IAV infection in adult mice, which is associated with significant lung damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S Hsu
- Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766
| | - Britton C Goodale
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766.,Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Kenneth H Ely
- Department of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766
| | - Thomas H Hampton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766
| | - Bruce A Stanton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766.,Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Richard I Enelow
- Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766.,Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755.,Department of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gao W, Ku WL, Pan L, Perrie J, Zhao T, Hu G, Wu Y, Zhu J, Ni B, Zhao K. Multiplex indexing approach for the detection of DNase I hypersensitive sites in single cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:e56. [PMID: 33693880 PMCID: PMC8191781 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Single cell chromatin accessibility assays reveal epigenomic variability at cis-regulatory elements among individual cells. We previously developed a single-cell DNase-seq assay (scDNase-seq) to profile accessible chromatin in a limited number of single cells. Here, we report a novel indexing strategy to resolve single-cell DNase hypersensitivity profiles based on bulk cell analysis. This new technique, termed indexing single-cell DNase sequencing (iscDNase-seq), employs the activities of terminal DNA transferase (TdT) and T4 DNA ligase to add unique cell barcodes to DNase-digested chromatin ends. By a three-layer indexing strategy, it allows profiling genome-wide DHSs for >15 000 single-cells in a single experiment. Application of iscDNase-seq to human white blood cells accurately revealed specific cell types and inferred regulatory transcription factors (TF) specific to each cell type. We found that iscDNase-seq detected DHSs with specific properties related to gene expression and conservation missed by scATAC-seq for the same cell type. Also, we found that the cell-to-cell variation in accessibility computed using iscDNase-seq data is significantly correlated with the cell-to-cell variation in gene expression. Importantly, this correlation is significantly higher than that between scATAC-seq and scRNA-seq, suggesting that iscDNase-seq data can better predict the cellular heterogeneity in gene expression compared to scATAC-seq. Thus, iscDNase-seq is an attractive alternative method for single-cell epigenomics studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiwu Gao
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Institute of Immunology of PLA, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, PR China.,Department of Pathophysiology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, PR China
| | - Wai Lim Ku
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lixia Pan
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Perrie
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing 401338, PR China
| | - Gangqing Hu
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- Institute of Immunology of PLA, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, PR China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bing Ni
- Institute of Immunology of PLA, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, PR China.,Department of Pathophysiology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, PR China
| | - Keji Zhao
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chen M, Brackett CM, Burdelya LG, Punnanitinont A, Patnaik SK, Matsuzaki J, Odunsi AO, Gudkov AV, Singh AK, Repasky EA, Gurova KV. Stimulation of an anti-tumor immune response with "chromatin-damaging" therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:2073-2086. [PMID: 33439292 PMCID: PMC8726059 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02846-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Curaxins are small molecules that bind genomic DNA and interfere with DNA-histone interactions leading to the loss of histones and decondensation of chromatin. We named this phenomenon 'chromatin damage'. Curaxins demonstrated anti-cancer activity in multiple pre-clinical tumor models. Here, we present data which reveals, for the first time, a role for the immune system in the anti-cancer effects of curaxins. Using the lead curaxin, CBL0137, we observed elevated expression of several group of genes in CBL0137-treated tumor cells including interferon sensitive genes, MHC molecules, some embryo-specific antigens suggesting that CBL0137 increases tumor cell immunogenicity and improves recognition of tumor cells by the immune system. In support of this, we found that the anti-tumor activity of CBL0137 was reduced in immune deficient SCID mice when compared to immune competent mice. Anti-tumor activity of CBL0137 was abrogated in CD8+ T cell depleted mice but only partially lost when natural killer or CD4+ T cells were depleted. Further support for a key role for the immune system in the anti-tumor activity of CBL0137 is evidenced by an increased antigen-specific effector CD8+ T cell and NK cell response, and an increased ratio of effector T cells to Tregs in the tumor and spleen. CBL0137 also elevated the number of CXCR3-expressing CTLs in the tumor and the level of interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) in serum, suggesting IP-10/CXCR3 controls CBL0137-elicited recruitment of effector CTLs to tumors. Our collective data underscores a previously unrecognized role for both innate and adaptive immunity in the anti-tumor activity of curaxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Chen
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Craig M Brackett
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Lyudmila G Burdelya
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Achamaporn Punnanitinont
- Cancer for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Santosh K Patnaik
- Cancer for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Junko Matsuzaki
- Cancer for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Adekunle O Odunsi
- Cancer for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Andrei V Gudkov
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Anurag K Singh
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
| | - Katerina V Gurova
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Sts, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zaghi E, Calvi M, Puccio S, Spata G, Terzoli S, Peano C, Roberto A, De Paoli F, van Beek JJ, Mariotti J, De Philippis C, Sarina B, Mineri R, Bramanti S, Santoro A, Le-Trilling VTK, Trilling M, Marcenaro E, Castagna L, Di Vito C, Lugli E, Mavilio D. Single-cell profiling identifies impaired adaptive NK cells expanded after HCMV reactivation in haploidentical HSCT. JCI Insight 2021; 6:146973. [PMID: 34003794 PMCID: PMC8262468 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.146973] [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: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (h-HSCT) represents an efficient curative approach for patients affected by hematologic malignancies in which the reduced intensity conditioning induces a state of immunologic tolerance between donor and recipient. However, opportunistic viral infections greatly affect h-HSCT clinical outcomes. NK cells are the first lymphocytes that recover after transplant and provide a prompt defense against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection/reactivation. By undertaking a longitudinal single-cell computational profiling of multiparametric flow cytometry, we show that HCMV accelerates NK cell immune reconstitution together with the expansion of CD158b1b2jpos/NKG2Aneg/NKG2Cpos/NKp30lo NK cells. The frequency of this subset correlates with HCMV viremia, further increases in recipients experiencing multiple episodes of viral reactivations, and persists for months after the infection. The transcriptional profile of FACS-sorted CD158b1b2jpos NK cells confirmed the ability of HCMV to deregulate NKG2C, NKG2A, and NKp30 gene expression, thus inducing the expansion of NK cells with adaptive traits. These NK cells are characterized by the downmodulation of several gene pathways associated with cell migration, the cell cycle, and effector-functions, as well as by a state of metabolic/cellular exhaustion. This profile reflects the functional impairments of adaptive NK cells to produce IFN-γ, a phenomenon also due to the viral-induced expression of lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Zaghi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Calvi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,BIOMETRA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gianmarco Spata
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Terzoli
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Clelia Peano
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research, UoS Milan, National Research Council, and Genomic Unit
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rossana Mineri
- Molecular Biology Section, Clinical Investigation Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Mirko Trilling
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | | | - Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,BIOMETRA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Lugli
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology.,Flow Cytometry Core, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,BIOMETRA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lee SH, Lim YJ, Kim CJ, Yu D, Lee JJ, Won Hong J, Baek YJ, Jung JY, Shin DJ, Kim SK. Safety and immunological effects of recombinant canine IL-15 in dogs. Cytokine 2021; 148:155599. [PMID: 34103211 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays pivotal roles in innate and adaptive immunity. It is also a promising cytokine for treating cancer. Despite growing interest in its use as an immunotherapeutic, its safety and immunological effects in dogs have not been reported. In this study, healthy dogs were given recombinant canine IL-15 (rcIL-15) intravenously at a daily dose of 20 μg/kg for 8 days and monitored for 32 days to determine the safety and immunological effects of rcIL-15. The repeated administration of rcIL-15 was well tolerated, did not cause any serious side effects, and promoted the selective proliferation and activation of canine anti-cancer effector cells, including CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CD3+CD5dimCD21-, and non-B/non-T NK cell populations, without stimulating Treg lymphocytes. The rcIL-15 injections also stimulated the expression of molecules and transcription factors associated with the activation and effector functions of NK cells, including CD16, NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, perforin, granzyme B, Ly49, T-bet, and Eomes. These results suggest that rcIL-15 might be a valuable therapeutic adjuvant to improve immunity against cancer in dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Hyeon Lee
- Department of Integrated Life Science and Technology, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Lim
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, College of Industrial Science, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Jung Kim
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, College of Industrial Science, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyeon Yu
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Jung Lee
- Department of Hemotology-Oncology, Chonnam National Univresity Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Jeollanamdo, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Hong
- Research Institute for Natural Products, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Ju Baek
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, College of Industrial Science, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Youn Jung
- Department of Integrated Life Science and Technology, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea; Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, College of Industrial Science, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Natural Products, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Jun Shin
- Research Institute for Natural Products, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea; SD Medic Co, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang-Ki Kim
- Department of Integrated Life Science and Technology, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea; Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, College of Industrial Science, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Natural Products, Kongju National University, Yesan-gun, Chungnam, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Yang S, Kobayashi S, Sekino K, Kagawa Y, Miyazaki H, Kumar Shil S, Abdulaziz Umaru B, Wannakul T, Owada Y. Fatty acid-binding protein 5 controls lung tumor metastasis by regulating the maturation of natural killer cells in the lung. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:1797-1805. [PMID: 33982279 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) 5 is highly expressed in various types of tumors and is strongly correlated with tumor growth, development, and metastasis. However, it is unclear how the expression of FABP5 in the host affects tumor progression. In this study, using a lung tumor metastasis model in mice, we found that FABP5-deficient mice were more susceptible to tumor metastasis, which is accompanied by infiltration of a lower frequency of activated natural killer (NK) cells in the lung. Additionally, FABP5 deficiency leads to impaired maturation of NK cells in the lungs, but not in the bone marrow and spleen. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence that FABP5 in the host regulates lung tumor metastasis through controlling NK cell maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuhan Yang
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kobayashi
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kaname Sekino
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshiteru Kagawa
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Miyazaki
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Subrata Kumar Shil
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Tunyanat Wannakul
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuji Owada
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Shannon MJ, Mace EM. Natural Killer Cell Integrins and Their Functions in Tissue Residency. Front Immunol 2021; 12:647358. [PMID: 33777044 PMCID: PMC7987804 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.647358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrins are transmembrane receptors associated with adhesion and migration and are often highly differentially expressed receptors amongst natural killer cell subsets in microenvironments. Tissue resident natural killer cells are frequently defined by their differential integrin expression compared to other NK cell subsets, and integrins can further localize tissue resident NK cells to tissue microenvironments. As such, integrins play important roles in both the phenotypic and functional identity of NK cell subsets. Here we review the expression of integrin subtypes on NK cells and NK cell subsets with the goal of better understanding how integrin selection can dictate tissue residency and mediate function from the nanoscale to the tissue environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily M. Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kucuksezer UC, Aktas Cetin E, Esen F, Tahrali I, Akdeniz N, Gelmez MY, Deniz G. The Role of Natural Killer Cells in Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:622306. [PMID: 33717125 PMCID: PMC7947192 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.622306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, the large granular lymphocytes differentiated from the common lymphoid progenitors, were discovered in early 1970's. They are members of innate immunity and were initially defined by their strong cytotoxicity against virus-infected cells and by their important effector functions in anti-tumoral immune responses. Nowadays, NK cells are classified among the recently discovered innate lymphoid cell subsets and have capacity to influence both innate and adaptive immune responses. Therefore, they can be considered as innate immune cells that stands between the innate and adaptive arms of immunity. NK cells don't express T or B cell receptors and are recognized by absence of CD3. There are two major subgroups of NK cells according to their differential expression of CD16 and CD56. While CD16+CD56dim subset is best-known by their cytotoxic functions, CD16-CD56bright NK cell subset produces a bunch of cytokines comparable to CD4+ T helper cell subsets. Another subset of NK cells with production of interleukin (IL)-10 was named as NK regulatory cells, which has suppressive properties and could take part in immune-regulatory responses. Activation of NK cells is determined by a delicate balance of cell-surface receptors that have either activating or inhibitory properties. On the other hand, a variety of cytokines including IL-2, IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 influence NK cell activity. NK-derived cytokines and their cytotoxic functions through induction of apoptosis take part in regulation of the immune responses and could contribute to the pathogenesis of many immune mediated diseases including ankylosing spondylitis, Behçet's disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus and type-1 diabetes. Dysregulation of NK cells in autoimmune disorders may occur through multiple mechanisms. Thanks to the rapid developments in biotechnology, progressive research in immunology enables better characterization of cells and their delicate roles in the complex network of immunity. As NK cells stand in between innate and adaptive arms of immunity and "bridge" them, their contribution in inflammation and immune regulation deserves intense investigations. Better understanding of NK-cell biology and their contribution in both exacerbation and regulation of inflammatory disorders is a requisite for possible utilization of these multi-faceted cells in novel therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Umut Can Kucuksezer
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esin Aktas Cetin
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fehim Esen
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilhan Tahrali
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilgun Akdeniz
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Metin Yusuf Gelmez
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gunnur Deniz
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
mTORC1 and mTORC2 coordinate early NK cell development by differentially inducing E4BP4 and T-bet. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:1900-1909. [PMID: 33462410 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00715-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell development is a multistep process that requires a variety of signals and transcription factors. The lack of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase severely impairs NK cell development in mice. mTOR binds to Raptor and Rictor to form two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, respectively. How mTOR and its two complexes regulate NK cell development is not fully understood. Here, we developed two methods to inactivate mTOR, Raptor, or Rictor in early stage NK cells (using CD122-Cre) or in late-stage NK cells (using Ncr1-CreTg). First, we found that when mTOR was deleted by CD122-Cre during and after NK cell commitment, NK cell development was severely impaired, while Ncr1-CreTg mediated mTOR deletion slightly affected NK cell terminal differentiation, suggesting that mTOR is essential for early NK cell differentiation. Second, we found that CD122-mediated deletion of Raptor significantly limited the differentiation of CD27+CD11b- immature NK (iNK) cell into mature NK cells. In contrast, the absence of Rictor significantly interfered with the differentiation of CD27-CD11b- early iNK cells. Third, Ncr1-mediated deletion of Raptor, rather than Rictor, moderately affected NK cell terminal differentiation. In terms of mechanism, mTORC1 mainly promotes the expression of NK cell-specific transcription factor E4 promoter-binding protein 4 (E4BP4), while both mTORC1 and mTORC2 can enhance the expression of T-bet. Therefore, mTORC1 and mTORC2 subtly coordinate NK cell development by differentially inducing E4BP4 and T-bet.
Collapse
|
44
|
He H, Yi Y, Cai X, Wang J, Ni X, Fu Y, Qiu S. Down-regulation of EOMES drives T-cell exhaustion via abolishing EOMES-mediated repression of inhibitory receptors of T cells in liver cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 25:161-169. [PMID: 33325636 PMCID: PMC7810931 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
T‐cell exhaustion is one of the hallmarks in cancer, but the mechanisms underlying T‐cell dysregulation remains unclear. Here, we reported that down‐regulation of transcription factor EOMES contributed to increased levels of inhibitory receptors in T cell among the tumour tissues and resulted in the poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By analysing the correlation between EOMES in tumour‐infiltrating T cells and the clinical features, we demonstrated that the EOMES was related to the advanced stage and poor prognosis of HCC. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the EOMES mainly expressed in the CD8+ T cells and were down‐regulated in tumour samples. Moreover, we demonstrated that the EOMES directly bound at the transcriptional regulatory regions of the key inhibitory factors including PD‐1, CTAL‐4 and CD39, and lower levels of EOMES contributed to overexpression of these factors in T cells. Together, our studies provide new insight into the transcriptional deregulation of the inhibitory receptors on T cells during the tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei He
- General Surgery, Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Yi
- Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Cai
- General Surgery, Shanghai Pudong Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochun Ni
- General Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yipeng Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuangjian Qiu
- Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Role of Natural Killer Cells in Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123694. [PMID: 33317028 PMCID: PMC7764114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastatic Uveal Melanoma (MUM) is a lethal malignancy with no durable treatment available to date. A vast majority of patients with MUM present with liver metastasis. The liver harbors metastatic disease with an apparent lack of a cytotoxic T cell response. It is becoming evident that MUM is not an immunologically silent malignancy and the investigation of non-T cell anti-tumor immunity is warranted. In this review, we highlight the relevance of Natural Killer (NK) cells in the biology and treatment of MUM. Potent anti-NK cell immunosuppression employed by uveal melanoma alludes to its vulnerability to NK cell cytotoxicity. On the contrary, micro-metastasis in the liver survive for several years within close vicinity of a plethora of circulating and liver-resident NK cells. This review provides unique perspectives into the potential role of NK cells in control or progression of uveal melanoma. Abstract Uveal melanoma has a high mortality rate following metastasis to the liver. Despite advances in systemic immune therapy, treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) has failed to achieve long term durable responses. Barriers to success with immune therapy include the immune regulatory nature of uveal melanoma as well as the immune tolerant environment of the liver. To adequately harness the anti-tumor potential of the immune system, non-T cell-based approaches need to be explored. Natural Killer (NK) cells possess potent ability to target tumor cells via innate and adaptive responses. In this review, we discuss evidence that highlights the role of NK cell surveillance and targeting of uveal melanoma. We also discuss the repertoire of intra-hepatic NK cells. The human liver has a vast and diverse lymphoid population and NK cells comprise 50% of the hepatic lymphocytes. Hepatic NK cells share a common niche with uveal melanoma micro-metastasis within the liver sinusoids. It is, therefore, crucial to understand and investigate the role of intra-hepatic NK cells in the control or progression of MUM.
Collapse
|
46
|
Arianfar E, Shahgordi S, Memarian A. Natural Killer Cell Defects in Breast Cancer: A Key Pathway for Tumor Evasion. Int Rev Immunol 2020; 40:197-216. [PMID: 33258393 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2020.1845670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As the most important innate immune component cancers invader, natural killer (NK) cells have a magnificent role in antitumor immunity without any prior sensitization. Different subsets of NK cells have distinct responses during tumor cell exposure, according to their phenotypes and environments. Their function is induced mainly by the activity of both inhibitory and activating receptors against cancerous cells. Since the immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer patients has directly deteriorated the phenotype and disturbed the function of NK cells, recruiting compensatory mechanisms indicate promising outcomes for immunotherapeutic approaches. These evidences accentuate the importance of NK cell distinct features in protection against breast tumors. In this review, we discuss the several mechanisms involved in NK cells suppression which consequently promote tumor progression and disease recurrence in patients with breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Arianfar
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sanaz Shahgordi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ali Memarian
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.,Immunology department, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Spielmann J, Naujoks W, Emde M, Allweyer M, Kielstein H, Quandt D, Bähr I. High-Fat Diet and Feeding Regime Impairs Number, Phenotype, and Cytotoxicity of Natural Killer Cells in C57BL/6 Mice. Front Nutr 2020; 7:585693. [PMID: 33330585 PMCID: PMC7728990 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.585693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Overweight and obesity are major public health challenges worldwide. Obesity is associated with a higher risk for the development of several cancer types, but specific mechanisms underlying the link of obesity and cancer are still unclear. Natural killer (NK) cells are circulating lymphoid cells promoting the elimination of virus-infected and tumor cells. Previous investigations demonstrated conflicting results concerning the influence of obesity on functional NK cell parameters in small animal models. The aim of the present study was to clarify potential obesity-associated alterations of murine NK cells in vivo, implementing different feeding regimes. Therefore, C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal-fat diet (NFD) or high-fat diet (HFD) under restrictive and ad libitum feeding regimes. Results showed diet and feeding-regime dependent differences in body weight, visceral fat mass and plasma cytokine concentrations. Flow cytometry analyses demonstrated significant changes in total cell counts as well as frequencies of immune cell populations in peripheral blood comparing mice fed NFD or HFD in an ad libitum or restrictive manner. Mice fed the HFD showed significantly decreased frequencies of total NK cells and the mature CD11b+CD27+ NK cell subset compared to mice fed the NFD. Feeding HFD resulted in significant changes in the expression of the maturation markers KLRG1 and CD127 in NK cells. Furthermore, real-time PCR analyses of NK-cell related functional parameters in adipose tissue revealed significant diet and feeding-regime dependent differences. Most notable, real-time cytotoxicity assays demonstrated an impaired cytolytic activity of splenic NK cells toward murine colon cancer cells in HFD-fed mice compared to NFD-fed mice. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that feeding a high-fat diet influences the frequency, phenotype and function of NK cells in C57BL/6 mice. Interestingly, restricted feeding of HFD compared to ad libitum feeding resulted in a partial prevention of the obesity-associated alterations on immune cells and especially on NK cells, nicely fitting with the current concept of an advantage for interval fasting for improved health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Spielmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Wiebke Naujoks
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Emde
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Martin Allweyer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Heike Kielstein
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Dagmar Quandt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ina Bähr
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lian J, Liu S, Yue Y, Yang Q, Zhang Z, Yang S, Zhang Y. Eomes promotes esophageal carcinoma progression by recruiting Treg cells through the CCL20-CCR6 pathway. Cancer Sci 2020; 112:144-154. [PMID: 33113266 PMCID: PMC7780006 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Eomesodermin (Eomes) is a T‐box transcription factor that drives the differentiation and function of cytotoxic lymphocytes. However, the underlying function and mechanism of Eomes in tumor cells remains elusive. Here, we studied the role of Eomes in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Using 2 human ESCC cell lines, we found that Eomes knockdown reduced esophageal cancer cell proliferation and that the esophageal cancer cell cycle was blocked in the G2/M phase. Mechanistically, we identified CCL20 as the main downstream target of Eomes. Furthermore, we found that CCL20 could chemoregulate regulatory T cells (Tregs) through their specific receptor CCR6, then promoting the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells. Eomes knockdown also delayed the growth of human ESCC xenografts in BALB/c nude mice. Importantly, in 133 human ESCC tissues, high Eomes levels were associated with poor clinical prognosis. Overall, our findings suggested that the Eomes‐CCL20‐CCR6 pathway plays a vital role in human ESCC progress. Therefore, targeting this pathway may represent a promising strategy for controlling human ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Lian
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Saisai Liu
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying Yue
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Clinical Laboratory, Henan Medical College Hospital Workers, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingshan Yang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengli Yang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Farrington LA, Callaway PC, Vance HM, Baskevitch K, Lutz E, Warrier L, McIntyre TI, Budker R, Jagannathan P, Nankya F, Musinguzi K, Nalubega M, Sikyomu E, Naluwu K, Arinaitwe E, Dorsey G, Kamya MR, Feeney ME. Opsonized antigen activates Vδ2+ T cells via CD16/FCγRIIIa in individuals with chronic malaria exposure. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008997. [PMID: 33085728 PMCID: PMC7605717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vγ9Vδ2 T cells rapidly respond to phosphoantigens produced by Plasmodium falciparum in an innate-like manner, without prior antigen exposure or processing. Vδ2 T cells have been shown to inhibit parasite replication in vitro and are associated with protection from P. falciparum parasitemia in vivo. Although a marked expansion of Vδ2 T cells is seen after acute malaria infection in naïve individuals, repeated malaria causes Vδ2 T cells to decline both in frequency and in malaria-responsiveness, and to exhibit numerous transcriptional and phenotypic changes, including upregulation of the Fc receptor CD16. Here we investigate the functional role of CD16 on Vδ2 T cells in the immune response to malaria. We show that CD16+ Vδ2 T cells possess more cytolytic potential than their CD16- counterparts, and bear many of the hallmarks of mature NK cells, including KIR expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Vδ2 T cells from heavily malaria-exposed individuals are able to respond to opsonized P.falciparum-infected red blood cells through CD16, representing a second, distinct pathway by which Vδ2 T cells may contribute to anti-parasite effector functions. This response was independent of TCR engagement, as demonstrated by blockade of the phosphoantigen presenting molecule Butyrophilin 3A1. Together these results indicate that Vδ2 T cells in heavily malaria-exposed individuals retain the capacity for antimalarial effector function, and demonstrate their activation by opsonized parasite antigen. This represents a new role both for Vδ2 T cells and for opsonizing antibodies in parasite clearance, emphasizing cooperation between the cellular and humoral arms of the immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lila A. Farrington
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Perri C. Callaway
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Infectious Disease and Immunity Graduate Group, University of California Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Hilary M. Vance
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kayla Baskevitch
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Emma Lutz
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lakshmi Warrier
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Tara I. McIntyre
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Rachel Budker
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Prasanna Jagannathan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Ester Sikyomu
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kate Naluwu
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Margaret E. Feeney
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pfefferle A, Jacobs B, Haroun-Izquierdo A, Kveberg L, Sohlberg E, Malmberg KJ. Deciphering Natural Killer Cell Homeostasis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:812. [PMID: 32477340 PMCID: PMC7235169 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have a central role within the innate immune system, eliminating virally infected, foreign and transformed cells through their natural cytotoxic capacity. Release of their cytotoxic granules is tightly controlled through the balance of a large repertoire of inhibitory and activating receptors, and it is the unique combination of these receptors expressed by individual cells that confers immense diversity both in phenotype and functionality. The diverse, yet unique, NK cell repertoire within an individual is surprisingly stable over time considering the constant renewal of these cells at steady state. Here we give an overview of NK cell differentiation and discuss metabolic requirements, intra-lineage plasticity and transcriptional reprogramming during IL-15-driven homeostatic proliferation. New insights into the regulation of NK cell differentiation and homeostasis could pave the way for the successful implementation of NK cell-based immunotherapy against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Pfefferle
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benedikt Jacobs
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alvaro Haroun-Izquierdo
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lise Kveberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ebba Sohlberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|