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Durojaye O, Vankayalapati A, Paidipally P, Mukherjee T, Vankayalapati R, Radhakrishnan RK. Lung-resident CD3-NK1.1+CD69+CD103+ Cells Play an Important Role in Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccine-Induced Protective Immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 213:669-677. [PMID: 39007739 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Tissue-resident immune cells play important roles in local tissue homeostasis and infection control. There is no information on the functional role of lung-resident CD3-NK1.1+CD69+CD103+ cells in intranasal Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated and/or Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-infected mice. Therefore, we phenotypically and functionally characterized these cells in mice vaccinated intranasally with BCG. We found that intranasal BCG vaccination increased CD3-NK1.1+ cells with a tissue-resident phenotype (CD69+CD103+) in the lungs during the first 7 d after BCG vaccination. Three months post-BCG vaccination, Mtb infection induced the expansion of CD3-NK1.1+CD69+CD103+ (lung-resident) cells in the lung. Adoptive transfer of lung-resident CD3-NK1.1+CD69+CD103+ cells from the lungs of BCG-vaccinated mice to Mtb-infected naive mice resulted in a lower bacterial burden and reduced inflammation in the lungs. Our findings demonstrated that intranasal BCG vaccination induces the expansion of CD3-NK1.1+CD69+CD103+ (lung-resident) cells to provide protection against Mtb infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olamipejo Durojaye
- Center for Biomedical Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX
| | - Abhinav Vankayalapati
- Center for Biomedical Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX
| | - Padmaja Paidipally
- Center for Biomedical Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX
| | - Tanmoy Mukherjee
- Center for Biomedical Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX
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Lin Y, Yang B, Liu H, Ran G, Song L, Meng M, Yin X, Bi Q, Yan D, Deng Y, Lu Y. DNA demethylase Tet2 promotes the terminal maturation of natural killer cells. Immunol Res 2024:10.1007/s12026-024-09506-4. [PMID: 38869819 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09506-4] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The cytotoxicity feature to eliminate malignant cells makes natural killer (NK) cells a candidate for tumor immunotherapy. However, this scenario is currently hampered by inadequate understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of NK cell development. Ten-Eleven-Translocation 2 (Tet2) is a demethylase whose mutation was recently shown to cause phenotypic defects in NK cells. However, the role of Tet2 in the development and maturation of NK cells is not entirely clear. Here we studied the modulatory role of Tet2 in NK cell development and maturation by generating hematopoietic Tet2 knockout mice and mice with Tet2 conditional deletion in NKp46+ NK cells. The results showed that both hematopoietic and NK cell conditional deletion of Tet2 had no effect on the early steps of NK cell development, but impaired the terminal maturation of NK cells defined by CD11b, CD43, and KLRG1 expression. In the liver, Tet2 deletion not only prevented the terminal maturation of NK cells, but also increased the proportion of type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) and reduced the proportion of conventional NK cells (cNK). Moreover, hematopoietic deletion of Tet2 lowered the protein levels of perforin in NK cells. Furthermore, hematopoietic deletion of Tet2 downregulated the protein levels of Eomesodermin (Eomes), but not T-bet, in NK cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that Tet2 plays an important role in the terminal maturation of NK cells, and the Eomes transcription factor may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Lin
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, 154007, China
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Biyun Yang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, 154007, China
| | - Hailin Liu
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Pharmacy, First People's Hospital of Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401121, China
| | - Guanghe Ran
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, 154007, China
| | - Liang Song
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Meng Meng
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yin
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qinghua Bi
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Dongmei Yan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, 154007, China.
| | - Youcai Deng
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Yonghui Lu
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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3
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Forbes C, Nierkens S, Cornel AM. Thymic NK-Cells and Their Potential in Cancer Immunotherapy. Immunotargets Ther 2024; 13:183-194. [PMID: 38558927 PMCID: PMC10979679 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s441639] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK)-cells are innate immune cells with potent anti-tumor capacity, capable of recognizing target cells without prior exposure. For this reason, NK-cells are recognized as a useful source of cell therapy. Although most NK-cells are derived from the bone marrow (BM), a separate developmental pathway in the thymus also exists, producing so-called thymic NK-cells. Unlike conventional NK-cells, thymic NK (tNK)-cells have a combined capacity for cytokine production and a natural ability to kill tumor cells in the presence of NK-cell receptor stimulatory ligands. Furthermore, tNK-cells are reported to express CD3 subunits intracellularly, without the presence of a rearranged T-cell receptor (TCR). This unique feature may enable harnessing of these cells with a TCR to combine NK- and T-cell effector properties in one cell type. The development, phenotype, and function of tNK-cells, and potential as a cell therapy is, however, poorly explored. In this review, we provide an overview of current literature on both murine and human tNK-cells in comparison to conventional BM-derived NK-cells, and discuss the potential applications of this cellular subset in the context of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Forbes
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Annelisa M Cornel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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4
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Cooper GE, Mayall J, Donovan C, Haw TJ, Budden KF, Hansbro NG, Blomme EE, Maes T, Kong CW, Horvat JC, Khakoo SI, Wilkinson TMA, Hansbro PM, Staples KJ. Antiviral Responses of Tissue-resident CD49a + Lung Natural Killer Cells Are Dysregulated in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 207:553-565. [PMID: 36170617 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202205-0848oc] [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: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Tissue-resident natural killer (trNK) cells have been identified in numerous organs, but little is known about their functional contribution to respiratory immunity, in particular during chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives: To investigate the phenotype and antiviral responses of trNK cells in murine cigarette smoke-induced experimental COPD and in human lung parenchyma from COPD donors. Methods: Mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for 12 weeks to induce COPD-like lung disease. Lung trNK cell phenotypes and function were analyzed by flow cytometry in both murine and human disease with and without challenge with influenza A virus. Measurements and Main Results: In the mouse lung, CD49a+CD49b+EOMES+ and CD49a+CD49b-EOMESlo NK cell populations had a distinct phenotype compared with CD49a- circulating NK cells. CD49a+ NK cells were more extensively altered earlier in disease onset than circulating NK cells, and increased proportions of CD49a+ NK cells correlated with worsening disease in both murine and human COPD. Furthermore, the presence of lung disease delayed both circulating and trNK cell functional responses to influenza infection. CD49a+ NK cells markedly increased their NKG2D, CD103, and CD69 expression in experimental COPD after influenza infection, and human CD49a+ NK cells were hyperactive to ex vivo influenza infection in COPD donors. Conclusions: Collectively, these results demonstrate that trNK cell function is altered in cigarette smoke-induced disease and suggests that smoke exposure may aberrantly prime trNK cell responsiveness to viral infection. This may contribute to excess inflammation during viral exacerbations of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Cooper
- Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jemma Mayall
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chantal Donovan
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tatt J Haw
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kurtis F Budden
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole G Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Evy E Blomme
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tania Maes
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chia Wei Kong
- Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jay C Horvat
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Tom M A Wilkinson
- Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, and
- Wessex Investigational Sciences Hub, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karl J Staples
- Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, and
- Wessex Investigational Sciences Hub, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
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5
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Wahlen S, Matthijssens F, Van Loocke W, Taveirne S, Kiekens L, Persyn E, Van Ammel E, De Vos Z, De Munter S, Matthys P, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Taghon T, Vandekerckhove B, Van Vlierberghe P, Leclercq G. The transcription factor RUNX2 drives the generation of human NK cells and promotes tissue residency. eLife 2022; 11:e80320. [PMID: 35793229 PMCID: PMC9259014 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that eliminate virus-infected and cancer cells by cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion. In addition to circulating NK cells, distinct tissue-resident NK subsets have been identified in various organs. Although transcription factors regulating NK cell development and function have been extensively studied in mice, the role of RUNX2 in these processes has not been investigated, neither in mice nor in human. Here, by manipulating RUNX2 expression with either knockdown or overexpression in human haematopoietic stem cell-based NK cell differentiation cultures, combined with transcriptomic and ChIP-sequencing analyses, we established that RUNX2 drives the generation of NK cells, possibly through induction of IL-2Rβ expression in NK progenitor cells. Importantly, RUNX2 promotes tissue residency in human NK cells. Our findings have the potential to improve existing NK cell-based cancer therapies and can impact research fields beyond NK cell biology, since tissue-resident subsets have also been described in other lymphocyte subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Wahlen
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
| | - Filip Matthijssens
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Wouter Van Loocke
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Sylvie Taveirne
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
| | - Laura Kiekens
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
| | - Eva Persyn
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
| | - Els Van Ammel
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
| | - Zenzi De Vos
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
| | - Stijn De Munter
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
| | - Patrick Matthys
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | | | - Tom Taghon
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Georges Leclercq
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute GhentGhentBelgium
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6
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Franklin M, Connolly E, Hussell T. Recruited and Tissue-Resident Natural Killer Cells in the Lung During Infection and Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887503. [PMID: 35844626 PMCID: PMC9284027 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important component of the innate immune system, and have a key role in host defense against infection and in tumor surveillance. Tumors and viruses employ remarkably similar strategies to avoid recognition and killing by NK cells and so much can be learnt by comparing NK cells in these disparate diseases. The lung is a unique tissue environment and immune cells in this organ, including NK cells, exist in a hypofunctional state to prevent activation against innocuous stimuli. Upon infection, rapid NK cell infiltration into the lung occurs, the amplitude of which is determined by the extent of inflammation and damage. Activated NK cells kill infected cells and produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to recruit cells of the adaptive immune system. More recent evidence has shown that NK cells also play an additional role in resolution of inflammation. In lung cancer however, NK cell recruitment is impaired and those that are present have reduced functionality. The majority of lung NK cells are circulatory, however recently a small population of tissue-resident lung NK cells has been described. The specific role of this subset is yet to be determined, but they show similarity to resident memory T cell subsets. Whether resident or recruited, NK cells are important in the control of pulmonary infections, but equally, can drive excessive inflammation if not regulated. In this review we discuss how NK cells are recruited, controlled and retained in the specific environment of the lung in health and disease. Understanding these mechanisms in the context of infection may provide opportunities to promote NK cell recruitment and function in the lung tumor setting.
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7
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Huang M, Cai H, Han B, Xia Y, Kong X, Gu J. Natural Killer Cells in Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870038. [PMID: 35418990 PMCID: PMC8996070 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion injury can be divided into two phases, including insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients in the first stage and then organ injury caused by immune inflammation after blood flow recovery. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion is an important cause of liver injury post-surgery, consisting of partial hepatectomy and liver transplantation, and a central driver of graft dysfunction, which greatly leads to complications and mortality after liver transplantation. Natural killer (NK) cells are the lymphocyte population mainly involved in innate immune response in the human liver. In addition to their well-known role in anti-virus and anti-tumor defense, NK cells are also considered to regulate the pathogenesis of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury under the support of more and more evidence recently. The infiltration of NK cells into the liver exacerbates the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, which could be significantly alleviated after depletion of NK cells. Interestingly, NK cells may contribute to both liver graft rejection and tolerance according to their origins. In this article, we discussed the development of liver NK cells, their role in ischemia-reperfusion injury, and strategies of inhibiting NK cell activation in order to provide potential possibilities for translation application in future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Huang
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Cai
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhan Xia
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoni Kong
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyang Gu
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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8
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Gardner G, Fraker CA. Natural Killer Cells as Key Mediators in Type I Diabetes Immunopathology. Front Immunol 2021; 12:722979. [PMID: 34489972 PMCID: PMC8417893 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.722979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunopathology of type I diabetes (T1D) presents a complicated case in part because of the multifactorial origin of this disease. Typically, T1D is thought to occur as a result of autoimmunity toward islets of Langerhans, resulting in the destruction of insulin-producing cells (β cells) and thus lifelong reliance on exogenous insulin. However, that explanation obscures much of the underlying mechanism, and the actual precipitating events along with the associated actors (latent viral infection, diverse immune cell types and their roles) are not completely understood. Notably, there is a malfunctioning in the regulation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that target endocrine cells through antigen-mediated attack. Further examination has revealed the likelihood of an imbalance in distinct subpopulations of tolerogenic and cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells that may be the catalyst of adaptive immune system malfunction. The contributions of components outside the immune system, including environmental factors such as chronic viral infection also need more consideration, and much of the recent literature investigating the origins of this disease have focused on these factors. In this review, the details of the immunopathology of T1D regarding NK cell disfunction is discussed, along with how those mechanisms stand within the context of general autoimmune disorders. Finally, the rarer cases of latent autoimmune, COVID-19 (viral), and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) induced diabetes are discussed as their exceptional pathology offers insight into the evolution of the disease as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher A. Fraker
- Tissue and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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A Brief Analysis of Tissue-Resident NK Cells in Pregnancy and Endometrial Diseases: The Importance of Pharmacologic Modulation. IMMUNO 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno1030011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are lymphocytes involved in the innate and adaptative immune response. These cells are located in peripheral blood and tissues with ample functions, from immune vigilant to tolerogenic reactions. In the endometrium, NK cell populations vary depending on age, hormones, and inflammation. When pregnancy occurs, tissue-resident NK cells and conventional NK cells are recruited to protect the fetus, a tolerogenic response. On the contrary, in the inflamed endometrium, various inflammatory cells down-regulate NK tolerance and impair embryo implantation. Therefore, NK cells’ pharmacological modulation is difficult to achieve. Several strategies have been used, from progesterone, lipid emulsions to steroids; the success has not been as expected. However, new therapeutic approaches have been proposed to decrease the endometrial inflammatory burden and increase pregnancy success based on understanding NK cell physiology.
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10
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes specialized in immune surveillance against tumors and infections. To reach their optimal functional status, NK cells must undergo a process of maturation from immature to mature NK cells. Genetically modified mice, as well as in vivo and in vitro NK cell differentiation assays, have begun to reveal the landscape of the regulatory network involved in NK cell maturation, in which a balance of cytokine signaling pathways leads to an optimal coordination of transcription factor activity. An increased understanding of NK cell maturation will greatly promote the development and application of NK cell-based clinical therapy. Thus, in this review, we summarize the dynamics of NK cell maturation, describe recently identified factors involved in the regulation of the NK cell maturation process, including cytokines and transcription factors, and discuss the importance of NK cell maturation in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Bi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuefu Wang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunity Disease, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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