1
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Shannon MJ, Eisman SE, Lowe AR, Sloan TFW, Mace EM. cellPLATO - an unsupervised method for identifying cell behaviour in heterogeneous cell trajectory data. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261887. [PMID: 38738282 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Advances in imaging, segmentation and tracking have led to the routine generation of large and complex microscopy datasets. New tools are required to process this 'phenomics' type data. Here, we present 'Cell PLasticity Analysis Tool' (cellPLATO), a Python-based analysis software designed for measurement and classification of cell behaviours based on clustering features of cell morphology and motility. Used after segmentation and tracking, the tool extracts features from each cell per timepoint, using them to segregate cells into dimensionally reduced behavioural subtypes. Resultant cell tracks describe a 'behavioural ID' at each timepoint, and similarity analysis allows the grouping of behavioural sequences into discrete trajectories with assigned IDs. Here, we use cellPLATO to investigate the role of IL-15 in modulating human natural killer (NK) cell migration on ICAM-1 or VCAM-1. We find eight behavioural subsets of NK cells based on their shape and migration dynamics between single timepoints, and four trajectories based on sequences of these behaviours over time. Therefore, by using cellPLATO, we show that IL-15 increases plasticity between cell migration behaviours and that different integrin ligands induce different forms of NK cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Shannon
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, NYC, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shira E Eisman
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, NYC, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alan R Lowe
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology and London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London WC1H 0AH, UK
| | | | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, NYC, NY 10032, USA
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2
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Blanka Sharma
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 23610, USA;
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3
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Asiimwe R, Knott B, Greene ME, Wright E, Bell M, Epstein D, Yates SD, Cheung MD, Gonzalez MV, Fry S, Boydston E, Clevenger S, Locke JE, George JF, Burney R, Arora N, Duncan VE, Richter HE, Gunn D, Freud AG, Little SC, Porrett PM. Inhibition of NFAT promotes loss of tissue resident uterine natural killer cells and attendant pregnancy complications in humans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.07.583906. [PMID: 38559147 PMCID: PMC10979847 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.07.583906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Uterine natural killer cells (uNKs) are a tissue resident lymphocyte population that are critical for pregnancy success. Although mouse models have demonstrated that NK deficiency results in abnormal placentation and poor pregnancy outcomes, the generalizability of this knowledge to humans remains unclear. Here we identify uterus transplant (UTx) recipients as a human population with reduced endometrial NK cells and altered pregnancy phenotypes. We further show that the NK reduction in UTx is due to impaired transcriptional programming of NK tissue residency due to blockade of the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). NFAT-dependent genes played a role in multiple molecular circuits governing tissue residency in uNKs, including early residency programs involving AP-1 transcription factors as well as TGFβ-mediated upregulation of surface integrins. Collectively, our data identify a previously undescribed role for NFAT in uterine NK tissue residency and provide novel mechanistic insights into the biologic basis of pregnancy complications due to alteration of tissue resident NK subsets in humans. One Sentence Summary Role of NFAT in uterine NK cell tissue residency.
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Bode K, Wei S, Gruber I, Kissler S, Yi P. Beta Cells Deficient for Renalase Counteract Autoimmunity by Shaping Natural Killer Cell Activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.29.582816. [PMID: 38496417 PMCID: PMC10942322 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.29.582816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) arises from autoimmune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Recent advancements in the technology of generating pancreatic beta cells from human pluripotent stem cells (SC-beta cells) have facilitated the exploration of cell replacement therapies for treating T1D. However, the persistent threat of autoimmunity poses a significant challenge to the survival of transplanted SC-beta cells. Genetic engineering is a promising approach to enhance immune resistance of beta cells as we previously showed by inactivating of the Renalase (Rnls) gene. Here we demonstrate that Rnls loss-of-function in beta cells shape autoimmunity by mediating a regulatory Natural Killer (NK) cell phenotype important for the induction of tolerogenic antigen presenting cells. Rnls-deficient beta cells mediate cell-cell-contact-independent induction of hallmark anti-inflammatory cytokine Tgfβ1 in NK cells. In addition, surface expression of key regulatory NK immune checkpoints CD47 and Ceacam1 are markedly elevated on beta cells deficient for Rnls. Enhanced glucose metabolism in Rnls mutant beta cells is responsible for upregulation of CD47 surface expression. These findings are crucial to a better understand how genetically engineered beta cells shape autoimmunity giving valuable insights for future therapeutic advancements to treat and cure T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Bode
- Section for Immunobiology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
- Section for Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Siying Wei
- Section for Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Isabella Gruber
- Section for Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Stephan Kissler
- Section for Immunobiology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
- Diabetes Program, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge MA 02138
| | - Peng Yi
- Section for Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
- Diabetes Program, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge MA 02138
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5
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Abdul-Rahman T, Ghosh S, Badar SM, Nazir A, Bamigbade GB, Aji N, Roy P, Kachani H, Garg N, Lawal L, Bliss ZSB, Wireko AA, Atallah O, Adebusoye FT, Teslyk T, Sikora K, Horbas V. The paradoxical role of cytokines and chemokines at the tumor microenvironment: a comprehensive review. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:124. [PMID: 38360737 PMCID: PMC10868116 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01711-z] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor progression and eradication have long piqued the scientific community's interest. Recent discoveries about the role of chemokines and cytokines in these processes have fueled renewed interest in related research. These roles are frequently viewed as contentious due to their ability to both suppress and promote cancer progression. As a result, this review critically appraised existing literature to discuss the unique roles of cytokines and chemokines in the tumor microenvironment, as well as the existing challenges and future opportunities for exploiting these roles to develop novel and targeted treatments. While these modulatory molecules play an important role in tumor suppression via enhanced cancer-cell identification by cytotoxic effector cells and directly recruiting immunological effector cells and stromal cells in the TME, we observed that they also promote tumor proliferation. Many cytokines, including GM-CSF, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and IL-21, have entered clinical trials for people with advanced cancer, while the FDA has approved interferon-alpha and IL-2. Nonetheless, low efficacy and dose-limiting toxicity limit these agents' full potential. Conversely, Chemokines have tremendous potential for increasing cancer immune-cell penetration of the tumor microenvironment and promoting beneficial immunological interactions. When chemokines are combined with cytokines, they activate lymphocytes, producing IL-2, CD80, and IL-12, all of which have a strong anticancer effect. This phenomenon opens the door to the development of effective anticancer combination therapies, such as therapies that can reverse cancer escape, and chemotaxis of immunosuppressive cells like Tregs, MDSCs, and TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toufik Abdul-Rahman
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine.
| | - Shankhaneel Ghosh
- Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sarah M Badar
- The University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire, UK
| | | | - Gafar Babatunde Bamigbade
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Narjiss Aji
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Montreal, Canada
| | - Poulami Roy
- Department of Medicine, North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Siliguri, India
| | | | - Neil Garg
- Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, One Medical Center Drive Stratford, Camden, NJ, 08084, USA
| | - Lukman Lawal
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Zarah Sophia Blake Bliss
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac Campus Norte, Huixquilucan, Mexico
| | | | - Oday Atallah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Tetiana Teslyk
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine
| | - Kateryna Sikora
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine
| | - Viktoriia Horbas
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine
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6
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Zhang B, Yang M, Zhang W, Liu N, Wang D, Jing L, Xu N, Yang N, Ren T. Chimeric antigen receptor-based natural killer cell immunotherapy in cancer: from bench to bedside. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:50. [PMID: 38221520 PMCID: PMC10788349 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06438-7] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has rapidly evolved in the past decades in the battle against cancer. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells have demonstrated significant success in certain hematologic malignancies, although they still face certain limitations, including high costs and toxic effects. Natural killer cells (NK cells), as a vital component of the immune system, serve as the "first responders" in the context of cancer development. In this literature review, we provide an updated understanding of NK cell development, functions, and their applications in disease therapy. Furthermore, we explore the rationale for utilizing engineered NK cell therapies, such as CAR-NK cells, and discuss the differences between CAR-T and CAR-NK cells. We also provide insights into the key elements and strategies involved in CAR design for engineered NK cells. In addition, we highlight the challenges currently encountered and discuss the future directions in NK cell research and utilization, including pre-clinical investigations and ongoing clinical trials. Based on the outstanding antitumor potential of NK cells, it is highly likely that they will lead to groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Mengzhe Yang
- Graduate School of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Weiming Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530199, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Hematology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518052, China
| | - Daogang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Liangfang Jing
- Department of Neonatology, Women and Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, 650101, China.
| | - Tao Ren
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, China.
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7
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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Mei Q, Zhao B, Chu Q, Dai Z, Wu K. Exploiting innate immunity for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:187. [PMID: 38008741 PMCID: PMC10680233 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01885-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment paradigms of various types of cancers. However, most of these immunomodulatory strategies focus on harnessing adaptive immunity, mainly by inhibiting immunosuppressive signaling with immune checkpoint blockade, or enhancing immunostimulatory signaling with bispecific T cell engager and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell. Although these agents have already achieved great success, only a tiny percentage of patients could benefit from immunotherapies. Actually, immunotherapy efficacy is determined by multiple components in the tumor microenvironment beyond adaptive immunity. Cells from the innate arm of the immune system, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and unconventional T cells, also participate in cancer immune evasion and surveillance. Considering that the innate arm is the cornerstone of the antitumor immune response, utilizing innate immunity provides potential therapeutic options for cancer control. Up to now, strategies exploiting innate immunity, such as agonists of stimulator of interferon genes, CAR-macrophage or -natural killer cell therapies, metabolic regulators, and novel immune checkpoint blockade, have exhibited potent antitumor activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we summarize the latest insights into the potential roles of innate cells in antitumor immunity and discuss the advances in innate arm-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Shannon MJ, Eisman SE, Lowe AR, Sloan T, Mace EM. cellPLATO: an unsupervised method for identifying cell behaviour in heterogeneous cell trajectory data. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.28.564355. [PMID: 37961659 PMCID: PMC10634992 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.28.564355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Advances in imaging, cell segmentation, and cell tracking now routinely produce microscopy datasets of a size and complexity comparable to transcriptomics or proteomics. New tools are required to process this 'phenomics' type data. Cell PLasticity Analysis TOol (cellPLATO) is a Python-based analysis software designed for measurement and classification of diverse cell behaviours based on clustering of parameters of cell morphology and motility. cellPLATO is used after segmentation and tracking of cells from live cell microscopy data. The tool extracts morphological and motility metrics from each cell per timepoint, before being using them to segregate cells into behavioural subtypes with dimensionality reduction. Resultant cell tracks have a 'behavioural ID' for each cell per timepoint corresponding to their changing behaviour over time in a sequence. Similarity analysis allows the grouping of behavioural sequences into discrete trajectories with assigned IDs. Trajectories and underlying behaviours generate a phenotypic fingerprint for each experimental condition, and representative cells are mathematically identified and graphically displayed for human understanding of each subtype. Here, we use cellPLATO to investigate the role of IL-15 in modulating NK cell migration on ICAM-1 or VCAM-1. We find 8 behavioural subsets of NK cells based on their shape and migration dynamics, and 4 trajectories of behaviour. Therefore, using cellPLATO we show that IL-15 increases plasticity between cell migration behaviours and that different integrin ligands induce different forms of NK cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Shannon
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY 10032
| | - Shira E Eisman
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY 10032
| | - Alan R Lowe
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology and London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London WC1H 0AH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY 10032
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9
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Jiang H, Jiang J. Balancing act: the complex role of NK cells in immune regulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275028. [PMID: 38022497 PMCID: PMC10652757 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275028] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as fundamental components of innate immunity, can quickly react to abnormalities within the body. In-depth research has revealed that NK cells possess regulatory functions not only in innate immunity but also in adaptive immunity under various conditions. Multiple aspects of the adaptive immune process are regulated through NK cells. In our review, we have integrated multiple studies to illuminate the regulatory function of NK cells in regulating B cell and T cell responses during adaptive immune processes, focusing on aspects including viral infections and the tumor microenvironment (TME). These insights provide us with many new understandings on how NK cells regulate different phases of the adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
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10
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Hegewisch-Solloa E, Nalin AP, Freud AG, Mace EM. Deciphering the localization and trajectory of human natural killer cell development. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 114:487-506. [PMID: 36869821 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad027] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune cells represent the first line of cellular immunity, comprised of both circulating and tissue-resident natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells. These innate lymphocytes arise from a common CD34+ progenitor that differentiates into mature natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells. The successive stages in natural killer cell maturation are characterized by increased lineage restriction and changes to phenotype and function. Mechanisms of human natural killer cell development have not been fully elucidated, especially the role of signals that drive the spatial localization and maturation of natural killer cells. Cytokines, extracellular matrix components, and chemokines provide maturation signals and influence the trafficking of natural killer cell progenitors to peripheral sites of differentiation. Here we present the latest advances in our understanding of natural killer and innate lymphoid cell development in peripheral sites, including secondary lymphoid tissues (i.e. tonsil). Recent work in the field has provided a model for the spatial distribution of natural killer cell and innate lymphoid cell developmental intermediates in tissue and generated further insights into the developmental niche. In support of this model, future studies using multifaceted approaches seek to fully map the developmental trajectory of human natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells in secondary lymphoid tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everardo Hegewisch-Solloa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St. New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ansel P Nalin
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 460 W 10th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aharon G Freud
- Department of Pathology, Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 460 W 12th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St. New York, NY 10032, USA
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11
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Lepretre F, Gras D, Chanez P, Duez C. Natural killer cells in the lung: potential role in asthma and virus-induced exacerbation? Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:230036. [PMID: 37437915 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0036-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder whose pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms are not completely understood. Asthma exacerbations are mostly driven by respiratory viral infections and characterised by worsening of symptoms. Despite current therapies, asthma exacerbations can still be life-threatening. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells well known for their antiviral activity and are present in the lung as circulating and resident cells. However, their functions in asthma and its exacerbations are still unclear. In this review, we will address NK cell activation and functions, which are particularly relevant for asthma and virus-induced asthma exacerbations. Then, the role of NK cells in the lungs at homeostasis in healthy individuals will be described, as well as their functions during pulmonary viral infections, with an emphasis on those associated with asthma exacerbations. Finally, we will discuss the involvement of NK cells in asthma and virus-induced exacerbations and examine the effect of asthma treatments on NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lepretre
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
| | - Delphine Gras
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Chanez
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
- APHM, Hôpital Nord, Clinique des Bronches, de l'allergie et du sommeil, Marseille, France
| | - Catherine Duez
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
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12
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Kanter J, Gordon SM, Mani S, Sokalska A, Park JY, Senapati S, Huh DD, Mainigi M. Hormonal stimulation reduces numbers and impairs function of human uterine natural killer cells during implantation. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1047-1059. [PMID: 37075311 PMCID: PMC10501469 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead069] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does an altered maternal hormonal environment, such as that seen during superovulation with gonadotropins in ART, impact human uterine immune cell distribution and function during the window of implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER Hormonal stimulation with gonadotropins alters abundance of maternal immune cells including uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and reduces uNK cell ability to promote extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY An altered maternal hormonal environment, seen following ART, can lead to increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes associated with disordered placentation. Maternal immune cells play an essential role in invasion of EVTs, a process required for proper establishment of the placenta, and adverse perinatal outcomes have been associated with altered immune cell populations. How ART impacts maternal immune cells and whether this can in turn affect implantation and placentation in humans remain unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective cohort study was carried out between 2018 and 2021 on 51 subjects: 20 from natural cycles 8 days after LH surge; and 31 from stimulated IVF cycles 7 days after egg retrieval. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Endometrial biopsies and peripheral blood samples were collected during the window of implantation in subjects with regular menstrual cycles or undergoing superovulation. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were measured by chemiluminescent competitive immunoassay. Immune cell populations in blood and endometrium were analyzed using flow cytometry. uNK cells were purified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Functional changes in uNK cells due to hormonal stimulation were evaluated using the implantation-on-a-chip (IOC) device, a novel bioengineered platform using human primary cells that mimics early processes that occur during pregnancy in a physiologically relevant manner. Unpaired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and pairwise multiple comparison tests were used to statistically evaluate differences. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Baseline characteristics were comparable for both groups. As expected, serum estradiol levels on the day of biopsy were significantly higher in stimulated (superovulated) patients (P = 0.0005). In the setting of superovulation, we found an endometrium-specific reduction in the density of bulk CD56+ uNK cells (P < 0.05), as well as in the uNK3 subpopulation (P = 0.025) specifically (CD103+ NK cells). In stimulated samples, we also found that the proportion of endometrial B cells was increased (P < 0.0001). Our findings were specific to the endometrium and not seen in peripheral blood. On the IOC device, uNK cells from naturally cycling secretory endometrium promote EVT invasion (P = 0.03). However, uNK cells from hormonally stimulated endometrium were unable to significantly promote EVT invasion, as measured by area of invasion, depth of invasion, and number of invaded EVTs by area. Bulk RNA-seq of sorted uNK cells from stimulated and unstimulated endometrium revealed changes in signaling pathways associated with immune cell trafficking/movement and inflammation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Patient numbers utilized for the study were low but were enough to identify significant overall population differences in select immune cell types. With additional power and deeper immune phenotyping, we may detect additional differences in immune cell composition of blood and endometrium in the setting of hormonal stimulation. Flow cytometry was performed on targeted immune cell populations that have shown involvement in early pregnancy. A more unbiased approach might identify changes in novel maternal immune cells not investigated in this study. We performed RNA-seq only on uNK cells, which demonstrated differences in gene expression. Ovarian stimulation may also impact gene expression and function of other subsets of immune cells, as well as other cell types within the endometrium. Finally, the IOC device, while a major improvement over existing in vitro methods to study early pregnancy, does not include all possible maternal cells present during early pregnancy, which could impact functional effects seen. Immune cells other than uNK cells may impact invasion of EVTs in vitro and in vivo, though these remain to be tested. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings demonstrate that hormonal stimulation affects the distribution of uNK cells during the implantation window and reduces the proinvasive effects of uNK cells during early pregnancy. Our results provide a potential mechanism by which fresh IVF cycles may increase risk of disorders of placentation, previously linked to adverse perinatal outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Research reported in this publication was supported by the University of Pennsylvania University Research Funding (to M.M.), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (P50HD068157 to M.M., S.S., and S.M.), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (TL1TR001880 to J.K.), the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute (to S.M.G.), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (K08AI151265 to S.M.G.). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. All authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kanter
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S M Gordon
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Mani
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Sokalska
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - J Y Park
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Senapati
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D D Huh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Tsai HF, Podder S, Chen PY. Microsystem Advances through Integration with Artificial Intelligence. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:826. [PMID: 37421059 DOI: 10.3390/mi14040826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics is a rapidly growing discipline that involves studying and manipulating fluids at reduced length scale and volume, typically on the scale of micro- or nanoliters. Under the reduced length scale and larger surface-to-volume ratio, advantages of low reagent consumption, faster reaction kinetics, and more compact systems are evident in microfluidics. However, miniaturization of microfluidic chips and systems introduces challenges of stricter tolerances in designing and controlling them for interdisciplinary applications. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have brought innovation to microfluidics from design, simulation, automation, and optimization to bioanalysis and data analytics. In microfluidics, the Navier-Stokes equations, which are partial differential equations describing viscous fluid motion that in complete form are known to not have a general analytical solution, can be simplified and have fair performance through numerical approximation due to low inertia and laminar flow. Approximation using neural networks trained by rules of physical knowledge introduces a new possibility to predict the physicochemical nature. The combination of microfluidics and automation can produce large amounts of data, where features and patterns that are difficult to discern by a human can be extracted by machine learning. Therefore, integration with AI introduces the potential to revolutionize the microfluidic workflow by enabling the precision control and automation of data analysis. Deployment of smart microfluidics may be tremendously beneficial in various applications in the future, including high-throughput drug discovery, rapid point-of-care-testing (POCT), and personalized medicine. In this review, we summarize key microfluidic advances integrated with AI and discuss the outlook and possibilities of combining AI and microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsieh-Fu Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Keelung City 204, Taiwan
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Soumyajit Podder
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Yuan Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Keelung City 204, Taiwan
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14
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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.
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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.
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15
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Mace EM. Human natural killer cells: Form, function, and development. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:371-385. [PMID: 36195172 PMCID: PMC9905317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that mediate important effector functions in the control of viral infection and malignancy. Their ability to distinguish "self" from "nonself" and lyse virally infected and tumorigenic cells through germline-encoded receptors makes them important players in maintaining human health and a powerful tool for immunotherapeutic applications and fighting disease. This review introduces our current understanding of NK cell biology, including key facets of NK cell differentiation and the acquisition and execution of NK cell effector function. Further, it addresses the clinical relevance of NK cells in both primary immunodeficiency and immunotherapy. It is intended to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of this important and interesting innate immune effector cell subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Mace
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York.
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16
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Fu M, Zhang X, Liu C, Lyu J, Liu X, Zhong S, Liang Y, Liu P, Huang L, Xiao Z, Wang X, Liang X, Wang H, Fan S. Phenotypic and functional alteration of CD45+ immune cells in the decidua of preeclampsia patients analyzed by mass cytometry (CyTOF). Front Immunol 2023; 13:1047986. [PMID: 36685576 PMCID: PMC9852836 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1047986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe placenta-related pregnancy disease that has been associated with maternal systemic inflammation and immune system disorders. However, the distribution and functional changes in immune cells of the maternal-placental interface have not been well characterized. Herein, cytometry by time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CyTOF) was used to investigate the immune atlas at the decidua, which was obtained from four PE patients and four healthy controls. Six superclusters were identified, namely, T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, granulocytes, and others. B cells were significantly decreased in the PE group, among which the reduction in CD27+CD38+ regulatory B cell (Breg)-like cells may stimulate immune activation in PE. The significantly increased migration of B cells could be linked to the significantly overexpressed chemokine C-X-C receptor 5 (CXCR5) in the PE group, which may result in the production of excessive autoantibodies and the pathogenesis of PE. A subset of T cells, CD11c+CD8+ T cells, was significantly decreased in PE and might lead to sustained immune activation in PE patients. NK cells were ultimately separated into four subsets. The significant reduction in a novel subset of NK cells (CD56-CD49a-CD38+) in PE might have led to the failure to suppress inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface during PE progression. Moreover, the expression levels of functional markers were significantly altered in the PE group, which also inferred that shifts in the decidual immune state contributed to the development of PE and might serve as potential treatment targets. This is a worthy attempt to elaborate the differences in the phenotype and function of CD45+ immune cells in the decidua between PE and healthy pregnancies by CyTOF, which contributes to understand the pathogenesis of PE, and the altered cell subsets and markers may inspire the immune modulatory therapy for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunfeng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinli Lyu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shilin Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiheng Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Liting Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhansong Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoling Liang
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat‐Sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shangrong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecological Diseases, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Won Jun H, Kyung Lee H, Ho Na I, Jeong Lee S, Kim K, Park G, Sook Kim H, Ju Son D, Kim Y, Tae Hong J, Han SB. The role of CCL2, CCL7, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in interaction of endothelial cells and natural killer cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109332. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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18
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Liu B, Yang GX, Sun Y, Tomiyama T, Zhang W, Leung PSC, He XS, Dhaliwal S, Invernizzi P, Gershwin ME, Bowlus CL. Decreased CD57 expression of natural killer cells enhanced cytotoxicity in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:912961. [PMID: 36059513 PMCID: PMC9434697 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.912961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aims Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory biliary disease for which the immunopathological basis remains an enigma. Natural killer (NK) cells are key components of innate immunity and seemingly play diversified roles in different autoimmune disorders (AIDs). The aim of this study was to determine the role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of PSC. Methods The frequency and phenotype of circulating NK cells in a large cohort of patients with PSC and healthy controls (HCs) were systematically examined. In addition, the functional capacity of NK cells including cytotoxicity and cytokine production was studied. Results The frequency of CD3−CD56dimCD16+ (defined as CD56dim) NK cells in PSC patients was significantly lower in comparison to HCs. CD56dim NK cells from PSC displayed a more immature phenotype including high expression of the natural killing receptor NKp46 and downregulation of the highly differentiated NK cell marker CD57. Interestingly, the reduction of CD57 expression of NK cells was associated with the disease severity of PSC. In addition, PSC CD56dim NK cells exhibited increased CD107a degranulation and cytolytic activity toward target cells compared with HCs. Further analysis demonstrated that CD57−CD56dim NK cells from PSC had elevated expression of NKp46, NKp30, IL-2 receptor, and KLRG1 and higher cytotoxic capacity as compared to CD57+CD56dim NK cells. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that the differentiation of PSC NK cells is dysregulated with enhanced cytotoxic activity. This change is likely to be functionally involved in pathogenesis and disease progression, deducing the potential of NK-directed immunotherapy for PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Guo-Xiang Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Guo-Xiang Yang, ; Christopher L. Bowlus,
| | - Ying Sun
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Liver Disease, Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Takashi Tomiyama
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Patrick S. C. Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Xiao-Song He
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sandeep Dhaliwal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - M. Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Christopher L. Bowlus
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Guo-Xiang Yang, ; Christopher L. Bowlus,
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19
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Ran GH, Lin YQ, Tian L, Zhang T, Yan DM, Yu JH, Deng YC. Natural killer cell homing and trafficking in tissues and tumors: from biology to application. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:205. [PMID: 35768424 PMCID: PMC9243142 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a subgroup of innate lymphoid cells, act as the first line of defense against cancer. Although some evidence shows that NK cells can develop in secondary lymphoid tissues, NK cells develop mainly in the bone marrow (BM) and egress into the blood circulation when they mature. They then migrate to and settle down in peripheral tissues, though some special subsets home back into the BM or secondary lymphoid organs. Owing to its success in allogeneic adoptive transfer for cancer treatment and its "off-the-shelf" potential, NK cell-based immunotherapy is attracting increasing attention in the treatment of various cancers. However, insufficient infiltration of adoptively transferred NK cells limits clinical utility, especially for solid tumors. Expansion of NK cells or engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells ex vivo prior to adoptive transfer by using various cytokines alters the profiles of chemokine receptors, which affects the infiltration of transferred NK cells into tumor tissue. Several factors control NK cell trafficking and homing, including cell-intrinsic factors (e.g., transcriptional factors), cell-extrinsic factors (e.g., integrins, selectins, chemokines and their corresponding receptors, signals induced by cytokines, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), etc.), and the cellular microenvironment. Here, we summarize the profiles and mechanisms of NK cell homing and trafficking at steady state and during tumor development, aiming to improve NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang He Ran
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Qing Lin
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China.
| | - Dong Mei Yan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China.
| | - Jian Hua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA.
| | - You Cai Deng
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
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Shutova MS, Boehncke WH. Mechanotransduction in Skin Inflammation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132026. [PMID: 35805110 PMCID: PMC9265324 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the process of mechanotransduction, the cells in the body perceive and interpret mechanical stimuli to maintain tissue homeostasis and respond to the environmental changes. Increasing evidence points towards dysregulated mechanotransduction as a pathologically relevant factor in human diseases, including inflammatory conditions. Skin is the organ that constantly undergoes considerable mechanical stresses, and the ability of mechanical factors to provoke inflammatory processes in the skin has long been known, with the Koebner phenomenon being an example. However, the molecular mechanisms and key factors linking mechanotransduction and cutaneous inflammation remain understudied. In this review, we outline the key players in the tissue’s mechanical homeostasis, the available data, and the gaps in our current understanding of their aberrant regulation in chronic cutaneous inflammation. We mainly focus on psoriasis as one of the most studied skin inflammatory diseases; we also discuss mechanotransduction in the context of skin fibrosis as a result of chronic inflammation. Even though the role of mechanotransduction in inflammation of the simple epithelia of internal organs is being actively studied, we conclude that the mechanoregulation in the stratified epidermis of the skin requires more attention in future translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S. Shutova
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Department of Dermatology, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Wolf-Henning Boehncke
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Department of Dermatology, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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Tao X, Zhang R, Du R, Yu T, Yang H, Li J, Wang Y, Liu Q, Zuo S, Wang X, Lazarus M, Zhou L, Wang B, Yu Y, Shen Y. EP3 enhances adhesion and cytotoxicity of NK cells toward hepatic stellate cells in a murine liver fibrosis model. J Exp Med 2022; 219:213141. [PMID: 35420633 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells exhibit antifibrotic properties in liver fibrosis (LF) by suppressing activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) populations. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a dual role in innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we found that E-prostanoid 3 receptor (EP3) was markedly downregulated in NK cells from liver fibrosis mice and patients with liver cirrhosis. NK cell-specific deletion of EP3 aggravated hepatic fibrogenesis in mouse models of LF. Loss of EP3 selectively reduced the cytotoxicity of the CD27+CD11b+ double positive (DP) NK subset against activated HSCs. Mechanistically, deletion of EP3 impaired the adhesion and cytotoxicity of DP NK cells toward HSCs through modulation of Itga4-VCAM1 binding. EP3 upregulated Itga4 expression in NK cells through promoting Spic nuclear translocation via PKC-mediated phosphorylation of Spic at T191. Activation of EP3 by sulprostone alleviated CCL4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Thus, EP3 is required for adhesion and cytotoxicity of NK cells toward HSCs and may serve as a therapeutic target for the management of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Biology, Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Biology, Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ronglu Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Biology, Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Biology, Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiwen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuhong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Biology, Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Biology, Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shengkai Zuo
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Biology, Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Michael Lazarus
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Bangmao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Biology, Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yujun Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Biology, Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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22
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Banerjee S, Nara R, Chakraborty S, Chowdhury D, Haldar S. Integrin Regulated Autoimmune Disorders: Understanding the Role of Mechanical Force in Autoimmunity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:852878. [PMID: 35372360 PMCID: PMC8971850 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.852878] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders is multifactorial, where immune cell migration, adhesion, and lymphocyte activation play crucial roles in its progression. These immune processes are majorly regulated by adhesion molecules at cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell–cell junctions. Integrin, a transmembrane focal adhesion protein, plays an indispensable role in these immune cell mechanisms. Notably, integrin is regulated by mechanical force and exhibit bidirectional force transmission from both the ECM and cytosol, regulating the immune processes. Recently, integrin mechanosensitivity has been reported in different immune cell processes; however, the underlying mechanics of these integrin-mediated mechanical processes in autoimmunity still remains elusive. In this review, we have discussed how integrin-mediated mechanotransduction could be a linchpin factor in the causation and progression of autoimmune disorders. We have provided an insight into how tissue stiffness exhibits a positive correlation with the autoimmune diseases’ prevalence. This provides a plausible connection between mechanical load and autoimmunity. Overall, gaining insight into the role of mechanical force in diverse immune cell processes and their dysregulation during autoimmune disorders will open a new horizon to understand this physiological anomaly.
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23
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Martinez AL, Shannon MJ, Eisman SE, Hegewisch-Solloa E, Asif AN, Ebrahim TAM, Mace EM. Quantifying Human Natural Killer Cell Migration by Imaging and Image Analysis. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2463:129-151. [PMID: 35344172 PMCID: PMC9159076 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2160-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Migration is an important function for natural killer cells. Cell motility has implications in development, tissue infiltration, and cytotoxicity, and measuring the properties of natural killer (NK) cell migration using in vitro assays can be highly informative. Many researchers have an interest in studying properties of NK cell migration in the context of genetic mutation, disease, or in specific tissues and microenvironments. Motility assays can also provide information on the localization of proteins during different phases of cell migration. These assays can be performed on different surfaces for migration or coupled with chemoattractants and/or target cells to test functional outcomes or characterize cell migration speeds and phenotypes. NK cells undergo migration during differentiation in tissue, and these conditions can be modeled by culturing NK cells on a confluent bed of stromal cells on glass and imaging cell migration. Alternatively, fibronectin- or ICAM-1-coated surfaces promote NK cell migration and can be used as substrates. Here, we will describe techniques for the experimental setup and analysis of NK cell motility assays by confocal microscopy or in-incubator imaging using commercially available systems. Finally, we describe open-source software for analyzing cell migration using manual tracking or automated approaches and discuss considerations for the implementation of each of these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amera L Martinez
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael J Shannon
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shira E Eisman
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Aneeza N Asif
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tasneem A M Ebrahim
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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24
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Ahluwalia P, Ahluwalia M, Mondal AK, Sahajpal NS, Kota V, Rojiani MV, Kolhe R. Natural Killer Cells and Dendritic Cells: Expanding Clinical Relevance in the Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164037. [PMID: 34439191 PMCID: PMC8394984 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major subtype of lung cancer that accounts for almost 85% of lung cancer cases worldwide. Although recent advances in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy have helped in the clinical management of these patients, the survival rate in advanced stages remains dismal. Furthermore, there is a critical lack of accurate prognostic and stratification markers for emerging immunotherapies. To harness immune response modalities for therapeutic benefits, a detailed understanding of the immune cells in the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) is required. Among the diverse immune cells, natural killer (NK cells) and dendritic cells (DCs) have generated tremendous interest in the scientific community. NK cells play a critical role in tumor immunosurveillance by directly killing malignant cells. DCs link innate and adaptive immune systems by cross-presenting the antigens to T cells. The presence of an immunosuppressive milieu in tumors can lead to inactivation and poor functioning of NK cells and DCs, which results in an adverse outcome for many cancer patients, including those with NSCLC. Recently, clinical intervention using modified NK cells and DCs have shown encouraging response in advanced NSCLC patients. Herein, we will discuss prognostic and predictive aspects of NK cells and DC cells with an emphasis on NSCLC. Additionally, the discussion will extend to potential strategies that seek to enhance the anti-tumor functionality of NK cells and DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Ahluwalia
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (A.K.M.); (N.S.S.)
| | - Meenakshi Ahluwalia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Ashis K. Mondal
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (A.K.M.); (N.S.S.)
| | - Nikhil S. Sahajpal
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (A.K.M.); (N.S.S.)
| | - Vamsi Kota
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Mumtaz V. Rojiani
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Ravindra Kolhe
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (A.K.M.); (N.S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-706-721-2771; Fax: +1-706-434-6053
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