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Wang X, Yang T, Shi X. NK cell-based immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: An attractive therapeutic option for the next decade. Cell Signal 2024; 124:111405. [PMID: 39260532 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111405] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major subtype of liver cancer, poses significant therapeutic challenges due to its late diagnosis and rapid progression. The evolving landscape of immunotherapy offers a beacon of hope, with natural killer (NK) cells emerging as pivotal players in combating HCC. NK cells are unique cytotoxic lymphocytes that are essential in the fight against infections and malignancies. Phenotypic and functional NK cell abnormalities have been shown in HCC patients, indicating their significance as a component of the innate immune system against cancer. This review elucidates the critical role of NK cells in combating HCC, focusing on their interaction with the tumor microenvironment, the development of NK cell-based therapies, and the innovative strategies to enhance their efficacy in the immunosuppressive milieu of HCC. The review delves into the various therapeutic strategies, including autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapies, genetic engineering to improve NK cell resilience and targeting, and the integration of NK cells with other immunotherapeutic approaches like checkpoint inhibitors and oncolytic virotherapy. By highlighting recent advancements and the ongoing challenges in the field, this review sets the stage for future research directions that could unlock the full potential of NK cell-based immunotherapy for HCC, offering a beacon of hope for patients battling this formidable cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, China
| | - Tianye Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, China
| | - Xiaoli Shi
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China; Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
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2
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Hong W, Zhang L, Qi Y, Wang Y, Wang W. Impact of Chemotherapy on Circulating Lymphocyte Subsets in Lung Cancer Patients. Cancer Manag Res 2024; 16:1205-1213. [PMID: 39282611 PMCID: PMC11401525 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s475967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death and chemotherapy stands as a fundamental component in therapy. Chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression encompasses a spectrum of hematological declines, including not only neutrophils but also lymphocytes, hemoglobin levels and platelets. This retrospective cohort study investigates alterations in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets. By uncovering these changes, our goal is to refine patient management strategies, ensuring that the benefits of chemotherapy are maximized while minimizing its detrimental effects. Patients and Methods We retrospectively analyzed 159 lung cancer patients. Patients were categorized as "NT" (n=108, no previous anti-tumor therapy), and "PT" (n=51, prior therapy followed by at least a two-month treatment-free interval). Post-chemotherapy, patients were reassessed and grouped into "EarlyCycle" for those who underwent four or fewer cycles, and "LateCycle" for those who underwent more than four cycles. Results The study focused on analyzing the percentages of lymphocyte subsets, including T cells (CD4+, CD8+), B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, across these groups. For T cells, the EarlyCycle group exhibited a significant increase compared to NT (0.7783 vs 0.7271; p=0.0017) and PT (0.7783 vs 0.6804; p=1.6e-05). B cells showed a significant decrease from NT to LateCycle (0.1014 vs 0.0817; p=2.2e-05) and from PT to LateCycle (0.1317 vs 0.0817; p=6.2e-10). NK cells significantly decreased in the EarlyCycle group compared to NT (0.1109 vs 0.1462; p=0.00816) and PT (0.1109 vs 0.1513; p=0.00992), with no significant change in the LateCycle group compared to either NT or PT (p>0.05). Conclusion Chemotherapy significantly affects lymphocyte subsets in a treatment-specific manner. The EarlyCycle group experienced a reduction in NK cell and an increase in T cell, suggesting a damage of innate immunity and an early shift towards adaptive immunity. The LateCycle group showed a substantial decrease in B cell, indicating a delayed effect on humoral immunity components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hong
- Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Youkun Qi
- Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjun Wang
- Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wentao Wang
- Critical Care Medicine, The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng, Liaocheng, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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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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Noviello M, De Lorenzo R, Chimienti R, Maugeri N, De Lalla C, Siracusano G, Lorè NI, Rancoita PMV, Cugnata F, Tassi E, Dispinseri S, Abbati D, Beretta V, Ruggiero E, Manfredi F, Merolla A, Cantarelli E, Tresoldi C, Pastori C, Caccia R, Sironi F, Marzinotto I, Saliu F, Ghezzi S, Lampasona V, Vicenzi E, Cinque P, Manfredi AA, Scarlatti G, Dellabona P, Lopalco L, Di Serio C, Malnati M, Ciceri F, Rovere-Querini P, Bonini C. The longitudinal characterization of immune responses in COVID-19 patients reveals novel prognostic signatures for disease severity, patients' survival and long COVID. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1381091. [PMID: 39136010 PMCID: PMC11317765 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1381091] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still poses a significant burden on global health and economy, especially for symptoms persisting beyond the acute disease. COVID-19 manifests with various degrees of severity and the identification of early biomarkers capable of stratifying patient based on risk of progression could allow tailored treatments. Methods We longitudinally analyzed 67 patients, classified according to a WHO ordinal scale as having Mild, Moderate, or Severe COVID-19. Peripheral blood samples were prospectively collected at hospital admission and during a 6-month follow-up after discharge. Several subsets and markers of the innate and adaptive immunity were monitored as putative factors associated with COVID-19 symptoms. Results More than 50 immunological parameters were associated with disease severity. A decision tree including the main clinical, laboratory, and biological variables at admission identified low NK-cell precursors and CD14+CD91+ monocytes, and high CD8+ Effector Memory T cell frequencies as the most robust immunological correlates of COVID-19 severity and reduced survival. Moreover, low regulatory B-cell frequency at one month was associated with the susceptibility to develop long COVID at six months, likely due to their immunomodulatory ability. Discussion These results highlight the profound perturbation of the immune response during COVID-19. The evaluation of specific innate and adaptive immune-cell subsets allows to distinguish between different acute and persistent COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Noviello
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Cell Therapy Immunomonitoring Laboratory Monitoraggio Immunologico Terapie Cellulari (MITiCi), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Rebecca De Lorenzo
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Internal Medicine Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Raniero Chimienti
- Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Norma Maugeri
- Autoimmunity and Vascular Inflammation Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia De Lalla
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriel Siracusano
- Immunobiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ivan Lorè
- Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Maria Vittoria Rancoita
- University Centre for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences (CUSSB), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Cugnata
- University Centre for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences (CUSSB), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tassi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Cell Therapy Immunomonitoring Laboratory Monitoraggio Immunologico Terapie Cellulari (MITiCi), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Dispinseri
- Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Danilo Abbati
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Beretta
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Cell Therapy Immunomonitoring Laboratory Monitoraggio Immunologico Terapie Cellulari (MITiCi), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfredi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Aurora Merolla
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Internal Medicine Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Cantarelli
- Biological Resource Center Centro Risorse Biologiche-Ospedale San Raffaele (CRB-OSR), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Tresoldi
- Biological Resource Center Centro Risorse Biologiche-Ospedale San Raffaele (CRB-OSR), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Pastori
- Immunobiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Caccia
- Neurovirology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Sironi
- Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Marzinotto
- Diabetes Research Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Saliu
- Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Ghezzi
- Viral Pathogenesis and Biosafety Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Vito Lampasona
- Diabetes Research Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Vicenzi
- Viral Pathogenesis and Biosafety Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Cinque
- Neurovirology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Andrea Manfredi
- Autoimmunity and Vascular Inflammation Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Scarlatti
- Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Dellabona
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Lopalco
- Immunobiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Clelia Di Serio
- University Centre for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences (CUSSB), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Malnati
- Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Rovere-Querini
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Internal Medicine Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Cell Therapy Immunomonitoring Laboratory Monitoraggio Immunologico Terapie Cellulari (MITiCi), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Sabag B, Puthenveetil A, Levy M, Joseph N, Doniger T, Yaron O, Karako-Lampert S, Lazar I, Awwad F, Ashkenazi S, Barda-Saad M. Dysfunctional natural killer cells can be reprogrammed to regain anti-tumor activity. EMBO J 2024; 43:2552-2581. [PMID: 38637625 PMCID: PMC11217363 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00094-5] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical to the innate immune system, as they recognize antigens without prior sensitization, and contribute to the control and clearance of viral infections and cancer. However, a significant proportion of NK cells in mice and humans do not express classical inhibitory receptors during their education process and are rendered naturally "anergic", i.e., exhibiting reduced effector functions. The molecular events leading to NK cell anergy as well as their relation to those underlying NK cell exhaustion that arises from overstimulation in chronic conditions, remain unknown. Here, we characterize the "anergic" phenotype and demonstrate functional, transcriptional, and phenotypic similarities to the "exhausted" state in tumor-infiltrating NK cells. Furthermore, we identify zinc finger transcription factor Egr2 and diacylglycerol kinase DGKα as common negative regulators controlling NK cell dysfunction. Finally, experiments in a 3D organotypic spheroid culture model and an in vivo tumor model suggest that a nanoparticle-based delivery platform can reprogram these dysfunctional natural killer cell populations in their native microenvironment. This approach may become clinically relevant for the development of novel anti-tumor immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batel Sabag
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Abhishek Puthenveetil
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Moria Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Noah Joseph
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Tirtza Doniger
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Orly Yaron
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Sarit Karako-Lampert
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Itay Lazar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Fatima Awwad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Shahar Ashkenazi
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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Burgos J, Benítez-Martínez A, Mancebo C, Massana N, Astorga-Gamaza A, Castellvi J, Landolfi S, Curran A, Garcia-Perez JN, Falcó V, Buzón MJ, Genescà M. Intraepithelial CD15 infiltration identifies high-grade anal dysplasia in people with HIV. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e175251. [PMID: 38900571 PMCID: PMC11383605 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.175251] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV are at high risk for squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) and anal cancer. Identifying local immunological mechanisms involved in the development of anal dysplasia could aid treatment and diagnostics. Here, we studied 111 anal biopsies obtained from 101 MSM with HIV, who participated in an anal screening program. We first assessed multiple immune subsets by flow cytometry, in addition to histological examination, in a discovery cohort. Selected molecules were further evaluated by immunohistochemistry in a validation cohort. Pathological samples were characterized by the presence of resident memory T cells with low expression of CD103 and by changes in natural killer cell subsets, affecting residency and activation. Furthermore, potentially immunosuppressive subsets, including CD15+CD16+ mature neutrophils, gradually increased as the anal lesion progressed. Immunohistochemistry verified the association between the presence of CD15 in the epithelium and SIL diagnosis for the correlation with high-grade SIL. A complex immunological environment with imbalanced proportions of resident effectors and immune-suppressive subsets characterized pathological samples. Neutrophil infiltration, determined by CD15 staining, may represent a valuable pathological marker associated with the grade of dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Burgos
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aleix Benítez-Martínez
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Mancebo
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Massana
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Astorga-Gamaza
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Castellvi
- Pathology Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Morfològiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Stefania Landolfi
- Pathology Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Morfològiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Adrià Curran
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge N Garcia-Perez
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicenç Falcó
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María J Buzón
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Genescà
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Lee MJ, de los Rios Kobara I, Barnard TR, Vales Torres X, Tobin NH, Ferbas KG, Rimoin AW, Yang OO, Aldrovandi GM, Wilk AJ, Fulcher JA, Blish CA. NK Cell-Monocyte Cross-talk Underlies NK Cell Activation in Severe COVID-19. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1693-1705. [PMID: 38578283 PMCID: PMC11102029 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
NK cells in the peripheral blood of severe COVID-19 patients exhibit a unique profile characterized by activation and dysfunction. Previous studies have identified soluble factors, including type I IFN and TGF-β, that underlie this dysregulation. However, the role of cell-cell interactions in modulating NK cell function during COVID-19 remains unclear. To address this question, we combined cell-cell communication analysis on existing single-cell RNA sequencing data with in vitro primary cell coculture experiments to dissect the mechanisms underlying NK cell dysfunction in COVID-19. We found that NK cells are predicted to interact most strongly with monocytes and that this occurs via both soluble factors and direct interactions. To validate these findings, we performed in vitro cocultures in which NK cells from healthy human donors were incubated with monocytes from COVID-19+ or healthy donors. Coculture of healthy NK cells with monocytes from COVID-19 patients recapitulated aspects of the NK cell phenotype observed in severe COVID-19, including decreased expression of NKG2D, increased expression of activation markers, and increased proliferation. When these experiments were performed in a Transwell setting, we found that only CD56bright CD16- NK cells were activated in the presence of severe COVID-19 patient monocytes. O-link analysis of supernatants from Transwell cocultures revealed that cultures containing severe COVID-19 patient monocytes had significantly elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as TGF-β. Collectively, these results demonstrate that interactions between NK cells and monocytes in the peripheral blood of COVID-19 patients contribute to NK cell activation and dysfunction in severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline J. Lee
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Izumi de los Rios Kobara
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Trisha R. Barnard
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Xariana Vales Torres
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Immunology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Nicole H. Tobin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kathie G. Ferbas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Anne W. Rimoin
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Otto O. Yang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Grace M. Aldrovandi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Aaron J. Wilk
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Jennifer A. Fulcher
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Catherine A. Blish
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
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8
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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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9
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Noel ODV, Hassouneh Z, Svatek RS, Mukherjee N. Innate Lymphoid Cells in Bladder Cancer: From Mechanisms of Action to Immune Therapies. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:149-160. [PMID: 38060011 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Bladder tumors have a high mutational burden and tend to be responsive to immune therapies; however, response rates remain modest. To date, immunotherapy in bladder cancer has largely focused on enhancing T-cell immune responses in the bladder tumor microenvironment. It is anticipated that other immune cells, including innate lymphoid cells (ILC), which play an important role in bladder oncogenesis and tumor suppression, could be targeted to improve response to existing therapies. ILCs are classified into five groups: natural killer cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s, and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. ILCs are pleiotropic and play dual and sometimes paradoxical roles in cancer development and progression. Here, a comprehensive discussion of the current knowledge and recent advancements in understanding the role of ILCs in bladder cancer is provided. We discuss the multifaceted roles that ILCs play in bladder immune surveillance, tumor protection, and immunopathology of bladder cancer. This review provides a rationale for targeting ILCs in bladder cancer, which is relevant for other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onika D V Noel
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Zaineb Hassouneh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Robert S Svatek
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Neelam Mukherjee
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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10
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Ning Z, Liu Y, Guo D, Lin WJ, Tang Y. Natural killer cells in the central nervous system. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:341. [PMID: 38031097 PMCID: PMC10685650 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01324-9] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are essential components of the innate lymphoid cell family that work as both cytotoxic effectors and immune regulators. Accumulating evidence points to interactions between NK cells and the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we review the basic knowledge of NK cell biology and recent advances in their roles in the healthy CNS and pathological conditions, with a focus on normal aging, CNS autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and CNS infections. We highlight the crosstalk between NK cells and diverse cell types in the CNS and the potential value of NK cells as novel therapeutic targets for CNS diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Ning
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Daji Guo
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Wei-Jye Lin
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Yamei Tang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Brain Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China.
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11
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Bogović Crnčić T, Girotto N, Ilić Tomaš M, Krištofić I, Klobučar S, Batičić L, Ćurko-Cofek B, Sotošek V. Innate Immunity in Autoimmune Thyroid Disease during Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15442. [PMID: 37895126 PMCID: PMC10607674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is the most common organ-specific autoimmune disorder clinically presented as Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD). The pathogenesis of AITD is caused by an inappropriate immune response related to genetic, non-genetic, and environmental factors. Pregnancy is one of the factors that have a great influence on the function of the thyroid gland because of the increased metabolic demand and the effects of hormones related to pregnancy. During pregnancy, an adaptation of the maternal immune system occurs, especially of the innate immune system engaged in maintaining adaptive immunity in the tolerant state, preventing the rejection of the fetus. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes (estrogen, progesterone, hCG) may modulate the activity of innate immune cells, potentially worsening the course of AITD during pregnancy. This especially applies to NK cells, which are associated with exacerbation of HD and GD. On the other hand, previous thyroid disorders can affect fertility and cause adverse outcomes of pregnancy, such as placental abruption, spontaneous abortion, and premature delivery. Additionally, it can cause fetal growth retardation and may contribute to impaired neuropsychological development of the fetus. Therefore, maintaining the thyroid equilibrium in women of reproductive age and in pregnant women is of the highest importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Bogović Crnčić
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (T.B.C.); (M.I.T.)
| | - Neva Girotto
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (T.B.C.); (M.I.T.)
| | - Maja Ilić Tomaš
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (T.B.C.); (M.I.T.)
| | - Ines Krištofić
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Sanja Klobučar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Lara Batičić
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Božena Ćurko-Cofek
- Department of Physiology, Immunology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Vlatka Sotošek
- Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology, Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
- Department of Clinical Medical Sciences II, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Viktora Cara Emina 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
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12
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Bjorgen JC, Dick JK, Cromarty R, Hart GT, Rhein J. NK cell subsets and dysfunction during viral infection: a new avenue for therapeutics? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1267774. [PMID: 37928543 PMCID: PMC10620977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the setting of viral challenge, natural killer (NK) cells play an important role as an early immune responder against infection. During this response, significant changes in the NK cell population occur, particularly in terms of their frequency, location, and subtype prevalence. In this review, changes in the NK cell repertoire associated with several pathogenic viral infections are summarized, with a particular focus placed on changes that contribute to NK cell dysregulation in these settings. This dysregulation, in turn, can contribute to host pathology either by causing NK cells to be hyperresponsive or hyporesponsive. Hyperresponsive NK cells mediate significant host cell death and contribute to generating a hyperinflammatory environment. Hyporesponsive NK cell populations shift toward exhaustion and often fail to limit viral pathogenesis, possibly enabling viral persistence. Several emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at addressing NK cell dysregulation have arisen in the last three decades in the setting of cancer and may prove to hold promise in treating viral diseases. However, the application of such therapeutics to treat viral infections remains critically underexplored. This review briefly explores several therapeutic approaches, including the administration of TGF-β inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive NK cell therapies, CAR NK cells, and NK cell engagers among other therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C. Bjorgen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jenna K. Dick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Ross Cromarty
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Geoffrey T. Hart
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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13
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Hu B, Xin Y, Hu G, Li K, Tan Y. Fluid shear stress enhances natural killer cell's cytotoxicity toward circulating tumor cells through NKG2D-mediated mechanosensing. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:036108. [PMID: 37575881 PMCID: PMC10423075 DOI: 10.1063/5.0156628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells metastasize to distant organs mainly via hematogenous dissemination, in which circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are relatively vulnerable, and eliminating these cells has great potential to prevent metastasis. In vasculature, natural killer (NK) cells are the major effector lymphocytes for efficient killing of CTCs under fluid shear stress (FSS), which is an important mechanical cue in tumor metastasis. However, the influence of FSS on the cytotoxicity of NK cells against CTCs remains elusive. We report that the death rate of CTCs under both NK cells and FSS is much higher than the combined death induced by either NK cells or FSS, suggesting that FSS may enhance NK cell's cytotoxicity. This death increment is elicited by shear-induced NK activation and granzyme B entry into target cells rather than the death ligand TRAIL or secreted cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ. When NK cells form conjugates with CTCs or adhere to MICA-coated substrates, NK cell activating receptor NKG2D can directly sense FSS to induce NK activation and degranulation. These findings reveal the promotive effect of FSS on NK cell's cytotoxicity toward CTCs, thus providing new insight into immune surveillance of CTCs within circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Youhua Tan
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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14
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Hermans L, Denaeghel S, Jansens RJJ, De Pelsmaeker S, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, Hegewisch-Solloa E, Mace EM, Cox E, Devriendt B, Favoreel HW. Comparative transcriptomics of porcine liver-resident CD8α dim, liver CD8α high and circulating blood CD8α high NK cells reveals an intermediate phenotype of liver CD8α high NK cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1219078. [PMID: 37662951 PMCID: PMC10471975 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1219078] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver-resident NK (lrNK) cells have been studied in humans as well as in mice. Unfortunately, important differences have been observed between murine and human lrNK cells, complicating the extrapolation of data obtained in mice to man. We previously described two NK cell subsets in the porcine liver: A CD8αhigh subset, with a phenotype much like conventional CD8αhigh NK cells found in the peripheral blood, and a specific liver-resident CD8αdim subset which phenotypically strongly resembles human lrNK cells. These data suggest that the pig might be an attractive model for studying lrNK cell biology. In the current study, we used RNA-seq to compare the transcriptome of three porcine NK cell populations: Conventional CD8αhigh NK cells from peripheral blood (cNK cells), CD8αhigh NK cells isolated from the liver, and the liver-specific CD8αdim NK cells. We found that highly expressed transcripts in the CD8αdim lrNK cell population mainly include genes associated with the (adaptive) immune response, whereas transcripts associated with cell migration and extravasation are much less expressed in this subset compared to cNK cells. Overall, our data indicate that CD8αdim lrNK cells show an immature and anti-inflammatory phenotype. Interestingly, we also observed that the CD8αhigh NK cell population that is present in the liver appears to represent a population with an intermediate phenotype. Indeed, while the transcriptome of these cells largely overlaps with that of cNK cells, they also express transcripts associated with liver residency, in particular CXCR6. The current, in-depth characterization of the transcriptome of porcine liver NK cell populations provides a basis to use the pig model for research into liver-resident NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Hermans
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sofie Denaeghel
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Robert J. J. Jansens
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Steffi De Pelsmaeker
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Dieter Deforce
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, NXTGNT, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Everardo Hegewisch-Solloa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emily M. Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eric Cox
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bert Devriendt
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Herman W. Favoreel
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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15
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Carannante V, Wiklund M, Önfelt B. In vitro models to study natural killer cell dynamics in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135148. [PMID: 37457703 PMCID: PMC10338882 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer therapy. The rapid development of new immunotherapeutic strategies to treat solid tumors is posing new challenges for preclinical research, demanding novel in vitro methods to test treatments. Such methods should meet specific requirements, such as enabling the evaluation of immune cell responses like cytotoxicity or cytokine release, and infiltration into the tumor microenvironment using cancer models representative of the original disease. They should allow high-throughput and high-content analysis, to evaluate the efficacy of treatments and understand immune-evasion processes to facilitate development of new therapeutic targets. Ideally, they should be suitable for personalized immunotherapy testing, providing information for patient stratification. Consequently, the application of in vitro 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture models, such as tumor spheroids and organoids, is rapidly expanding in the immunotherapeutic field, coupled with the development of novel imaging-based techniques and -omic analysis. In this paper, we review the recent advances in the development of in vitro 3D platforms applied to natural killer (NK) cell-based cancer immunotherapy studies, highlighting the benefits and limitations of the current methods, and discuss new concepts and future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Carannante
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Wiklund
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Önfelt
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Kim HW, Wang S, Davies AJ, Oh SB. The therapeutic potential of natural killer cells in neuropathic pain. Trends Neurosci 2023:S0166-2236(23)00133-9. [PMID: 37385878 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.05.008] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Novel disease-modifying treatments for neuropathic pain are urgently required. The cellular immune response to nerve injury represents a promising target for therapeutic development. Recently, the role of natural killer (NK) cells in both CNS and PNS disease has been the subject of growing interest. In this opinion article, we set out the case for NK cell-based intervention as a promising avenue for development in the management of neuropathic pain. We explore the potential cellular and molecular targets of NK cells in the PNS by contrasting with their reported functional roles in CNS diseases, and we suggest strategies for using the beneficial functions of NK cells and immune-based therapeutics in the context of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoung Woo Kim
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, School of Dentistry, and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shuaiwei Wang
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexander J Davies
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Seog Bae Oh
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, School of Dentistry, and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Ma K, Zheng ZR, Meng Y. Natural Killer Cells, as the Rising Point in Tissues, Are Forgotten in the Kidney. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050748. [PMID: 37238618 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050748] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are members of a rapidly expanding family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). NK cells play roles in the spleen, periphery, and in many tissues, such as the liver, uterine, lung, adipose, and so on. While the immunological functions of NK cells are well established in these organs, comparatively little is known about NK cells in the kidney. Our understanding of NK cells is rapidly rising, with more and more studies highlighting the functional significance of NK cells in different types of kidney diseases. Recent progress has been made in translating these findings to clinical diseases that occur in the kidney, with indications of subset-specific roles of NK cells in the kidney. For the development of targeted therapeutics to delay kidney disease progression, a better understanding of the NK cell with respect to the mechanisms of kidney diseases is necessary. In order to promote the targeted treatment ability of NK cells in clinical diseases, in this paper we demonstrate the roles that NK cells play in different organs, especially the functions of NK cells in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ma
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Zi-Run Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yu Meng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Heyuan 570000, China
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18
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Iyoda T, Yamasaki S, Ueda S, Shimizu K, Fujii SI. Natural Killer T and Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy Strategies Targeting Cancer. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020348. [PMID: 36830717 PMCID: PMC9953375 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Both natural killer T (NKT) and natural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic lymphoid cells that produce inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and their role in the innate immune response to tumors and microorganisms has been investigated. Especially, emerging evidence has revealed their status and function in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of tumor cells. Some bacteria producing NKT cell ligands have been identified to exert antitumor effects, even in the TME. By contrast, tumor-derived lipids or metabolites may reportedly suppress NKT and NK cells in situ. Since NKT and NK cells recognize stress-inducible molecules or inhibitory molecules on cancer cells, their status or function depends on the balance between inhibitory and activating receptor signals. As a recent strategy in cancer immunotherapy, the mobilization or restoration of endogenous NKT or NK cells by novel vaccines or therapies has become a focus of research. As a new biological evidence, after activation, effector memory-type NKT cells lasted in tumor-bearing models, and NK cell-based immune checkpoint inhibition potentiated the enhancement of NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer cells in preclinical and clinical trials. Furthermore, several new modalities based on the characteristics of NKT and NK cells, including artificial adjuvant vector cells, chimeric antigen receptor-expressing NK or NKT cell therapy, or their combination with immune checkpoint blockade have been developed. This review examines challenges and future directions for improving these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Iyoda
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Satoru Yamasaki
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Shogo Ueda
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kanako Shimizu
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.S.); (S.F.); Tel.:+ 81-45-503-7062 (S.F.); Fax: +81-45-503-7061 (S.F.)
| | - Shin-ichiro Fujii
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.S.); (S.F.); Tel.:+ 81-45-503-7062 (S.F.); Fax: +81-45-503-7061 (S.F.)
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19
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Vyas M, Requesens M, Nguyen TH, Peigney D, Azin M, Demehri S. Natural killer cells suppress cancer metastasis by eliminating circulating cancer cells. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1098445. [PMID: 36733396 PMCID: PMC9887278 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1098445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in cancer treatment, the metastatic spread of malignant cells to distant organs remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths. Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in controlling tumor metastasis; however, the dynamics of NK cell-mediated clearance of metastatic tumors are not entirely understood. Herein, we demonstrate the cooperative role of NK and T cells in the surveillance of melanoma metastasis. We found that NK cells effectively limited the pulmonary seeding of B16 melanoma cells, while T cells played a primary role in restricting metastatic foci growth in the lungs. Although the metastatic foci in the lungs at the endpoint were largely devoid of NK cells, they played a prominent role in promoting T cell recruitment into the metastatic foci. Our data suggested that the most productive interaction between NK cells and metastatic cancer cells occurred when cancer cells were in circulation. Modifying the route of administration so that intravenously injected melanoma cells bypass the first liver passage resulted in significantly more melanoma metastasis to the lung. This finding indicated the liver as a prominent site where NK cells cleared melanoma cells to regulate their seeding in the lungs. Consistent with this notion, the liver and the lungs of the tumor-bearing mice showed dominance of NK and T cell activation, respectively. Thus, NK cells and T cells control pulmonary metastasis of melanoma cells by distinct mechanisms where NK cells play a critical function in shaping T cell-mediated in situ control of lung-seeded cancer cells. A precise understanding of the cooperative role of NK and T cells in controlling tumor metastasis will enable the development of the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.
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20
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Israr M, Lam F, DeVoti J, Mace EM, Papayannakos C, Abramson A, Steinberg BM, Bonagura VR. PGE 2 expression by HPV6/11-induced respiratory papillomas blocks NK cell activation in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250036. [PMID: 36608264 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250036] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a rare chronic disease caused primarily by human papillomavirus types 6 and 11, consists of repeated growth of premalignant papillomas in the airway. RRP is characterized by multiple abnormalities in innate and adaptive immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in immune surveillance and are part of the innate immune responses that help prevent tumor growth. We identified that papillomas lack classical class I MHC and retain nonclassical class I MHC expression. Moreover, in this study, we have identified and characterized the mechanism that blocks NK cell targeting of papilloma cells. Here, we show for the first time that the PGE2 secreted by papilloma cells directly inhibits NK cells activation/degranulation principally through the PGE2 receptor EP2, and to a lesser extent through EP4 signaling. Thus, papilloma cells have a potent mechanism to block NK cell function that likely supports papilloma cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Israr
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Fung Lam
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - James DeVoti
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia Medical Center, NY, USA
| | | | - Allan Abramson
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Bettie M Steinberg
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Vincent R Bonagura
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
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21
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Whalen KA, Rakhra K, Mehta NK, Steinle A, Michaelson JS, Baeuerle PA. Engaging natural killer cells for cancer therapy via NKG2D, CD16A and other receptors. MAbs 2023; 15:2208697. [PMID: 37165468 PMCID: PMC10173799 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2208697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of immuno-oncology has revolutionized cancer patient care and improved survival and quality of life for patients. Much of the focus in the field has been on exploiting the power of the adaptive immune response through therapeutic targeting of T cells. While these approaches have markedly advanced the field, some challenges remain, and the clinical benefit of T cell therapies does not extend to all patients or tumor indications. Alternative strategies, such as engaging the innate immune system, have become an intense area of focus in the field. In particular, the engagement of natural killer (NK) cells as potent effectors of the innate immune response has emerged as a promising modality in immunotherapy. Here, we review therapeutic approaches for selective engagement of NK cells for cancer therapy, with a particular focus on targeting the key activating receptors NK Group 2D (NKG2D) and cluster of differentiation 16A (CD16A).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry A. Whalen
- Preclinical and Early Development, Cullinan Oncology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kavya Rakhra
- Preclinical and Early Development, Cullinan Oncology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Naveen K. Mehta
- Preclinical and Early Development, Cullinan Oncology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Steinle
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Preclinical and Early Development, Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Patrick A. Baeuerle
- Preclinical and Early Development, Cullinan Oncology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
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22
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Associations between NK Cells in Different Immune Organs and Cellular SIV DNA and RNA in Regional HLADR - CD4 + T Cells in Chronically SIV mac239-Infected, Treatment-Naïve Rhesus Macaques. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112513. [PMID: 36423122 PMCID: PMC9697022 DOI: 10.3390/v14112513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of NK cell-directed therapeutic strategies, the actual effect of NK cells on the cellular SIV DNA levels of the virus in SIV-infected macaques in vivo remains unclear. In this study, five chronically SIVmac239-infected, treatment-naïve rhesus macaques were euthanized, and the blood, spleen, pararectal/paracolonic lymph nodes (PaLNs), and axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) were collected. The distributional, phenotypic, and functional profiles of NK cells were detected by flow cytometry. The highest frequency of NK cells was found in PBMC, followed by the spleen, while only 0~0.5% were found in LNs. Peripheral NK cells also exhibited higher cytotoxic potential (CD56- CD16+ NK subsets) and IFN-γ-producing capacity but low PD-1 and Tim-3 levels than those in the spleen and LNs. Our results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the frequency of NK cells and the ratios of cellular SIV DNA/RNA in HLADR- CD4+ T cells (r = 0.6806, p < 0.001) in SIV-infected macaques, despite no discrepancies in the cellular SIV DNA or RNA levels that were found among the blood, spleen, and LNs. These findings showed a profile of NK cell frequencies and NK cytotoxicity levels in different immune organs from chronically SIVmac239-infected, treatment-naïve rhesus macaques. It was suggested that NK cell frequencies could be closely related to SIV DNA/RNA levels, which could affect the transcriptional activity of SIV proviruses. However, the cytotoxicity effect of NK cells on the latent SIV viral load in LNs could be limited due to the sparse abundance of NK cells in LNs. The development of NK cell-directed treatment approaches aiming for HIV clearance remains challenging.
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23
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Conte MI, Poli MC, Taglialatela A, Leuzzi G, Chinn IK, Salinas SA, Rey-Jurado E, Olivares N, Veramendi-Espinoza L, Ciccia A, Lupski JR, Aldave Becerra JC, Mace EM, Orange JS. Partial loss-of-function mutations in GINS4 lead to NK cell deficiency with neutropenia. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e154948. [PMID: 36345943 PMCID: PMC9675456 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.154948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human NK cell deficiency (NKD) is a primary immunodeficiency in which the main clinically relevant immunological defect involves missing or dysfunctional NK cells. Here, we describe a familial NKD case in which 2 siblings had a substantive NKD and neutropenia in the absence of other immune system abnormalities. Exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous variants in Go-Ichi-Ni-San (GINS) complex subunit 4 (GINS4, also known as SLD5), an essential component of the human replicative helicase, which we demonstrate to have a damaging impact upon the expression and assembly of the GINS complex. Cells derived from affected individuals and a GINS4-knockdown cell line demonstrate delayed cell cycle progression, without signs of improper DNA synthesis or increased replication stress. By modeling partial GINS4 depletion in differentiating NK cells in vitro, we demonstrate the causal relationship between the genotype and the NK cell phenotype, as well as a cell-intrinsic defect in NK cell development. Thus, biallelic partial loss-of-function mutations in GINS4 define a potentially novel disease-causing gene underlying NKD with neutropenia. Together with the previously described mutations in other helicase genes causing NKD, and with the mild defects observed in other human cells, these variants underscore the importance of this pathway in NK cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde I. Conte
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - M. Cecilia Poli
- Faculty of Medicine, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
- Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, Hospital Roberto del Rio, Santiago, Chile
| | - Angelo Taglialatela
- Department of Genetics and Development, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Giuseppe Leuzzi
- Department of Genetics and Development, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ivan K. Chinn
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sandra A. Salinas
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Emma Rey-Jurado
- Faculty of Medicine, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nixa Olivares
- Faculty of Medicine, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Liz Veramendi-Espinoza
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, Lima, Peru
| | - Alberto Ciccia
- Department of Genetics and Development, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - James R. Lupski
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Emily M. Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jordan S. Orange
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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24
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Immunogenic Cell Death Enhances Immunotherapy of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: From Preclinical to Clinical Studies. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091762. [PMID: 36145510 PMCID: PMC9502387 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the most lethal tumor involving the pediatric central nervous system. The median survival of children that are diagnosed with DIPG is only 9 to 11 months. More than 200 clinical trials have failed to increase the survival outcomes using conventional cytotoxic or myeloablative chemotherapy. Immunotherapy presents exciting therapeutic opportunities against DIPG that is characterized by unique and heterogeneous features. However, the non-inflammatory DIPG microenvironment greatly limits the role of immunotherapy in DIPG. Encouragingly, the induction of immunogenic cell death, accompanied by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) shows satisfactory efficacy of immune stimulation and antitumor strategies. This review dwells on the dilemma and advances in immunotherapy for DIPG, and the potential efficacy of immunogenic cell death (ICD) in the immunotherapy of DIPG.
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25
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Dizaji Asl K, Mazloumi Z, Majidi G, Kalarestaghi H, Sabetkam S, Rafat A. NK cell dysfunction is linked with disease severity in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:559-568. [PMID: 35833321 PMCID: PMC9350078 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 first raised from Wuhan City, Hubei Province in November 2019. The respiratory disorder, cough, weakness, fever are the main clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Natural Killer (NK) cells as a first defense barrier of innate immune system have an essential role in early defense against pulmonary virus. They kill the infected cells by inducing apoptosis or the degranulation of perforin and granzymes. Collectively, NK cells function are coordinated by the transmitted signals from activating and inhibitory receptors. It is clear that the cytotoxic function of NK cells is disrupted in COVID-19 patients due to the dysregulation of activating and inhibitory receptors. Therefore, better understanding of the activating and inhibitory receptors mechanism could facilitate the treatment strategy in clinic. To improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in COVID-19 patients, the functional detail of NK cell and manipulation of their key checkpoints are gathered in current review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Dizaji Asl
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr HospitalTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Department of Histopathology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz BranchIslamic Azad UniversityTabrizIran
| | - Zeinab Mazloumi
- Department of Medical Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical SciencesTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Ghazal Majidi
- Faculty of MedicineTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Hossein Kalarestaghi
- Research Laboratory for Embryology and Stem Cell, Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of MedicineArdabil University of Medical SciencesArdabilIran
| | - Shahnaz Sabetkam
- Department of Histopathology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz BranchIslamic Azad UniversityTabrizIran
| | - Ali Rafat
- Department of Anatomical SciencesTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Anatomical Sciences Research CenterKashan University of Medical SciencesKashanIran
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26
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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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27
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Aviles-Padilla K, Angelo LS, Fan D, Paust S. CXCR6 + and NKG2C + Natural Killer Cells Are Distinct With Unique Phenotypic and Functional Attributes Following Bone Marrow Transplantation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886835. [PMID: 35844621 PMCID: PMC9277058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886835] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactivation of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a life-threatening complication in transplant patients. Natural Killer (NK) cells are the first lymphocyte lineage to reconstitute following an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Amongst them, NK cell Group 2 isoform C/Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily C, member 2 (NKG2C)-expressing NK cells contribute significantly to patient protection upon HCMV reactivation. NKG2C+ NK cells are capable of immunological memory, albeit NK cell memory is not restricted to them. Hepatic C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 6 (CXCR6)-expressing NK cells also mediate memory responses in mice and humans. Small numbers of them circulate and can thus be studied in peripheral blood samples. We hypothesize that NKG2C+ and CXCR6+ NK cell subsets are distinct. To test our hypothesis, we used multi-parametric flow cytometry to determine the phenotypes and effector functions of CD56bright vs. CD56dim and NKG2C+ vs. CXCR6+ human NK cell subsets in the peripheral blood (PB) of pediatric transplant recipients monthly while monitoring patients for HCMV reactivation. Interestingly, we did not find any NKG2C+CXCR6+ NK cells in the transplant recipients' peripheral blood, suggesting that NKG2C+ and CXCR6+ NK cells are distinct. Also, NKG2C-CXCR6- NK cells, rather than NKG2C+ NK cells, made up most NK cells post-transplant, even in transplant recipients with HCMV viremia. In contrast to NKG2C+ NK cells, CXCR6+ NK cells appeared phenotypically less differentiated but were highly proliferative and produced IFN-γ and TNF α . Our findings contribute to our understanding of post-transplant NK cell development and its implications for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Aviles-Padilla
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Laura S. Angelo
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dwight Fan
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States,The Developing Investigative Scholar’s Program (DISP), Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital and Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Silke Paust
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States,The Developing Investigative Scholar’s Program (DISP), Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital and Rice University, Houston, TX, United States,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Silke Paust,
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28
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Rossi F, Fredericks N, Snowden A, Allegrezza MJ, Moreno-Nieves UY. Next Generation Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886429. [PMID: 35720306 PMCID: PMC9202478 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy for cancer has become mainstream with several products now authorized for therapeutic use in the clinic and are becoming the standard of care for some malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have demonstrated substantial efficacy for the treatment of hematological malignancies; however, they are complex and currently expensive to manufacture, and they can generate life-threatening adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The limitations of current CAR-T cells therapies have spurred an interest in alternative immunotherapy approaches with safer risk profiles and with less restrictive manufacturing constraints. Natural killer (NK) cells are a population of immune effector cells with potent anti-viral and anti-tumor activity; they have the capacity to swiftly recognize and kill cancer cells without the need of prior stimulation. Although NK cells are naturally equipped with cytotoxic potential, a growing body of evidence shows the added benefit of engineering them to better target tumor cells, persist longer in the host, and be fitter to resist the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME). NK-cell-based immunotherapies allow for the development of allogeneic off-the-shelf products, which have the potential to be less expensive and readily available for patients in need. In this review, we will focus on the advances in the development of engineering of NK cells for cancer immunotherapy. We will discuss the sourcing of NK cells, the technologies available to engineer NK cells, current clinical trials utilizing engineered NK cells, advances on the engineering of receptors adapted for NK cells, and stealth approaches to avoid recipient immune responses. We will conclude with comments regarding the next generation of NK cell products, i.e., armored NK cells with enhanced functionality, fitness, tumor-infiltration potential, and with the ability to overcome tumor heterogeneity and immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Rossi
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Nathaniel Fredericks
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Andrew Snowden
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Michael J Allegrezza
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Uriel Y Moreno-Nieves
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, United States
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29
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Corvino D, Kumar A, Bald T. Plasticity of NK cells in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:888313. [PMID: 35619715 PMCID: PMC9127295 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.888313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial to various facets of human immunity and function through direct cytotoxicity or via orchestration of the broader immune response. NK cells exist across a wide range of functional and phenotypic identities. Murine and human studies have revealed that NK cells possess substantial plasticity and can alter their function and phenotype in response to external signals. NK cells also play a critical role in tumor immunity and form the basis for many emerging immunotherapeutic approaches. NK cells can directly target and lyse malignant cells with their inherent cytotoxic capabilities. In addition to direct targeting of malignant cells, certain subsets of NK cells can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) which is integral to some forms of immune checkpoint-blockade immunotherapy. Another important feature of various NK cell subsets is to co-ordinate anti-tumor immune responses by recruiting adaptive and innate leukocytes. However, given the diverse range of NK cell identities it is unsurprising that both pro-tumoral and anti-tumoral NK cell subsets have been described. Here, NK cell subsets have been shown to promote angiogenesis, drive inflammation and immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment. To date, the signals that drive tumor-infiltrating NK cells towards the acquisition of a pro- or anti-tumoral function are poorly understood. The notion of tumor microenvironment-driven NK cell plasticity has substantial implications for the development of NK-based immunotherapeutics. This review will highlight the current knowledge of NK cell plasticity pertaining to the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, this review will pose critical and relevant questions that need to be addressed by the field in coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon Corvino
- Tumor-Immunobiology, Institute for Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ananthi Kumar
- Tumor-Immunobiology, Institute for Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias Bald
- Tumor-Immunobiology, Institute for Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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30
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Huot N, Planchais C, Contreras V, Jacquelin B, Petitdemange C, Lazzerini M, Rosenbaum P, Rey F, Reeves RK, Le Grand R, Mouquet H, Müller-Trutwin M. Adaptive MHC-E restricted tissue-resident NK cells are associated with persistent low antigen load in alveolar macrophages after SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESEARCH SQUARE 2022:rs.3.rs-1561222. [PMID: 35547853 PMCID: PMC9094104 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1561222/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes with potent activity against a wide range of viruses. In SARS-CoV-2 infection, NK cell activity might be of particular importance within lung tissues. Here, we investigated whether NK cells with activity against Spike+ cells are induced during SARS-CoV-2 infection and have a role in modulating viral persistence beyond primary clearance from nasopharyngeal and tracheal tissues. We performed an integrated analysis of NK cells and macrophages in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) of COVID-19 convalescent non-human primates in comparison to uninfected control animals. SARS-CoV-2 protein expression was detected for at least 9-18 months post-infection in alveolar macrophages. Convalescent animals segregated into two groups based on cellular phenotypes and viral persistence profiles in BALF. The animals with lower persistent antigen displayed macrophages with a regulatory phenotype and enhanced MHC-E restricted NK cell activity toward cells presenting peptides derived from the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein leader sequence, while NK cell activity from the other convalescent animals, control animals and healthy humans were strongly inhibited by these Spike peptides. The adaptive NK cell activity was not detected in blood but in tissue-resident NK cells, and cross-reacted against MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV Spike-derived peptides.
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Vallvé-Juanico J, George AF, Sen S, Thomas R, Shin MG, Kushnoor D, Vásquez JJ, Vo KC, Irwin JC, Roan NR, Combes AJ, Giudice LC. Deep immunophenotyping reveals endometriosis is marked by dysregulation of the mononuclear phagocytic system in endometrium and peripheral blood. BMC Med 2022; 20:158. [PMID: 35421980 PMCID: PMC9011995 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02359-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent disorder where inflammation contributes to disease-associated symptoms of pelvic pain and infertility. Immune dysfunction includes insufficient immune lesion clearance, a pro-inflammatory endometrial environment, and systemic inflammation. Comprehensive understanding of endometriosis immune pathophysiology in different hormonal milieu and disease severity has been hampered by limited direct characterization of immune populations in endometrium, blood, and lesions. Simultaneous deep phenotyping at single-cell resolution of complex tissues has transformed our understanding of the immune system and its role in many diseases. Herein, we report mass cytometry and high dimensional analyses to study immune cell phenotypes, abundance, activation states, and functions in endometrium and blood of women with and without endometriosis in different cycle phases and disease stages. METHODS A case-control study was designed. Endometrial biopsies and blood (n = 60 total) were obtained from women with (n = 20, n = 17, respectively) and without (n = 14, n = 9) endometriosis in the proliferative and secretory cycle phases of the menstrual cycle. Two mass cytometry panels were designed: one broad panel and one specific for mononuclear phagocytic cells (MPC), and all samples were multiplexed to characterize both endometrium and blood immune composition at unprecedented resolution. We combined supervised and unsupervised analyses to finely define the immune cell subsets with an emphasis on MPC. Then, association between cell types, protein expression, disease status, and cycle phase were performed. RESULTS The broad panel highlighted a significant modification of MPC in endometriosis; thus, they were studied in detail with an MPC-focused panel. Endometrial CD91+ macrophages overexpressed SIRPα (phagocytosis inhibitor) and CD64 (associated with inflammation) in endometriosis, and they were more abundant in mild versus severe disease. In blood, classical and intermediate monocytes were less abundant in endometriosis, whereas plasmacytoid dendritic cells and non-classical monocytes were more abundant. Non-classical monocytes were higher in severe versus mild disease. CONCLUSIONS A greater inflammatory phenotype and decreased phagocytic capacity of endometrial macrophages in endometriosis are consistent with defective clearance of endometrial cells shed during menses and in tissue homeostasis, with implications in endometriosis pathogenesis and pathophysiology. Different proportions of monocytes and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in blood from endometriosis suggest systemically aberrant functionality of the myeloid system opening new venues for the study of biomarkers and therapies for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Vallvé-Juanico
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- Bioliquid Innovative Genetics S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ashley F. George
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Sushmita Sen
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- San Jose State University, San Jose, CA USA
| | - Reuben Thomas
- Bioinformatic Core Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Min-Gyoung Shin
- Bioinformatic Core Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Divyashree Kushnoor
- UCSF CoLabs, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- ImmunoX initiative, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Joshua J. Vásquez
- Department of Medicine, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Kim Chi Vo
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Juan C. Irwin
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Nadia R. Roan
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Alexis J. Combes
- UCSF CoLabs, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- ImmunoX initiative, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Linda C. Giudice
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
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Mortlock RD, Wu C, Potter EL, Abraham DM, Allan DSJ, Hong SG, Roederer M, Dunbar CE. Tissue Trafficking Kinetics of Rhesus Macaque Natural Killer Cells Measured by Serial Intravascular Staining. Front Immunol 2022; 12:772332. [PMID: 35095846 PMCID: PMC8790741 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.772332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vivo tissue distribution and trafficking patterns of natural killer (NK) cells remain understudied. Animal models can help bridge the gap, and rhesus macaque (RM) primates faithfully recapitulate key elements of human NK cell biology. Here, we profiled the tissue distribution and localization patterns of three NK cell subsets across various RM tissues. We utilized serial intravascular staining (SIVS) to investigate the tissue trafficking kinetics at steady state and during recovery from CD16 depletion. We found that at steady state, CD16+ NK cells were selectively retained in the vasculature while CD56+ NK cells had a shorter residence time in peripheral blood. We also found that different subsets of NK cells had distinct trafficking kinetics to and from the lymph node as well as other lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues. Lastly, we found that following administration of CD16-depleting antibody, CD16+ NK cells and their putative precursors retained a high proportion of continuously circulating cells, suggesting that regeneration of the CD16 NK compartment may take place in peripheral blood or the perivascular compartments of tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryland D Mortlock
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Chuanfeng Wu
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - E Lake Potter
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Diana M Abraham
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David S J Allan
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - So Gun Hong
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mario Roederer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Cynthia E Dunbar
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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El-Deeb NM, Ibrahim OM, Mohamed MA, Farag MMS, Farrag AA, El-Aassar MR. Alginate/κ-carrageenan oral microcapsules loaded with Agaricus bisporus polysaccharides MH751906 for natural killer cells mediated colon cancer immunotherapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 205:385-395. [PMID: 35183600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The current study explores the effect of the extracted novel Mushroom polysaccharides and its formulation onto Alginate (Alg.)/kappa carrageenan microcapsules to exert immunotherapeutic effect upon activating gut resident natural killer cells (NK) against colon cancer. The extracted polysaccharides of Agaricus bisporus MH751906 was microcapsulated in Alg/κ-carrageenan microcapsules as an oral delivery system for colon cancer. The microcapsule is characterized by SEM, FTIR, Raman and TGA; and showed a superior acidic stability, controlled release, and thermal stability at high temperature with higher hydrogel swelling rate in colon-mimicking pH. Upon activation of human NK cells with microcapsules (ANK cells), a significant increase in CD16+CD56+ NK cell populations were recorded. These activated NK cells showed 74.09% cytotoxic effects against human colon cancer Caco-2 cells where majority of cancer cell populations arrested at G0/G1 phase leading to apoptosis. The apoptotic molecular mechanism induced by ANK cells on Caco-2 treated cells is through down regulations of both BCL2 and TGF surviving genes and up regulation in IkappaB-α gene expression. Therefore, this novel polysaccharides-alginate/κ-carrageenan microcapsules can be used as an oral targeted delivery system for colon cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal M El-Deeb
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City 21934, Alexandria, Egypt; Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Center, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA city), New Borg El-Arab City 21934, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Omar M Ibrahim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Mahmoud A Mohamed
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 11884 Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M S Farag
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 11884 Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman A Farrag
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 11884 Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt; Fermentation Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology Center, Al-Azhar University, 11884 Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M R El-Aassar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka 2014, Saudi Arabia.
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Li JH, O’Sullivan TE. Back to the Future: Spatiotemporal Determinants of NK Cell Antitumor Function. Front Immunol 2022; 12:816658. [PMID: 35082797 PMCID: PMC8785903 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.816658] [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: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a crucial role in host protection during tumorigenesis. Throughout tumor development, however, NK cells become progressively dysfunctional through a combination of dynamic tissue-specific and systemic factors. While a number of immunosuppressive mechanisms present within the tumor microenvironment have been characterized, few studies have contextualized the spatiotemporal dynamics of these mechanisms during disease progression and across anatomical sites. Understanding how NK cell immunosuppression evolves in these contexts will be necessary to optimize NK cell therapy for solid and metastatic cancers. Here, we outline the spatiotemporal determinants of antitumor NK cell regulation, including heterogeneous tumor architecture, temporal disease states, diverse cellular communities, as well as the complex changes in NK cell states produced by the sum of these higher-order elements. Understanding of the signals encountered by NK cells across time and space may reveal new therapeutic targets to harness the full potential of NK cell therapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joey H. Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Timothy E. O’Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
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35
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Ren C, Li M, Zheng Y, Cai B, Du W, Zhang H, Wu F, Tong M, Lin F, Wang J, Quan R. Single-cell RNA-seq reveals altered NK cell subsets and reduced levels of cytotoxic molecules in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1071-1082. [PMID: 34994057 PMCID: PMC8831943 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease with unknown aetiology. To unravel the mechanisms mediating AS pathogenesis, we profiled peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from AS patients and healthy subjects using 10X single-cell RNA sequencing. The frequencies of immune cell subsets were evaluated by flow cytometry. NK cells were purified from PBMCs using isolation kit and were examined for gene expression by RT-qPCR. Plasma levels of cytolytic molecules were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Compared to healthy controls, AS patients showed a significant decrease in total NK cells as well as CD56dim NK subset, whereas CD56bright NK cells were increased. Additionally, impaired expression of cytotoxic genes in NK cells of AS patients was observed by bioinformatics algorithm and verified by RT-qPCR and flow cytometry. Consistent with changes in transcriptomics, we found decreased plasma levels of granzymes, but not granulysin, in AS patients. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between plasma GZMB levels and disease activity (r = -0.5275, p = 0.0358). No correlation was observed between plasma cytolytic molecules and biochemical indexes (ESR and CRP). Our findings uncover altered NK cell subsets and cytotoxic profiles in peripheral circulation of AS patients at single-cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conglin Ren
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingshuang Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bingbing Cai
- Research Institute of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Jiangnan Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weibin Du
- Research Institute of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Jiangnan Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Helou Zhang
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fengqing Wu
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengsha Tong
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fu Lin
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinfu Wang
- Institute of Cell and Development Biology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renfu Quan
- Research Institute of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Jiangnan Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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36
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Overview of Memory NK Cells in Viral Infections: Possible Role in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. IMMUNO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno2010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells have usually been defined as cells of the innate immune system, although they are also involved in adaptative responses. These cells belong to the innate lymphocyte cells (ILC) family. They remove unwanted cells, tumoral cells and pathogens. NK cells are essential for viral infection clearance and are involved in tolerogenic responses depending on the dynamic balance of the repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors. NK plasticity is crucial for tissue function and vigilant immune responses. They directly eliminate virus-infected cells by recognising viral protein antigens using a non-MHC dependent mechanism, recognising viral glycan structures and antigens by NCR family receptors, inducing apoptosis by Fas-Fas ligand interaction, and killing cells by antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity via the FcγIII receptor. Activating receptors are responsible for the clearance of virally infected cells, while inhibitory KIR receptor activation impairs NK responses and facilitates virus escape. Effective NK memory cells have been described and characterised by a low NKG2A and high NKG2C or NKG2D expression. NK cells have also been used in cell therapy. In SARS-CoV-2 infection, several contradicting reports about the role of NK cells have been published. A careful analysis of the current data and possible implications will be discussed.
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37
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Role of Natural Killer Cells during Pregnancy and Related Complications. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010068. [PMID: 35053216 PMCID: PMC8773865 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A high number of leucocytes reside in the human endometrium and are distributed differentially during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. During early pregnancy, decidual natural killer (dNK) cells are the most common type of natural killer (NK) cells in the uterus. The increase in the number of uterine NK (uNK) cells during the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, followed by further increase of dNK cells in early pregnancy, has heightened interest in their involvement during pregnancy. Extensive research has revealed various roles of dNK cells during pregnancy including the formation of new blood vessels, migration of trophoblasts, and immunological tolerance. The present review article is focused on the significance of NK cells during pregnancy and their role in pregnancy-related diseases. The article will provide an in-depth review of cellular and molecular interactions during pregnancy and related disorders, with NK cells playing a pivotal role. Moreover, this study will help researchers to understand the physiology of normal pregnancy and related complications with respect to NK cells, so that future research work can be designed to alleviate the complications.
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Implications of the accumulation of CXCR5 + NK cells in lymph nodes of HIV-1 infected patients. EBioMedicine 2022; 75:103794. [PMID: 34973625 PMCID: PMC8728057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background B cell follicles are immune-privileged sites where intensive HIV-1 replication and latency occur, preventing a permanent cure. Recent study showed that CXCR5+ NK cells in B cell follicles can inhibit SIV replication in African green monkeys, but this has not been reported in HIV-1 infected patients. Methods Lymphocytes and tissue sections of lymph node were collected from 11 HIV-1 positive antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive and 19 HIV-1 negative donors. We performed immunofluorescence and RNA-scope to detect the location of CXCR5+ NK cells and its relationship with HIV-1 RNA, and performed flow cytometry and RNA-seq to analyze the frequency, phenotypic and functional characteristics of CXCR5+ NK cells. The CXCL13 expression were detected by immunohistochemistry. Findings CXCR5+ NK cells, which accumulated in LNs from HIV-1 infected individuals, expressed high levels of activating receptors such as NKG2D and NKp44. CXCR5+ NK cells had upregulated expression of CD107a and β-chemokines, which were partially impaired in HIV-1 infection. Importantly, the frequency of CXCR5+NK cells was inversely related to the HIV-1 viral burden in LNs. In addition, CXCL13—the ligand of CXCR5—was upregulated in HIV-1 infected individuals and positively correlated with the frequency of CXCR5+ NK cells. Interpretation During chronic HIV-1 infection, CXCR5+ NK cells accumulated in lymph node, exhibit altered immune characteristics and underlying anti-HIV-1 effect, which may be an effective target for a functional cure of HIV-1.
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Hashemi E, Mei A, Wang D, Khalil M, Malarkannan S. Methods for Isolating and Defining Single-Cell Transcriptomes of Tissue-Resident Human NK Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2463:103-116. [PMID: 35344170 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2160-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that control tumors and microbial infections. Human NK cells are transcriptomically and phenotypically heterogeneous. The site where NK cells develop and reside determines their phenotype and effector functions. Our current knowledge about human NK cells is primarily from blood- and bone marrow-derived NK cells. The major limitation in formulating organ-specific clinical therapy is the knowledge gap on how tissue-resident NK cells develop, home, and function. Thus, it is crucial to define the transcriptomic profiles and the transcriptional regulation of tissue-resident NK cells. The major challenges in studying tissue-resident NK cells include their total number and the complexity of the tissue. Additionally, during isolation, keeping them viable and naïve without activation are challenging tasks. Here, we provide methods for isolating and performing transcriptomic analyses of NK cells at the individual cell level. Single-cell RNA sequencing provides a higher resolution of cellular heterogeneity and a better understanding of cell-cell interactions within the microenvironment. Using these methods, we can efficiently identify distinct populations of NK cells in tissues and define their unique transcriptomic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Hashemi
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ao Mei
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Dandan Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Mohamed Khalil
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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Otsuka KS, Nielson C, Firpo MA, Park AH, Beaudin AE. Early Life Inflammation and the Developing Hematopoietic and Immune Systems: The Cochlea as a Sensitive Indicator of Disruption. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123596. [PMID: 34944105 PMCID: PMC8700005 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that perinatal infection and inflammation can influence the developing immune system and may ultimately affect long-term health and disease outcomes in offspring by perturbing tissue and immune homeostasis. We posit that perinatal inflammation influences immune outcomes in offspring by perturbing (1) the development and function of fetal-derived immune cells that regulate tissue development and homeostasis, and (2) the establishment and function of developing hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that continually generate immune cells across the lifespan. To disentangle the complexities of these interlinked systems, we propose the cochlea as an ideal model tissue to investigate how perinatal infection affects immune, tissue, and stem cell development. The cochlea contains complex tissue architecture and a rich immune milieu that is established during early life. A wide range of congenital infections cause cochlea dysfunction and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), likely attributable to early life inflammation. Furthermore, we show that both immune cells and bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors can be simultaneously analyzed within neonatal cochlear samples. Future work investigating the pathogenesis of SNHL in the context of congenital infection will therefore provide critical information on how perinatal inflammation drives disease susceptibility in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly S. Otsuka
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
| | - Christopher Nielson
- Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (C.N.); (A.H.P.)
| | - Matthew A. Firpo
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
| | - Albert H. Park
- Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (C.N.); (A.H.P.)
| | - Anna E. Beaudin
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Correspondence:
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Satooka H, Matsui M, Ichioka S, Nakamura Y, Hirata T. The ERM protein moesin regulates natural killer cell homeostasis in vivo. Cell Immunol 2021; 371:104456. [PMID: 34798556 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Moesin is a member of the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) family of proteins that link plasma membrane proteins with actin filaments in the cell cortex. Hemizygous mutations in the X-linked moesin gene are associated with primary immunodeficiency with T and B cell lymphopenia, which also affects natural killer (NK) cells in most cases. We previously showed that moesin deficiency in mice substantially affects lymphocyte homeostasis, but its impact on NK cells remains unexplored. Here, we found that in moesin-deficient mice, NK cells were decreased in the peripheral blood and bone marrow but increased in the spleen. Analysis of female heterozygous mice showed a selective advantage for moesin-expressing NK cells in the blood. Moesin-deficient NK cells exhibited increased cell death and impaired signaling in response to IL-15, suggesting that moesin regulates NK cell survival through IL-15-mediated signaling. Our findings thus identify moesin as an NK cell homeostasis regulator in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Satooka
- Department of Fundamental Biosciences, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.
| | - Makoto Matsui
- Department of Fundamental Biosciences, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.
| | - Satoko Ichioka
- Department of Fundamental Biosciences, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.
| | - Yuzuki Nakamura
- Department of Fundamental Biosciences, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.
| | - Takako Hirata
- Department of Fundamental Biosciences, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.
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42
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Wu KM, Zhang YR, Huang YY, Dong Q, Tan L, Yu JT. The role of the immune system in Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 70:101409. [PMID: 34273589 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder where the accumulation of amyloid plaques and the formation of tau tangles are the prominent pathological hallmarks. Increasing preclinical and clinical studies have revealed that different components of the immune system may act as important contributors to AD etiology and pathogenesis. The recognition of misfolded Aβ and tau by immune cells can trigger a series of complex immune responses in AD, and then lead to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. In parallel, genome-wide association studies have also identified several immune related loci associated with increased - risk of AD by interfering with the function of immune cells. Other immune related factors, such as impaired immunometabolism, defective meningeal lymphatic vessels and autoimmunity might also be involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Here, we review the data showing the alterations of immune cells in the AD trajectory and seek to demonstrate the crosstalk between the immune cell dysfunction and AD pathology. We then discuss the most relevant research findings in regards to the influences of gene susceptibility of immune cells for AD. We also consider impaired meningeal lymphatics, immunometabolism and autoimmune mechanisms in AD. In addition, immune related biomarkers and immunotherapies for AD are also mentioned in order to offer novel insights for future research.
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Khalil M, Wang D, Hashemi E, Terhune SS, Malarkannan S. Implications of a 'Third Signal' in NK Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081955. [PMID: 34440725 PMCID: PMC8393955 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate and adaptive immune systems are evolutionarily divergent. Primary signaling in T and B cells depends on somatically rearranged clonotypic receptors. In contrast, NK cells use germline-encoded non-clonotypic receptors such as NCRs, NKG2D, and Ly49H. Proliferation and effector functions of T and B cells are dictated by unique peptide epitopes presented on MHC or soluble humoral antigens. However, in NK cells, the primary signals are mediated by self or viral proteins. Secondary signaling mediated by various cytokines is involved in metabolic reprogramming, proliferation, terminal maturation, or memory formation in both innate and adaptive lymphocytes. The family of common gamma (γc) cytokine receptors, including IL-2Rα/β/γ, IL-7Rα/γ, IL-15Rα/β/γ, and IL-21Rα/γ are the prime examples of these secondary signals. A distinct set of cytokine receptors mediate a ‘third’ set of signaling. These include IL-12Rβ1/β2, IL-18Rα/β, IL-23R, IL-27R (WSX-1/gp130), IL-35R (IL-12Rβ2/gp130), and IL-39R (IL-23Rα/gp130) that can prime, activate, and mediate effector functions in lymphocytes. The existence of the ‘third’ signal is known in both innate and adaptive lymphocytes. However, the necessity, context, and functional relevance of this ‘third signal’ in NK cells are elusive. Here, we define the current paradigm of the ‘third’ signal in NK cells and enumerate its clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Khalil
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.K.); (D.W.); (E.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Dandan Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.K.); (D.W.); (E.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Elaheh Hashemi
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.K.); (D.W.); (E.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Scott S. Terhune
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.K.); (D.W.); (E.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.T.); (S.M.)
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44
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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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45
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Perera Molligoda Arachchige AS. Human NK cells: From development to effector functions. Innate Immun 2021; 27:212-229. [PMID: 33761782 PMCID: PMC8054151 DOI: 10.1177/17534259211001512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are the major lymphocyte subset of the innate immune system that mediates antiviral and anti-tumor responses. It is well established that they develop mechanisms to distinguish self from non-self during the process of NK cell education. Unlike T and B cells, natural killer cells lack clonotypic receptors and are activated after recognizing their target via germline-encoded receptors through natural cytotoxicity, cytokine stimulation, and Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Subsequently, they utilize cytotoxic granules, death receptor ligands, and cytokines to perform their effector functions. In this review, we provide a general overview of human NK cells, as opposed to murine NK cells, discussing their ontogeny, maturation, receptor diversity, types of responses, and effector functions. Furthermore, we also describe recent advances in human NK cell biology, including tissue-resident NK cell populations, NK cell memory, and novel approaches used to target NK cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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46
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Intratumor Regulatory Noncytotoxic NK Cells in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030614. [PMID: 33802077 PMCID: PMC7999652 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies support the role of natural killer (NK) cells in controlling hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, ambiguity remains about the multiplicity and the role of different NK cell subsets, as a pro-oncogenic function has been suggested. We performed phenotypic and functional characterization of NK cells infiltrating HCC, with the corresponding nontumorous tissue and liver from patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastasis used as controls. We identified a reduced number of NK cells in tumors with higher frequency of CD56BRIGHTCD16- NK cells associated with higher expression of NKG2A, NKp44, and NKp30 and downregulation of NKG2D. Liver-resident (CXCR6+) NK cells were reduced in the tumors where T-bethiEomeslo expression was predominant. HCCs showed higher expression of CD49a with particular enrichment in CD49a+Eomes+ NK cells, a subset typically represented in the decidua and playing a proangiogenic function. Functional analysis showed reduced TNF-α production along with impaired cytotoxic capacity that was inversely related to CXCR6-, T-bethiEomeslo, and CD49a+Eomes+ NK cells. In conclusion, we identified a subset of NK cells infiltrating HCC, including non-liver-resident cells that coexpressed CD49a and Eomes and showed reduced cytotoxic potential. This NK cell subset likely plays a regulatory role in proangiogenic function.
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47
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Shannon MJ, Mace EM. Natural Killer Cell Integrins and Their Functions in Tissue Residency. Front Immunol 2021; 12:647358. [PMID: 33777044 PMCID: PMC7987804 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.647358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrins are transmembrane receptors associated with adhesion and migration and are often highly differentially expressed receptors amongst natural killer cell subsets in microenvironments. Tissue resident natural killer cells are frequently defined by their differential integrin expression compared to other NK cell subsets, and integrins can further localize tissue resident NK cells to tissue microenvironments. As such, integrins play important roles in both the phenotypic and functional identity of NK cell subsets. Here we review the expression of integrin subtypes on NK cells and NK cell subsets with the goal of better understanding how integrin selection can dictate tissue residency and mediate function from the nanoscale to the tissue environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily M. Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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48
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Peiseler M, Tacke F. Inflammatory Mechanisms Underlying Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and the Transition to Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:730. [PMID: 33578800 PMCID: PMC7916589 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a rising chronic liver disease and comprises a spectrum from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to end-stage cirrhosis and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogenesis of NAFLD is multifactorial, but inflammation is considered the key element of disease progression. The liver harbors an abundance of resident immune cells, that in concert with recruited immune cells, orchestrate steatohepatitis. While inflammatory processes drive fibrosis and disease progression in NASH, fueling the ground for HCC development, immunity also exerts antitumor activities. Furthermore, immunotherapy is a promising new treatment of HCC, warranting a more detailed understanding of inflammatory mechanisms underlying the progression of NASH and transition to HCC. Novel methodologies such as single-cell sequencing, genetic fate mapping, and intravital microscopy have unraveled complex mechanisms behind immune-mediated liver injury. In this review, we highlight some of the emerging paradigms, including macrophage heterogeneity, contributions of nonclassical immune cells, the role of the adaptive immune system, interorgan crosstalk with adipose tissue and gut microbiota. Furthermore, we summarize recent advances in preclinical and clinical studies aimed at modulating the inflammatory cascade and discuss how these novel therapeutic avenues may help in preventing or combating NAFLD-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Peiseler
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
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Abstract
NK cells are responsible for defense against viral infections and cancer. Although activated NK cells are armed to combat tumors, the tumor microenvironment (TME) contains ROS, which suppress NK cell antitumor activity. In this issue of the JCI, Yang, Neo, and colleagues explored NK cell resistance to oxidative stress in vitro and in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). High surface thiol density and elevated expression of the ROS scavenger thioredoxin (Trx1) protected NK cells from ROS. Trx1 and thiol levels were higher in IL-15- than in IL-2-primed NK cells. Tumor-infiltrating Trx1+ NK cells were present in patients with NSCLC with elevated ROS levels in the tumor. Smokers scored higher for the ROS signature, which predicted poor prognosis, compared with nonsmokers. This study explains how activated NK cells survive in the ROS-rich TME and suggests that smokers with lung cancer may benefit from therapies using IL-15-primed NK cells.
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50
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Liu S, Galat V, Galat Y, Lee YKA, Wainwright D, Wu J. NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy: from basic biology to clinical development. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:7. [PMID: 33407739 PMCID: PMC7788999 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-01014-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 110.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell is a specialized immune effector cell type that plays a critical role in immune activation against abnormal cells. Different from events required for T cell activation, NK cell activation is governed by the interaction of NK receptors with target cells, independent of antigen processing and presentation. Due to relatively unsophisticated cues for activation, NK cell has gained significant attention in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Many efforts are emerging for developing and engineering NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we provide our current understandings of NK cell biology, ongoing pre-clinical and clinical development of NK cell-based therapies and discuss the progress, challenges, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhe Liu
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior St., Lurie Research Building 6-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Vasiliy Galat
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yekaterina Galat
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | | | - Derek Wainwright
- Departments of Neurological Surgery, Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jennifer Wu
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior St., Lurie Research Building 6-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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