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Amarilla-Irusta A, Zenarruzabeitia O, Sevilla A, Sandá V, Lopez-Pardo A, Astarloa-Pando G, Pérez-Garay R, Pérez-Fernández S, Meijide S, Imaz-Ayo N, Arana-Arri E, Amo L, Borrego F. CD151 identifies a NK cell subset that is enriched in COVID-19 patients and correlates with disease severity. J Infect 2024:106304. [PMID: 39374860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106304] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ dysfunction, driven by a dysregulated immune response, including a cytokine storm with elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels. Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system with a fundamental role in the defense against viral infections. However, during COVID-19 acute infection, they exhibit an altered phenotype and impaired functionality contributing to the immunopathogenesis of the disease. In this work, we have studied a cohort of patients with COVID-19 (ranging from mild to severe) by analyzing IL-15, TGF-β, PlGF and GDF-15 plasma levels and performing multiparametric flow cytometry studies. Our results revealed that severe COVID-19 patients exhibited high levels of IL-15, PlGF and GDF-15, along with an enrichment of a NK cell subset expressing the CD151 tetraspanin, which correlated with IL-15 plasma levels and disease severity. In patients, these CD151+ NK cells displayed a more activated phenotype characterized by an increased expression of HLA-DR, CD38 and granzyme B, a distinct receptor repertoire, with lower levels of CD160 and CD31 and higher levels of CD55 and, remarkably, a higher expression of tissue-resident markers CD103 and the NK cell decidual marker CD9. Last of all, in individuals with severe disease, we identified an expansion of a CD151brightCD9+ NK cell subset, suggesting that these cells play a specific role in COVID-19. Altogether, our findings suggest that CD151+ NK cells may have a relevant role in COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olatz Zenarruzabeitia
- Immunopathology Group, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain; Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Arrate Sevilla
- Immunopathology Group, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Víctor Sandá
- Immunopathology Group, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Ainara Lopez-Pardo
- Immunopathology Group, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Pérez-Garay
- Immunopathology Group, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain; Clinical Analysis Service, Cruces University Hospital, OSI Ezkerraldea-Enkarterri-Cruces, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Silvia Pérez-Fernández
- Scientific Coordination Facility, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Susana Meijide
- Scientific Coordination Facility, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Natale Imaz-Ayo
- Scientific Coordination Facility, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Eunate Arana-Arri
- Scientific Coordination Facility, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Laura Amo
- Immunopathology Group, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Francisco Borrego
- Immunopathology Group, Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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2
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Farkas AM, Youssef D, Tran MA, Balan S, Newman JH, Audenet F, Anastos H, Velazquez LG, Peros A, Ananthanarayanan A, Daza J, Gonzalez-Gugel E, Sadanala K, Theorell J, Galsky MD, Horowitz A, Sfakianos JP, Bhardwaj N. Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction In Human Bladder Cancer Is Caused By Tissue-Specific Suppression of SLAMF6 Signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.30.591366. [PMID: 38746459 PMCID: PMC11092609 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.30.591366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
NK cells are innate lymphocytes critical for surveillance of viruses and tumors, however the mechanisms underlying NK cell dysfunction in cancer are incompletely understood. We assessed the effector function of NK cells from bladder cancer patients and found severe dysfunction in NK cells derived from tumors versus peripheral blood. While both peripheral and tumor-infiltrating NK cells exhibited conserved patterns of inhibitory receptor over-expression, this did not explain the observed defects in NK surveillance in bladder tumors. Rather, TME-specific TGF-β and metabolic perturbations such as hypoxia directly suppressed NK cell function. Specifically, an oxygen-dependent reduction in signaling through SLAMF6 was mechanistically responsible for poor NK cell function, as tumor-infiltrating NK cells cultured ex vivo under normoxic conditions exhibited complete restoration of function, while deletion of SLAMF6 abrogated NK cell cytolytic function even under normoxic conditions. Collectively, this work highlights the role of tissue-specific factors in dictating NK cell function, and implicates SLAMF6 signaling as a rational target for immuno-modulation to improve NK cell function in bladder cancer.
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3
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Krupa P, Wein H, Zemmrich LS, Zygmunt M, Muzzio DO. Pregnancy-related factors induce immune tolerance through regulation of sCD83 release. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1452879. [PMID: 39328416 PMCID: PMC11424458 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1452879] [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: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A well-balanced maternal immune system is crucial to maintain fetal tolerance in case of infections during pregnancy. Immune adaptations include an increased secretion of soluble mediators to protect the semi-allogeneic fetus from excessive pro-inflammatory response. B lymphocytes acquire a higher capacity to express CD83 and secrete soluble CD83 (sCD83) upon exposure to bacteria-derived components such as LPS. CD83 possesses immune modulatory functions and shows a promising therapeutic potential against inflammatory conditions. The administration of sCD83 to pregnant mice reduces LPS-induced abortion rates. The increased CD83 expression by endometrial B cells as compared to peripheral blood B cells suggests its modulatory role in the fetal tolerance, especially in the context of infection. We postulate that in pregnancy, CD83 expression and release is controlled by pregnancy-related hormones. The intra- and extracellular expression of CD83 in leukocytes from peripheral blood or decidua basalis and parietalis at term were analyzed by flow cytometry. After treatment with pregnancy-related hormones and LPS, ELISA and qPCR were performed to study sCD83 release and CD83 gene expression, respectively. Cleavage prediction analysis was used to find potential proteases targeting CD83. Expression of selected proteases was analyzed by ELISA. Higher levels of CD83 were found in CD11c+ dendritic cells, CD3+ T cells and CD19+ B cells from decidua basalis and decidua parietalis after LPS-stimulation in vitro. An increase of intracellular expression of CD83 was also detected in CD19+ B cells from both compartments. Stimulated B cells displayed significantly higher percentages of CD83+ cells than dendritic cells and T cells from decidua basalis and peripheral blood. Treatment of B lymphocytes with pregnancy-related molecules (E2, P4, TGF-β1 and hCG) enhanced the LPS-mediated increase of CD83 expression, while dexamethasone led to a reduction. Similarly, the release of sCD83 was increased under TGF-β1 treatment but decreased upon dexamethasone stimulation. Finally, we found that the hormonal regulation of CD83 expression is likely a result from a balance between gene transcription from CD83 and the modulation of the metalloproteinase MMP-7. Thus, data supports and complements our previous murine studies on hormonal regulation of CD83 expression, reinforcing its immunomodulatory relevance in anti-bacterial responses during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Damián Oscar Muzzio
- Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medicine
Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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4
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Chen K, Yu Q, Sha Q, Wang J, Fang J, Li X, Shen X, Fu B, Guo C. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of immune cell dynamics in the healthy human endometrium. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 39:101802. [PMID: 39161579 PMCID: PMC11332207 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101802] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment of the endometrial immune system is crucial to the success of placental implantation and healthy pregnancy. However, the functionalities of immune cells across various stages of the reproductive cycle have yet to be fully comprehended. To address this, we conducted advanced bioinformatic analysis on 230,049 high-quality single-cell transcriptomes from healthy endometrial samples obtained during the proliferative, secretory, early pregnancy, and late pregnancy stages. Our investigation has unveiled that proliferative natural killer (NK) cells, a potential source of endometrial NK cells, exhibit the most robust proliferative and differentiation potential during non-pregnant stages. We have also identified similar differentiation trajectories of NK cells originating from proliferative NK cells across four stages. Notably, during early pregnancy, NK cells demonstrate the highest oxidative phosphorylation metabolism activity, and, in conjunction with macrophages and T cells, exhibit the strongest type II interferon response. With spatial transcriptome data, we have discerned that the most robust immune-non-immune interactions are associated with the promotion and inhibition of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration during four stages. Furthermore, we have compiled lists of stage-specific risk genes implicated in reproductive diseases, which hold promise as potential disease biomarkers. Our study provides insights into the dynamics of the endometrial immune microenvironment during different reproductive cycle stages, thus serving as a reference for detecting pathological changes during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixing Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230021, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiaoni Yu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230021, China
| | - Qing Sha
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230021, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230021, China
| | - Jingwen Fang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230021, China
- HanGene Biotech, Xiaoshan Innovation Polis, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311200, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Xiaokun Shen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Binqing Fu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chuang Guo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230021, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, Anhui, China
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5
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Hermans L, O’Sullivan TE. No time to die: Epigenetic regulation of natural killer cell survival. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:61-79. [PMID: 38426615 PMCID: PMC11102341 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13314] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
NK cells are short-lived innate lymphocytes that can mediate antigen-independent responses to infection and cancer. However, studies from the past two decades have shown that NK cells can acquire transcriptional and epigenetic modifications during inflammation that result in increased survival and lifespan. These findings blur the lines between the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, and suggest that the homeostatic mechanisms that govern the persistence of innate immune cells are malleable. Indeed, recent studies have shown that NK cells undergo continuous and strictly regulated adaptations controlling their survival during development, tissue residency, and following inflammation. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the critical factors regulating NK cell survival throughout their lifespan, with a specific emphasis on the epigenetic modifications that regulate the survival of NK cells in various contexts. A precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern NK cell survival will be important to enhance therapies for cancer and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Hermans
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Timothy E. O’Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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6
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Koenig MR, Vazquez J, Leyva Jaimes FB, Mitzey AM, Stanic AK, Golos TG. Decidual leukocytes respond to African lineage Zika virus infection with mild anti-inflammatory changes during acute infection in rhesus macaques. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1363169. [PMID: 38515747 PMCID: PMC10954895 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1363169] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) can be vertically transmitted during pregnancy resulting in a range of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The decidua is commonly found to be infected by ZIKV, yet the acute immune response to infection remains understudied in vivo. We hypothesized that in vivo African-lineage ZIKV infection induces a pro-inflammatory response in the decidua. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the decidua in pregnant rhesus macaques within the first two weeks following infection with an African-lineage ZIKV and compared our findings to gestationally aged-matched controls. Decidual leukocytes were phenotypically evaluated using spectral flow cytometry, and cytokines and chemokines were measured in tissue homogenates from the decidua, placenta, and fetal membranes. The results of this study did not support our hypothesis. Although ZIKV RNA was detected in the decidual tissue samples from all ZIKV infected dams, phenotypic changes in decidual leukocytes and differences in cytokine profiles suggest that the decidua undergoes mild anti-inflammatory changes in response to that infection. Our findings emphasize the immunological state of the gravid uterus as a relatively immune privileged site that prioritizes tolerance of the fetus over mounting a pro-inflammatory response to clear infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R. Koenig
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jessica Vazquez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Fernanda B. Leyva Jaimes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ann M. Mitzey
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Aleksandar K. Stanic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Thaddeus G. Golos
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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7
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Gothe JP, de Mattos AC, Silveira CF, Malavazi KC. Exploring Natural Killer Cell Testing in Embryo Implantation and Reproductive Failure: An Overview of Techniques and Controversies. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:603-632. [PMID: 37853155 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01372-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The blastocyst nidation is the most crucial stage to a successful pregnancy, as the white cells work to promote a favorable endometrial microenvironment for this process. Intriguingly, this implantation window lasts, on average, 6 days in most regular women, and its quality is affected by many pathological conditions. Since the grounds of reproductive failure in healthy couples are still uncharted, studies have widely suggested a potential hostile role of the immune system in the equilibrium of the maternal-fetal interface. In recent years, natural killer cells have been the highlight as they represent the greatest lymphocyte in the uterus and have immune surveillance through cytotoxicity during the implantation window. This review explored the main techniques used for natural killer (NK) cell testing in the implantation window over the last 13 years on the PubMed® database. Of 2167 published articles potentially relevant for the review, only thirty-three were about cell evaluation in healthy women, met the inclusion criteria, and had their methodology critically analyzed. Here, we bring a summary from the study group and sample collection to evidence comments about their findings and correlations. Meanwhile, we also summarize the current relationship between NK cells and endometrial receptivity with reproductive failure to help enhance the possibilities for future research. In conclusion, our overview points out that restricted and unstandardized methods support the controversy between the NK population and unsuccessful embryo implantation, which is an obstacle to studying why healthy eggs do not thrive and finding a solution for one of the most controversial topics in human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Peron Gothe
- Faculdade de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, Av. John Boyd Dunlop S/N - Jardim Ipaussurama, Campinas, São Paulo, 13034-685, Brazil.
| | - Amílcar Castro de Mattos
- Faculdade de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, Av. John Boyd Dunlop S/N - Jardim Ipaussurama, Campinas, São Paulo, 13034-685, Brazil
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8
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Vazquez J, Mohamed MA, Banerjee S, Keding LT, Koenig MR, Leyva Jaimes F, Fisher RC, Bove EM, Golos TG, Stanic AK. Deciphering decidual leukocyte traffic with serial intravascular staining. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1332943. [PMID: 38268922 PMCID: PMC10806228 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1332943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The decidual immunome is dynamic, dramatically changing its composition across gestation. Early pregnancy is dominated by decidual NK cells, with a shift towards T cells later in pregnancy. However, the degree, timing, and subset-specific nature of leukocyte traffic between the decidua and systemic circulation during gestation remains poorly understood. Herein, we employed intravascular staining in pregnant C57BL/6J mice and cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) to examine leukocyte traffic into the decidual basalis during pregnancy. Timed-mated or virgin mice were tail-vein injected with labelled αCD45 antibodies 24 hours and 5 minutes before sacrifice. Pregnant cynomolgus macaques (GD155) were infused with labelled αCD45 at 2 hours or 5 mins before necropsy. Decidual cells were isolated and resulting suspensions analyzed by flow cytometry. We found that the proportion of intravascular (IVAs)-negative leukocytes (cells labeled by the 24h infusion of αCD45 or unlabeled) decreased across murine gestation while recent immigrants (24h label only) increased in mid- to late-gestation. In the cynomolgus model our data confirmed differential labeling of decidual leukocytes by the infused antibody, with the 5 min infused animal having a higher proportion of IVAs+ cells compared to the 2hr infused animal. Decidual tissue sections from both macaques showed the presence of intravascularly labeled cells, either in proximity to blood vessels (5min infused animal) or deeper into decidual stroma (2hr infused animal). These results demonstrate the value of serial intravascular staining as a sensitive tool for defining decidual leukocyte traffic during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Vazquez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Mona A Mohamed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Soma Banerjee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Logan T Keding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Michelle R Koenig
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Fernanda Leyva Jaimes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Rachel C Fisher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Emily M Bove
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Aleksandar K Stanic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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9
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Gou R, Zhang X. Glycolysis: A fork in the path of normal and pathological pregnancy. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23263. [PMID: 37889786 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301230r] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Glucose metabolism is vital to the survival of living organisms. Since the discovery of the Warburg effect in the 1920s, glycolysis has become a major research area in the field of metabolism. Glycolysis has been extensively studied in the field of cancer and is considered as a promising therapeutic target. However, research on the role of glycolysis in pregnancy is limited. Recent evidence suggests that blastocysts, trophoblasts, decidua, and tumors all acquire metabolic energy at specific stages in a highly similar manner. Glycolysis, carefully controlled throughout pregnancy, maintains a dynamic and coordinated state, so as to maintain the homeostasis of the maternal-fetal interface and ensure normal gestation. In the present review, we investigate metabolic remodeling and the selective propensity of the embryo and placenta for glycolysis. We then address dysregulated glycolysis that occurs in the cellular interactive network at the maternal-fetal interface in miscarriage, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes mellitus. We provide new insights into the field of maternal-fetal medicine from a metabolic perspective, thus revealing the mystery of human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
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10
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Zecca A, Barili V, Boni C, Fisicaro P, Vecchi A, Rossi M, Reverberi V, Montali A, Pedrazzi G, Ferrari C, Cariani E, Missale G. High CD49a+ NK cell infiltrate is associated with poor clinical outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22680. [PMID: 38107324 PMCID: PMC10724659 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
NK cells infiltrating Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) may express residency markers such as Integrin Subunit Alpha 1 (CD49a) that have been associated with nurturing functions in the decidua, and characterized by the production of angiogenic factors as well as loss of cytotoxicity. CIBERSORT, a computational analysis method for quantifying cell fractions from bulk tissue gene expression profiles, was used to estimate the infiltrating immune cell composition of the tumor microenvironment from gene expression profiles of a large cohort of 225 HCCs in the public GEO database. Decidual-like CD49a+ NK cells, in addition to another 22 immune cell populations, were characterized and thoroughly investigated so that HCC cell heterogeneity in a large cohort of 225 HCCs from the public GEO database could be studied. An inverse correlation of the expression of CD49a+ NK-cells and CD8+ T-cells suggested a negative association with clinical outcomes. This result was confirmed in a further validation cohort of 100 HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC). Cox regression analysis did not identify CD49a+ cells as a variable independently associated with survival. However, a more abundant infiltrate of this subset was present in patients at a more advanced pathological and clinical HCC stage. In conclusion, we found that NK cells, with a decidual-like gene expression profile, are enriched in HCC, and their abundance increases not only in tumor size but also at advanced stages of the disease suggesting that these cells play a role in tumor growth. For this reason, these NK cells may represent a possible new target for immunotherapeutic approaches in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Zecca
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Valeria Barili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Carolina Boni
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Fisicaro
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchi
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Marzia Rossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Reverberi
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Anna Montali
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pedrazzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Missale
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
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11
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Parks SE, Geng T, Monsivais D. Endometrial TGFβ signaling fosters early pregnancy development by remodeling the fetomaternal interface. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13789. [PMID: 38009061 PMCID: PMC10683870 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13789] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is a unique and highly regenerative tissue with crucial roles during the reproductive lifespan of a woman. As the first site of contact between mother and embryo, the endometrium, and its critical processes of decidualization and immune cell recruitment, play a leading role in the establishment of pregnancy, embryonic development, and reproductive capacity. These integral processes are achieved by the concerted actions of steroid hormones and a myriad of growth factor signaling pathways. This review focuses on the roles of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathway in the endometrium during the earliest stages of pregnancy through the lens of immune cell regulation and function. We discuss how key ligands in the TGFβ family signal through downstream SMAD transcription factors and ultimately remodel the endometrium into a state suitable for embryo implantation and development. We also focus on the key roles of the TGFβ signaling pathway in recruiting uterine natural killer cells and their collective remodeling of the decidua and spiral arteries. By providing key details about immune cell populations and TGFβ signaling within the endometrium, it is our goal to shed light on the intricate remodeling that is required to achieve a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney E. Parks
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ting Geng
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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12
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Hegewisch-Solloa E, Nalin AP, Freud AG, Mace EM. Deciphering the localization and trajectory of human natural killer cell development. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 114:487-506. [PMID: 36869821 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune cells represent the first line of cellular immunity, comprised of both circulating and tissue-resident natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells. These innate lymphocytes arise from a common CD34+ progenitor that differentiates into mature natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells. The successive stages in natural killer cell maturation are characterized by increased lineage restriction and changes to phenotype and function. Mechanisms of human natural killer cell development have not been fully elucidated, especially the role of signals that drive the spatial localization and maturation of natural killer cells. Cytokines, extracellular matrix components, and chemokines provide maturation signals and influence the trafficking of natural killer cell progenitors to peripheral sites of differentiation. Here we present the latest advances in our understanding of natural killer and innate lymphoid cell development in peripheral sites, including secondary lymphoid tissues (i.e. tonsil). Recent work in the field has provided a model for the spatial distribution of natural killer cell and innate lymphoid cell developmental intermediates in tissue and generated further insights into the developmental niche. In support of this model, future studies using multifaceted approaches seek to fully map the developmental trajectory of human natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells in secondary lymphoid tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everardo Hegewisch-Solloa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St. New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ansel P Nalin
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 460 W 10th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aharon G Freud
- Department of Pathology, Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 460 W 12th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St. New York, NY 10032, USA
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13
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Jin F, Liu W, Cheng G, Cai S, Yin T, Diao L. The function of decidua natural killer cells in physiology and pathology of pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13755. [PMID: 37641369 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13755] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells in maintaining immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy is a significant topic in reproductive health. Immune tolerance is essential for a successful pregnancy and involves a complex immune response involving various immune cells and molecules. DNK cells comprise the largest population of lymphocyte subsets found in the decidua and play important roles in maintaining immune tolerance. These cells exert multiple functions to maintain homeostasis of the decidual microenvironment, including modulation of trophoblast invasion, promotion of fetal development, regulation of endometrial decidualization and spiral artery remodeling. DNK cells can also be divided into different subsets based on their functions as NKtolerant , NKcytotoxic , and NKregulatory cells. However, the relationship between dNK cells function and pregnancy outcomes is complex and poorly understood. In this review, we will focus on the physiological role of dNK cells during pregnancy and highlight the potential role in pathological pregnancies and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Guan Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of translational medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Songchen Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology of Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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14
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Stope MB, Mustea A, Sänger N, Einenkel R. Immune Cell Functionality during Decidualization and Potential Clinical Application. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051097. [PMID: 37240742 DOI: 10.3390/life13051097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to a vast influx in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, leukocytes represent 40-50% of the decidua at the time of implantation. Their importance for the implantation, maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition are known yet not fully understood. Thus, in idiopathic infertility, decidual immune-related factors are speculated to be the cause. In this review, the immune cell functions in the decidua were summarized, and clinical diagnostics, as well as interventions, were discussed. There is a rising number of commercially available diagnostic tools. However, the intervention options are still limited and/or poorly studied. In order for us to make big steps towards the proper use of reproductive immunology findings, we need to understand the mechanisms and especially support translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias B Stope
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Mustea
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rebekka Einenkel
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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15
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Zhou J, Tian Y, Qu Y, Williams M, Yuan Y, Karvas RM, Sheridan MA, Schulz LC, Ezashi T, Roberts MR, Schust DJ. The immune checkpoint molecule, VTCN1/B7-H4, guides differentiation and suppresses proinflammatory responses and MHC class I expression in an embryonic stem cell-derived model of human trophoblast. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1069395. [PMID: 37008954 PMCID: PMC10062451 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1069395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta acts as a protective barrier to pathogens and other harmful substances present in the maternal circulation throughout pregnancy. Disruption of placental development can lead to complications of pregnancy such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation and preterm birth. In previous work, we have shown that expression of the immune checkpoint regulator, B7-H4/VTCN1, is increased upon differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) to an in vitro model of primitive trophoblast (TB), that VTCN1/B7-H4 is expressed in first trimester but not term human placenta and that primitive trophoblast may be uniquely susceptible to certain pathogens. Here we report on the role of VTCN1 in trophoblast lineage development and anti-viral responses and the effects of changes in these processes on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression and peripheral NK cell phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Yuchen Tian
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Ying Qu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Madyson Williams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Ye Yuan
- Research Department, Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, United States
| | - Rowan M. Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Megan A. Sheridan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Laura C. Schulz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Research Department, Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, United States
| | - Michael R. Roberts
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Danny J. Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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16
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Chang R, Dai J, Wang L, Liu H, Jiang H, Liu X, Jiang L, He F, Hu L. PlGF/FLT-1 deficiency leads to reduced STAT3-C/EBPβ signaling and aberrant polarization in decidual macrophages during early spontaneous abortion. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1061949. [PMID: 37033974 PMCID: PMC10074254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1061949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionDysregulated macrophage polarization (excessive M1-like or limited M2-like macrophages) in the early decidua contributes to allogeneic fetal rejection and thus early spontaneous abortion. However, the modulators of M1/M2 balance at the early maternal-fetal interface remain mostly unknown.MethodsFirst-trimester decidual tissues were collected from normal pregnant women undergoing elective pregnancy terminations and patients with spontaneous abortion. We measured the expression of placental growth factor (PlGF) and Fms-like-tyrosine-kinase receptor 1 (FLT-1), and characterized the profiles of macrophages in decidua. Notably, we investigated the effect of recombinant human PlGF (rhPlGF) on decidual macrophages (dMös) from normal pregnancy and revealed the underlying mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo.ResultsThe downregulated expression of PlGF/ FLT-1 may result in spontaneous abortion by inducing the M1-like deviation of macrophages in human early decidua. Moreover, the CBA/J×DBA/2 abortion-prone mice displayed a lower FLT-1 expression in uterine macrophages than did CBA/J×BALB/c control pregnant mice. In in vitro models, rhPlGF treatment was found to drive the M2-like polarization of dMös via the STAT3/CEBPB signaling pathway. These findings were further supported by a higher embryo resorption rate and uterine macrophage dysfunction in Pgf knockout mice, in addition to the reduced STAT3 transcription and C/EBPâ expression in uterine macrophages.DiscussionPlGF plays a key role in early pregnancy maintenance by skewing dMös toward an M2-like phenotype via the FLT-1-STAT3-C/EBP â signaling pathway. Excitingly, our results highlight a rationale that PlGF is a promising target to prevent early spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Chang
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Lab for Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Reproduction and Stem Cell Therapy Research Center of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingcong Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huanhuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linying Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fan He
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Lab for Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Reproduction and Stem Cell Therapy Research Center of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Fan He, ; Lina Hu,
| | - Lina Hu
- The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Lab for Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Reproduction and Stem Cell Therapy Research Center of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Fan He, ; Lina Hu,
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17
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Addressing Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction and Plasticity in Cell-Based Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061743. [PMID: 36980629 PMCID: PMC10046032 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC), known for their role as killers of stressed, cancerous, and virally infected cells. Beyond this cytotoxic function, NK cell subsets can influence broader immune responses through cytokine production and have been linked to central roles in non-immune processes, such as the regulation of vascular remodeling in pregnancy and cancer. Attempts to exploit the anti-tumor functions of NK cells have driven the development of various NK cell-based therapies, which have shown promise in both pre-clinical disease models and early clinical trials. However, certain elements of the tumor microenvironment, such as elevated transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, hypoxia, and indoalemine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), are known to suppress NK cell function, potentially limiting the longevity and activity of these approaches. Recent studies have also identified these factors as contributors to NK cell plasticity, defined by the conversion of classical cytotoxic NK cells into poorly cytotoxic, tissue-resident, or ILC1-like phenotypes. This review summarizes the current approaches for NK cell-based cancer therapies and examines the challenges presented by tumor-linked NK cell suppression and plasticity. Ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges are discussed, along with the potential utility of NK cell therapies to applications outside cancer.
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18
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Manukyan G, Kriegova E, Slavik L, Mikulkova Z, Ulehlova J, Martirosyan A, Papajik T. Antiphospholipid antibody-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 155:103791. [PMID: 36621092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombophilia that is characterised by thrombosis and obstetric complications in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Pregnancy complications remain a challenging problem for patients with APS, especially during the first trimester. Although natural killer (NK) cells constitute up to 70% of decidual lymphocytes during the first trimester, their contribution to early pregnancy loss in APS is largely unknown. We aimed to analyse whether aPL are able to recruit antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of NK cells, with special emphasis on the differences in the effects of aPL containing anti-β2GPI domain 1 (anti-β2GPI-D1) antibodies (aPL+/D1+) and those that do not (aPL+/D1-). Our findings revealed a differential distribution of NK subsets in the presence of different aPL. Namely, aPL+/D1- IgGs increased CD56dim/CD16dim cells, while aPL+/D1 + IgGs increased the number of CD56bright/CD16dim cells. ADCC NK cell cytotoxicity was found to be higher in the presence of aPL+/D1- IgGs, as defined by an increased target cell death, degranulation and increased expression of CD11b, CD69 and NKG2D. Overall, our evidence showed that aPL are able to recruit ADCC, suggesting NK cells as candidate cells for APS-related obstetric complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayane Manukyan
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, Yerevan, Armenia; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Eva Kriegova
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Ludek Slavik
- Department of Hemato-oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Mikulkova
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Ulehlova
- Department of Hemato-oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Anush Martirosyan
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Tomas Papajik
- Department of Hemato-oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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19
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Eldeen Bazid HAS, Marae AH, Tayel N, Zaid SG, Mostafa MI, Abd El Gayed EM. Study of serum level of kisspeptin and interferon-beta in genital wart patients. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2023; 44:30-34. [PMID: 37457538 PMCID: PMC10343131 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_93_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Researchers are interested in genital wart (GW) studies due to their increased incidence. In a single experimental research, virally infected mouse models showed elevated kisspeptin levels and low interferon levels. Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the serum levels of kisspeptin and interferon (INF)-beta in GW patients. Patients and Methods Forty patients with GWs and forty healthy participants of comparable age and sex as a control group were included in this case-control study. Serum levels of kisspeptin and IFN-beta were measured using ELISA during the period from December 2021 to April 2022. Results Kisspeptin was significantly higher among cases than controls, whereas IFN-beta level was lower among cases than controls (P < 0.001). There were no significant relations between kisspeptin and IFN-beta levels and the clinical data for the studied participants, and there was no significant correlation between both (P > 0.05). Conclusion The reported increased kisspeptin level which was associated with decreased interferon-beta level in patients with GWs might indicate a new insight into viral infection pathogenesis. Further research including all steps in kisspeptin/G protein-coupled receptor 54 pathway is required. Targeted therapy for this pathway may be of value for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alaa H. Marae
- Department of Dermatology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Nermin Tayel
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, Sadat City, Egypt
| | - Shereen G. Zaid
- Department of Dermatology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Mohammed I. Mostafa
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Medical Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman Masoud Abd El Gayed
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
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20
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Baines KJ, Klausner MS, Patterson VS, Renaud SJ. Interleukin-15 deficient rats have reduced osteopontin at the maternal-fetal interface. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1079164. [PMID: 37152295 PMCID: PMC10157472 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1079164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Uterine Natural Killer (NK) cells are the predominant immune cells within the decidua during early pregnancy. These cells are thought to regulate aspects of decidualization and placental development, but their functions remain poorly characterized, especially in species with deeply invading trophoblasts such as humans and rats. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a cytokine required for NK cell development and survival. IL-15 mutant (IL15Δ/Δ) rats lack NK cells and exhibit altered placental development with precocious trophoblast invasion. In this study, we profiled gene expression differences between wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ implantation sites to reveal candidate factors produced by uterine NK cells that may regulate placentation and trophoblast invasion. Methods: Clariom S gene expression profiling was performed using implantation sites collected from pregnant wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ rats on gestational day 9.5. Levels and localization of perforin and osteopontin in implantation sites from wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ rats were further analyzed. The effect of osteopontin on the invasive capacity of rat trophoblasts was evaluated using Matrigel-based Transwell assays. Results: There were 257 genes differentially expressed between wild-type and IL15Δ/Δ implantation sites on gestational day 9.5, including decreased expression of various NK cell markers in IL15Δ/Δ rats, as well as Spp1, which encodes osteopontin. In wild-type rats, osteopontin was present within the decidua basalis and adjacent to the primitive placenta, and osteopontin colocalized with the NK cell marker perforin. Osteopontin was also detectable in uterine glands. Conversely, in IL15Δ/Δ rats, osteopontin and perforin were not readily detectable in the decidua despite robust osteopontin levels in uterine glands. Neutralization of osteopontin in media conditioned by cells isolated from the decidua decreased invasion of rat trophoblasts, suggesting that reduced levels of osteopontin are unlikely to account for the precocious trophoblast invasion in IL15Δ/Δ rats. Conclusion: Osteopontin is expressed by NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface in rats and may contribute to modulation of trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J. Baines
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle S. Klausner
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Violet S. Patterson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J. Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Stephen J. Renaud,
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21
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Xiao J, Zhang T, Gao F, Zhou Z, Shu G, Zou Y, Yin G. Natural Killer Cells: A Promising Kit in the Adoptive Cell Therapy Toolbox. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225657. [PMID: 36428748 PMCID: PMC9688567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As an important component of the innate immune system, natural killer (NK) cells have gained increasing attention in adoptive cell therapy for their safety and efficacious tumor-killing effect. Unlike T cells which rely on the interaction between TCRs and specific peptide-MHC complexes, NK cells are more prone to be served as "off-the-shelf" cell therapy products due to their rapid recognition and killing of tumor cells without MHC restriction. In recent years, constantly emerging sources of therapeutic NK cells have provided flexible options for cancer immunotherapy. Advanced genetic engineering techniques, especially chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modification, have yielded exciting effectiveness in enhancing NK cell specificity and cytotoxicity, improving in vivo persistence, and overcoming immunosuppressive factors derived from tumors. In this review, we highlight current advances in NK-based adoptive cell therapy, including alternative sources of NK cells for adoptive infusion, various CAR modifications that confer different targeting specificity to NK cells, multiple genetic engineering strategies to enhance NK cell function, as well as the latest clinical research on adoptive NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Xiao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Guang Shu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Yizhou Zou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (G.Y.)
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (G.Y.)
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22
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Wolf KG, Crawford EB, Wartan NM, Schneiderman SK, Riehl VE, Dambaeva SV, Beaman KD. Ephrin-B2-expressing natural killer cells induce angiogenesis. JVS Vasc Sci 2022; 3:336-344. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvssci.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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23
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The Regulators of Human Endometrial Stromal Cell Decidualization. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091275. [PMID: 36139114 PMCID: PMC9496326 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091275] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Several factors are important for implantation and subsequent placentation in the endometrium, including immunity, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix, glucose metabolism, reactive oxidative stress, and hormones. The involvement or abnormality of these factors can impair canonical decidualization. Unusual decidualization can lead to perinatal complications, such as disruption of trophoblast invasion. Drastic changes in the morphology and function of human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) are important for decidualization of the human endometrium; hESCs are used to induce optimal morphological and functional decidualization in vitro because they contain estrogen and progesterone receptors. In this review, we will focus on the studies that have been conducted on hESC decidualization, including the results from our laboratory.
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24
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Cober ND, VandenBroek MM, Ormiston ML, Stewart DJ. Evolving Concepts in Endothelial Pathobiology of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Hypertension 2022; 79:1580-1590. [PMID: 35582968 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.18261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a deadly disease, characterized by increased vascular resistance, pulmonary arteriolar loss, and occlusive arterial remodeling, leading to eventual right heart failure. Evidence increasingly points to the pulmonary endothelium as a central actor in PAH. Endothelial cell apoptosis can result directly in distal lung arteriolar pruning and indirectly in the formation of complex and occlusive arterial lesions, reflecting an imbalance between endothelial injury and repair in the development and progression of PAH. Many of the mutations implicated in PAH are in genes, which are predominantly, or solely, expressed in endothelial cells, and the endothelium is a major target for therapeutic interventions to restore BMP signaling. We explore how arterial pruning can promote the emergence of occlusive arterial remodeling mediated by ongoing endothelial injury secondary to hemodynamic perturbation and pathological increases in luminal shear stress. The emerging role of endothelial cell senescence is discussed in the transition from reversible to irreversible arterial remodeling in advanced PAH, and we review the sometimes conflicting evidence that female sex hormones can both protect or promote vascular changes in disease. Finally, we explore the contribution of the endothelium to metabolic changes and the altered inflammatory and immune state in the PAH lung, focusing on the role of excessive TGFβ signaling. Given the complexity of the endothelial pathobiology of PAH, we anticipate that emerging technologies that allow the study of molecular events at a single cell level will provide answers to many of the questions raised in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Cober
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, ON, Canada (N.D.C., D.J.S.).,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada (N.D.C., D.J.S.)
| | - M Martin VandenBroek
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada (M.M.V., M.L.O.)
| | - Mark L Ormiston
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada (M.M.V., M.L.O.).,Departments of Surgery, and Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada (M.L.O.)
| | - Duncan J Stewart
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, ON, Canada (N.D.C., D.J.S.).,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada (N.D.C., D.J.S.)
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25
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Einenkel R, Ehrhardt J, Zygmunt M, Muzzio DO. Oxygen regulates ILC3 antigen presentation potential and pregnancy-related hormone actions. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:109. [PMID: 35906658 PMCID: PMC9336067 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00979-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy is marked by placentation and embryogenesis, which take place under physiological low oxygen concentrations. This oxygen condition is crucial for many aspects of placentation, trophoblast function, vascularization and immune function. Recently, a new family of innate lymphoid cells has been found to be expressed at the fetomaternal interface. Among these, type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) are important antigen presenting cells in the context of MHC-II. The expression of MHC-II on ILC3s during pregnancy is reduced. We tested the hypothesis that low oxygen concentrations reduce the potential of ILC3s to present antigens promoting fetal tolerance.Using an in vitro approach, NCR+ ILC3s generated from cord blood stem cell precursors were incubated under different O2 concentrations in the presence or absence of the pregnancy-related hormones hCG and TGF-β1. The expression of MHC-II, accessory molecules and an activation marker were assessed by flow cytometry. We observed that 1% O2 reduced the expression of the MHC-II molecule HLA-DR as compared to 21% O2 and modulated the relative effects of hCG and TGF-β1.Our data indicate that low oxygen concentrations reduce the antigen presentation potential of NCR+ ILC3s and suggest that it may promote fetal tolerance during the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Einenkel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Present address: Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jens Ehrhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Marek Zygmunt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Damián Oscar Muzzio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
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26
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Franklin M, Connolly E, Hussell T. Recruited and Tissue-Resident Natural Killer Cells in the Lung During Infection and Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887503. [PMID: 35844626 PMCID: PMC9284027 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important component of the innate immune system, and have a key role in host defense against infection and in tumor surveillance. Tumors and viruses employ remarkably similar strategies to avoid recognition and killing by NK cells and so much can be learnt by comparing NK cells in these disparate diseases. The lung is a unique tissue environment and immune cells in this organ, including NK cells, exist in a hypofunctional state to prevent activation against innocuous stimuli. Upon infection, rapid NK cell infiltration into the lung occurs, the amplitude of which is determined by the extent of inflammation and damage. Activated NK cells kill infected cells and produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to recruit cells of the adaptive immune system. More recent evidence has shown that NK cells also play an additional role in resolution of inflammation. In lung cancer however, NK cell recruitment is impaired and those that are present have reduced functionality. The majority of lung NK cells are circulatory, however recently a small population of tissue-resident lung NK cells has been described. The specific role of this subset is yet to be determined, but they show similarity to resident memory T cell subsets. Whether resident or recruited, NK cells are important in the control of pulmonary infections, but equally, can drive excessive inflammation if not regulated. In this review we discuss how NK cells are recruited, controlled and retained in the specific environment of the lung in health and disease. Understanding these mechanisms in the context of infection may provide opportunities to promote NK cell recruitment and function in the lung tumor setting.
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27
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Ran GH, Lin YQ, Tian L, Zhang T, Yan DM, Yu JH, Deng YC. Natural killer cell homing and trafficking in tissues and tumors: from biology to application. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:205. [PMID: 35768424 PMCID: PMC9243142 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a subgroup of innate lymphoid cells, act as the first line of defense against cancer. Although some evidence shows that NK cells can develop in secondary lymphoid tissues, NK cells develop mainly in the bone marrow (BM) and egress into the blood circulation when they mature. They then migrate to and settle down in peripheral tissues, though some special subsets home back into the BM or secondary lymphoid organs. Owing to its success in allogeneic adoptive transfer for cancer treatment and its "off-the-shelf" potential, NK cell-based immunotherapy is attracting increasing attention in the treatment of various cancers. However, insufficient infiltration of adoptively transferred NK cells limits clinical utility, especially for solid tumors. Expansion of NK cells or engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells ex vivo prior to adoptive transfer by using various cytokines alters the profiles of chemokine receptors, which affects the infiltration of transferred NK cells into tumor tissue. Several factors control NK cell trafficking and homing, including cell-intrinsic factors (e.g., transcriptional factors), cell-extrinsic factors (e.g., integrins, selectins, chemokines and their corresponding receptors, signals induced by cytokines, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), etc.), and the cellular microenvironment. Here, we summarize the profiles and mechanisms of NK cell homing and trafficking at steady state and during tumor development, aiming to improve NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang He Ran
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Qing Lin
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China.
| | - Dong Mei Yan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China.
| | - Jian Hua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA.
| | - You Cai Deng
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
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28
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Xie M, Li Y, Meng YZ, Xu P, Yang YG, Dong S, He J, Hu Z. Uterine Natural Killer Cells: A Rising Star in Human Pregnancy Regulation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918550. [PMID: 35720413 PMCID: PMC9198966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are an immune subset located in the uterus. uNK cells have distinct tissue-specific characteristics compared to their counterparts in peripheral blood and lymphoid organs. Based on their location and the pregnancy status of the host, uNK cells are classified as endometrial NK (eNK) cells or decidua NK (dNK) cells. uNK cells are important in protecting the host from pathogen invasion and contribute to a series of physiological processes that affect successful pregnancy, including uterine spiral artery remodeling, fetal development, and immunity tolerance. Abnormal alterations in uNK cell numbers and/or impaired function may cause pregnancy complications, such as recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, or even infertility. In this review, we introduce recent advances in human uNK cell research under normal physiological or pathological conditions, and summarize their unique influences on the process of pregnancy complications or uterine diseases. Finally, we propose the potential clinical use of uNK cells as a novel cellular immunotherapeutic approach for reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xie
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi-Zi Meng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jin He
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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29
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Garcés-Lázaro I, Kotzur R, Cerwenka A, Mandelboim O. NK Cells Under Hypoxia: The Two Faces of Vascularization in Tumor and Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:924775. [PMID: 35769460 PMCID: PMC9234265 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.924775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions greatly shape the phenotype and function of immune cells. Specifically, hypoxic conditions that exist within tissues and organs have been reported to affect both the adaptive and the innate immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the innate immune system. They are among the first immune cells responding to infections and are involved in tumor surveillance. NK cells produce cytokines that shape other innate and adaptive immune cells, and they produce cytolytic molecules leading to target cell killing. Therefore, they are not only involved in steady state tissue homeostasis, but also in pathogen and tumor clearance. Hence, understanding the role of NK cells in pathological and physiological immune biology is an emerging field. To date, it remains incompletely understood how the tissue microenvironment shapes NK cell phenotype and function. In particular, the impact of low oxygen concentrations in tissues on NK cell reactivity has not been systematically dissected. Here, we present a comprehensive review focusing on two highly compelling hypoxic tissue environments, the tumor microenvironment (pathological) and the decidua (physiological) and compare their impact on NK cell reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Garcés-Lázaro
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute of Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rebecca Kotzur
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute of Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- *Correspondence: Adelheid Cerwenka, ; Ofer Mandelboim,
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- *Correspondence: Adelheid Cerwenka, ; Ofer Mandelboim,
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30
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Immunological microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103632. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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31
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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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32
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Gemelli M, Noonan DM, Carlini V, Pelosi G, Barberis M, Ricotta R, Albini A. Overcoming Resistance to Checkpoint Inhibitors: Natural Killer Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:886440. [PMID: 35712510 PMCID: PMC9194506 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.886440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatments over the last 10 years, with even increasing indications in many neoplasms. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is considered highly immunogenic, and ICIs have found a wide set of applications in this area, in both early and advanced lines of treatment, significantly changing the prognosis of these patients. Unfortunately, not all patients can benefit from the treatment, and resistance to ICIs can develop at any time. In addition to T lymphocytes, which are the major target, a variety of other cells present in the tumor microenvironment (TME) act in a complex cross-talk between tumor, stromal, and immune cells. An imbalance between activating and inhibitory signals can shift TME from an “anti-” to a “pro-tumorigenic” phenotype and vice versa. Natural killer cells (NKs) are able to recognize cancer cells, based on MHC I (self and non-self) and independently from antigen presentation. They represent an important link between innate and adaptive immune responses. Little data are available about the role of pro-inflammatory NKs in NSCLC and how they can influence the response to ICIs. NKs express several ligands of the checkpoint family, such as PD-1, TIGIT, TIM-3, LAG3, CD96, IL1R8, and NKG2A. We and others have shown that TME can also shape NKs, converting them into a pro-tumoral, pro-angiogenic “nurturing” phenotype through “decidualization.” The features of these NKs include expression of CD56, CD9, CD49a, and CXCR3; low CD16; and poor cytotoxicity. During ICI therapy, tumor-infiltrating or associated NKs can respond to the inhibitors or counteract the effect by acting as pro-inflammatory. There is a growing interest in NKs as a promising therapeutic target, as a basis for adoptive therapy and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK technology. In this review, we analyzed current evidence on NK function in NSCLC, focusing on their possible influence in response to ICI treatment and resistance development, addressing their prognostic and predictive roles and the rationale for exploiting NKs as a tool to overcome resistance in NSCLC, and envisaging a way to repolarize decidual NK (dNK)-like cells in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gemelli
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Douglas M. Noonan
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica Science and Technology Park, Milan, Italy
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Carlini
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica Science and Technology Park, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pelosi
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica Science and Technology Park, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Barberis
- Department of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ricotta
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Adriana Albini, ; Riccardo Ricotta,
| | - Adriana Albini
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Adriana Albini, ; Riccardo Ricotta,
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33
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Wiedemann GM. Localization Matters: Epigenetic Regulation of Natural Killer Cells in Different Tissue Microenvironments. Front Immunol 2022; 13:913054. [PMID: 35707540 PMCID: PMC9191276 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.913054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer cells (NK cells) are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which play a key role in the early protection against viral infection and cancer. In addition to mounting rapid effector responses, NK cells possess the capacity to generate long-lived memory cells in response to certain stimuli, thus blurring the lines between innate and adaptive immunity and making NK cells an ideal candidate for tumor immunotherapy. NK cell development, activation and memory formation are regulated by epigenetic alterations driven by a complex interplay of external and internal signals. These epigenetic modifications can convey long-lasting functional and phenotypic changes and critically modify their response to stimulation. Here, we review how NK cell functionality and plasticity are regulated at the epigenetic level in different tissue microenvironments and within tumor microenvironments. An in-depth understanding of the epigenetic modifications underlying NK cell functional diversity in different environments is an essential step in the development of NK cell-based cancer therapies.
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34
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Zecca A, Barili V, Olivani A, Biasini E, Boni C, Fisicaro P, Montali I, Tiezzi C, Dalla Valle R, Ferrari C, Cariani E, Missale G. Targeting Stress Sensor Kinases in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Infiltrating Human NK Cells as a Novel Immunotherapeutic Strategy for Liver Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:875072. [PMID: 35677052 PMCID: PMC9168800 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.875072] [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: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells may become functionally exhausted entering hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and this has been associated with tumor progression and poor clinical outcome. Hypoxia, low nutrients, immunosuppressive cells, and soluble mediators characterize the intratumor microenvironment responsible for the metabolic deregulation of infiltrating immune cells such as NK cells. HCC-infiltrating NK cells from patients undergoing liver resection for HCC were sorted, and genome-wide transcriptome profiling was performed. We have identified a marked general upregulation of gene expression profile along with metabolic impairment of glycolysis, OXPHOS, and autophagy as well as functional defects of NK cells. Targeting p38 kinase, a stress-responsive mitogen-activated protein kinase, we could positively modify the metabolic profile of NK cells with functional restoration in terms of TNF-α production and cytotoxicity. We found a metabolic and functional derangement of HCC-infiltrating NK cells that is part of the immune defects associated with tumor progression and recurrence. NK cell exhaustion due to the hostile tumor microenvironment may be restored with p38 inhibitors with a selective mechanism that is specific for tumor-infiltrating-not affecting liver-infiltrating-NK cells. These results may represent the basis for the development of a new immunotherapeutic strategy to integrate and improve the available treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Zecca
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valeria Barili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Olivani
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Biasini
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carolina Boni
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Fisicaro
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Montali
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Camilla Tiezzi
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Ferrari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Missale
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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35
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Zhang T, Shen HH, Qin XY, Li MQ. The metabolic characteristic of decidual immune cells and their unique properties in pregnancy loss. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:168-186. [PMID: 35582842 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Maternal tolerance to semi- or fully allograft conceptus is a prerequisite for the maintenance of pregnancy. Once this homeostasis is disrupted, it may result in pregnancy loss. As a potential approach to prevent pregnancy loss, targeting decidual immune cells (DICs) at the maternal-fetal interface has been suggested. Although the phenotypic features and functions of DIC have been extensively profiled, the regulatory pathways for this unique immunological adaption have yet to be elucidated. In recent years, a pivotal mechanism has been highlighted in the area of immunometabolism, by which the changes in intracellular metabolic pathways in DIC and interaction with the adjacent metabolites in the microenvironment can alter their phenotypes and function. More inspiringly, the manipulation of metabolic profiling in DIC provides a novel avenue for the prevention and treatment of pregnancy loss. Herein, this review highlights the major metabolic programs (specifically, glycolysis, ATP-adenosine metabolism, lysophosphatidic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism) in multiple immune cells (including decidual NK cells, macrophages, and T cells) and their integrations with the metabolic microenvironment in normal pregnancy. Importantly, this perspective may help to provide a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing pregnancy loss via targeting this interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Yun Qin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Medical School, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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36
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Yan S, Dong J, Qian C, Chen S, Xu Q, Lei H, Wang X. The mTORC1 Signaling Support Cellular Metabolism to Dictate Decidual NK Cells Function in Early Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:771732. [PMID: 35359988 PMCID: PMC8960317 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.771732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolism plays an important role in regulating both human and murine NK cell functions. However, it remains unclear whether cellular metabolic process impacts on the function of decidual NK cells (dNK), essential tissue-resident immune cells maintaining the homeostasis of maternal-fetal interface. Remarkably, we found that glycolysis blockage enhances dNK VEGF-A production but restrains its proliferation. Furthermore, levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α secreted by dNK get decreased when glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is inhibited. Additionally, glycolysis, OXPHOS, and fatty acid oxidation disruption has little effects on the secretion and the CD107a-dependent degranulation of dNK. Mechanistically, we discovered that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling inhibition leads to decreased glycolysis and OXPHOS in dNK. These limited metabolic processes are associated with attenuated dNK functions, which include restricted production of cytokines including IFN-γ and TNF-α, diminished CD107a-dependent degranulation, and restrained dNK proliferation. Finally, we reported that the protein levels of several glycolysis-associated enzymes are altered and the mTORC1 activity is significantly lower in the decidua of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) compared with normal pregnancy, which might give new insights about the pathogenesis of RPL. Collectively, our data demonstrate that glucose metabolism and mTORC1 signaling support dNK functions in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Yan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxi Qian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Lei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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37
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Rawat P, Das A. Differential expression of disparate transcription factor regime holds the key for NK cell development and function modulation. Life Sci 2022; 297:120471. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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38
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Harnessing Natural Killer Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040605. [PMID: 35203256 PMCID: PMC8869885 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There are two main subtypes: small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for 85% of lung cancer diagnoses. Early lung cancer very often has no specific symptoms, and many patients present with late stage disease. Despite the various treatments currently available, many patients experience tumor relapse or develop therapeutic resistance, highlighting the need for more effective therapies. The development of immunotherapies has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape by enhancing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial anti-tumor immune cells, and their exclusion from the tumor microenvironment is associated with poorer survival. It is well established that NK cell frequencies and functions are impaired in NSCLC; thus, placing NK cell-based immunotherapies as a desirable therapeutic concept for this malignancy. Immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors are transforming outcomes for NSCLC. This review explores the current treatment landscape for NSCLC, the role of NK cells and their dysfunction in the cancer setting, the advancement of NK cell therapies, and their future utility in NSCLC.
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Du X, Zhu H, Jiao D, Nian Z, Zhang J, Zhou Y, Zheng X, Tong X, Wei H, Fu B. Human-Induced CD49a+ NK Cells Promote Fetal Growth. Front Immunol 2022; 13:821542. [PMID: 35185911 PMCID: PMC8854499 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.821542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
CD49a+ natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in promoting fetal development and maintaining immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface during the early stages of pregnancy. However, given their residency in human tissue, thorough studies and clinical applications are difficult to perform. It is still unclear as to how functional human CD49a+ NK cells can be induced to benefit pregnancy outcomes. In this study, we established three no-feeder cell induction systems to induce human CD49a+ NK cells from umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), bone marrow HSCs, and peripheral blood NK cells in vitro. These induced NK cells (iNKs) from three cell induction systems display high levels of CD49a, CD9, CD39, CD151 expression, low levels of CD16 expression, and no obvious cytotoxic capability. They are phenotypically and functionally similar to decidual NK cells. Furthermore, these iNKs display a high expression of growth-promoting factors and proangiogenic factors and can promote fetal growth and improve uterine artery blood flow in a murine pregnancy model in vivo. This research demonstrates the ability of human-induced CD49a+ NK cells to promote fetal growth via three cell induction systems, which could eventually be used to treat patients experiencing adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghui Du
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huaiping Zhu
- The Section of Experimental Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Huaiping Zhu, ; Haiming Wei, ; Binqing Fu,
| | - Defeng Jiao
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Nian
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jinghe Zhang
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohu Zheng
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xianhong Tong
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Huaiping Zhu, ; Haiming Wei, ; Binqing Fu,
| | - Binqing Fu
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Huaiping Zhu, ; Haiming Wei, ; Binqing Fu,
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Lash GE. Uterine Natural Killer Cells and Implantation. FERTILITY & REPRODUCTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1142/s2661318221500195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidual leukocytes make up approximately 30% of all decidual stromal cells in early pregnancy, of which 70% are uterine natural killer (uNK) cells. uNK cells are phenotypically distinct from peripheral blood NK cells, being CD56[Formula: see text]CD16[Formula: see text]. A recent single-cell sequencing project of the decidua identified three subsets of uNK cells, but we are yet to determine how they differ functionally. Several roles for uNK cells in implantation are starting to emerge including biosensing of poor-quality embryos, killing of bacteria infected trophoblast, spiral artery remodeling, and regulation of trophoblast invasion. Altered numbers of uNK cells have been identified in several pathological conditions, but whether this is causative of the condition is currently unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gendie E. Lash
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
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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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Salazar MD, Wang WJ, Skariah A, He Q, Field K, Nixon M, Reed R, Dambaeva S, Beaman K, Gilman-Sachs A, Kwak-Kim J. Post-hoc evaluation of peripheral blood natural killer cell cytotoxicity in predicting the risk of recurrent pregnancy losses and repeated implantation failures. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 150:103487. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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43
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Palano MT, Gallazzi M, Cucchiara M, Dehò F, Capogrosso P, Bruno A, Mortara L. The tumor innate immune microenvironment in prostate cancer: an overview of soluble factors and cellular effectors. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:694-718. [PMID: 36338516 PMCID: PMC9630328 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) accounts as the most common non-cutaneous disease affecting males, and as the first cancer, for incidence, in male. With the introduction of the concept of immunoscore, PCa has been classified as a cold tumor, thus driving the attention in the development of strategies aimed at blocking the infiltration/activation of immunosuppressive cells, while favoring the infiltration/activation of anti-tumor immune cells. Even if immunotherapy has revolutionized the approaches to cancer therapy, there is still a window failure, due to the immune cell plasticity within PCa, that can acquire pro-tumor features, subsequent to the tumor microenvironment (TME) capability to polarize them. This review discussed selected relevant soluble factors [transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, IL-23] and cellular components of the innate immunity, as drivers of tumor progression, immunosuppression, and angiogenesis within the PCa-TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Palano
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Gallazzi
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Martina Cucchiara
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Federico Dehò
- Unit of Urology, ASST-Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Paolo Capogrosso
- Unit of Urology, ASST-Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica, 20138 Milan, Italy,Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy,Correspondence: Antonino Bruno,
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy,Lorenzo Mortara, . Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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44
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Terrén I, Borrego F. Role of NK Cells in Tumor Progression. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:169-187. [PMID: 35165864 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are effector lymphocytes with the ability to generate an antitumor response. NK cells encompass a diverse group of subsets with different properties and have the capacity to kill cancer cells by different means. However, tumor cells have developed several mechanisms to evade NK cell-mediated killing. In this chapter, we summarize some aspects of NK cell biology with the aim to understand the competence of these cells and explore some of the challenges that NK cells have to face in different malignancies. Moreover, we will review the current knowledge about the role of NK cells in tumor progression and describe their phenotype and effector functions in tumor tissues and peripheral blood from cancer patients. Finally, we will recapitulate several findings from different studies focused on determining the prognostic value of NK cells in distinct cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Terrén
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Francisco Borrego
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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Zhang C, Wang L, Xiong C, Zhao R, Liang H, Luo X. The role of vascular endothelial growth factor as a prognostic and clinicopathological marker in osteosarcoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res 2021; 16:738. [PMID: 34963495 PMCID: PMC8715589 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02888-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, numerous investigations have been conducted to determine the clinical significance and critical functions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in various malignant cancers. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to comprehensively evaluate the prognostic and clinicopathological value of VEGF in patients with osteosarcoma. METHODS We performed a systematic literature retrieval of available databases. Odds ratios (ORs) or standard mean difference (SMD) for clinicopathological parameters, hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival and disease-free survival were calculated to assess the correlation between VEGF expression and prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma. RESULTS A total of 22 studies with 1144 patients were included in our study. Pooled analyses showed that VEGF overexpression predicted worse overall survival (HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.87-3.11, p < 0.001) and disease-free survival (HR, 2.604; 95% CI, 1.698-3.995, p < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, investigation regarding osteosarcoma clinicopathologic characteristics suggested that high VEGF expression was significantly associated with metastasis (OR, 4.39; 95% CI, 2.77-6.95; p < 0.001), clinical stage (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62-0.87; p < 0.001), and microvessel density (SMD, 3.33, 95% CI,1.57-5.10, p < 0.001), but not associated with tumor location, gender, age, local recurrence, and chemotherapy response. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis findings suggest that elevated VEGF expression may be a predictive biomarker for poor prognosis and adverse clinicopathological characteristics in patients with osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuang Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Runhan Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoji Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China. .,Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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KIECKA ANETA, MACURA BARBARA, SZCZEPANIK MARIAN. Can Lactobacillus spp. Be a Factor Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage? Pol J Microbiol 2021; 70:431-446. [PMID: 35003275 PMCID: PMC8702604 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2021-043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy loss is a common obstetric problem. Significant causes of miscarriage include genetic and epigenetic disorders of the embryo, immunological and endocrine factors, uterine malformations, improper embryo selection, and lifestyle. Perhaps a hitherto underappreciated cause of miscarriage may be an abnormal microbiota composition of the female reproductive system. Lactobacillus spp. is the most common bacteria within the reproductive tract. However, the protective role of Lactobacilli in the vagina has been well described in the literature, while it is still unknown what function Lactobacilli may have in the uterus. Moreover, new research shows that Lactobacillus spp. can have a role in miscarriage. However, both molecular and immunological mechanisms of host-Lactobacillus spp. interactions are not fully understood. Understanding these relationships will help address the importance and extent of the protective role of Lactobacillus spp. in miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- ANETA KIECKA
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
| | - BARBARA MACURA
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
| | - MARIAN SZCZEPANIK
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
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Kniotek M, Roszczyk A, Zych M, Wrzosek M, Szafarowska M, Zagożdżon R, Jerzak M. Sildenafil Citrate Downregulates PDE5A mRNA Expression in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss without Altering Angiogenic Factors-A Preliminary Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215086. [PMID: 34768607 PMCID: PMC8584603 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous study, we showed that sildenafil citrate (SC), a selective PDE5A blocker, modulated NK cell activity in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, which correlated with positive pregnancy outcomes. It was found that NK cells had a pivotal role in decidualization, angiogenesis, spiral artery remodeling, and the regulation of trophoblast invasion. Thus, in the current study, we determined the effects of SC on angiogenic factor expression and production, as well as idNK cell activity in the presence of nitric synthase blocker L-NMMA. Methods: NK cells (CD56+) were isolated from the peripheral blood of 15 patients and 15 fertile women on MACS columns and cultured in transformation media containing IL-15, TGF-β, and AZA—a methylation agent—for 7 days in hypoxia (94% N2, 1% O2, 5% CO2). Cultures were set up in four variants: (1) with SC, (2) without SC, (3) with NO, a synthase blocker, and (4) with SC and NO synthase blocker. NK cell activity was determined after 7 days of culturing as CD107a expression after an additional 4h of stimulation with K562 erythroleukemia cells. The expression of the PDE5A, VEGF-A, PIGF, IL-8, and RENBP genes was determined with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) using TaqMan probes and ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of VEGF-A, PLGF, IL-8, Ang-I, Ang-II, IFN–γ proteins in culture supernatants after SC supplementation. Results: SC downregulated PDE5A expression and had no effect on other studied angiogenic factors. VEGF-A expression was increased in RPL patients compared with fertile women. Similarly, VEGF production was enhanced in RPL patients’ supernatants and SC increased the concentration of PIGF in culture supernatants. SC did not affect the expression or concentration of other studied factors, nor idNK cell activity, regardless of NO synthase blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kniotek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 59 Nowogrodzka St., 02-006 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (A.R.); (M.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Aleksander Roszczyk
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 59 Nowogrodzka St., 02-006 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (A.R.); (M.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Michał Zych
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 59 Nowogrodzka St., 02-006 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (A.R.); (M.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Małgorzata Wrzosek
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha St., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Preclinical Research Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha St., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Monika Szafarowska
- Department of Gynecology and Oncological Gynecology, Military Institute of Medicine, 128 Szaserów St., 04-141 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Radosław Zagożdżon
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 59 Nowogrodzka St., 02-006 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (A.R.); (M.Z.); (R.Z.)
- Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 59 Nowogrodzka St., 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Jerzak
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha St., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Preclinical Research Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha St., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- m-CLINIC 77/U9 Pulawska St., 02-595 Warsawa, Poland
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Poniedziałek-Czajkowska E, Mierzyński R. Could Vitamin D Be Effective in Prevention of Preeclampsia? Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113854. [PMID: 34836111 PMCID: PMC8621759 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevention of preeclampsia (PE) remains one of the most significant problems in perinatal medicine. Due to the possible unpredictable course of hypertension in pregnancy, primarily PE and the high complication rate for the mother and fetus/newborn, it is urgent to offer pregnant women in high-risk groups effective methods of preventing the PE development or delaying its appearance. In addition, due to the association of PE with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in later life, effective preeclampsia prevention could also be important in reducing their incidence. Ideal PE prophylaxis should target the pathogenetic changes leading to the development of PE and be safe for the mother and fetus, inexpensive and freely available. Currently, the only recognized method of PE prevention recommended by many institutions around the world is the use of a small dose of acetylsalicylic acid in pregnant women with risk factors. Unfortunately, some cases of PE are diagnosed in women without recognized risk factors and in those in whom prophylaxis with acetylsalicylic acid is not adequate. Hence, new drugs which would target pathogenetic elements in the development of preeclampsia are studied. Vitamin D (Vit D) seems to be a promising agent due to its beneficial effect on placental implantation, the immune system, and angiogenic factors. Studies published so far emphasize the relationship of its deficiency with the development of PE, but the data on the benefits of its supplementation to reduce the risk of PE are inconclusive. In the light of current research, the key issue is determining the protective concentration of Vit D in a pregnant woman. The study aims to present the possibility of using Vit D to prevent PE, emphasizing its impact on the pathogenetic elements of preeclampsia development.
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Sfakianoudis K, Rapani A, Grigoriadis S, Pantou A, Maziotis E, Kokkini G, Tsirligkani C, Bolaris S, Nikolettos K, Chronopoulou M, Pantos K, Simopoulou M. The Role of Uterine Natural Killer Cells on Recurrent Miscarriage and Recurrent Implantation Failure: From Pathophysiology to Treatment. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101425. [PMID: 34680540 PMCID: PMC8533591 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells constitute a unique uterine leucocyte subpopulation facilitating implantation and maintaining pregnancy. Herein, we critically analyze current evidence regarding the role of uNK cells in the events entailed in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent miscarriages (RM). Data suggest an association between RIF and RM with abnormally elevated uNK cells’ numbers, as well as with a defective biological activity leading to cytotoxicity. However, other studies do not concur on these associations. Robust data suggesting a definitive causative relationship between uNK cells and RIF and RM is missing. Considering the possibility of uNK cells involvement on RIF and RM pathophysiology, possible treatments including glucocorticoids, intralipids, and intravenous immunoglobulin administration have been proposed towards addressing uNK related RIF and RM. When considering clinical routine practice, this study indicated that solid evidence is required to report on efficiency and safety of these treatments as there are recommendations that clearly advise against their employment. In conclusion, defining a causative relationship between uNK and RIF–RM pathologies certainly merits investigation. Future studies should serve as a prerequisite prior to proposing the use of uNK as a biomarker or prior to targeting uNK cells for therapeutic purposes addressing RIF and RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Sfakianoudis
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (A.P.); (M.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Anna Rapani
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
- Assisted Conception Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Agni Pantou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (A.P.); (M.C.); (K.P.)
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
- Assisted Conception Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Kokkini
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
| | - Chrysanthi Tsirligkani
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
| | - Stamatis Bolaris
- Assisted Conception Unit, General-Maternity District Hospital "Elena Venizelou", Elenas Venizelou Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Nikolettos
- Assisted Reproduction Unit of Thrace “Embryokosmogenesis”, Apalos, 68132 Alexandroupoli, Greece;
| | - Margarita Chronopoulou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (A.P.); (M.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Konstantinos Pantos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (A.P.); (M.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.R.); (S.G.); (E.M.); (G.K.); (C.T.)
- Assisted Conception Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-21-0746-2592
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TIMP1 and TIMP2 Downregulate TGFβ Induced Decidual-like Phenotype in Natural Killer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194955. [PMID: 34638439 PMCID: PMC8507839 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer patients are characterized by NK cells with altered surface markers, such as CD56 brightness, CD9, CD49a (pro-angiogenic) and PD-1, and TIM-3 (exhaustion), that favor immune escape. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is a major tumor-derived cytokine that favors cancer growth and supports pro-angiogenic activities in NK cells by inducing pro-angiogenic molecules. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 play a crucial role in extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation, wound healing, pregnancy and cancer, and there is increasing evidence that they are immune-modulatory. We found that recombinant TIMP-1 and -2 can partially contrast the induction of pro-tumor/pro-angiogenic decidual-like polarization of NK cells by TGFβ. Abstract Natural Killer (NK) cells have been found to be anergic, exhausted and pro-angiogenic in cancers. NK cell from healthy donors, exposed to TGFβ, acquire the CD56brightCD9+CD49a+ decidual-like-phenotype, together with decreased levels of NKG2D activation marker, increased levels of TIM-3 exhaustion marker, similar to cancer-associated NK cells. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) exert dual roles in cancer. The role of TIMPs in modulating immune cells is a very novel concept, and the present is the first report studying their ability to contrast TGFβ action on NK cells. Here, we investigated the effects of TIMP1 and TIMP2 recombinant proteins in hindering decidual-like markers in NK cells, generated by polarizing cytolytic NK cells with TGFβ. The effects of TIMP1 or TIMP2 on NK cell surface antigens were determined by multicolor flow cytometry. We found that TIMP1 and TIMP2 were effective in interfering with TGFβ induced NK cell polarization towards a decidual-like-phenotype. TIMP1 and TIMP2 counteracted the effect of TGFβ in increasing the percentage of CD56bright, CD16−, CD9+ and CD49a+, and restoring normal levels for TIMP 1 and 2 also inhibited decrease levels of the activation marker NKG2D induced by TGFβ and decreased the TGFβ upregulated exhaustion marker TIM-3. NK cell degranulation capabilities against K562 cells were also decreased by TGFβ and not by TIMP1 or TIMP2. TIMP1 treatment could partially restore degranulation marker CD107a expression. Treatment with recombinant TIMP-1 or TIMP-2 showed a trend, although not statistically significant, to decrease CD49a+ and TIM-3+ expression and increase NKG2D in peripheral blood NK cells exposed to conditioned media from colon cancer cell lines. Our results suggest a potential role of TIMPs in controlling the tumor-associated cytokine TGFβ-induced NK cell polarization. Given the heterogeneity of released factors within the TME, it is clear that TGFβ stimulation represents a model to prove TIMP’s new properties, but it cannot be envisaged as a soloist NK cell polarizing agent. Therefore, further studies from the scientific community will help defining TIMPs immunomodulatory activities of NK cells in cancer, and their possible future diagnostic–therapeutic roles.
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