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Pende D, Falco M, Vitale M, Cantoni C, Vitale C, Munari E, Bertaina A, Moretta F, Del Zotto G, Pietra G, Mingari MC, Locatelli F, Moretta L. Killer Ig-Like Receptors (KIRs): Their Role in NK Cell Modulation and Developments Leading to Their Clinical Exploitation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1179. [PMID: 31231370 PMCID: PMC6558367 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to the first line of defense against viruses and to the control of tumor growth and metastasis spread. The discovery of HLA class I specific inhibitory receptors, primarily of killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs), and of activating receptors has been fundamental to unravel NK cell function and the molecular mechanisms of tumor cell killing. Stemmed from the seminal discoveries in early '90s, in which Alessandro Moretta was the major actor, an extraordinary amount of research on KIR specificity, genetics, polymorphism, and repertoire has followed. These basic notions on NK cells and their receptors have been successfully translated to clinical applications, primarily to the haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to cure otherwise fatal leukemia in patients with no HLA compatible donors. The finding that NK cells may express the PD-1 inhibitory checkpoint, particularly in cancer patients, may allow understanding how anti-PD-1 therapy could function also in case of HLA class Ineg tumors, usually susceptible to NK-mediated killing. This, together with the synergy of therapeutic anti-checkpoint monoclonal antibodies, including those directed against NKG2A or KIRs, emerging in recent or ongoing studies, opened new solid perspectives in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pende
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Alice Bertaina
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Francesca Moretta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Genny Del Zotto
- Core Facilities, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Oncohematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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2
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Biassoni R, Malnati MS. Human Natural Killer Receptors, Co-Receptors, and Their Ligands. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 121:e47. [PMID: 30040219 DOI: 10.1002/cpim.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the last 20 years, the study of human natural killer (NK) cells has moved from the first molecular characterizations of very few receptor molecules to the identification of a plethora of receptors displaying surprisingly divergent functions. We have contributed to the description of inhibitory receptors and their signaling pathways, important in fine regulation in many cell types, but unknown until their discovery in the NK cells. Inhibitory function is central to regulating NK-mediated cytolysis, with different molecular structures evolving during speciation to assure its persistence. More recently, it has become possible to characterize the NK triggering receptors mediating natural cytotoxicity, unveiling the existence of a network of cellular interactions between effectors of both natural and adaptive immunity. This unit reviews the contemporary history of molecular studies of receptors and ligands involved in NK cell function, characterizing the ligands of the triggering receptor and the mechanisms for finely regulating their expression in pathogen-infected or tumor cells. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Biassoni
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Genova, Italy
| | - Mauro S Malnati
- IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Unit of Human Virology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Milan, Italy
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3
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Pazina T, Shemesh A, Brusilovsky M, Porgador A, Campbell KS. Regulation of the Functions of Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors by Interactions with Diverse Ligands and Alterations in Splice Variant Expression. Front Immunol 2017; 8:369. [PMID: 28424697 PMCID: PMC5371597 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) family is constituted by NKp46, NKp44, and NKp30 in humans, which are expressed mainly on natural killer (NK) cells and are encoded by the ncr1, ncr2, and ncr3 genes, respectively. NCRs have classically been defined as activating receptors that trigger cytotoxicity and cytokine responses by NK cells upon engaging with ligands on tumor cells. Several new findings, however, have challenged this model and identified alternative mechanisms regulating the function of NCRs. Recent reports indicate that ligand matters, since the interaction of NKp44 with distinct ligands on target cells can either activate or inhibit NK cells. Also, the NCRs have been found to interact with distinct specificities to various heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans, which are complex polysaccharides found in extracellular matrix or on cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). The NCRs can engage with HSPGs in trans as a co-ligand on the target cells or in cis on the NK cell surface to regulate receptor–ligand interactions and NK cell activation. A number of splice variants of ncr2 and ncr3 have also been identified, and a predominant expression of certain variants results in inhibitory signaling through NKp44 and NKp30. Several recent studies have found that the selective expression of some of these inhibitory splice variants can significantly influence outcome in the contexts of cancer, infection, and pregnancy. These findings establish that NCR functions are more diverse than originally thought, and better understanding of their splice variant expression profiles and ligand interactions are needed to establish their functional regulation in the context of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Pazina
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Institute of Experimental Medicine", St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Avishai Shemesh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michael Brusilovsky
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Angel Porgador
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Kerry S Campbell
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Oszmiana A, Williamson DJ, Cordoba SP, Morgan DJ, Kennedy PR, Stacey K, Davis DM. The Size of Activating and Inhibitory Killer Ig-like Receptor Nanoclusters Is Controlled by the Transmembrane Sequence and Affects Signaling. Cell Rep 2016; 15:1957-72. [PMID: 27210755 PMCID: PMC4893158 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.04.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Super-resolution microscopy has revealed that immune cell receptors are organized in nanoscale clusters at cell surfaces and immune synapses. However, mechanisms and functions for this nanoscale organization remain unclear. Here, we used super-resolution microscopy to compare the surface organization of paired killer Ig-like receptors (KIR), KIR2DL1 and KIR2DS1, on human primary natural killer cells and cell lines. Activating KIR2DS1 assembled in clusters two-fold larger than its inhibitory counterpart KIR2DL1. Site-directed mutagenesis established that the size of nanoclusters is controlled by transmembrane amino acid 233, a lysine in KIR2DS1. Super-resolution microscopy also revealed two ways in which the nanoscale clustering of KIR affects signaling. First, KIR2DS1 and DAP12 nanoclusters are juxtaposed in the resting cell state but coalesce upon receptor ligation. Second, quantitative super-resolution microscopy revealed that phosphorylation of the kinase ZAP-70 or phosphatase SHP-1 is favored in larger KIR nanoclusters. Thus, the size of KIR nanoclusters depends on the transmembrane sequence and affects downstream signaling. Activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors have a distinct nanoscale organization The transmembrane sequence of KIR controls their nanoscale organization Nanoclusters of KIR2DS1 and its adaptor are juxtaposed but mix upon activation Phosphorylation of ZAP-70 or SHP-1 is favored in larger receptor nanoclusters
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Oszmiana
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - David J Williamson
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Shaun-Paul Cordoba
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - David J Morgan
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Philippa R Kennedy
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Kevin Stacey
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Daniel M Davis
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK.
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Campbell KS, Purdy AK. Structure/function of human killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors: lessons from polymorphisms, evolution, crystal structures and mutations. Immunology 2011; 132:315-25. [PMID: 21214544 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2010.03398.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulation or tolerance of natural killer (NK) cells is achieved through a cross-talk of signals derived from cell surface activating and inhibitory receptors. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are a family of highly polymorphic activating and inhibitory receptors that serve as key regulators of human NK cell function. Distinct structural domains in different KIR family members determine function by providing docking sites for ligands or signalling proteins. Here, we review a growing body of literature that has identified important structural elements on KIR that contribute to function through studies of engineered mutants, natural polymorphic sequence variants, crystal structure data and the conservation of protein sequences throughout primate evolution. Extensive natural polymorphism is associated with both human KIR and their ligands, MHC class I (HLA-A, -B and -C) molecules, and numerous studies have demonstrated associations between inheritance of certain combinations of KIR and HLA genes and susceptibility to several diseases, including viral infections, autoimmune disorders and cancers. In addition, certain KIR/HLA combinations can influence pregnancy and the outcome of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In view of the significant regulatory influences of KIR on immune function and human health, it is essential to fully understand the impacts of these polymorphic sequence variations on ligand recognition, expression and function of the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry S Campbell
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
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6
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Biassoni R. Human natural killer receptors, co-receptors, and their ligands. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN IMMUNOLOGY 2009; Chapter 14:14.10.1-14.10.40. [PMID: 19235767 DOI: 10.1002/0471142735.im1410s84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In the last 20 years, the study of human natural killer (NK) cells has moved from the first molecular characterizations of very few receptor molecules to the identification of a plethora of receptors displaying surprisingly divergent functions. Our laboratory has contributed to the description of inhibitory receptors and their signaling pathways, important in fine regulation in many cell types, but unknown until their discovery in the NK cells. Inhibitory function is central to regulating NK-mediated cytolysis, with different molecular structures evolving during speciation to assure its persistence. Only in the last ten years has it become possible to characterize the NK triggering receptors mediating natural cytotoxicity, leading to an appreciation of the existence of a cellular interaction network between effectors of both natural and adaptive immunity. This report reviews the contemporary history of molecular studies of receptors and ligands involved in NK cell function, characterizing the ligands of the triggering receptor and the mechanisms for finely regulating their expression in pathogen-infected or tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Biassoni
- Instituto Giannina Gaslini, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Genova, Italy
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7
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Biassoni R. Natural killer cell receptors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2008; 640:35-52. [PMID: 19065782 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-09789-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important arm of the innate immune response that are directly involved in the recognition and lysis of virus-infected and tumor cells. Such function is under the control of a complex array of germline-encoded receptors able to deliver either inhibitory or activating signals. The majority of inhibitory receptors expressed by NK cells are major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-specific and display clonal and stochastic distribution on the cell surface. Thus, a given NK cell expresses at least one self class I inhibitory receptor. Under normal conditions, the strength of inhibitory signals delivered by multiple interactions always overrides the activating signals, resulting in NK cell self-tolerance. Under certain pathological conditions, such as viral infections or tumor transformation, the delicate balance of inhibition versus activation is broken, resulting in downregulation or loss of MHC class I expression. In general, the degree of inhibition induced by class I-specific receptors is proportional to the amount of these molecules on the cell surface. Thus, in transformed cells, this inhibition can be overridden by the triggering signal cascades, leading to cell activation. The majority of triggering receptors expressed by NK cells belong to the multichain immune recognition receptor (MIRR) family and use separate signal-transducing polypeptides similar to those used by other immune receptors such as the T-cell antigen receptor, the B-cell antigen receptor and other receptors expressed by myeloid cells. Inhibitory receptors are not members of the MIRR family but they are relevant for a better understanding the exquisite equilibrium and regulatory crosstalk between positive and negative signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Biassoni
- Molecular Medicine, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy.
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Biassoni R, Bottino C, Cantoni C, Moretta A. Human natural killer receptors and their ligands. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; Chapter 14:14.10.1-14.10.23. [PMID: 18432872 DOI: 10.1002/0471142735.im1410s46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Human Natural Killer Receptors and Their Ligands (Roberto Biassoni and Cristina Bottino, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy; Claudia Cantoni, Universita degli Studi di Genova, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Alessandro Moretta, Universita degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy). Natural killer (NK) cells are a lymphocyte subpopulation that are important effectors of innate immune responses against infectious pathogens. They are thought to play an important role in host defense, not only against virally infected cells, but also in killing of tumor cells. Recent progress indicates that NK cells express an array of receptors, some of them clonally distributed, able to modulate the natural cytotoxicity. Three NK-specific activating receptors have been characterized; they belong to a novel receptor family called natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCR) and are represented by NKp46, NKp44, and NKp30. These receptors, upon engagement by their specific ligands, induce a strong activation of NK-mediated cytotoxic activity. This overview discusses the receptors (both activating and inhibitory) expressed by NK cells and their ligands. Finally, the dysfunction of one of these molecules occurring in a genetically inherited immunodeficiency is discussed.
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9
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The diversity of KIR gene in Chinese Northern Han population and the impact of donor KIR and patient HLA genotypes on outcome following HLA-identical sibling allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematological malignancy in Chinese people. Int J Hematol 2008; 87:422-433. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-008-0058-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2006] [Revised: 12/20/2007] [Accepted: 01/25/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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10
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Volz A, Radeloff B. Detecting the unusual: natural killer cells. PROGRESS IN NUCLEIC ACID RESEARCH AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2006; 81:473-541. [PMID: 16891179 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6603(06)81012-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Armin Volz
- Institut für Immungenetik Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Spanndauer Damm 130, 14050 Berlin, Germany
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11
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Fann M, Chiu WK, Wood WH, Levine BL, Becker KG, Weng NP. Gene expression characteristics of CD28null memory phenotype CD8+ T cells and its implication in T-cell aging. Immunol Rev 2005; 205:190-206. [PMID: 15882354 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2005.00262.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of CD28(null)CD8(+) T cells is considered as one of the hallmarks of aging in the human immune system. However, the precise changes of CD28(null)CD8(+) T cells, compared to those of the precursor CD28(+)CD8(+) memory T cells, have not been determined. In this study, we present an analysis of the global gene expression profiles of CD28(+) and CD28(null) memory phenotype CD8(+) T cells. These two CD8(+) T subsets exhibited an overall similar gene expression profile with only a few dozen genes that were differentially expressed. A wide range of functions, including co-stimulation, effector activity, signaling, and transcription, were possessed by these differentially expressed genes, reflecting significant functional changes of CD28(null) memory phenotype CD8(+) T cells from their CD28(+) counterparts. In addition, CD28(null) memory CD8(+) T cells expressed several natural killer cell receptors and high levels of granzymes, perforin, and FasL, indicating an increasing capacity for cytotoxicity during memory CD8(+) T-cell aging. Interestingly, in vitro culture of these two subsets with interleukin-15 showed that similar gene expression changes occurred in both subsets. Our analysis provides the gene expression portraits of CD28(null) memory phenotype CD8(+) T cells and alteration from their CD28(+) counterparts and suggests potential mechanisms of T-cell aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monchou Fann
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Faure M, Long EO. KIR2DL4 (CD158d), an NK cell-activating receptor with inhibitory potential. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2002; 168:6208-14. [PMID: 12055234 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.168.12.6208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
KIR2DL4 (CD158d) is an unusual member of the killer cell Ig-like receptor family expressed in all NK cells and some T cells. KIR2DL4 activates the cytotoxicity of NK cells, despite the presence of an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) in its cytoplasmic tail. The role of this ITIM on the activating function of KIR2DL4, and whether it can provide inhibitory signals, is not known. Mutated forms of KIR2DL4 were engineered that lacked either the tyrosine in the ITIM or an arginine-tyrosine motif in the transmembrane region that is required for the activation signal. The activity of the mutated KIR2DL4 molecules was tested in a redirected lysis assay. The ITIM was not necessary for activation of lysis by KIR2DL4. The activation signal of KIR2DL4 was sensitive to inhibition by another ITIM-containing receptor. The activation-deficient mutant of KIR2DL4 inhibited the signal delivered by the activating receptor CD16. In pull-down experiments with GST fusion proteins, the tyrosine-phosphorylated cytoplasmic tail of KIR2DL4 bound the Src homology 2-containing phosphatases 1 and 2, as did the tail of the inhibitory receptor KIR2DL1. Therefore, KIR2DL4 has inhibitory potential in addition to its activating function.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Motifs/genetics
- Amino Acid Motifs/immunology
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity/genetics
- Cytoplasm/genetics
- Cytoplasm/immunology
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/genetics
- Genetic Vectors
- Humans
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation/genetics
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Peptide Fragments/genetics
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Protein Binding/genetics
- Protein Binding/immunology
- Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11
- Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 6
- Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/physiology
- Receptors, KIR
- Receptors, KIR2DL1
- Receptors, KIR2DL4
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Recombination, Genetic
- SH2 Domain-Containing Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- Vaccinia virus/genetics
- Vaccinia virus/immunology
- src Homology Domains/genetics
- src Homology Domains/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Faure
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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13
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Moretta A, Bottino C, Vitale M, Pende D, Cantoni C, Mingari MC, Biassoni R, Moretta L. Activating receptors and coreceptors involved in human natural killer cell-mediated cytolysis. Annu Rev Immunol 2001; 19:197-223. [PMID: 11244035 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.immunol.19.1.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1331] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer cells can discriminate between normal cells and cells that do not express adequate amounts of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. The discovery, both in mouse and in human, of MHC-specific inhibitory receptors clarified the molecular basis of this important NK cell function. However, the triggering receptors responsible for positive NK cell stimulation remained elusive until recently. Some of these receptors have now been identified in humans, thus shedding some light on the molecular mechanisms involved in NK cell activation during the process of natural cytotoxicity. Three novel, NK-specific, triggering surface molecules (NKp46, NKp30, and NKp44) have been identified. They represent the first members of a novel emerging group of receptors collectively termed natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCR). Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to NCR block to differing extents the NK-mediated lysis of various tumors. Moreover, lysis of certain tumors can be virtually abrogated by the simultaneous masking of the three NCRs. There is a coordinated surface expression of the three NCRs, their surface density varying in different individuals and also in the NK cells isolated from a given individual. A direct correlation exists between the surface density of NCR and the ability of NK cells to kill various tumors. NKp46 is the only NCR involved in human NK-mediated killing of murine target cells. Accordingly, a homologue of NKp46 has been detected in mouse. Molecular cloning of NCR revealed novel members of the Ig superfamily displaying a low degree of similarity to each other and to known human molecules. NCRs are coupled to different signal transducing adaptor proteins, including CD3 zeta, Fc epsilon RI gamma, and KARAP/DAP12. Another triggering NK receptor is NKG2D. It appears to play either a complementary or a synergistic role with NCRs. Thus, the triggering of NK cells in the process of tumor cell lysis may often depend on the concerted action of NCR and NKG2D. In some instances, however, it may uniquely depend upon the activity of NCR or NKG2D only. Strict NKG2D-dependency can be appreciated using clones that, in spite of their NCR(dull) phenotype, efficiently lyse certain epithelial tumors or leukemic cell lines. Other triggering surface molecules including 2B4 and the novel NKp80 appear to function as coreceptors rather than as true receptors. Indeed, they can induce natural cytotoxicity only when co-engaged with a triggering receptor. While an altered expression or function of NCR or NKG2D is being explored as a possible cause of immunological disorders, 2B4 dysfunction has already been associated with a severe form of immunodeficiency. Indeed, in patients with the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, the inability to control Epstein-Barr virus infections may be consequent to a major dysfunction of 2B4 that exerts inhibitory instead of activating functions.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antigens, CD
- Carrier Proteins/immunology
- Cloning, Molecular
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/immunology
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/immunology
- Humans
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Lectins, C-Type
- Lymphoproliferative Disorders/immunology
- Membrane Glycoproteins/chemistry
- Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology
- Mice
- Multigene Family
- Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 1
- Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 2
- Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 3
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Immunologic/chemistry
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
- Signal Transduction
- Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Associated Protein
- Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family
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Affiliation(s)
- A Moretta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Italy.
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14
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Biassoni R, Cantoni C, Falco M, Pende D, Millo R, Moretta L, Bottino C, Moretta A. Human natural killer cell activating receptors. Mol Immunol 2000; 37:1015-24. [PMID: 11399319 DOI: 10.1016/s0161-5890(01)00018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells were poorly characterized until 10 years ago and few molecules expressed on their cell surface were known. Now the situation has changed dramatically, since a plethora of receptors characterized by opposite functions have been functionally and molecularly defined. NK cells express clonally distributed inhibitory receptors specific for different groups of HLA class I alleles, thus protecting normal cells from NK-mediated lysis. On the contrary, various activating receptors are involved in triggering of NK-mediated natural cytotoxicity. Their engagement induces human NK cells to kill target cells that are either HLA class I-negative or -deficient. Here a brief description of the activating receptors and coreceptor and of their ligand(s) is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Biassoni
- Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Laboratorio di Immunologia, IST/CBA, L.go R. Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
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