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Perera Molligoda Arachchige AS. Human NK cells: From development to effector functions. Innate Immun 2021; 27:212-229. [PMID: 33761782 PMCID: PMC8054151 DOI: 10.1177/17534259211001512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are the major lymphocyte subset of the innate immune system that mediates antiviral and anti-tumor responses. It is well established that they develop mechanisms to distinguish self from non-self during the process of NK cell education. Unlike T and B cells, natural killer cells lack clonotypic receptors and are activated after recognizing their target via germline-encoded receptors through natural cytotoxicity, cytokine stimulation, and Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Subsequently, they utilize cytotoxic granules, death receptor ligands, and cytokines to perform their effector functions. In this review, we provide a general overview of human NK cells, as opposed to murine NK cells, discussing their ontogeny, maturation, receptor diversity, types of responses, and effector functions. Furthermore, we also describe recent advances in human NK cell biology, including tissue-resident NK cell populations, NK cell memory, and novel approaches used to target NK cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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2
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Li K, Wu Y, Li Y, Yu Q, Tian Z, Wei H, Qu K. Landscape and Dynamics of the Transcriptional Regulatory Network During Natural Killer Cell Differentiation. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2020; 18:501-515. [PMID: 33385611 PMCID: PMC8377244 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are essential in controlling cancer and infection. However, little is known about the dynamics of the transcriptional regulatory machinery during NK cell differentiation. In this study, we applied the assay of transposase accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) technique in a home-developed in vitro NK cell differentiation system. Analysis of ATAC-seq data illustrated two distinct transcription factor (TF) clusters that dynamically regulate NK cell differentiation. Moreover, two TFs from the second cluster, FOS-like 2 (FOSL2) and early growth response 2 (EGR2), were identified as novel essential TFs that control NK cell maturation and function. Knocking down either of these two TFs significantly impacted NK cell differentiation. Finally, we constructed a genome-wide transcriptional regulatory network that provides a better understanding of the regulatory dynamics during NK cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230021, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230021, China
| | - Young Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230021, China
| | - Qiaoni Yu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230021, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 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, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 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, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Kun Qu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 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, Hefei 230027, China; School of Data Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
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3
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Miyazato K, Tahara H, Hayakawa Y. Antimetastatic effects of thalidomide by inducing the functional maturation of peripheral natural killer cells. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:2770-2778. [PMID: 32573072 PMCID: PMC7419051 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide and its analogues are known as immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) that possess direct antimyeloma effects, in addition to other secondary effects, including antiangiogenic, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Although the involvement of natural killer (NK) cells in the antitumor effects of IMiDs has been reported, it is unclear whether IMiDs inhibit cancer cell metastasis by regulating the antitumor function of NK cells. In this study, we examined the protective effects of thalidomide against cancer metastasis by focusing on its immunomodulatory effects through NK cells. Using experimental lung metastasis models, we found that pharmacological effects of thalidomide on host cells, but not its direct anticancer tumor effects, are responsible for the inhibition of lung metastases. To exert the antimetastatic effects of thalidomide, both γ‐interferon (IFN‐γ) production and direct cytotoxicity of NK cells were essential, without notable contribution from T cells. In thalidomide‐treated mice, there was a significant increase in the terminally differentiated mature CD27lo NK cells in the peripheral tissues and NK cells in thalidomide‐treated mice showed significantly higher cytotoxicity and IFN‐γ production. The NK cell expression of T‐bet was upregulated by thalidomide treatment and the downregulation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β expression was observed in thalidomide‐treated NK cells. Collectively, our study suggests that thalidomide induces the functional maturation of peripheral NK cells through alteration of T‐bet expression to inhibit lung metastasis of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiho Miyazato
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tahara
- Project Division of Cancer Biomolecular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Cancer Drug Discovery and Development, Osaka International Cancer Center, Osaka, Japan
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4
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Ivanova DL, Krempels R, Denton SL, Fettel KD, Saltz GM, Rach D, Fatima R, Mundhenke T, Materi J, Dunay IR, Gigley JP. NK Cells Negatively Regulate CD8 T Cells to Promote Immune Exhaustion and Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:313. [PMID: 32733814 PMCID: PMC7360721 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells regulate CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in acute viral infection, vaccination, and the tumor microenvironment. NK cells also become exhausted in chronic activation settings. The mechanisms causing these ILC responses and their impact on adaptive immunity are unclear. CD8+ T cell exhaustion develops during chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection resulting in parasite reactivation and death. How chronic T. gondii infection impacts the NK cell compartment is not known. We demonstrate that NK cells do not exhibit hallmarks of exhaustion. Their numbers are stable and they do not express high PD1 or LAG3. NK cell depletion with anti-NK1.1 is therapeutic and rescues chronic T. gondii infected mice from CD8+ T cell exhaustion dependent death, increases survival after lethal secondary challenge and alters cyst burdens in brain. Anti-NK1.1 treatment increased polyfunctional CD8+ T cell responses in spleen and brain and reduced CD8+ T cell apoptosis in spleen. Chronic T. gondii infection promotes the development of a modified NK cell compartment, which does not exhibit normal NK cell characteristics. NK cells are Ly49 and TRAIL negative and are enriched for expression of CD94/NKG2A and KLRG1. These NK cells are found in both spleen and brain. They do not produce IFNγ, are IL-10 negative, do not increase PDL1 expression, but do increase CD107a on their surface. Based on the NK cell receptor phenotype we observed NKp46 and CD94-NKG2A cognate ligands were measured. Activating NKp46 (NCR1-ligand) ligand increased and NKG2A ligand Qa-1b expression was reduced on CD8+ T cells. Blockade of NKp46 rescued the chronically infected mice from death and reduced the number of NKG2A+ cells. Immunization with a single dose non-persistent 100% protective T. gondii vaccination did not induce this cell population in the spleen, suggesting persistent infection is essential for their development. We hypothesize chronic T. gondii infection induces an NKp46 dependent modified NK cell population that reduces functional CD8+ T cells to promote persistent parasite infection in the brain. NK cell targeted therapies could enhance immunity in people with chronic infections, chronic inflammation and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria L Ivanova
- Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Ryan Krempels
- Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Stephen L Denton
- Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Kevin D Fettel
- Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Giandor M Saltz
- Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - David Rach
- Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Rida Fatima
- Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Tiffany Mundhenke
- Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Joshua Materi
- Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Ildiko R Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jason P Gigley
- Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
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5
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Forconi CS, Oduor CI, Oluoch PO, Ong'echa JM, Münz C, Bailey JA, Moormann AM. A New Hope for CD56 negCD16 pos NK Cells as Unconventional Cytotoxic Mediators: An Adaptation to Chronic Diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:162. [PMID: 32373555 PMCID: PMC7186373 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells play an essential role in antiviral and anti-tumoral immune responses. In peripheral blood, NK cells are commonly classified into two major subsets: CD56brightCD16neg and CD56dimCD16pos despite the characterization of a CD56negCD16pos subset 25 years ago. Since then, several studies have described the prevalence of an CD56negCD16pos NK cell subset in viral non-controllers as the basis for their NK cell dysfunction. However, the mechanistic basis for their cytotoxic impairment is unclear. Recently, using a strict flow cytometry gating strategy to exclude monocytes, we reported an accumulation of CD56negCD16pos NK cells in Plasmodium falciparum malaria-exposed children and pediatric cancer patients diagnosed with endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL). Here, we use live-sorted cells, histological staining, bulk RNA-sequencing and flow cytometry to confirm that this CD56negCD16pos NK cell subset has the same morphological features as the other NK cell subsets and a similar transcriptional profile compared to CD56dimCD16pos NK cells with only 120 genes differentially expressed (fold change of 1.5, p < 0.01 and FDR<0.05) out of 9235 transcripts. CD56negCD16pos NK cells have a distinct profile with significantly higher expression of MPEG1 (perforin 2), FCGR3B (CD16b), FCGR2A, and FCGR2B (CD32A and B) as well as CD6, CD84, HLA-DR, LILRB1/2, and PDCD1 (PD-1), whereas Interleukin 18 (IL18) receptor genes (IL18RAP and IL18R1), cytotoxic genes such as KLRF1 (NKp80) and NCR1 (NKp46), and inhibitory HAVCR2 (TIM-3) are significantly down-regulated compared to CD56dimCD16pos NK cells. Together, these data confirm that CD56negCD16pos cells are legitimate NK cells, yet their transcriptional and protein expression profiles suggest their cytotoxic potential is mediated by pathways reliant on antibodies such as antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent respiratory burst (ADRB), and enhanced by complement receptor 3 (CR3) and FAS/FASL interaction. Our findings support the premise that chronic diseases induce NK cell modifications that circumvent proinflammatory mediators involved in direct cytotoxicity. Therefore, individuals with such altered NK cell profiles may respond differently to NK-mediated immunotherapies, infections or vaccines depending on which cytotoxic mechanisms are being engaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Forconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Cliff I Oduor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.,Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Peter O Oluoch
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, United States.,Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John M Ong'echa
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Christian Münz
- Laboratory of Viral Immunology, Experimental Immunology Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Ann M Moormann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, United States
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6
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Huang P, Wang F, Yang Y, Lai W, Meng M, Wu S, Peng H, Wang L, Zhan R, Imani S, Yu J, Chen B, Li X, Deng Y. Hematopoietic-Specific Deletion of Foxo1 Promotes NK Cell Specification and Proliferation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1016. [PMID: 31139183 PMCID: PMC6519137 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that deletion of Foxo1, via Ncr1-iCre mice from the expression of NKp46 onward, led to enhanced natural killer (NK) cell maturation and effector function. In this model, however, the role of Foxo1 in regulating NK cell specification and early development remains exclusive. Herein, we utilized a murine model of hematopoietic-specific deletion of Foxo1 before lymphoid specification, by crossing mice carrying floxed Foxo1 alleles (Foxo1fl/fl) with Vav1-iCre mice, to revisit the role of Foxo1 on NK cell specification and early development. The data showed that hematopoietic-specific deletion of Foxo1 resulted in increased proportion and numbers of common lymphoid progenitors (CLP) (Lin−CD127+c-Kit+Sca-1+), pre-pro NK b cells (Lin−Sca-1+c-Kit−CD135−CD127+), as well as committed Lin−CD122+ cells and CD3−CD19−NKp46+ NK cells in bone marrow. Hematopoietic-specific deletion of Foxo1 also promoted NK cells proliferation in a cell-intrinsic manner, indicated by increased Ki-67 expression and more expansion of NK cell after ex vivo stimulation with IL-15. The reason for Foxo1 suppressing NK cell proliferation might be its direct transcription of the cell-cycle inhibitory genes, such as p21cip1, p27kip1, p130, Gadd45a, and Ccng2 (cyclin G2) in NK cells, supported by the evidence of decreased mRNA expression of p21cip1, p27kip1, p130, Gadd45a, and Ccng2 in Foxo1-deficient NK cells and direct binding of Foxo1 on their promoter region. Furthermore, hematopoietic-specific deletion of Foxo1 resulted in increased ratio of mature NK subsets, such as CD11b+CD27− and CD43+KLRG1+ NK cells, but decreased ratio of immature NK subsets, such as CD27+CD11b− and CD27+CD11b+ NK cells, consistent with the findings in the murine model of Ncr1-iCre mediated Foxo1 deletion. Conclusively, Foxo1 not only acts as a negative checkpoint on NK cell maturation, but also represses NK cell specification and proliferation. The relative higher expression of Foxo1 in CLP and early NK precursors may also contribute to the later NK cell proliferation and responsiveness, which warranties another separate study in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Huang
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fangjie Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Yang
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing Lai
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Meng Meng
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shuting Wu
- Hunan Children's Hospital, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Hongyan Peng
- Hunan Children's Hospital, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Hunan Children's Hospital, Hunan Children's Research Institute (HCRI), University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Rixing Zhan
- Southwest Hospital, Institute of Burn Research, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Saber Imani
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Bingbo Chen
- Laboratory Animal Center, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Youcai Deng
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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7
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Boss AP, Freeborn RA, Duriancik DM, Kennedy RC, Gardner EM, Rockwell CE. The Nrf2 activator tBHQ inhibits the activation of primary murine natural killer cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 121:231-236. [PMID: 30171972 PMCID: PMC6287942 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.08.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) is a commonly used food preservative with known immunomodulatory activity; however, there is little information regarding its role on natural killer (NK) cell activation and function. tBHQ is a known activator of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which results in induction of cytoprotective genes. Activation of Nrf2 has been shown to modulate immune responses in a number of different models. In addition, studies in our laboratory have shown that tBHQ inhibits numerous early events following T cell activation. In the current study, we investigated whether activated NK cells are impacted by tBHQ, since many signaling cascades that control NK cell effector function also contribute to T cell function. Splenocytes were isolated from female, wild-type C57Bl/6J mice and treated with 1 μM or 5 μM tBHQ. NK cell function was assessed after activation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin for 24 h. Activation of NK cells in the presence of tBHQ decreased total NK cell percentage, production of intracellular interferon gamma (IFNɣ), granzyme B, and perforin, and induction of the cell surface proteins CD25 and CD69, which are markers of NK cell activation. In addition to NK cell effector function, NK cell maturation was also altered in response to tBHQ. Notably, this is the first study to demonstrate that the Nrf2 activator, tBHQ, negatively impacts effector function and maturation of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P Boss
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States.
| | - Robert A Freeborn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States.
| | - David M Duriancik
- Department of Biology, University of Michigan- Flint, Flint, MI, 48502, United States.
| | - Rebekah C Kennedy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States.
| | - Elizabeth M Gardner
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States.
| | - Cheryl E Rockwell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States.
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8
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Wang Y, Chu J, Yi P, Dong W, Saultz J, Wang Y, Wang H, Scoville S, Zhang J, Wu LC, Deng Y, He X, Mundy-Bosse B, Freud AG, Wang LS, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. SMAD4 promotes TGF-β-independent NK cell homeostasis and maturation and antitumor immunity. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:5123-5136. [PMID: 30183689 DOI: 10.1172/jci121227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SMAD4 is the only common SMAD in TGF-β signaling that usually impedes immune cell activation in the tumor microenvironment. However, we demonstrated here that selective deletion of Smad4 in NK cells actually led to dramatically reduced tumor cell rejection and augmented tumor cell metastases, reduced murine CMV clearance, as well as impeded NK cell homeostasis and maturation. This was associated with a downregulation of granzyme B (Gzmb), Kit, and Prdm1 in Smad4-deficient NK cells. We further unveiled the mechanism by which SMAD4 promotes Gzmb expression. Gzmb was identified as a direct target of a transcriptional complex formed by SMAD4 and JUNB. A JUNB binding site distinct from that for SMAD4 in the proximal Gzmb promoter was required for transcriptional activation by the SMAD4-JUNB complex. In a Tgfbr2 and Smad4 NK cell-specific double-conditional KO model, SMAD4-mediated events were found to be independent of canonical TGF-β signaling. Our study identifies and mechanistically characterizes unusual functions and pathways for SMAD4 in governing innate immune responses to cancer and viral infection, as well as NK cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youwei Wang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jianhong Chu
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ping Yi
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Third Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjuan Dong
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer Saultz
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Yufeng Wang
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Hongwei Wang
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Steven Scoville
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Lai-Chu Wu
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Youcai Deng
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Aharon G Freud
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Li-Shu Wang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
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9
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Wu Y, Tian Z, Wei H. Developmental and Functional Control of Natural Killer Cells by Cytokines. Front Immunol 2017; 8:930. [PMID: 28824650 PMCID: PMC5543290 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are effective in combating infections and tumors and as such are tempting for adoptive transfer therapy. However, they are not homogeneous but can be divided into three main subsets, including cytotoxic, tolerant, and regulatory NK cells, with disparate phenotypes and functions in diverse tissues. The development and functions of such NK cells are controlled by various cytokines, such as fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FL), kit ligand (KL), interleukin (IL)-3, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, transforming growth factor-β, and common-γ chain family cytokines, which operate at different stages by regulating distinct signaling pathways. Nevertheless, the specific roles of each cytokine that regulates NK cell development or that shapes different NK cell functions remain unclear. In this review, we attempt to describe the characteristics of each cytokine and the existing protocols to expand NK cells using different combinations of cytokines and feeder cells. A comprehensive understanding of the role of cytokines in NK cell development and function will aid the generation of better efficacy for adoptive NK cell treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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10
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Post M, Cuapio A, Osl M, Lehmann D, Resch U, Davies DM, Bilban M, Schlechta B, Eppel W, Nathwani A, Stoiber D, Spanholtz J, Casanova E, Hofer E. The Transcription Factor ZNF683/HOBIT Regulates Human NK-Cell Development. Front Immunol 2017; 8:535. [PMID: 28555134 PMCID: PMC5430038 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We identified ZNF683/HOBIT as the most highly upregulated transcription factor gene during ex vivo differentiation of human CD34+ cord blood progenitor cells to CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells. ZNF683/HOBIT mRNA was preferentially expressed in NK cells compared to other human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes. During ex vivo differentiation, ZNF683/HOBIT mRNA started to increase shortly after addition of IL-15 and further accumulated in parallel to the generation of CD56+ NK cells. shRNA-mediated knockdown of ZNF683/HOBIT resulted in a substantial reduction of CD56−CD14− NK-cell progenitors and the following generation of CD56+ NK cells was largely abrogated. The few CD56+ NK cells, which escaped the developmental inhibition in the ZNF683/HOBIT knockdown cultures, displayed normal levels of NKG2A and KIR receptors. Functional analyses of these cells showed no differences in degranulation capacity from control cultures. However, the proportion of IFN-γ-producing cells appeared to be increased upon ZNF683/HOBIT knockdown. These results indicate a key role of ZNF683/HOBIT for the differentiation of the human NK-cell lineage and further suggest a potential negative control on IFN-γ production in more mature human NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirte Post
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelica Cuapio
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Osl
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dorit Lehmann
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Resch
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David M Davies
- Department of Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Martin Bilban
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Schlechta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Eppel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amit Nathwani
- Department of Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Dagmar Stoiber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Emilio Casanova
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Physiology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erhard Hofer
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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