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Agnello L, Masucci A, Tamburello M, Vassallo R, Massa D, Giglio RV, Midiri M, Gambino CM, Ciaccio M. The Role of Killer Ig-like Receptors in Diseases from A to Z. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:3242. [PMID: 40244151 PMCID: PMC11989319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26073242] [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: 02/21/2025] [Revised: 03/26/2025] [Accepted: 03/29/2025] [Indexed: 04/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Killer Ig-like Receptors (KIRs) regulate immune responses, maintaining the balance between activation and inhibition of the immune system. KIRs are expressed on natural killer cells and some CD8 T cells and interact with HLA class I molecules, influencing various physiological and pathological processes. KIRs' polymorphism creates a variability in immune responses among individuals. KIRs are involved in autoimmune disorders, cancer, infections, neurological diseases, and other diseases. Specific combinations of KIRs and HLA are linked to several diseases' susceptibility, progression, and outcomes. In particular, the balance between inhibitory and activating KIRs can determine how the immune system responds to pathogens and tumors. An imbalance can lead to an excessive response, contributing to autoimmune diseases, or an inadequate response, allowing immune evasion by pathogens or cancer cells. The increasing number of studies on KIRs highlights their essential role as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of KIRs in all clinical conditions and diseases, listed alphabetically, where they are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Agnello
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (R.V.); (D.M.); (R.V.G.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Anna Masucci
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (R.V.); (D.M.); (R.V.G.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Martina Tamburello
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (R.V.); (D.M.); (R.V.G.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Roberta Vassallo
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (R.V.); (D.M.); (R.V.G.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Davide Massa
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (R.V.); (D.M.); (R.V.G.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Rosaria Vincenza Giglio
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (R.V.); (D.M.); (R.V.G.); (C.M.G.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mauro Midiri
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Caterina Maria Gambino
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (R.V.); (D.M.); (R.V.G.); (C.M.G.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marcello Ciaccio
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (L.A.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (R.V.); (D.M.); (R.V.G.); (C.M.G.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Graham LV, Fisher JG, Doyle ADP, Sale B, Del Rio L, French AJE, Mayor NP, Turner TR, Marsh SGE, Cragg MS, Forconi F, Khakoo SI, Blunt MD. KIR2DS2+ NK cells in cancer patients demonstrate high activation in response to tumour-targeting antibodies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1404051. [PMID: 39286025 PMCID: PMC11402612 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1404051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Strategies to mobilise natural killer (NK) cells against cancer include tumour-targeting antibodies, NK cell engagers (NKCEs) and the adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded healthy donor-derived NK cells. Genetic and functional studies have revealed that expression of the activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptor KIR2DS2 is associated with enhanced function in NK cells from healthy donors and improved outcome in several different malignancies. The optimal strategy to leverage KIR2DS2+ NK cells therapeutically is however currently unclear. In this study, we therefore evaluated the response of KIR2DS2-expressing NK cells to activation against cancer with clinically relevant tumour-targeting antibodies and following ex vivo expansion. We identified that KIR2DS2high NK cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and hepatocellular carcinoma had enhanced activation in response to tumour-targeting antibodies compared to KIR2DS2- NK cells. However, the superior function of healthy donor derived KIR2DS2high NK cells was lost following ex vivo expansion which is required for adoptive transfer-based therapeutic strategies. These data provide evidence that targeting KIR2DS2 directly in cancer patients may allow for the utilisation of their enhanced effector function, however such activity may be lost following their ex vivo expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara V Graham
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jack G Fisher
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Amber D P Doyle
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Sale
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Del Rio
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Albert J E French
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neema P Mayor
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas R Turner
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven G E Marsh
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S Cragg
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Forconi
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Haematology Department, Cancer Care Directorate, University Hospital Southampton National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew D Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Blunt MD, Fisher H, Schittenhelm RB, Mbiribindi B, Fulton R, Khan S, Espana-Serrano L, Graham LV, Bastidas-Legarda L, Burns D, Khakoo SM, Mansour S, Essex JW, Ayala R, Das J, Purcell AW, Khakoo SI. The nuclear export protein XPO1 provides a peptide ligand for natural killer cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado6566. [PMID: 39178254 PMCID: PMC11343027 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado6566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
XPO1 (Exportin-1/CRM1) is a nuclear export protein that is frequently overexpressed in cancer and functions as a driver of oncogenesis. Currently small molecules that target XPO1 are being used in the clinic as anticancer agents. We identify XPO1 as a target for natural killer (NK) cells. Using immunopeptidomics, we have identified a peptide derived from XPO1 that can be recognized by the activating NK cell receptor KIR2DS2 in the context of human leukocyte antigen-C. The peptide can be endogenously processed and presented to activate NK cells specifically through this receptor. Although high XPO1 expression in cancer is commonly associated with a poor prognosis, we show that the outcome of specific cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, can be substantially improved if there is concomitant evidence of NK cell infiltration. We thus identify XPO1 as a bona fide tumor antigen recognized by NK cells that offers an opportunity for a personalized approach to NK cell therapy for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hayden Fisher
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ralf B. Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Berenice Mbiribindi
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rebecca Fulton
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sajida Khan
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura Espana-Serrano
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lara V. Graham
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Leidy Bastidas-Legarda
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, and The Department of Pediatrics, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Burns
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sophie M.S. Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Salah Mansour
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jonathan W. Essex
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rochelle Ayala
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jayajit Das
- Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, and The Department of Pediatrics, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anthony W. Purcell
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Salim I. Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Shiravani Z, Mirshekari K, Larki MH, Shafiee N, Haghshenas MR, Ghaderi A, Fattahi MJ. Evaluation of the genetic diversity of KIR genes in patients with endometrial cancer. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 162:104217. [PMID: 38387251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104217] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) constitutes more than half of all genital cancers in women, with an increasing incidence in different countries. Natural killer cells (NK cells) are kinds of innate immune cells that are controlled by sets of receptors, such as killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs), which can inhibit or activate NK cells. In this study, we evaluated the diversity and genetic association of KIRs in confirmed cases of endometrial cancer compared to healthy controls. A total of 151 women with EC and 167 age/race-matched healthy controls were analyzed for KIR genes. Demographic and histopathologic data were gathered in questionnaires, and 16 KIR genes along with two variants of KIR2DS4 (KIR2DS4fl and KIR2DS4del), were genotyped by usingsequence specific primers-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) method. A comparison between cases and controls revealed that although there were not any significant differences in A haplotype associated genes and also the variants of KIR2DS4 (p >0.05), B haplotype associated genes such as KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL2 decreased significantly in EC patients in comparison with healthy controls (p=0.03 and p=0.01, respectively). Furthermore, we found that EC mostly developed in cases with the AA genotype; however, the carriers of Bx and C4T4 genotypes were less frequent in patients with EC. Our results revealed that KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL2, along with Bx and C4T4 genotypes, have a protective impact against developing endometrial cancer in Iranians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shiravani
- Gynecology Oncology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kimia Mirshekari
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marjan Hematian Larki
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nargess Shafiee
- Gynecology Oncology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Haghshenas
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Ghaderi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Fattahi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Canossi A, Aureli A, Del Beato T, Novelli G, Buonomo O, Rossi P, Venditti A, Papola F, Sconocchia G. Impact of HLA Class I Antigen, Killer Inhibitory Receptor, and FCGR3A Genotypes on Breast Cancer Susceptibility and Tumor Stage. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:920-930. [PMID: 37461339 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230717162458] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification in breast cancer (BC) of novel genetic biomarkers regulating natural killer (NK) cell function, including the HLA, KIR, and CD16A (FCGR3A), may be still a challenge. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate whether the combined effect of these polymorphisms has an impact on BC susceptibility and progression. METHODS 47 BC Italian patients and healthy individuals (39 females and 66 males/ females) were genotyped by Sanger sequencing (HLA-C exon 2-4 and FCGR3A- 158V/F, 48L/R/H) and PCR-SSP typing (KIR genes). RESULTS HLA-C gene allele analysis showed the group C1, with HLA-C*07:02:01 allele, to be significantly associated with tumor progression (16.7% vs. 4.0%, p=0.04, OR=4.867), and instead, group C2, with HLA-C*05:01:01, was protective against disease susceptibility (0.0% vs. 7.2%, p=0.019, OR=0.087). In addition, we highlighted a significant reduction of the KIR2DS4ins in BC patients (pcorr.=0.022) and an increased combined presence of KIR2DL1 and KIR2DS1 genes in advanced BC patients compared to earlier stages (66.7% vs. 19.2%, p=0.002). The concurrent lack of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS4 genes in the presence of HLA-C2 alleles was significantly associated with increased susceptibility to BC (p=0.012, OR=5.020) or with lymph node involvement (p=0.008, OR=6.375). Lastly, we identified different combinations of the FCGR3A-48/158 variants and KIR genes in BC patients compared to controls. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that in the development of BC probably exists a disorder of the NK innate immunity influenced by KIR/HLA-C gene content and FCGR3A-158 polymorphisms and that the combined analysis of these biomarkers might help predict genetic risk scores for tailored screening of BC patients in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Canossi
- Biomedicine, C.N.R. Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Aureli
- Biomedicine, C.N.R. Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Del Beato
- Biomedicine, C.N.R. Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Novelli
- Maxillofacial surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Oreste Buonomo
- Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Rossi
- Breast Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Franco Papola
- Organs Tranplantation and Immunology Institute, Ospedale San Salvatore L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sconocchia
- Biomedicine, C.N.R. Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Rome, Italy
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Altalhi RA, Aljuaimlani A, Alswayyed M, Arafah M, Tashkandy Y, Almutairi BO, Mansour L, Alomar SY. Association of the Genetic Diversity of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Genes and HLA-C Ligand in Saudi Women With Thyroid Cancer. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241274495. [PMID: 39365900 PMCID: PMC11452862 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241274495] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genetic diversity in the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene composition and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands, such as HLA-C, can affect the activity of natural killer cells and determine anti-cancer immunity. Specific KIR-HLA combinations can enhance cancer predisposition by promoting immune evasion. Studying the relationship between KIR-HLA polymorphisms and thyroid cancer (TC) risk can offer insights into how natural immunity fails, leading to disease development. Therefore, we investigated the association between KIR and HLA-C genotypes and TC risk in Saudi women. METHODS In this retrospective study, sixteen KIR genotypes and 2 HLA-C allotypes were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) method, and the genotypes of 50 Saudi female patients with TC were compared with those of 50 Saudi female healthy controls (HC). RESULTS We observed a highly significant decrease in the presence of the KIR2DS2 and KIR2DS4 genes (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.05-0.41, P = 0.0001; OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.02-0.2, P = 0.000, respectively) and in the presence of the KIR2DL5A gene (OR = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.02-0.14, P = 0.0000) in the TC group compared to the HC group. The frequency of the HLA-C2C2 allotype was significantly higher in HC compared to patients with TC (P = 0.02). The KIR haplotype group A and AB genotypes revealed a protective effect against TC (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.000, respectively), while the BB genotype showed a risk effect on TC compared to HC. Our results showed significant differences in the KIR gene combinations and KIR-HLA combinations between Saudi female TC patients and HC. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the expression of KIR genes and their HLA-C ligands may influence the risk of TC development in Saudi women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan A. Altalhi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Aljuaimlani
- Department of Zoology, College of Science King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alswayyed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Science King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Arafah
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Science King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yusra Tashkandy
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, College of Science King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader O. Almutairi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamjed Mansour
- Department of Zoology, College of Science King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suliman Y. Alomar
- Department of Zoology, College of Science King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Alomar S, Alkhuriji A, Alkhulaifi FM, Mansour L, Al-Jurayyan A, Aldossari GS, Albalawi AE, Alanazi AD. Relationship between KIR genotypes and HLA-ligands with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Saudi population. JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY. SCIENCE 2023; 35:102416. [PMID: 36338940 PMCID: PMC9622466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jksus.2022.102416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Aim To ascertain whether killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genes polymorphisms and HLA-I ligands are associated with COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. Methods Eighty-seven COVID-19 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and one hundred and fourteen healthy controls were enrolled in this study for genotyping of the 16 KIR genes, HLA-C1 and -C2 allotypes and HLA-G 14-bp indels polymorphisms using the sequence specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) method. KIR genotype frequency differences and combination KIR-HLA-C ligand were tested for significance. Results Framework genes KIR2DL4, KIR3DL2, KIR3DL3, and KIR3DP2 were present in all individuals. The frequencies of KIR2DL2 and KIR2D4 were higher in COVID-19 positive patients than in healthy individuals. The frequencies of the combination KIR2DL2-HLA-C2 was also significantly higher in patients affected by COVID-19 compared with healthy controls. Conclusion It was found that the inhibitory KIR2DL2 gene in isolation or combined with its HLA-C2 ligand could be associated with susceptibility to COVID-19 in the Saudi population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suliman Alomar
- Doping Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO. Box: 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Post Office Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afrah Alkhuriji
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Post Office Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadwa M Alkhulaifi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamjed Mansour
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Post Office Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Al-Jurayyan
- Immunology and HLA Section, Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadeer S Aldossari
- Serology, Immunology and HLA, Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aishah Eid Albalawi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47912, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah D Alanazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, P.O. Box 1040, Ad-Dawadimi 11911, Saudi Arabia
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Blunt MD, Vallejo Pulido A, Fisher JG, Graham LV, Doyle ADP, Fulton R, Carter MJ, Polak M, Johnson PWM, Cragg MS, Forconi F, Khakoo SI. KIR2DS2 Expression Identifies NK Cells With Enhanced Anticancer Activity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:379-390. [PMID: 35768150 PMCID: PMC7613074 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
NK cells are promising cellular therapeutics against hematological and solid malignancies. Immunogenetic studies have identified that various activating killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs) are associated with cancer outcomes. Specifically, KIR2DS2 has been associated with reduced incidence of relapse following transplant in hematological malignancies and improved outcomes in solid tumors, but the mechanism remains obscure. Therefore, we investigated how KIR2DS2 expression impacts NK cell function. Using a novel flow cytometry panel, we show that human NK cells with high KIR2DS2 expression have enhanced spontaneous activation against malignant B cell lines, liver cancer cell lines, and primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. Surface expression of CD16 was increased on KIR2DS2high NK cells, and, accordingly, KIR2DS2high NK cells had increased activation against lymphoma cells coated with the clinically relevant anti-CD20 Abs rituximab and obinutuzumab. Bulk RNA sequencing revealed that KIR2DS2high NK cells have upregulation of NK-mediated cytotoxicity, translation, and FCGR gene pathways. We developed a novel single-cell RNA-sequencing technique to identify KIR2DS2+ NK cells, and this confirmed that KIR2DS2 is associated with enhanced NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. This study provides evidence that KIR2DS2 marks a population of NK cells primed for anticancer activity and indicates that KIR2DS2 is an attractive target for NK-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Andres Vallejo Pulido
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Jack G Fisher
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Lara V Graham
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Amber D P Doyle
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Rebecca Fulton
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Matthew J Carter
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Polak
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Peter W M Johnson
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S Cragg
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Forconi
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
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Feizollahi P, Payandeh M, Samimi Z, Shahrokhvand SZ, Rezaei M, Mahdizadeh B, Taghadosi M. The association between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor-ligand (KIR-L) and breast cancer risk among the Kermanshahi women. Meta Gene 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2021.101005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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10
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Expression of Killer Immunoglobulin Receptor Genes among HIV-Infected Individuals with Non-AIDS Comorbidities. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:1119611. [PMID: 35071606 PMCID: PMC8769865 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1119611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and remarkably reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. However, non-AIDS associated comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are increasingly reported among PLHIV receiving cART. Killer cell immunoglobulin receptors (KIRs) expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells have been previously implicated in controlling HIV disease progression. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of KIRs in developing non-AIDS associated comorbidities among PLHIV. Demographic and behavioral data were collected from voluntary participants using a standardized questionnaire. Whole blood samples were collected for KIR genotyping. Hypertension (29.5%) and hyperlipidemia (29.5%) followed by diabetes (23.7%) and CVD (9.7%) were mainly reported among our study participants with higher rate of comorbid conditions observed among
years old. The observed KIR frequency (OF) was ≥90% for inhibitory KIR2DL1 and KIR3DL1, activating KIR2DS4 and the pseudogene KIR2DP1 among study participants. We detected significant differences in the expression of KIR3DS4 and KIR3DL1 (
) between diabetic and nondiabetic and in the expression of KIR2DL3 between hypertensive and normotensive HIV-infected individuals (
). Moreover, KIR2DL1 and KIR2DP1 were associated with significantly reduced odds of having CVD (OR 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.69;
). Our study suggests the potential role of KIR in predisposition to non-AIDS comorbidities among PLHIV and underscores the need for more studies to further elucidate the role of KIRs in this population.
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11
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Rettman P, Blunt MD, Fulton RJ, Vallejo AF, Bastidas-Legarda LY, España-Serrano L, Polak ME, Al-Shamkhani A, Retiere C, Khakoo SI. Peptide: MHC-based DNA vaccination strategy to activate natural killer cells by targeting killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e001912. [PMID: 34016721 PMCID: PMC8141441 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are increasingly being recognized as agents for cancer immunotherapy. The killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are expressed by NK cells and are immunogenetic determinants of the outcome of cancer. In particular, KIR2DS2 is associated with protective responses to several cancers and also direct recognition of cancer targets in vitro. Due to the high homology between activating and inhibitory KIR genes to date, it has been challenging to target individual KIR for therapeutic benefit. METHODS A novel KIR2DS2-targeting therapeutic peptide:MHC DNA vaccine was designed and used to immunize mice transgenic for KIR genes (KIR-Tg). NK cells were isolated from the livers and spleens of vaccinated mice and then analyzed for activation by flow cytometry, RNA profiling and cytotoxicity assays. In vivo assays of NK cell function using a syngeneic cancer model (B16 melanoma) and an adoptive transfer model for human hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh7) were performed. RESULTS Injecting KIR-Tg mice with the vaccine construct activated NK cells in both liver and spleens of mice, with preferential activation of KIR2DS2-positive NK cells. KIR-specific activation was most marked on the CD11b+CD27+ mature subset of NK cells. RNA profiling indicated that the DNA vaccine upregulated genes associated with cellular metabolism and downregulated genes related to histone H3 methylation, which are associated with immune cell maturation and NK cell function. Vaccination led to canonical and cross-reactive peptide:MHC-specific NK cell responses. In vivo, DNA vaccination led to enhanced antitumor responses against B16F10 melanoma cells and also enhanced responses against a tumor model expressing the KIR2DS2 ligand HLA-C*0102. CONCLUSION We show the feasibility of a peptide-based KIR-targeting vaccine strategy to activate NK cells and hence generate functional antitumor responses. This approach does not require detailed knowledge of the tumor peptidomes nor HLA matching with the patient. It therefore offers a novel opportunity for targeting NK cells for cancer immunotherapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- HLA-C Antigens/administration & dosage
- HLA-C Antigens/genetics
- HLA-C Antigens/immunology
- Haplotypes
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Lectins, C-Type/immunology
- Lectins, C-Type/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/genetics
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Peptides/administration & dosage
- Peptides/genetics
- Peptides/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, KIR/genetics
- Receptors, KIR/immunology
- Receptors, KIR/metabolism
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/metabolism
- Vaccination
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Rettman
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Matthew D Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rebecca J Fulton
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andres F Vallejo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Leidy Y Bastidas-Legarda
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura España-Serrano
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marta E Polak
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Aymen Al-Shamkhani
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Salim I Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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12
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Coexistence of inhibitory and activating killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors to the same cognate HLA-C2 and Bw4 ligands confer breast cancer risk. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7932. [PMID: 33846431 PMCID: PMC8041876 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86964-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I-specific killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) regulate natural killer (NK) cell function in eliminating malignancy. Breast cancer (BC) patients exhibit reduced NK-cytotoxicity in peripheral blood. To test the hypothesis that certain KIR-HLA combinations impairing NK-cytotoxicity predispose to BC risk, we analyzed KIR and HLA polymorphisms in 162 women with BC and 278 controls. KIR-Bx genotypes increased significantly in BC than controls (83.3% vs. 71.9%, OR 1.95), and the increase was more pronounced in advanced-cancer (OR 5.3). No difference was observed with inhibitory KIR (iKIR) and HLA-ligand combinations. The activating KIR (aKIR) and HLA-ligand combinations, 2DS1 + C2 (OR 2.98) and 3DS1 + Bw4 (OR 2.6), were significantly increased in advanced-BC. All patients with advanced-cancer carrying 2DS1 + C2 or 3DS1 + Bw4 also have their iKIR counterparts 2DL1 and 3DL1, respectively. Contrarily, the 2DL1 + C2 and 3DL1 + Bw4 pairs without their aKIR counterparts are significantly higher in controls. These data suggest that NK cells expressing iKIR to the cognate HLA-ligands in the absence of putative aKIR counterpart are instrumental in antitumor response. These data provide a new framework for improving the utility of genetic risk scores for individualized surveillance.
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13
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Hematian Larki M, Barani S, Talei AR, Ghaderi A. Diversity of KIRs in invasive breast cancer patients and healthy controls along with the clinical significance in ER/PR/HER2+ patients. Genes Immun 2020; 21:380-389. [PMID: 33257819 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-020-00117-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) consists of activating and inhibitory genes are essential for natural killer cell education. To determine the association of KIRs with susceptibility to invasive Breast cancer (BC), genotyping of 16 KIRs was performed by sequence-specific primers-polymerase chain reaction in 226 confirmed cases of BC with defined estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) status and 226 healthy controls (CNs). We observed a lower frequency of 2DL1 and 2DS4del along with increased frequency of 2DS4fl in cases compared to CNs. Further analysis revealed a higher frequency of KIR2DL2, 2DS1, 2DS2,3DS1 in ER+ cases, 2DL2, 2DL5 in PR+ and 2DL1 in HER2+ cases compared to CNs. The detrimental role of KIR2DS4fl was observed in ER+ and PR+ cases whereas 2DS4del confers protection against ER+, PR+, and HER2+ cases. We noted the predisposing role of Bx genotype, KIR2DS1, 2DS2, 2DS5, 2DL2, 2DL5 for lymphatic invasion in ER+ cases along with a higher rate of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in carriers of Bx genotype and KIR2DS1 in ER+ cases. We suggest a link between B haplotype associated genes with the increased risk of lymphatic invasion and LNM, particularly in ER+ cases of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Hematian Larki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shaghik Barani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdol-Rasoul Talei
- Breast Disease Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Ghaderi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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14
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Mansour L, Alkhuriji A, Babay ZA, Alqadheeb S, Al-Khulaifi F, Al-Talhi R, Alomar S. Association of Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor and Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Ligand with Recurrent Abortion in Saudi Women. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2020; 24:78-84. [PMID: 31999488 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2019.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: This study was designed to determine whether genetic polymorphisms of the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-C) genes are associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) in Saudi women. Materials and Methods: Sixty-five healthy women with a history of RSA (three or more spontaneous abortions) and 65 healthy controls (with two or more healthy-born children) living in Riyadh were typed for 17 KIR genes and the HLA-C1 and HLA-C2 allotypes using polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer methodology. Results: The frequencies of KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL5A were significantly lower among RSA women compared to healthy controls (odds ratio [OR] = 0.17; p < 0.001; OR = 0.16; p < 0.001, respectively). No association with maternal HLA-C genotypes was observed. Analysis of KIR-HLA-C combinations indicated a protective effect of KIR2DS2 with its cognate HLA-C1 ligand in both homozygote or heterozygote combinations. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the KIR genes of the B haplotype may play an important role in ensuring the success of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamjed Mansour
- Doping Research Chair, Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afrah Alkhuriji
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeneb Ahmed Babay
- College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Alqadheeb
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadwa Al-Khulaifi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Razan Al-Talhi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suliman Alomar
- Doping Research Chair, Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Chen S, Yang D, Liu Z, Li F, Liu B, Chen Y, Ye W, Zheng Y. Crucial Gene Identification in Carotid Atherosclerosis Based on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) Data by Weighted (Gene) Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA). Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e921692. [PMID: 32160184 PMCID: PMC7085238 DOI: 10.12659/msm.921692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many patients are not responsive or tolerant to medical therapies for carotid atherosclerosis. Thus, elucidating the molecular mechanism for the pathogenesis and progression of carotid atherosclerosis and identifying new potential molecular targets for medical therapies that can slow progression of carotid atherosclerosis and prevent ischemic events are quite important. Material/Methods We downloaded the expression profiling data of PBMC in Biobank of Karolinska Endarterectomy (BiKE, GSE21545) for GEO. The WGCNA and DEG screening were conducted. The co-expression pattern between patients with ischemic events (the events group) and patients without ischemic events (the no-events group) were compared. Then, we identified hub genes of each module. Finally, the DEG co-expression network was constructed and MCODE was used to identify crucial genes based on this co-expression network. Results In the study, 183 DEGs were screened and 8 and 6 modules were assessed in the events group and no-events group, respectively. Compared to the no-events group, genes associated with inflammation and immune response were clustered in the green-yellow module of the events group. The hub gene of the green-yellow module of the events group was KIR2DL5A. We obtained 1 DEG co-expression network, which has 16 nodes and 24 edges, and we detected 5 crucial genes: SIRT1, THRAP3, RBM43, PEX1, and KLHDC2. The upregulated genes (THRAP3 and RBM43) showed potential diagnostic and prognostic value for the occurrence of ischemic events. Conclusions We detected 8 modules for the events group and 6 modules for the no-events group. The hub genes for modules and crucial genes of the DEG co-expression network were also identified. These genes might serve as potential targets for medical therapies and biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. Further experimental and biological studies are needed to elucidate the role of these crucial genes in the progression of carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siliang Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Zhili Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Fangda Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Bao Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Yuexin Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Ye
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Yuehong Zheng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (mainland)
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