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Wang Y, Guo L, Shi J, Li J, Wen Y, Gu G, Cui J, Feng C, Jiang M, Fan Q, Tang J, Chen S, Zhang J, Zheng X, Pan M, Li X, Sun Y, Zhang Z, Li X, Hu F, Zhang L, Tang X, Li F. Interferon stimulated immune profile changes in a humanized mouse model of HBV infection. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7393. [PMID: 37968364 PMCID: PMC10652013 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanism of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) functional cure by interferon (IFN), especially in patients with low HBsAg and/or young ages, is still unresolved due to the lack of surrogate models. Here, we generate a type I interferon receptor humanized mouse (huIFNAR mouse) through a CRISPR/Cas9-based knock-in strategy. Then, we demonstrate that human IFN stimulates gene expression profiles in huIFNAR peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are similar to those in human PBMCs, supporting the representativeness of this mouse model for functionally analyzing human IFN in vivo. Next, we reveal the tissue-specific gene expression atlas across multiple organs in response to human IFN treatment; this pattern has not been reported in healthy humans in vivo. Finally, by using the AAV-HBV model, we test the antiviral effects of human interferon. Fifteen weeks of human PEG-IFNα2 treatment significantly reduces HBsAg and HBeAg and even achieves HBsAg seroconversion. We observe that activation of intrahepatic monocytes and effector memory CD8 T cells by human interferon may be critical for HBsAg suppression. Our huIFNAR mouse can authentically respond to human interferon stimulation, providing a platform to study interferon function in vivo. PEG-IFNα2 treatment successfully suppresses intrahepatic HBV replication and achieves HBsAg seroconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Wang
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liliangzi Guo
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingrong Shi
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingyun Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanling Wen
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital; The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoming Gu
- Guangzhou XY Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Room 2048, Building 1, No. 6, Nanjiang Second Road, Pearl River Street, Nansha District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Cui
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chengqian Feng
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mengling Jiang
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qinghong Fan
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingyan Tang
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sisi Chen
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaowen Zheng
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Meifang Pan
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xinnian Li
- Guangzhou Forevergen Medical Laboratory, Room 802, No. 8, Luoxuan 3rd Road, Haizhu, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanxia Sun
- Cytek (Shanghai) Biosciences Co, Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital; The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xian Li
- Guangzhou XY Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Room 2048, Building 1, No. 6, Nanjiang Second Road, Pearl River Street, Nansha District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengyu Hu
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liguo Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoping Tang
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Institute of infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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Chiang J, Chen PC, Pham J, Nguyen CQ, Kaur K, Raman SS, Jewett A. Characterizing hepatocellular carcinoma stem markers and their corresponding susceptibility to NK-cell based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1284669. [PMID: 37954598 PMCID: PMC10637628 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1284669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the fourth-leading cause of all cancer-related deaths around the world. Liver transplantation, surgery, and local ablation are curative therapies for early-stage HCC. However, post-treatment outcomes can vary based on histopathologic stage. Poorly-differentiated HCC are associated with higher rates of tumor progression and lower overall survival compared to well-differentiated HCC after therapy. In this study, we aimed to characterize the cancer stem cell (CSC) profile of histopathologically-proven well and poorly-differentiated HCCs in an in-vitro environment. We characterized the stem-like profile of each type of HCC based on their surface markers and susceptibility to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Methods Flow cytometry was used to quantify differential expression of MHC-class I, CD54, and CD44 between well- and poorly-differentiated HCCs. Primary untreated NK cells, IL-2 stimulated primary NK cells, and supercharged (sNK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity was assessed against well- and poorly-differentiated HCCs. IFN-γ supernatant from each respective NK cell experimental arm was also used to induce differentiation of HCCs. Finally, we characterized the temporal NK effector cell cytotoxicity using real-time quantitative analysis of imaging and impedance (eSight study). Results Poorly-differentiated HCCs demonstrated low surface expression of MHC-class I and CD54, and high expression of CD44. Treatment of NK cells secreted IFN-γ or IFN-γ cytokine induced differentiation in HCCs. Poorly-differentiated HCCs in comparison to well-differentiated HCC were more susceptible to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in primary NK cells, IL-2 stimulated primary NK cells, and sNK cells. sNK cells induced significantly higher cytotoxicity against well-differentiated HCCs in comparison to untreated or IL-2-stimulated primary NK cells. These findings were recapitulated with real-time quantitative imaging analysis. Conclusions Poorly-differentiated HCCs were found to have surface marker patterns of CSCs, making them highly susceptible to NK cell-based immunotherapy. NK-cell based therapy can potentially be leveraged as a neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy in poorly-differentiated HCCs. Supercharged NK cells, which can be rapidly expanded to therapeutic levels, are uniquely capable of lysing both poorly- and well-differentiated HCCs. This finding suggests that sNK cells not only exhibit enhanced features against NK cells' targets but also are capable of activating T cells to induce cytotoxicity against well-differentiated HCCs with high expression of MHC class I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Chiang
- Department of Radiology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Po-Chun Chen
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Janet Pham
- Department of Radiology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Cat-Quynh Nguyen
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Steven S. Raman
- Department of Radiology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anahid Jewett
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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3
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Uchida T, Yamada M, Inoue D, Kojima T, Yoshikawa N, Suda S, Kamohara H, Oda T. Involvement of Innate Immune System in the Pathogenesis of Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12465. [PMID: 37569838 PMCID: PMC10420156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although experimental models have shown that the innate immune system is a main contributor to acute kidney injury (AKI), its involvement in human sepsis-associated AKI (SA-AKI) remains unclear. We retrospectively evaluated 19 patients with SA-AKI who were treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Serum cytokine, complement components, and the proportion and functions of innate immune cells, such as CD56+ T cells, CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells, and monocytes, were analyzed. There were no differences in the proportions of CD56+ T and NK cells between patients with SA-AKI and healthy controls. In patients with SA-AKI, fas ligand (FasL) expression in CD56+ T cells was significantly upregulated, and the proportion of perforin-positive CD56+ T cells tended to be higher than that in healthy controls. The positive rate of both FasL and perforin of CD56+ T cells was significantly higher than that of CD56- T cells, which include cytotoxic T cells. Antigen-presenting capacity and phagocytic activity of monocytes in patients with SA-AKI were significantly decreased compared to those of healthy controls and did not recover soon after the initiation of CRRT. CD56+ T cells are involved in the disease processes of human SA-AKI through effector molecules such as FasL or perforin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Uchida
- Department of Nephrology and Blood Purification, Kidney Disease Center, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo 193-0998, Japan
| | - Muneharu Yamada
- Department of Nephrology and Blood Purification, Kidney Disease Center, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo 193-0998, Japan
| | - Dan Inoue
- Department of Nephrology and Blood Purification, Kidney Disease Center, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo 193-0998, Japan
| | - Tadasu Kojima
- Department of Nephrology and Blood Purification, Kidney Disease Center, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo 193-0998, Japan
| | - Noriko Yoshikawa
- Department of Nephrology and Blood Purification, Kidney Disease Center, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo 193-0998, Japan
| | - Shingo Suda
- Division of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo 193-0998, Japan
| | - Hidenobu Kamohara
- Division of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo 193-0998, Japan
| | - Takashi Oda
- Department of Nephrology and Blood Purification, Kidney Disease Center, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo 193-0998, Japan
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4
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Almeida JS, Casanova JM, Santos-Rosa M, Tarazona R, Solana R, Rodrigues-Santos P. Natural Killer T-like Cells: Immunobiology and Role in Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032743. [PMID: 36769064 PMCID: PMC9917533 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CD56+ T cells are generally recognized as a distinct population of T cells and are categorized as NKT-like cells. Although our understanding of NKT-like cells is far from satisfactory, it has been shown that aging and a number of disease situations have impacted these cells. To construct an overview of what is currently known, we reviewed the literature on human NKT-like cells. NKT-like cells are highly differentiated T cells with "CD1d-independent" antigen recognition and MHC-unrestricted cell killing. The genesis of NKT-like cells is unclear; however, it is proposed that the acquisition of innate characteristics by T cells could represent a remodeling process leading to successful aging. Additionally, it has been shown that NKT-like cells may play a significant role in several pathological conditions, making it necessary to comprehend whether these cells might function as prognostic markers. The quantification and characterization of these cells might serve as a cutting-edge indicator of individual immune health. Additionally, exploring the mechanisms that can control their killing activity in different contexts may therefore result in innovative therapeutic alternatives in a wide range of disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani-Sofia Almeida
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Casanova
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- University Clinic of Orthopedics, Orthopedics Service, Tumor Unit of the Locomotor Apparatus (UTAL), Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Center (CHUC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel Santos-Rosa
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Tarazona
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rafael Solana
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Immunology Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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5
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Antitumor Immunity Exerted by Natural Killer and Natural Killer T Cells in the Liver. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030866. [PMID: 36769513 PMCID: PMC9917438 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030866] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver plays crucial roles in systemic immunity and greatly contributes to the systemic defense mechanism. Antitumor immunity in the liver is especially critical for the defense against systemic tumor cell dissemination. To achieve effective defense against metastatic tumor cells, liver immune cells with powerful cytotoxic activities construct a potent defense mechanism. In the liver, as compared with other organs, there is a significantly more intense percentage of innate immune lymphocytes, such as natural killer (NK) and NKT cells. These characteristic lymphocytes survey the portal blood transferred to the liver from the alimentary tract and eliminate malignant cells with their robust cytotoxic ability. Additionally, with their active cytokine-producing capacity, these innate lymphocytes initiate immunological sequences by adaptive immune cells. Therefore, they are crucial contributors to systemic antitumor immunity. These attractive immune cells help conduct a fundamental investigation of tumor immunity and act as a target of clinical measures for cancer therapies. This review discusses the mechanisms of these innate lymphocytes regarding recognition and cytotoxicity against tumor cells and the possibility of clinical applications for therapeutic measures.
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6
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Tang L, Wang H, Cao K, Xu C, Ma A, Zheng M, Xu Y, Zhang M. Dysfunction of circulating CD3 +CD56 + NKT-like cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int J Med Sci 2023; 20:652-662. [PMID: 37082729 PMCID: PMC10110473 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.83317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased incidence and mortality of many cancers and infectious diseases. CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells play pivotal roles in tumor surveillance and infection control. However, little is known about potential alterations in circulating NKT-like cells in T2DM patients. In this study, we found that the frequency and absolute counts of circulating NKT-like cells were significantly lower in patients with T2DM compared to healthy volunteers. Moreover, in T2DM patients, NKT-like cells were impaired in their production of IFN-γ and TNF-α as well as degranulation capacity. The expression of activating receptor NKG2D was markedly decreased on NKT-like cells in T2DM patients, while the expression of inhibitory receptors Tim-3 and LAG-3 was upregulated. In detail, Tim-3+NKT-like cells expressed higher LAG-3 and less IFN-γ and TNF-α compared to Tim-3-NKT-like cells. Importantly, we further found that the expression of Tim-3 in NKT-like cells from T2DM patients correlated positively with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, as well as with diabetes duration. In conclusion, these results indicate that NKT-like cells from T2DM patients display an exhausted phenotype and reduced functionality. Moreover, Tim-3 expression on NKT-like cells likely serves a novel biomarker for duration of T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yuanhong Xu
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Yuanhong Xu; e-mail: ; Min Zhang; e-mail:
| | - Min Zhang
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Yuanhong Xu; e-mail: ; Min Zhang; e-mail:
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7
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Kaur K, Jewett A. Supercharged NK Cell-Based Immuotherapy in Humanized Bone Marrow Liver and Thymus (Hu-BLT) Mice Model of Oral, Pancreatic, Glioblastoma, Hepatic, Melanoma and Ovarian Cancers. Crit Rev Immunol 2023; 43:13-25. [PMID: 37938193 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2023050618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we review a number of in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the efficacy of supercharged NK (sNK) cell therapy in elimination or treatment of cancer. We have performed studies using six different types of cancer models of oral, pancreatic, glioblastoma, melanoma, hepatic and ovarian cancers using hu-BLT mice. Our in vitro studies demonstrated that primary NK cells preferentially target cancer stem-like cells (CSCs)/poorly differentiated tumors whereas sNK cells target both CSCs/poorly-differentiated and well-differentiated tumors significantly higher than primary activated NK cells. Our in vivo studies in humanized-BLT mice showed that sNK cells alone or in combination with other cancer therapeutics prevented tumor growth and metastasis. In addition, sNK cells were able to increase IFN-γ secretion and cytotoxic function by the immune cells in bone marrow, spleen, gingiva, pancreas and peripheral blood. Furthermore, sNK cells were able to increase the expansion and function of CD8+ T cells both in in vitro and in vivo studies. Overall, our studies demonstrated that sNK cells alone or in combination with other cancer therapeutics were not only effective against eliminating aggressive cancers, but were also able to increase the expansion and function of CD8+ T cells to further target cancer cells, providing a successful approach to eradicate and cure cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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8
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Ohira M, Kobayashi T, Tanaka Y, Imaoka Y, Sato K, Imaoka K, Nakano R, Doskali M, Piao J, Nakamura M, Yoshida T, Ichinohe T, Kawano R, Yoshimura K, Ueda K, Tamura N, Hirata T, Imamura M, Aikata H, Tanimine N, Kuroda S, Tahara H, Ide K, Ohdan H. Adoptive immunotherapy with natural killer cells from peripheral blood CD34 + stem cells to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after curative hepatectomy: a study protocol for an open-label, single-arm phase I study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064526. [PMID: 36410831 PMCID: PMC9680173 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major clinical problem as more than half of these cases recur after radical resection. Natural killer (NK) cells are at the forefront of the innate immune system and attack microcarcinomas and circulating tumour cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and toxicity of peripheral blood CD34+ stem cell-derived NK cell infusion after radical hepatectomy for HCC. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is an open-label, single-arm, single-centre phase I study. Patients who have undergone initial hepatectomy for HCC with three or more risk factors for recurrence (≥10 ng/mL of Alpha fetoprotein (AFP), ≥360 mAU/mL of PIVKA-II, multiple tumours and ≥3 peripheral blood circulating tumour cells) will be enrolled and be treated with three peripheral blood CD34+ stem cell-derived NK cell infusions every 3 months. The primary endpoint will be safety assessment including the type and severity of adverse events, frequency of occurrence and duration of occurrence. The secondary endpoints will include survival, effect of immune response and clinical laboratory test results. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval of the trial was obtained from the Certified Committee for Regenerative Medicine Hiroshima University in Japan. The trial results will be shared with the scientific community at international conferences and by publication in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER jRCTb060200020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuka Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuki Imaoka
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Koki Sato
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Koki Imaoka
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Nakano
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Marlen Doskali
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Jinlian Piao
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mayuna Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tetsumi Yoshida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Ichinohe
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Reo Kawano
- Clinical Research Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yoshimura
- Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Keiko Ueda
- Clinical Research Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Natsuko Tamura
- Clinical Research Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Taizo Hirata
- Clinical Research Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naoki Tanimine
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shintaro Kuroda
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tahara
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ide
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hideki Ohdan
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Clinical Research Center, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
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Koh JY, Rha MS, Choi SJ, Lee HS, Han JW, Nam H, Kim DU, Lee JG, Kim MS, Park JY, Park SH, Joo DJ, Shin EC. Identification of a distinct NK-like hepatic T-cell population activated by NKG2C in a TCR-independent manner. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1059-1070. [PMID: 35644434 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The liver provides a unique niche of lymphocytes enriched with a large proportion of innate-like T cells. However, the heterogeneity and functional characteristics of the hepatic T-cell population remain to be fully elucidated. METHODS We obtained liver sinusoidal mononuclear cells from the liver perfusate of healthy donors and recipients with HBV-associated chronic liver disease (CLD) during liver transplantation. We performed a CITE-seq analysis of liver sinusoidal CD45+ cells in combination with T cell receptor (TCR)-seq and flow cytometry to examine the phenotypes and functions of liver sinusoidal CD8+ T cells. RESULTS We identified a distinct CD56hiCD161-CD8+ T-cell population characterized by natural killer (NK)-related gene expression and a uniquely restricted TCR repertoire. The frequency of these cells among the liver sinusoidal CD8+ T-cell population was significantly increased in patients with HBV-associated CLD. Although CD56hiCD161-CD8+ T cells exhibit weak responsiveness to TCR stimulation, CD56hiCD161-CD8+ T cells highly expressed various NK receptors, including CD94, killer immunoglobulin-like receptors, and NKG2C, and exerted NKG2C-mediated NK-like effector functions even in the absence of TCR stimulation. In addition, CD56hiCD161-CD8+ T cells highly respond to innate cytokines, such as IL-12/18 and IL-15, in the absence of TCR stimulation. We validated the results from liver sinusoidal CD8+ T cells using intrahepatic CD8+ T cells obtained from liver tissues. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the current study found a distinct CD56hiCD161-CD8+ T-cell population characterized by NK-like activation via TCR-independent NKG2C ligation. Further studies are required to elucidate the roles of liver sinusoidal CD56hiCD161-CD8+ T cells in immune responses to microbial pathogens or liver immunopathology. LAY SUMMARY The role of different immune cell populations in the liver is becoming an area of increasing interest. Herein, we identified a distinct T-cell population that had features similar to those of natural killer (NK) cells - a type of innate immune cell. This distinct population was expanded in the livers of patients with chronic liver disease and could thus have pathogenic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- June-Young Koh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Seok Rha
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jin Choi
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Seok Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Han
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejin Nam
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Uk Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Geun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Soo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dong Jin Joo
- Department of Surgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; The Center for Viral Immunology, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Liu Y, Dong Y, Wu X, Wang X, Niu J. Identification of Immune Microenvironment Changes and the Expression of Immune-Related Genes in Liver Cirrhosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918445. [PMID: 35903097 PMCID: PMC9315064 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver inflammation and the immune response have been recognized as critical contributors to cirrhosis pathogenesis. Immunity-related genes (IRGs) play an essential role in immune cell infiltration and immune reactions; however, the changes in the immune microenvironment and the expression of IRGs involved in cirrhosis remain unclear. CD45+ liver cell single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing data (GSE136103) from patients with cirrhosis were analyzed. The clusters were identified as known cell types through marker genes according to previous studies. GO and KEGG analyses among differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed. DEGs were screened to identify IRGs based on the ImmPort database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of IRGs was generated using the STRING database. IRGs activity was calculated using the AUCell package. RNA microarray expression data (GSE45050) of cirrhosis were analyzed to confirm common IRGs and IRGs activity. Relevant regulatory transcription factors (TFs) were identified from the Human TFDB database. A total of ten clusters were obtained. CD8+ T cells and NK cells were significantly decreased in patients with cirrhosis, while CD4+ T memory cells were increased. Enrichment analyses showed that the DEGs focused on the regulation of immune cell activation and differentiation, NK-cell mediated cytotoxicity, and antigen processing and presentation. Four common TFs, IRF8, NR4A2, IKZF3, and REL were expressed in both the NK cluster and the DEGs of liver tissues. In conclusion, we proposed that the reduction of the CD8+ T cell cluster and NK cells, as well as the infiltration of CD4+ memory T cells, contributed to immune microenvironment changes in cirrhosis. IRF8, NR4A2, IKZF3, and REL may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of NK cells in liver fibrosis. The identified DEGs, IRGs, and pathways may serve critical roles in the development and progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yutong Dong
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaojing Wu
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Junqi Niu, ; Xiaomei Wang,
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Junqi Niu, ; Xiaomei Wang,
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11
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Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: New Prospects for the Cancer Therapy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121355. [PMID: 34947886 PMCID: PMC8704694 DOI: 10.3390/life11121355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. HCC patients may benefit from liver transplantation, hepatic resection, radiofrequency ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, and targeted therapies. The increased infiltration of immunosuppressive immune cells and the elevated expression of immunosuppressive factors in the HCC microenvironment are the main culprits of the immunosuppressive nature of the HCC milieu. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment can substantially attenuate antitumoral immune responses and facilitate the immune evasion of tumoral cells. Immunotherapy is an innovative treatment method that has been promising in treating HCC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), adoptive cell transfer (ACT), and cell-based (primarily dendritic cells) and non-cell-based vaccines are the most common immunotherapeutic approaches for HCC treatment. However, these therapeutic approaches have not generally induced robust antitumoral responses in clinical settings. To answer to this, growing evidence has characterized immune cell populations and delineated intercellular cross-talk using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies. This review aims to discuss the various types of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and highlight their roles in HCC development. Besides, we discuss the recent advances in immunotherapeutic approaches for treating HCC, e.g., ICIs, dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines, non-cell-based vaccines, oncolytic viruses (OVs), and ACT. Finally, we discuss the potentiality of scRNA-seq to improve the response rate of HCC patients to immunotherapeutic approaches.
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12
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Tao L, Wang S, Kang G, Jiang S, Yin W, Zong L, Li J, Wang X. PD-1 blockade improves the anti-tumor potency of exhausted CD3 +CD56 + NKT-like cells in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:2002068. [PMID: 34777920 PMCID: PMC8583083 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.2002068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells play pivotal roles in the anti-tumor immune defense response. However, little is known regarding circulating NKT-like cells in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we demonstrate that circulating NKT-like cells in HCC patients are functionally impaired and anti-PD-1 blockade improves their anti-tumor potency. Circulating NKT cells were mainly comprised of CD8+ T cells. The frequencies and absolute counts of circulating NKT-like cells were comparable between HCC patents compared to healthy donors. NKT-like cells in HCC patients were impaired in their production of TNF-α and IFN-γ as well as cytotoxicity. The level of activating receptor NKG2D was significantly decreased on NKT-like cells in HCC patients. In contrast, the expression of inhibitory receptors PD-1, Tim-3, and CTLA-4 were markedly increased on NKT-like cells in HCC patients. Meanwhile, the expression of PD-L1 was also upregulated on NKT-like cells in HCC patients. In detail, PD-1+ NKT-like cells expressed lower levels of NKG2D, higher levels of Tim-3, and CTLA-4, and less IFN-γ when compared with PD-1− NKT-like cells. Importantly, PD-1 blocked with anti-PD-1 antibody effectively improved the effector function of NKT-like cells from HCC patients or healthy donors. Our findings unveil the functional characterization of NKT-like cells in HCC patients and provide the potential targets to improve their function, which might benefit the optimization of HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longxiang Tao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Department of Medical Imaging, First Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guijie Kang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Department of Basic and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shanyue Jiang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Department of Basic and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wenwei Yin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Zong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xuefu Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Department of Basic and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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13
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Human CD3 +CD56 +NKT-like cells express a range of complement receptors and C3 activation has negative effects on these cell activity and effector function. Hum Immunol 2021; 82:625-633. [PMID: 34134908 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CD3+CD56+NKT-like cells are a rare population of lymphocytes that serve important roles in various types of immune-related diseases, and particularly in cancer. The complement system regulates inflammatory and immune responses by interacting with complement receptors expressed on a range of immune cells. However, whether CD3+CD56+NKT-like cells are regulated by the complement system has still not been definitively determined. In the present study, the expression of complement receptors and regulators in gated CD3+CD56+NKT-like cells isolated from human peripheral blood was assessed using PCR and flow cytometry. The results showed that human CD3+CD56+NKT-like cells expressed a range of complement receptors and regulators, such as CR3, C3aR, C5aR, C5L2, CD46 and CD55. Furthermore, the presence of complement component 3 (C3), a key component in complement activation in culture supernatant, mitigated the activity, IFN-γ production and killing function of CD3+CD56+NKT-like cells. The present study provides evidences supporting the relationship between complement activation and functional modulation of CD3+CD56+NKT-like cells, expanding our knowledge of the complement regulatory network, and also highlighting a potential target for treatment of numerous immune-related diseases, particularly NKT cell-based tumor adoptive immunotherapy.
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14
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Atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer: Deciphering the role of gut microbiome. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 149:171-255. [PMID: 33579424 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Much recent research has delved into understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of HCC pathogenesis, which has revealed to be heterogenous and complex. Two major hallmarks of HCC include: (i) a hijacked immunometabolism and (ii) a reprogramming in metabolic processes. We posit that the gut microbiota is a third component in an entanglement triangle contributing to HCC progression. Besides metagenomic studies highlighting the diagnostic potential in the gut microbiota profile, recent research is pinpointing the gut microbiota as an instigator, not just a mere bystander, in HCC. In this chapter, we discuss mechanistic insights on atypical immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming in HCC, including the examination of tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (e.g., T-cell exhaustion, regulatory T-cells, natural killer T-cells), the Warburg effect, rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and glutamine addiction. We further discuss the potential involvement of the gut microbiota in these characteristics of hepatocarcinogenesis. An immediate highlight is that microbiota metabolites (e.g., short chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids) can impair anti-tumor responses, which aggravates HCC. Lastly, we describe the rising 'new era' of immunotherapies (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell transfer) and discuss for the potential incorporation of gut microbiota targeted therapeutics (e.g., probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation) to alleviate HCC. Altogether, this chapter invigorates for continuous research to decipher the role of gut microbiome in HCC from its influence on immunometabolism and metabolic reprogramming.
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15
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Rosen HR, Golden-Mason L. Control of HCV Infection by Natural Killer Cells and Macrophages. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:a037101. [PMID: 31871225 PMCID: PMC7447067 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Host defense against invading pathogens within the liver is dominated by innate immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells have been implicated at all stages of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, from providing innate protection to contributing to treatment-induced clearance. Decreased NK cell levels, altered NK cell subset distribution, activation marker expression, and functional polarization toward a cytolytic phenotype are hallmarks of chronic HCV infection. Interferon α (IFN-α) is a potent activator of NK cells; therefore, it is not surprising that NK cell activation has been identified as a key factor associated with sustained virological response (SVR) to IFN-α-based therapies. Understanding the role of NK cells, macrophages, and other innate immune cells post-SVR remains paramount for prevention of disease pathogenesis and progression. Novel strategies to treat liver disease may be aimed at targeting these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R Rosen
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
- USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
- USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
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16
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Sachdeva M, Arora SK. Prognostic role of immune cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:718-733. [PMID: 32636725 PMCID: PMC7332804 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with rising incidence rates, is the most commonly occurring malignancy of the liver that exerts a heavy disease burden particularly in developing countries. A dynamic cross-talk between immune cells and malignant cells in tumor microenvironment governs the hepatocarcinogenesis. Monitoring immune contexture as prognostic markers is quite relevant and essential to evaluate clinical outcomes and to envisage response to therapy. In this review, we present an overview of the prognostic value of various tumor infiltrating immune cells and the continually evolving immune checkpoints as novel biomarkers during HCC. Tumor infiltration by immune cells such as T cells, NK cells and dendritic cells is linked with improved prognosis and favorable outcome, while the intra-tumoral presence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) or myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) on the other hand is associated with poor clinical outcome. In addition to these, the overexpression of negative regulatory molecules on tumor cells also provides inhibitory signals to T cells and is associated with poor prognosis. The limitation of a single marker can be overcome by advanced prognostication models and algorithms that evaluate multiple prognostic factors and ultimately aid the clinician in improving the disease free and overall survival of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Sachdeva
- Department of Translational & Regenerative Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Sunil K Arora
- Department of Immunopathology & Department of Translational & Regenerative Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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17
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Almeida JS, Couceiro P, López-Sejas N, Alves V, Růžičková L, Tarazona R, Solana R, Freitas-Tavares P, Santos-Rosa M, Rodrigues-Santos P. NKT-Like (CD3+CD56+) Cells in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Treated With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2493. [PMID: 31695700 PMCID: PMC6817724 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) aiming stable deep molecular response is the gold standard to treat Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). NKT-like cells (CD3+CD56+) combine characteristics of T and NK cells. The physiopathological role of these cells remains unknown although the literature refers their association with inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Since the information regarding the role of NKT-like cells in CML is rare, we aimed at the characterization of these cells in CML patients treated with TKIs. Peripheral blood NKT-like cells from 48 CML patients and 40 healthy donors were analyzed by multiparametric flow cytometry. Functional tests consisting of co-culture with leukemic target cells (K562 cell line) were used to measure degranulation and cytokine production. Our results revealed that NKT-like cells are decreased in treated CML patients, although they present increased expression of activation markers (CD69 and HLA-DR), increased degranulation (CD107a) and impaired IFN-γ production. Significantly alterations on the expression of tumor recognition (NCRs and NKp80), and immune regulation receptors (LAG-3, TIM-3, and CD137) by NKT-like cells were observed in CML patients. Second generation TKIs increased cell activation (CD69) and decreased expression of NKp44 and NKp80 by NKT-like cells from CML patients when compared to Imatinib. CML patients that achieved deep molecular response (MR4.5) presented downregulation of NKp44 and LAG-3. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of these cells as biomarkers of therapy response and also to evaluate their value for discrimination of better candidates for sustained treatment-free remission after TKI discontinuation.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, Differentiation/immunology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/immunology
- Humans
- K562 Cells
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/immunology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Male
- Natural Killer T-Cells/immunology
- Natural Killer T-Cells/pathology
- Neoplasm Proteins/immunology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/administration & dosage
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani-Sofia Almeida
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Couceiro
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nelson López-Sejas
- Department of Immunology, IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Vera Alves
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lenka Růžičková
- Hematology Service, Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Rafael Solana
- Department of Immunology, IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Paulo Freitas-Tavares
- Hematology Service, Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel Santos-Rosa
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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18
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KLRG1+ natural killer cells exert a novel antifibrotic function in chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2019; 71:252-264. [PMID: 30905683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells are known to exert strong antiviral activity. Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G member 1 (KLRG1) is expressed by terminally differentiated NK cells and KLRG1-expressing lymphocytes are known to expand following chronic viral infections. We aimed to elucidate the previously unknown role of KLRG1 in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS KLRG1+ NK cells were taken from the blood and liver of healthy individuals and patients with CHB. The phenotype and function of these cells was assessed using flow cytometry and in vitro stimulation. RESULTS Patients with CHB had a higher frequency of KLRG1+ NK cells compared to healthy controls (blood 13.4 vs. 2.3%, p <0.0001 and liver 23.4 vs. 2.6%, p <0.01). KLRG1+ NK cells were less responsive to K562 and cytokine stimulation, but demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity (9.0 vs. 4.8%, p <0.05) and IFN-γ release (8.0 vs. 1.5%, p <0.05) via antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity compared to their KLRG1- counterparts. KLRG1+ NK cells possessed a mature phenotype, demonstrating stronger cytolytic activity and IFN-γ secretion against hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) than KLRG1- NK cells. Moreover, KLRG1+ NK cells more effectively induced primary HSC apoptosis in a TRAIL-dependent manner. Increased KLRG1+ NK cell frequency in the liver and blood was associated with lower fibrosis stage (F0/F1) in patients with CHB. Finally, the expression of CD44, degranulation and IFN-γ production were all increased in KLRG1+ NK cells following stimulation with osteopontin, the CD44 ligand, suggesting that HSC-derived osteopontin may cause KLRG1+ NK cell activation. CONCLUSIONS KLRG1+ NK cells likely play an antifibrotic role during the natural course of CHB infection. Harnessing this antifibrotic function may provide a novel therapeutic approach to treat liver fibrosis in patients with CHB. LAY SUMMARY Individuals that are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) possess an increased number of immune cells, called natural killer (NK) cells expressing the surface marker KLRG1 in the blood and liver. Here, we demonstrate that these specific NK cells are able to kill activated stellate cells in the liver. Because activated stellate cells contribute to liver scarring, i.e. fibrosis, and subsequent liver dysfunction in individuals with chronic HBV infection, KLRG1+ NK cells are a novel immune cell type that can limit liver scarring.
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Hirakawa Y, Ogata T, Sasada T, Yamashita T, Itoh K, Tanaka H, Okuda K. Immunological consequences following splenectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:848-856. [PMID: 31281459 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune status in patients with liver cirrhosis is generally impaired due to concomitant hypersplenism. As the spleen is the largest lymphoid organ, deleterious events resulting from splenectomy are of concern in these patients. However, the immunological consequences after splenectomy have not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, the immune status after splenectomy was comprehensively examined. Splenectomy was performed in 11 patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism, and the immune status in peripheral blood was examined and compared before and at 1, 3 and 6 months after splenectomy. Splenectomy significantly lowered the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, due to a surge in lymphocytes in the peripheral circulation at 3 and 6 months after splenectomy. The frequency of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T cells decreased after splenectomy, whereas the frequency of CD8+ T cells increased. Notably, the frequencies of the naïve and central memory subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells decreased, whereas those of the effector memory subset trended upward. In addition, the frequencies of other immune cells such as γδ T cells, natural killer T cells and natural killer cells transiently increased, while inhibitory cells such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells significantly decreased. T-cell responses to viral- and tumor-associated antigens increased after splenectomy in five of eight and two of five patients, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to precisely examine the drastic changes of immunological phenotypes in peripheral blood after splenectomy in patients with cirrhosis. Our findings suggested that splenectomy in patients with cirrhosis may ameliorate the impaired immune status, possibly by reducing suppressive cells and enhancing the effector cell population and function, which could, at least in part, explain the mechanisms responsible for the clinical benefits of splenectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Hirakawa
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Toshiro Ogata
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan.,Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-8543, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Sasada
- Cancer Vaccine Center, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka 839-0863, Japan.,Cancer Vaccine Center, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Takuto Yamashita
- Biostatistics Center, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Kyogo Itoh
- Cancer Vaccine Center, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka 839-0863, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tanaka
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Koji Okuda
- Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
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20
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Roles of Natural Killer T Cells and Natural Killer Cells in Kidney Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102487. [PMID: 31137499 PMCID: PMC6567827 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mouse natural killer T (NKT) cells and natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that are highly abundant in the liver. In addition to their already-known antitumor and antimicrobial functions, their pathophysiological roles in the kidney have recently become evident. Under normal circumstances, the proportion of activated NKT cells in the kidney increases with age. Administration of a synthetic sphingoglycolipid ligand (alpha-galactosylceramide) further activates NKT cells, resulting in injury to renal vascular endothelial cells via the perforin-mediated pathway and tubular epithelial cells via the TNF-α/Fas ligand pathway, causing acute kidney injury (AKI) with hematuria. Activation of NKT cells by common bacterial DNA (CpG-ODN) also causes AKI. In addition, NKT cells together with B cells play significant roles in experimental lupus nephritis in NZB/NZW F1 mice through their Th2 immune responses. Mouse NK cells are also assumed to be involved in various renal diseases, and there may be complementary roles shared between NKT and NK cells. Human CD56+ T cells, a functional counterpart of mouse NKT cells, also damage renal cells through a mechanism similar to that of mice. A subpopulation of human CD56+ NK cells also exert strong cytotoxicity against renal cells and contribute to the progression of renal fibrosis.
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21
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NKG2A is a NK cell exhaustion checkpoint for HCV persistence. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1507. [PMID: 30944315 PMCID: PMC6447531 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09212-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exhaustion of cytotoxic effector natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells have important functions in the establishment of persistent viral infections, but how exhaustion is induced during chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains poorly defined. Here we show, using the humanized C/OTg mice permissive for persistent HCV infection, that NK and CD8+ T cells become sequentially exhausted shortly after their transient hepatic infiltration and activation in acute HCV infection. HCV infection upregulates Qa-1 expression in hepatocytes, which ligates NKG2A to induce NK cell exhaustion. Antibodies targeting NKG2A or Qa-1 prevents NK exhaustion and promotes NK-dependent HCV clearance. Moreover, reactivated NK cells provide sufficient IFN-γ that helps rejuvenate polyclonal HCV CD8+ T cell response and clearance of HCV. Our data thus show that NKG2A serves as a critical checkpoint for HCV-induced NK exhaustion, and that NKG2A blockade sequentially boosts interdependent NK and CD8+ T cell functions to prevent persistent HCV infection. Immune cells may become less responsive, or ‘exhausted’, upon chronic viral infection, but the underlying mechanism and crosstalk are still unclear. Here the authors show that, upon chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, natural killer cell exhaustion is induced by NKG2A signalling to instruct downstream exhaustion of CD8+ T cells and HCV persistence.
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22
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Collister M, Ellison C, Li Q, Minuk GY, Rempel JD, Kung SK. The Influence of Hepatitis C Viral Loads on Natural Killer Cell Function. Gastroenterology Res 2019; 12:8-15. [PMID: 30834029 PMCID: PMC6396790 DOI: 10.14740/gr1081w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has a high rate of chronicity, attributable to its capacity to alter host immunity, including natural killer (NK) cell function. In this study, the interaction between NK cell activity and HCV viral load was investigated. Methods Peripheral blood NK cells were examined for cytotoxicity and interferon (IFN)-γ expression in HCV infected low (LVL, < 800,000 IU/mL, n = 10) and high (HVL, > 800,000 IU/mL, n = 13) viral load patient cohorts. Results Spontaneous NK cell cytotoxicity was more robust in the LVL cohort resulting in a negative correlation with viral loads (spontaneous, r = -0.437, P = 0.037; IFN-α activated, r = -0.372, P = 0.081). Although the percent of IFN-γ+ NK cells did not associate with viral load, within the LVL cohort there was a marked increase in IFN-γ+ NK cells upon IFN-α activation relative to medium alone (P < 0.01). To examine the inability of NK cells derived from HVL patients to be further activated, the expression of the exhaustion marker programmed cell death protein (PD)-1 was evaluated. PD-1 expression upon NK cell activation correlated with viral load (r = 0.649, P = 0.009). In addition, HCV proteins upregulated PD-1 expression in vitro (P < 0.05), suggesting that HCV can directly promote NK cell exhaustion. Cells from HVL patients were also more likely to produce IFN-γ in response to HCV core protein. The finding that NK cell PD-1 and IFN-γ expression are linked (r = 0.542, P < 0.05) suggests that increased IFN-γ levels may induce PD-1 as a negative feedback mechanism. Conclusions High HCV loads appear to promote NK exhaustion in chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Collister
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Section of Hepatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Cindy Ellison
- Section of Hepatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Section of Hepatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Gerald Y Minuk
- Section of Hepatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Julia D Rempel
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Section of Hepatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sam K Kung
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Uchida T, Nakashima H, Ito S, Ishikiriyama T, Nakashima M, Seki S, Kumagai H, Oshima N. Activated natural killer T cells in mice induce acute kidney injury with hematuria through possibly common mechanisms shared by human CD56 + T cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2018; 315:F618-F627. [PMID: 29993279 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00160.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although activation of mouse natural killer T (NKT) cells by α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) causes failure of multiple organs, including the kidneys, the precise mechanisms underlying kidney injury remain unclear. Here, we showed that α-GalCer-activated mouse NKT cells injured both kidney vascular endothelial cells and tubular epithelial cells in vitro, causing acute kidney injury (AKI) with hematuria in middle-aged mice. The perforin-mediated pathway was mainly involved in glomerular endothelial cell injury, whereas the TNF-α/Fas ligand pathway played an important role in the injury of tubular epithelial cells. Kidney injury in young mice was mild but could be significantly exacerbated if NKT cells were strongly activated by NK cell depletion alone or in combination with IL-12 pretreatment. When stimulated by a combination of IL-2 and IL-12, human CD56+ T cells, a functional counterpart of mouse NKT cells, also damaged both glomerular endothelial cells and tubular epithelial cells, with the former being affected in a perforin-dependent manner. These data suggest that both mouse NKT cells and human CD56+ T cells are integral to the processes that mediate AKI. Targeting CD56+ T cells may, therefore, be a promising approach to treat AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Uchida
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama , Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakashima
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama , Japan
| | - Seigo Ito
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama , Japan
| | - Takuya Ishikiriyama
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama , Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakashima
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama , Japan
| | - Shuhji Seki
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama , Japan
| | - Hiroo Kumagai
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama , Japan
| | - Naoki Oshima
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama , Japan
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Uchida T, Nakashima H, Yamagata A, Ito S, Ishikiriyama T, Nakashima M, Seki S, Kumagai H, Oshima N. Repeated administration of alpha-galactosylceramide ameliorates experimental lupus nephritis in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8225. [PMID: 29844470 PMCID: PMC5974230 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26470-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis is a crucial complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. In this study, we investigated the roles of mouse natural killer T (NKT) cells in lupus nephritis. From 24 weeks of age, NZB/NZW F1 mice were injected with alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) or vehicle once a week for four weeks. In the α-GalCer group, the levels of proteinuria and blood urea nitrogen were significantly lower than those in the vehicle group. The histological evaluation showed a decrease in glomerular immune complex deposits and an alleviation of podocyte injury. The proportion of NKT cells in the mononuclear cell (MNC) fraction in the α-GalCer group was significantly decreased in the liver, kidney, and spleen. The proliferation and cytokine production in α-GalCer-stimulated liver MNCs were markedly diminished in the α-GalCer group (anergy). The IFN-γ production in liver MNCs stimulated by concanavalin A or an anti-CD3 antibody did not differ between the two groups, whereas the IL-4 production was significantly lower in the α-GalCer group. In addition, the IgM production in CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide-stimulated spleen MNCs was significantly lower in the α-GalCer group. These results suggest that α-GalCer suppressed Th2 immune responses in NKT cells and B cell function, thereby slowing the progression of lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Uchida
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Nakashima
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akira Yamagata
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Seigo Ito
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takuya Ishikiriyama
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakashima
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shuhji Seki
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroo Kumagai
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Naoki Oshima
- Department of Nephrology and Endocrinology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
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25
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Saito H, Umemura T, Joshita S, Yamazaki T, Fujimori N, Kimura T, Komatsu M, Matsumoto A, Tanaka E, Ota M. KIR2DL2 combined with HLA-C1 confers risk of hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma in younger patients. Oncotarget 2018; 9:19650-19661. [PMID: 29731972 PMCID: PMC5929415 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are involved in the activation and inhibition of natural killer cells. Although combinations of KIRs and HLA have been associated with spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, their roles are not fully understood in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. We enrolled 787 consecutive patients with chronic HCV infection, which included 174 cases of HCC, and 325 healthy subjects to clarify the involvement of HLA-Bw and C, KIRs, and major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) gene polymorphisms (rs2596542 and rs1051792) in chronic HCV infection and HCV-related HCC. We observed a significant association with chronic hepatitis C susceptibility for HLA-Bw4 (P = 0.00012; odds ratio [OR] = 1.66) and significant protective associations for HLA-C2 and KIR2DL1-HLA-C2 (both P = 0.00099; OR = 0.57). When HCC patients were stratified into younger (<65 years) and older (≥65 years) groups, the frequencies of KIR2DL2-HLA-C1 and KIR2DS2-HLA-C1 (P = 0.008; OR = 2.89 and P = 0.015; OR = 2.79, respectively) as well as rs2596542 and rs1051792 (P = 0.020; OR = 2.17 and P = 0.038; OR = 2.01, respectively) were significantly higher in younger patients. KIR2DL2-HLA-C1 (OR = 2.75; 95% confidence interval: 1.21-6.21, P = 0.015) and rs1051792 (OR = 2.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.23-4.98, P = 0.011) were independently associated with HCC development in younger patients. These results suggest that KIR2DL2-HLA-C1 and rs1051792 may represent molecular biomarkers to identify early onset HCV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromi Saito
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Research Center for Next Generation Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Research Center for Next Generation Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tomoo Yamazaki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Fujimori
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Michiharu Komatsu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Akihiro Matsumoto
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Eiji Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Masao Ota
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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Kang HJ, Bae K, Kim JH, Cho CK, Yoo HS. Correlation Between Natural Killer Cell Activity and Systemic Inflammatory Markers for Heterogeneous Cancer Patients Treated With Wheel Balance Cancer Therapy. Integr Cancer Ther 2017; 17:322-331. [PMID: 28714337 PMCID: PMC6041908 DOI: 10.1177/1534735417717789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: Natural killer (NK) cells are known to
have an effect on the prevention of tumorigenesis for the initial cancer, as
well as the metastatic cancer. For the past several years, the relationship
between cancer and inflammation has been actively studied in preclinical and
clinical settings, but there are no reports on alterations in and correlation
for NK cell activity (NKA) and systemic inflammatory markers. Accordingly, this
study aimed to measure correlation between NKA and the levels of other systemic
inflammatory markers in patients with gastric, breast, and pancreatic cancer who
received Wheel Balance Cancer Therapy (WBCT). Methods: Forty-two
electronic charts of patients with gastric, breast, and pancreatic cancer
treated with WBCT from February 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015, were reviewed
retrospectively. These charts were statistically analyzed, looking for
alterations of and correlation for NKA and the expressions of systemic
inflammatory markers. Results: Patients with a NKA of under 300
pg/mL at admission showed significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate
(ESR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values and decreasing NLR values
due to WBCT than patients with an NKA greater than 300 pg/mL. As a result of the
correlation analysis between NKA and the levels of the systemic inflammatory
markers, NKA showed significant negative correlation with NLR, ESR, and
fibrinogen values. Conclusions: Negative correlation was identified
between NKA and NLR, NKA and ESR, and NKA and fibrinogen in patients with
heterogeneous cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwi-Joong Kang
- 1 Dunsan Korean Medical Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kyeore Bae
- 1 Dunsan Korean Medical Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jee-Hye Kim
- 1 Dunsan Korean Medical Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Chong-Kwan Cho
- 1 Dunsan Korean Medical Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hwa-Seung Yoo
- 1 Dunsan Korean Medical Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
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Li XF, Dai D, Song XY, Liu JJ, Zhu L, Zhu X, Ma W, Xu W. A different representation of natural T cells and natural killer cells between tumor-infiltrating and periphery lymphocytes in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:3291-3298. [PMID: 28529568 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural T cells [cluster of differentiation (CD) 3+CD56+] and natural killer (NK) cells (CD3-CD56+) are particularly abundant in the human liver and serve an important role in immune responses in the liver. The aim of the present study was to extensively determine the phenotypic and functional characteristics of natural T and NK cells in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumorous and non-tumorous tissue infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs and NILs, respectively) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were obtained to determine the frequency and phenotype of natural T/NK cells by a multicolor fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis. The abundance of natural T cells and NK cells was decreased in TILs vs. NILs (natural T cells, 6.315±1.002 vs. 17.16±1.804; NK cells, 6.324±1.559 vs. 14.52±2.336, respectively). However such results were not observed in PBMCs from HCC patients vs. that of healthy donors. Notably, a substantial fraction of the natural T cells (21.96±5.283) in TILs acquired forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) expression, and the FOXP3+ natural T cells lost the expression of interferon-γ and perforin. Conversely, being similar to the conventional FOXP3+ regulatory T cells, the FOXP3+ natural T cells assumed a specific phenotype that was characteristic of CD25+, CD45RO+ and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4+. Consistent with the phenotypic conversion, the present functional results indicate that FOXP3 expression in natural T cells contributes to the acquisition of a potent immunosuppressive capability. In conclusion, the present study describes a different representation of natural T cells and NK cells in local tumor tissues and in the periphery blood of patients with HCC, and identified a new type of FOXP3-expressing natural T cell spontaneously arising in the TILs of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Dong Dai
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Yu Song
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Jing Liu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Wenchao Ma
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Wengui Xu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Hexi, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
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Tanimine N, Tanaka Y, Abe T, Piao J, Ishiyama K, Kobayashi T, Ide K, Ohira M, Tahara H, Shimizu S, Saeki Y, Sakai H, Yano T, Ohdan H. MELD and Child-Pugh Scores Are Related to Immune Status of Intrahepatic Natural Killer Cells in Liver Transplant Candidates. Transplant Proc 2017; 49:98-101. [PMID: 28104168 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2016.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role and phenotypic alterations of intrahepatic natural killer (NK) cells in liver disease were investigated. Although intrahepatic NK cells reportedly functionally deteriorate in the fibrotic liver, it remains unclear how the clinical severity of liver disease affects intrahepatic NK cells in patients with advanced liver failure. METHODS We analyzed the phenotypic properties of intrahepatic NK cells by using mononuclear cells extracted from ex vivo liver perfusate effluents from patients who underwent liver transplantation. The relationship between the clinical severity of liver disease and the phenotype of intrahepatic NK cells in these patients was also evaluated. To estimate the immunological responsiveness of intrahepatic NK cells, phenotypic enhancement after interleukin-2 stimulation was analyzed. RESULTS Intrahepatic NK cells from patients with advanced liver failure exhibited down-regulated monomodal expression of NKp46, a major activating molecule. Notably, the expression level of NKp46 decreased depending on the severity of liver disease, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and Child-Pugh score rather than the etiology. After in vitro recombinant interleukin-2 stimulation, the enhancement of expression of cytotoxic molecules, NKp44, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand was significantly impaired in intrahepatic NK cells from patients with liver failure, concurrently with decreased expression of CD122 and interleukin-2 receptor beta. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that terminal deterioration of liver environments by chronic liver disease impairs the potential of local NK cells, depending on the severity of the deterioration. These influences of advanced liver failure on intrahepatic NK cells may be attributed to multicentric carcinogenesis in patients with liver failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tanimine
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Y Tanaka
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - T Abe
- Department of Surgery, Onomichi General Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - J Piao
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - K Ishiyama
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - T Kobayashi
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - K Ide
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - M Ohira
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - H Tahara
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - S Shimizu
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Y Saeki
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - H Sakai
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - T Yano
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - H Ohdan
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
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Luna JI, Grossenbacher SK, Murphy WJ, Canter RJ. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells with Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2016; 17:313-324. [PMID: 27960589 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1271874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Standard cytoreductive cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are frequently resisted by a small portion of cancer cells with 'stem-cell' like properties including quiescence and repopulation. Immunotherapy represents a breakthrough modality for improving oncologic outcomes in cancer patients. Since the success of immunotherapy is not contingent on target cell proliferation, it may also be uniquely suited to address the problem of resistance and repopulation exerted by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Areas covered: Natural killer (NK) cells have long been known for their ability to reject allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells, and there are increasing data demonstrating that NK cells can selectively identify and lyse CSCs. The authors review the current knowledge of CSCs and NK cells and highlight recent studies that support the concept that NK cells are capable of targeting CSC in solid tumors, especially in the context of combination therapy simultaneously targeting non-CSCs and CSCs. Expert opinion: Unlike cytotoxic cancer treatments, NK cells can target and eliminate quiescent/non-proliferating cells such as CSCs, and these enigmatic cells are an important source of relapse and metastasis. NK targeting of CSCs represents a novel and potentially high impact method to capitalize on the intrinsic therapeutic potential of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus I Luna
- a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA
| | - Steven K Grossenbacher
- a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA
| | - William J Murphy
- a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA.,b Department of Internal Medicine , University of California Davis Medical Center , Sacramento , CA USA
| | - Robert J Canter
- c Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA
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Activation and increase of radio-sensitive CD11b+ recruited Kupffer cells/macrophages in diet-induced steatohepatitis in FGF5 deficient mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34466. [PMID: 27708340 PMCID: PMC5052649 DOI: 10.1038/srep34466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We have recently reported that Kupffer cells consist of two subsets, radio-resistant resident CD68+ Kupffer cells and radio-sensitive recruited CD11b+ Kupffer cells/macrophages (Mφs). Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized not only by hepatic steatosis but also chronic inflammation and fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the immunological mechanism of diet-induced steatohepatitis in fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) deficient mice. After consumption of a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, FGF5 null mice developed severe steatohepatitis and fibrosis resembling human NASH. F4/80+ Mφs which were both CD11b and CD68 positive accumulated in the liver. The production of TNF and FasL indicated that they are the pivotal effectors in this hepatitis. The weak phagocytic activity and lack of CRIg mRNA suggested that they were recruited Mφs. Intermittent exposure to 1 Gy irradiation markedly decreased these Mφs and dramatically inhibited liver inflammation without attenuating steatosis. However, depletion of the resident subset by clodronate liposome (c-lipo) treatment increased the Mφs and tended to exacerbate disease progression. Recruited CD11b+ CD68+ Kupffer cells/Mφs may play an essential role in steatohepatitis and fibrosis in FGF5 null mice fed with a HFD. Recruitment and activation of bone marrow derived Mφs is the key factor to develop steatohepatitis from simple steatosis.
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Fu Q, Yan S, Wang L, Duan X, Wang L, Wang Y, Wu T, Wang X, An J, Zhang Y, Zhou Q, Zhan L. Hepatic NK cell-mediated hypersensitivity to ConA-induced liver injury in mouse liver expressing hepatitis C virus polyprotein. Oncotarget 2016; 8:52178-52192. [PMID: 28881722 PMCID: PMC5581021 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of hepatic NK cells in the pathogenesis of HCV-associated hepatic failure is incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of HCV on ConA-induced immunological hepatic injury and the influence of HCV on hepatic NK cell activation in the liver after ConA administration. An immunocompetent HCV mouse model that encodes the entire viral polyprotein in a liver-specific manner based on hydrodynamic injection and φC31o integrase was used to study the role of hepatic NK cells. Interestingly, the frequency of hepatic NK cells was reduced in HCV mice, whereas the levels of other intrahepatic lymphocytes remained unaltered. Next, we investigated whether the reduction in NK cells within HCV mouse livers might elicit an effect on immune-mediated liver injury. HCV mice were subjected to acute liver injury models upon ConA administration. We observed that HCV mice developed more severe ConA-induced immune-mediated hepatitis, which was dependent on the accumulated intrahepatic NK cells. Our results indicated that after the administration of ConA, NK cells not only mediated liver injury through the production of immunoregulatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α and perforin) with direct antiviral activity, but they also killed target cells directly through the TRAIL/DR5 and NKG2D/NKG2D ligand signaling pathway in HCV mice. Our findings suggest a critical role for NK cells in oversensitive liver injury during chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Fu
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoduo Yan
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Licui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangguo Duan
- Surgical Laboratory of General Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Blood Transfusion Department, General Hospital of Beijing Military Area Command of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Jie An
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Qianqian Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Linsheng Zhan
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Blood Safety and Supply Technologies, Beijing, China
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Functional Behavior of NKp46-Positive Intrahepatic Natural Killer Cells Against Hepatitis C Virus Reinfection After Liver Transplantation. Transplantation 2016; 100:355-64. [PMID: 26714120 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NKp46 expression in natural killer (NK) cells has recently been shown to affect the responsiveness to antiviral treatment in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. However, the density of NKp46 on intrahepatic NK cells is remarkably higher than that on peripherally circulating NK cells, whereas the biophylactic function of intrahepatic NK cells against HCV reinfection remains unclear. METHODS We analyzed the phenotypic and functional properties of intrahepatic NK cells using mononuclear cells extracted from ex vivo liver perfusates from living liver transplantation donors. To investigate the role of intrahepatic NK cells in relation to HCV infection, we evaluated posttransplant HCV load kinetics in HCV-related patients. RESULTS Intrahepatic NK cells from healthy donors showed a distinctive phenotype even in each of the CD56 and CD56 fractions compared with peripheral blood NK cells. In the assays using a Huh7-HCV replicon system, anti-HCV activity was induced via recognition of the NK cell receptors, including NKp46, NKp30, and NKG2D, which was demonstrated by the use of monoclonal antibodies that neutralized neutralizing molecules. Unexpectedly, the density of NKp46 on intrahepatic NK cells varied considerably among individuals, allowing us to demonstrate that HCV reload in the early posttransplant period was delayed in recipients of liver allografts containing a higher proportion of NKp46 NK cells. CONCLUSIONS Intrahepatic NKp46 NK cells exhibited anti-HCV activity via cell-to-cell contact. The variation of the NKp46 proportion in individuals could be attributed to the diversity of HCV resistance observed in these individuals, which possibly reflects the clinical outcome of infection in patients.
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CD3(+)CD56(+) Natural Killer-Like T Cells Display Anti-HCV Activity but Are Functionally Impaired in HIV(+) Patients With Acute Hepatitis C. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 70:338-46. [PMID: 26509931 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the role of CD3(+)CD56(+) natural killer (NK)-like T cells in HIV(+) patients with acute hepatitis C. DESIGN Frequency, phenotype, and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity of CD3(+)CD56(+) NK-like T cells were studied in 36 HIV(+) patients with acute hepatitis C. As controls, 12 patients with chronic HCV/HIV coinfection, 8 HIV monoinfected patients, and 12 healthy donors were enrolled in this study. METHODS CD3(+)CD56(+) NK-like T-cell-mediated inhibition of HCV replication was analyzed using the HuH7A2HCVreplicon model. The CD3(+)CD56(+) NK-like T-cell phenotype and interferon (IFN)-γ secretion were studied by flow cytometry. RESULTS Interleukin 12/interleukin 15 stimulated CD3(+)CD56(+) NK-like T cells from healthy donors effectively block HCV replication in vitro in an IFN-γ dependent manner. Accordingly, we found that blocking of IFN-γ with a specific antibody significantly reduced the antiviral activity of CD3(+)CD56(+) NK-like T cells. However, when CD3(+)CD56(+) NK-like T cells from HIV(+) patients were studied, we found HIV infection to be associated with a significantly impaired IFN-γ production, irrespective of HCV coinfection. Accordingly, CD3(+)CD56(+) NK-like T cells from HIV(+) patients were significantly less effective in blocking HCV replication in vitro than cells from healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data indicate that HIV infection is associated with an impaired anti-HCV activity of CD3(+)CD56(+) NK-like T cells, which might represent a novel mechanism of dysregulated immune response in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.
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Gardiner CM. NK cell function and receptor diversity in the context of HCV infection. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1061. [PMID: 26483779 PMCID: PMC4588102 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects over 170 million people in the world. While a minority of individuals are able to naturally clear this hepatotropic virus using their immune system, most people go on to develop a lifetime chronic infection that can result in severe liver pathology, potentially leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatic cellular carcinoma. Investigations into acute immune responses and spontaneous clearance of the virus are severely hampered by difficulties in identification of relevant patient cohorts. While the role for the adaptive immune response in viral clearance is well established, it is becoming clear that the innate immune system also impacts on HCV outcome. The innate immune response to infection is likely to influence the type of adaptive immune response that develops and will ultimately influence if the virus is cleared or develops into a chronic infection. Natural Killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that have important anti-viral functions including direct cytotoxicity of infected cells and the production of inflammatory cytokines, e.g., IFN-γ. They are generally considered to be cells of the innate immune system, although there is increasing evidence that NK cells adapt and persist in response to particular viral infections. NK cells are altered in patients with acute and chronic HCV infection. There is increasing evidence from both cellular and genetic studies that NK cells modulate HCV outcome. This review will describe and discuss the current experimental and clinical evidence of a role for NK cells in HCV infection and describe recent discoveries that are likely to play a role in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clair M Gardiner
- NK Cell Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin Dublin, Ireland
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35
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Miot C, Beaumont E, Duluc D, Le Guillou-Guillemette H, Preisser L, Garo E, Blanchard S, Hubert Fouchard I, Créminon C, Lamourette P, Fremaux I, Calès P, Lunel-Fabiani F, Boursier J, Braum O, Fickenscher H, Roingeard P, Delneste Y, Jeannin P. IL-26 is overexpressed in chronically HCV-infected patients and enhances TRAIL-mediated cytotoxicity and interferon production by human NK cells. Gut 2015; 64:1466-75. [PMID: 25183206 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2013-306604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interleukin-26 (IL-26) is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family, first discovered based on its peculiar expression by virus-transformed T cells. IL-26 is overexpressed in chronic inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease) and induces proinflammatory cytokines by myeloid cells and some epithelial cells. We thus investigated the expression and potential role of IL-26 in chronic HCV infection, a pathology associated with chronic inflammation. DESIGN IL-26 was quantified in a cohort of chronically HCV-infected patients, naive of treatment and its expression in the liver biopsies investigated by immunohistochemistry. We also analysed the ability of IL-26 to modulate the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which control HCV infection. RESULTS The serum levels of IL-26 are enhanced in chronically HCV-infected patients, mainly in those with severe liver inflammation. Immunohistochemistry reveals an intense IL-26 staining in liver lesions, mainly in infiltrating CD3+ cells. We also show that NK cells from healthy subjects and from HCV-infected patients are sensitive to IL-26. IL-26 upregulates membrane tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) expression on CD16- CD56(bright) NK cells, enabling them to kill HCV-infected hepatoma cells, with the same efficacy as interferon (IFN)-α-treated NK cells. IL-26 also induces the expression of the antiviral cytokines IFN-β and IFN-γ, and of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α by NK cells. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights IL-26 as a new player in the inflammatory and antiviral immune responses associated with chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charline Miot
- Université d'Angers, Angers, France Inserm, Unité 892, Angers, France CNRS, Unité 6299, Angers, France Laboratoire d'Immunologie et Allergologie, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Elodie Beaumont
- Université de Tours, Tours, France Inserm, Unité 966, Tours, France
| | - Dorothée Duluc
- Université d'Angers, Angers, France Inserm, Unité 892, Angers, France CNRS, Unité 6299, Angers, France
| | | | - Laurence Preisser
- Université d'Angers, Angers, France Inserm, Unité 892, Angers, France CNRS, Unité 6299, Angers, France
| | - Erwan Garo
- Université d'Angers, Angers, France Inserm, Unité 892, Angers, France CNRS, Unité 6299, Angers, France
| | - Simon Blanchard
- Université d'Angers, Angers, France Inserm, Unité 892, Angers, France CNRS, Unité 6299, Angers, France Laboratoire d'Immunologie et Allergologie, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Christophe Créminon
- Service de Pharmacologie et d'Immunoanalyse, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique Saclay, iBiTec-S, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Patricia Lamourette
- Service de Pharmacologie et d'Immunoanalyse, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique Saclay, iBiTec-S, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Isabelle Fremaux
- Université d'Angers, Angers, France Inserm, Unité 892, Angers, France CNRS, Unité 6299, Angers, France
| | - Paul Calès
- Université d'Angers, UPRES 3859, Angers, France Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Françoise Lunel-Fabiani
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie, CHU Angers, Angers, France Université d'Angers, UPRES 3859, Angers, France
| | - Jérôme Boursier
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Oliver Braum
- Institute for Infection Medicine, Christian Albrecht University of Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Helmut Fickenscher
- Institute for Infection Medicine, Christian Albrecht University of Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Yves Delneste
- Université d'Angers, Angers, France Inserm, Unité 892, Angers, France CNRS, Unité 6299, Angers, France Laboratoire d'Immunologie et Allergologie, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Pascale Jeannin
- Université d'Angers, Angers, France Inserm, Unité 892, Angers, France CNRS, Unité 6299, Angers, France Laboratoire d'Immunologie et Allergologie, CHU Angers, Angers, France
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Al Marzooqi SH, Feld JJ. Sorting out cirrhosis: mechanisms of non-response to hepatitis C therapy. Liver Int 2015; 35:1923-33. [PMID: 25939775 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although cirrhosis has long been recognized as an important negative predictor of treatment response for hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, the mechanisms underlying this association remain relatively poorly understood. Treatment has progressed rapidly with the introduction of highly effective all-oral therapies, with promising outcomes even in patients with advanced cirrhosis. However, even with the new therapies, it is clear that patients with cirrhosis require special attention. Efficacy continues to be somewhat reduced compared to non-cirrhotic patients and safety is an important concern. In this review, we explore the reasons for treatment non-response in patients with cirrhosis. We focus on how cirrhosis impacts on four important areas including drug delivery, drug uptake and metabolism, immune responses and drug toxicity with examples from the clinical and basic literature. Fortunately, as treatment continues to progress, many of the challenges of treating patients with cirrhosis will become less and less problematic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed H Al Marzooqi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Mitra A, Satelli A, Yan J, Xueqing X, Gagea M, Hunter CA, Mishra L, Li S. IL-30 (IL27p28) attenuates liver fibrosis through inducing NKG2D-rae1 interaction between NKT and activated hepatic stellate cells in mice. Hepatology 2014; 60:2027-39. [PMID: 25351459 PMCID: PMC4245364 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Chronic hepatic diseases, such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and virus-mediated immunopathogenic infections, affect billions of people worldwide. These diseases commonly initiate with fibrosis. Owing to the various side effects of antifibrotic therapy and the difficulty of diagnosing asymptomatic patients, suitable medication remains a major concern. To overcome this drawback, the use of cytokine-based sustained therapy might be a suitable alternative with minimal side effects. Here, we studied the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanisms of interleukin (IL)-30 as antifibrosis therapy in murine liver fibrosis models. CCl4 or 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) 0.1% (wt/wt) Purina 5015 Chow (LabDiet, St. Louis, MO) was fed for 3 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. Either control vector (pCtr) or pIL30 was injected hydrodynamically once per week. A significant decrease in collagen deposition and reduced expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein indicated that IL-30-based gene therapy dramatically reduced bridging fibrosis that was induced by CCl4 or DDC. Immunophenotyping and knockout studies showed that IL-30 recruits natural-killer-like T (NKT) cells to the liver to remove activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) significantly and ameliorate liver fibrosis. Both flow cytometric and antibody-mediated neutralization studies showed that liver NKT cells up-regulate the natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) ligand and bind with the NKG2D ligand, retinoic acid early inducible 1 (Rae1), and positively activated HSCs to ameliorate liver fibrosis. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of liver NKT cells in T-cell-deficient mice showed reduction of fibrosis upon IL-30 administration. CONCLUSIONS Highly target-specific liver NKT cells selectively remove activated HSCs through an NKG2D-Rae1 interaction to ameliorate liver fibrosis after IL-30 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhisek Mitra
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Arun Satelli
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xia Xueqing
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mihai Gagea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Lopa Mishra
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shulin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA,Corresponding author. Department of Pediatrics, Unit 0853, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030 USA, , Phone: 713-563-9608, FAX: 713-563-9607
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Cosgrove C, Berger CT, Kroy DC, Cheney PC, Ghebremichael M, Aneja J, Tomlinson M, Kim AY, Lauer GM, Alter G. Chronic HCV infection affects the NK cell phenotype in the blood more than in the liver. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105950. [PMID: 25148254 PMCID: PMC4141847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although epidemiological and functional studies have implicated NK cells in protection and early clearance of HCV, the mechanism by which they may contribute to viral control is poorly understood, particularly at the site of infection, the liver. We hypothesized that a unique immunophenotypic/functional NK cell signature exists in the liver that may provide insights into the contribution of NK cells to viral control. Intrahepatic and blood NK cells were profiled from chronically infected HCV-positive and HCV-negative individuals. Baseline expression of activating and inhibitory receptors was assessed, as well as functional responses following stimulation through classic NK cell pathways. Independent of HCV infection, the liver was enriched for the immunoregulatory CD56bright NK cell population, which produced less IFNγ and CD107a but comparable levels of MIP1β, and was immunophenotypically distinct from their blood counterparts. This profile was mostly unaltered in chronic HCV infection, though different expression levels of NKp46 and NKG2D were associated with different grades of fibrosis. In contrast to the liver, chronic HCV infection associated with an enrichment of CD161lowperforinhigh NK cells in the blood correlated with increased AST and 2B4 expression. However, the association of relatively discrete changes in the NK cell phenotype in the liver with the fibrosis stage nevertheless suggests an important role for the NK response. Overall these data suggest that tissue localization has a more pervasive effect on NK cells than the presence of chronic viral infection, during which these cells might be mostly attuned to limiting immunopathology. It will be important to characterize NK cells during early HCV infection, when they should have a critical role in limiting infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cormac Cosgrove
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christoph T. Berger
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daniela C. Kroy
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Medical Department 3, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Patrick C. Cheney
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Musie Ghebremichael
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jasneet Aneja
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michelle Tomlinson
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Arthur Y. Kim
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Georg M. Lauer
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Galit Alter
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Kamel MM, Fouad SA, Basyoni MMA. P selectins and immunological profiles in HCV and Schistosoma mansoni induced chronic liver disease. BMC Gastroenterol 2014; 14:132. [PMID: 25066324 PMCID: PMC4119237 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-14-132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Schistosoma mansoni are major causes of chronic liver disease (CLD) in which immune alteration is common. Recent studies suggested that certain platelets and lymphocytes activation markers may have an impact on progression of CLD. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of platelets and lymphocytes activation molecules expression on the pathogenesis of CLD in distinct or concomitant chronic HCV and schistosomiasis mansoni infections. Methods The study populations were divided into group-I: patients with chronic schistosomiasis mansoni, group-II: HCV patients without cirrhosis, group-III: patients with combined liver diseases without cirrhosis, group-IV: patients with chronic HCV and liver cirrhosis and group-V: Age and sex matched healthy individuals as normal controls. All groups were subjected to full clinical evaluation, ELISA anti-HCV antibodies screening, parasitological examination for diagnosing S. mansoni and flow cytometry for lymphocyte (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD22, & CD56) and platelets activation (CD41, CD42 & CD62P (P- selectins)) markers. Results The platelet count was significantly decreased in HCV and/or S. mansoni patients. The total T-lymphocytes and T-helper cells were significantly reduced, while T-cytotoxics were increased. The patients possessed a significantly higher platelets activation marker; CD62P (P-selectins) and higher mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) positivity. There were considerable correlations between platelets count and both of CD62P and MFI. Conclusion Our Findings suggest an increased expression of certain platelets and lymphocytes activation markers in chronic HCV and S. mansoni induced CLD that may have a role in disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M Kamel
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Cancer Institute Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Abstract
Persistent viral infection, such as HCV infection, is the result of the inability of the host immune system to mount a successful antiviral response, as well as the escape strategies devised by the virus. Although each individual component of the host immune system plays important roles in antiviral immunity, the interactive network of immune cells as a whole acts against the virus. The innate immune system forms the first line of host defense against viral infection, and thus, virus elimination or chronic HCV infection is linked to the direct outcome of the interactions between the various innate immune cells and HCV. By understanding how the distinct components of the innate immune system function both individually and collectively during HCV infection, potential therapeutic targets can be identified to overcome immune dysfunction and control chronic viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banishree Saha
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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41
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Zhang J, Xu Z, Zhou X, Zhang H, Yang N, Wu Y, Chen Y, Yang G, Ren T. Loss of expression of MHC class I-related chain A (MICA) is a frequent event and predicts poor survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:3123-3131. [PMID: 25031731 PMCID: PMC4097291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important effector cells for the first line of defense against tumor. Distant MHC class I homolog MICA has been identified as human ligand for NK cell activating receptor NKG2D. Engagement of MICA triggers NK cells and augments antigen-specific CTL anti-tumor immunity. However, the expression level of MICA and its clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma remains to be elucidated. In the present study, a hospital-based study cohort of 143 HCC patients was involved. MICA expression levels were determined by immunohistochemical staining. The association of MICA expression with tumor clinicopathologic features, disease-free survival, and overall survival of HCC patients were analyzed. Significantly decreased expression of MICA was detected in tumor specimens. MICA expression was significantly associated with AFP level (P < 0.001) and tumor node metastasis stage (P = 0.003). Patients with reduced level of MICA had a statistically significantly shorter disease-free survival and overall survival duration than patients with preserved expression of MICA. However, in multivariate analysis, MICA expression level was found not to be an independent prognostic factor for both disease-free survival and overall survival of HCC patients. Our findings suggest that decreased MICA expression may play an important role in HCC tumor evasion of host immunity, which warrants further investigation in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical CollegeChengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Zhuding Xu
- 5th Department of Liver Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityShanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xingchun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’an 710032, China
| | - Haibin Zhang
- 5th Department of Liver Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityShanghai, 200438, China
| | - Ning Yang
- 5th Department of Liver Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityShanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yousheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’an 710032, China
| | - Yibing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’an 710032, China
| | - Guangshun Yang
- 5th Department of Liver Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityShanghai, 200438, China
| | - Tingting Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi’an 710032, China
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Fugier E, Marche H, Thélu MA, Macek Jílková Z, Van Campenhout N, Dufeu-Duchesne T, Leroy V, Zarski JP, Sturm N, Marche PN, Jouvin-Marche E. Functions of liver natural killer cells are dependent on the severity of liver inflammation and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95614. [PMID: 24759660 PMCID: PMC3997478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the role of intra-hepatic (IH) natural killer (NK) cells is still controversial. To clarify their functions, we investigated anti-viral and cytotoxic activity of NK cells in human fresh liver biopsies. We compared the functions of IH-NK cells in HCV-infected and NASH patients in physiological conditions as well as after stimulation using flow cytometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Interestingly, few IH-NK cells produced anti-viral cytokine IFN-γ in HCV-infected patients similarly as in non-infected individuals. Spontaneous degranulation activity was extremely low in peripheral NK cells compared to IH-NK cells, and was significantly higher in IH-NK cells from HCV-infected patients compared to non-infected individuals. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that perforin granules were polarized at the apical pole of IH-NK cells. The presence of CD107a and perforin in IH-NK cells demonstrated that NK cells exerted a cytolytic activity at the site of infection. Importantly, IH-NK cell functions from HCV-infected patients were inducible by specific exogenous stimulations. Upon ex vivo K562 target cell stimulations, the number of degranulating NK cells was significantly increased in the pool of IH-NK cells compared to circulating NK cells. Interestingly, after stimulation, the frequency of IFN-γ-producing IH-NK cells in HCV-infected patients was significantly higher at early stage of inflammation whereas the spontaneous IH-NK cell degranulation activity was significantly impaired in patients with highest inflammation and fibrosis Metavir scores. Our study highlights that some IH-NK cells in HCV-infected patients are able to produce INF-γ and degranulate and that those two activities depend on liver environment including the severity of liver injury. Thus, we conclude that critical roles of IH-NK cells have to be taken into account in the course of the liver pathogenesis associated to chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Fugier
- INSERM, U823, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, UMR-S823, Grenoble, France
| | - Hélène Marche
- INSERM, U823, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, UMR-S823, Grenoble, France
| | - Marie-Ange Thélu
- INSERM, U823, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, UMR-S823, Grenoble, France
- CHU-Grenoble, Clinique Universitaire d’Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Grenoble, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jílková
- INSERM, U823, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, UMR-S823, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Tania Dufeu-Duchesne
- INSERM, U823, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, UMR-S823, Grenoble, France
- CHU-Grenoble, Clinique Universitaire d’Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Grenoble, France
| | - Vincent Leroy
- INSERM, U823, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, UMR-S823, Grenoble, France
- CHU-Grenoble, Clinique Universitaire d’Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Zarski
- INSERM, U823, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, UMR-S823, Grenoble, France
- CHU-Grenoble, Clinique Universitaire d’Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Grenoble, France
| | - Nathalie Sturm
- INSERM, U823, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, UMR-S823, Grenoble, France
- CHU-Grenoble, Département d’Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologiques, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrice N. Marche
- INSERM, U823, Grenoble, France
- Université Joseph Fourier, UMR-S823, Grenoble, France
- CHU-Grenoble, Clinique Universitaire d’Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Grenoble, France
- * E-mail:
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43
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Sato A, Nakashima H, Kinoshita M, Nakashima M, Ogawa Y, Shono S, Ikarashi M, Seki S. The effect of synthetic C-reactive protein on the in vitro immune response of human PBMCs stimulated with bacterial reagents. Inflammation 2014; 36:781-92. [PMID: 23407995 PMCID: PMC3708291 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-013-9604-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic C-reactive protein (CRP) rescues mice from lethal endotoxin shock or bacterial infection by suppressing tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), but in turn, enhances Kupffer cell phagocytic activity. We herein assessed the influence of CRP in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). When human PBMCs were stimulated in vitro with penicillin-treated Streptococcus pyogenes, bacterial DNA motifs and lipopolysaccharide with or without synthetic CRP, CRP suppressed the production of TNF-α and IL-12, but not that of IFN-γ. This was also the case for the in vitro Shwartzman reaction induced in PBMCs. CRP also decreased high-mobility group box 1 production from macrophages, which is crucial in the later phase of endotoxin/septic shock. However, CRP upregulated the perforin expression by CD56+ NK cells and increased their antitumor cytotoxicity. CRP may thus be a potent immunomodulatory factor in the human immune system, suggesting its therapeutic potential for use against human septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Sato
- Department of Immunology and microbiology, National Defense Medical College, Namiki 3-2, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
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44
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The function of CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells in HIV-infected individuals. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:863625. [PMID: 24779018 PMCID: PMC3977420 DOI: 10.1155/2014/863625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells are one of the critical effectors in the immune response to viral infection and tumors, but the functional features of NKT-like cells in HIV infection have been rarely reported. In this study, we observed and described the state of NKT-like cell functions in primary HIV-infected individuals (PHIs), chronic HIV-infected individuals (CHIs), long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs), and HIV-negative controls (NCs). The results showed that the percentage of IFN-γ+CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells was notably higher in LTNPs compared with CHIs, and the proportion of CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells with dual function (IFN-γ+CD107a+ NKT-like cells) in LTNPs was also much higher than in CHIs. Additionally, the percentages of IFN-γ+CD107a+ NKT-like cells negatively correlated with viral load. Taken together, our data demonstrated that good functions of CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells in LTNPs likely occurred as a protective mechanism that slows down HIV disease progression.
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45
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The role of chemokines in hepatitis C virus-mediated liver disease. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:4747-79. [PMID: 24646914 PMCID: PMC3975423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15034747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health problem affecting more than 170 million people. A chronic HCV infection is associated with liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To enable viral persistence, HCV has developed mechanisms to modulate both innate and adaptive immunity. The recruitment of antiviral immune cells in the liver is mainly dependent on the release of specific chemokines. Thus, the modulation of their expression could represent an efficient viral escape mechanism to hamper specific immune cell migration to the liver during the acute phase of the infection. HCV-mediated changes in hepatic immune cell chemotaxis during the chronic phase of the infection are significantly affecting antiviral immunity and tissue damage and thus influence survival of both the host and the virus. This review summarizes our current understanding of the HCV-mediated modulation of chemokine expression and of its impact on the development of liver disease. A profound knowledge of the strategies used by HCV to interfere with the host's immune response and the pro-fibrotic and pro-carcinogenic activities of HCV is essential to be able to design effective immunotherapies against HCV and HCV-mediated liver diseases.
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46
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Pembroke T, Christian A, Jones E, Hills RK, Wang ECY, Gallimore AM, Godkin A. The paradox of NKp46+ natural killer cells: drivers of severe hepatitis C virus-induced pathology but in-vivo resistance to interferon α treatment. Gut 2014; 63:515-24. [PMID: 23665989 PMCID: PMC3932740 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2013-304472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is evidence that natural killer (NK) cells help control persistent viral infections including hepatitis C virus (HCV). The phenotype and function of blood and intrahepatic NK cells, in steady state and after interferon (IFN) α treatment has not been fully elucidated. DESIGN We performed a comparison of NK cells derived from blood and intrahepatic compartments in multiple paired samples from patients with a variety of chronic liver diseases. Furthermore, we obtained serial paired samples from an average of five time points in HCV patients treated with IFNα. RESULTS Liver NK cells demonstrate a distinct activated phenotype compared to blood manifested as downregulation of the NK cell activation receptors CD16, NKG2D, and NKp30; with increased spontaneous degranulation and IFN production. In contrast, NKp46 expression was not downregulated. Indeed, NKp46-rich NK populations were the most activated, correlating closely with the severity of liver inflammation. Following initiation of IFNα treatment there was a significant increase in the proportion of intrahepatic NK cells at days 1 and 3. NKp46-rich NK populations demonstrated no reserve activation capacity with IFNα treatment and were associated with poor viral control on treatment and treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS NKp46 marks out pathologically activated NK cells, which may result from a loss of homeostatic control of activating receptor expression in HCV. Paradoxically these pathological NK cells do not appear to be involved in viral control in IFNα-treated individuals and, indeed, predict slower rates of viral clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Pembroke
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Adam Christian
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Emma Jones
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Robert K Hills
- Haematology Trials Unit, Institute of Translation, Innovation, Methodology and Engagement, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Eddie C Y Wang
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Awen M Gallimore
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Godkin
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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47
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Tong HV, Toan NL, Song LH, Bock CT, Kremsner PG, Velavan TP. Hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma: functional roles of MICA variants. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:687-98. [PMID: 24010643 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus infection is a high-risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. The human major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) is a ligand of the NKG2D receptor that modulates the NK and T-cell-mediated immune responses and is associated with several diseases. This study determined the effects of MICA polymorphisms during HBV infection and HBV-induced HCC. We conducted a case-controlled study in a Vietnamese cohort and genotyped ten functional MICA polymorphisms including the microsatellite motif in 552 clinically classified hepatitis B virus patients and 418 healthy controls. The serum soluble MICA levels (sMICA) were correlated with MICA variants and liver enzyme levels. We demonstrated a significant contribution of MICA rs2596542G/A promoter variant and nonsynonymous substitutions MICA-129Met/Val, MICA-251Gln/Arg, MICA-175Gly/Ser, triplet repeat polymorphism and respective haplotypes with HBV-induced HCC and HBV persistence. The circulating sMICA levels in HBV patient groups were elevated significantly compared with healthy controls. A significant contribution of studied MICA variants to sMICA levels was also observed. The liver enzymes alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were positively correlated with sMICA levels suggesting sMICA as a biomarker for liver injury. We conclude that MICA polymorphisms play a crucial role in modulating innate immune responses, tumour surveillance and regulate disease susceptibility during HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- H V Tong
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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48
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Golden-Mason L, Rosen HR. Natural killer cells: multifaceted players with key roles in hepatitis C immunity. Immunol Rev 2013; 255:68-81. [PMID: 23947348 PMCID: PMC3765000 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NKs) are involved in every stage of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection, from protection against HCV acquisition and resolution in the acute phase to treatment-induced clearance. In addition to their direct antiviral actions, NKs are involved in the induction and priming of appropriate downstream T-cell responses. In the setting of chronic HCV, overall NK cell levels are decreased, subset distribution is altered, and changes in NK receptor (NKR) expression have been demonstrated, although the contribution of individual NKRs to viral clearance or persistence remains to be clarified. Enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity accompanied by insufficient interferon-γ production may promote liver damage in the setting of chronic infection. Treatment-induced clearance is associated with activation of NK cells, and it will be of interest to monitor NK cell responses to triple therapy. Activated NK cells also have anti-fibrotic properties, and the same hepatic NK cell populations that are actively involved in control of HCV may also be involved in control of HCV-associated liver damage. We still have much to learn, in particular: how do liver-derived NKs influence the outcome of HCV infection? Do NK receptors recognize HCV-specific components? And, are HCV-specific memory NK populations generated?
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Golden-Mason
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatitis C Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver (UCD), Aurora, CO, USA
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49
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Yanagisawa K, Yue S, van der Vliet HJ, Wang R, Alatrakchi N, Golden-Mason L, Schuppan D, Koziel MJ, Rosen HR, Exley MA. Ex vivo analysis of resident hepatic pro-inflammatory CD1d-reactive T cells and hepatocyte surface CD1d expression in hepatitis C. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:556-65. [PMID: 23808994 PMCID: PMC4054599 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic CD1d-restricted and natural killer T-cell populations are heterogeneous. Classical 'type 1' α-galactosylceramide-reactive CD1d-restricted T cells express 'invariant' TCRα ('iNKT'). iNKT dominating rodent liver are implicated in inflammation, including in hepatitis models. Low levels of iNKT are detected in human liver, decreased in subjects with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). However, high levels of human hepatic CD161(±) CD56(±) noninvariant pro-inflammatory CD1d-restricted 'type 2' T cells have been identified in vitro. Unlike rodents, healthy human hepatocytes only express trace and intracellular CD1d. Total hepatic CD1d appears to be increased in CHC and primary biliary cirrhosis. Direct ex vivo analysis of human intrahepatic lymphocytes (IHL), including matched ex vivo versus in vitro expanded IHL, demonstrated detectable noninvariant CD1d reactivity in substantial proportions of HCV-positive livers and significant fractions of HCV-negative livers. However, α-galactosylceramide-reactive iNKT were detected only relatively rarely. Liver CD1d-restricted IHL produced IFNγ, variable levels of IL-10 and modest levels of Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 ex vivo. In a novel FACS assay, a major fraction (10-20%) of hepatic T cells rapidly produced IFNγ and up-regulated activation marker CD69 in response to CD1d. As previously only shown with murine iNKT, noninvariant human CD1d-specific responses were also augmented by IL-12. Interestingly, CD1d was found selectively expressed on the surface of hepatocytes in CHC, but not those CHC subjects with history of alcohol usage or resolved CHC. In contrast to hepatic iNKT, noninvariant IFNγ-producing type 2 CD1d-reactive NKT cells are commonly detected in CHC, together with cognate ligand CD1d, implicating them in CHC liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Yanagisawa
- Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Ctr; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Simon Yue
- Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Ctr; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - RuoJie Wang
- Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Ctr; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nadia Alatrakchi
- Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Ctr; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Ctr; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Margaret J. Koziel
- Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Ctr; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Hugo R. Rosen
- Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
| | - Mark A. Exley
- Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Ctr; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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50
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Littera R, Zamboni F, Tondolo V, Fantola G, Chessa L, Orrù N, Sanna M, Valentini D, Cappai L, Mulargia M, Caocci G, Arras M, Floris A, Orrù S, La Nasa G, Carcassi C. Absence of activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genes combined with hepatitis C viral genotype is predictive of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hum Immunol 2013; 74:1288-94. [PMID: 23756163 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2013.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors and their human leukocyte antigen class I ligands have a critical role in natural killer cell response to viral pathogens and tumors. To investigate whether killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genes could influence the chronic course of hepatitis C virus infection and/or progression to hepatocellular carcinoma we retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 228 patients transplanted for hepatitis C virus-induced cirrhotic end stage liver disease, combined or not with hepatocellular carcinoma. We found that patients completely lacking activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genes had a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C viral genotype and viral load are other risk factors that can influence the course of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. In our study, the risk conferred by hepatitis C viral genotypes was enhanced in patients lacking activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptors. These results point to an important role for activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptors in the control of hepatitis C virus infection and progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. In clinical practice, assessment of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor and hepatitis C viral genotype combinations should allow for more accurate monitoring of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Littera
- Centro Regionale Trapianti, Ospedale R. Binaghi - ASL 8, 09126 Cagliari, Italy.
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