1
|
Aguilar OA, Fong LK, Lanier LL. ITAM-based receptors in natural killer cells. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:40-53. [PMID: 38411263 PMCID: PMC11102329 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13313] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The ability of cells of the immune system to acquire features such as increased longevity and enhanced secondary responses was long thought to be restricted to cells of the adaptive immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells have challenged this notion by demonstrating that they can also gain adaptive features. This has been observed in both humans and mice during infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV). The generation of adaptive NK cells requires antigen-specific recognition of virally infected cells through stimulatory NK receptors. These receptors lack the ability to signal on their own and rather rely on adaptor molecules that contain ITAMs for driving signals. Here, we highlight our understanding of how these receptors influence the production of adaptive NK cells and propose areas in the field that merit further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar A. Aguilar
- Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lam-Kiu Fong
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lewis L. Lanier
- Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rückert T, Romagnani C. Extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of natural killer cell clonality. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:80-106. [PMID: 38506411 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Clonal expansion of antigen-specific lymphocytes is the fundamental mechanism enabling potent adaptive immune responses and the generation of immune memory. Accompanied by pronounced epigenetic remodeling, the massive proliferation of individual cells generates a critical mass of effectors for the control of acute infections, as well as a pool of memory cells protecting against future pathogen encounters. Classically associated with the adaptive immune system, recent work has demonstrated that innate immune memory to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is stably maintained as large clonal expansions of natural killer (NK) cells, raising questions on the mechanisms for clonal selection and expansion in the absence of re-arranged antigen receptors. Here, we discuss clonal NK cell memory in the context of the mechanisms underlying clonal competition of adaptive lymphocytes and propose alternative selection mechanisms that might decide on the clonal success of their innate counterparts. We propose that the integration of external cues with cell-intrinsic sources of heterogeneity, such as variegated receptor expression, transcriptional states, and somatic variants, compose a bottleneck for clonal selection, contributing to the large size of memory NK cell clones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timo Rückert
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chiara Romagnani
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ustiuzhanina MO, Streltsova MA, Timofeev ND, Kryukov MA, Chudakov DM, Kovalenko EI. Autologous T-Cell-Free Antigen Presentation System Unveils hCMV-Specific NK Cell Response. Cells 2024; 13:530. [PMID: 38534374 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a decisive role in controlling hCMV infection by combining innate and adaptive-like immune reactions. The hCMV-derived VMAPRTLFL (LFL) peptide is a potent activator of NKG2C+ NK cells. Proposed here is an autologous system of LFL stimulation without T lymphocytes and exogenous cytokines that allows us to evaluate NK-cell hCMV-specific responses in more native settings. In this model, we evaluated LFL-induced IFNγ production, focusing on signaling pathways and the degranulation and proliferation of NK cells orchestrated by microenvironment cytokine production and analyzed the transcriptome of expanded NK cells. NK cells of individuals having high anti-hCMV-IgG levels, in contrast to NK cells of hCMV-seronegative and low-positive donors, displayed increased IFNγ production and degranulation and activation levels and enhanced proliferation upon LFL stimulation. Cytokine profiles of these LFL-stimulated cultures demonstrated a proinflammatory shift. LFL-induced NK-cell IFNγ production was dependent on the PI3K and Ras/Raf/Mek signaling pathways, independently of cytokines. In hCMV-seropositive individuals, this model allowed obtaining NK-cell antigen-specific populations proliferating in response to LFL. The transcriptomic profile of these expanded NK cells showed increased adaptive gene expression and metabolic activation. The results complement the existing knowledge about hCMV-specific NK-cell response. This model may be further exploited for the identification and characterization of antigen-specific NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria O Ustiuzhanina
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A Streltsova
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikita D Timofeev
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim A Kryukov
- Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dmitriy M Chudakov
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elena I Kovalenko
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Momayyezi P, Bilev E, Ljunggren HG, Hammer Q. Viral escape from NK-cell-mediated immunosurveillance: A lesson for cancer immunotherapy? Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350465. [PMID: 37526136 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that participate in immune responses against virus-infected cells and tumors. As a countermeasure, viruses and tumors employ strategies to evade NK-cell-mediated immunosurveillance. In this review, we examine immune evasion strategies employed by viruses, focusing on examples from human CMV and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We explore selected viral evasion mechanisms categorized into three classes: (1) providing ligands for the inhibitory receptor NKG2A, (2) downregulating ligands for the activating receptor NKG2D, and (3) inducing the immunosuppressive cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. For each class, we draw parallels between immune evasion by viruses and tumors, reviewing potential opportunities for overcoming evasion in cancer therapy. We suggest that in-depth investigations of host-pathogen interactions between viruses and NK cells will not only deepen our understanding of viral immune evasion but also shed light on how NK cells counter such evasion attempts. Thus, due to the parallels of immune evasion by viruses and tumors, we propose that insights gained from antiviral NK-cell responses may serve as valuable lessons that can be leveraged for designing future cancer immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pouria Momayyezi
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eleni Bilev
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Quirin Hammer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Santosa EK, Sun JC. Cardinal features of immune memory in innate lymphocytes. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1803-1812. [PMID: 37828377 PMCID: PMC10998651 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01607-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The ability of vertebrates to 'remember' previous infections had once been attributed exclusively to adaptive immunity. We now appreciate that innate lymphocytes also possess memory properties akin to those of adaptive immune cells. In this Review, we draw parallels from T cell biology to explore the key features of immune memory in innate lymphocytes, including quantity, quality, and location. We discuss the signals that trigger clonal or clonal-like expansion in innate lymphocytes, and highlight recent studies that shed light on the complex cellular and molecular crosstalk between metabolism, epigenetics, and transcription responsible for differentiating innate lymphocyte responses towards a memory fate. Additionally, we explore emerging evidence that activated innate lymphocytes relocate and establish themselves in specific peripheral tissues during infection, which may facilitate an accelerated response program akin to those of tissue-resident memory T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Endi K Santosa
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph C Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Razizadeh MH, Zafarani A, Taghavi-Farahabadi M, Khorramdelazad H, Minaeian S, Mahmoudi M. Natural killer cells and their exosomes in viral infections and related therapeutic approaches: where are we? Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:261. [PMID: 37749597 PMCID: PMC10519079 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is the first line of the host immune system to fight against infections. Natural killer cells are the innate immunity lymphocytes responsible for fighting against virus-infected and cancerous cells. They have various mechanisms to suppress viral infections. On the other hand, viruses have evolved to utilize different ways to evade NK cell-mediated responses. Viruses can balance the response by regulating the cytokine release pattern and changing the proportion of activating and inhibitory receptors on the surface of NK cells. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles that are involved in intercellular communication. Most cell populations can release these nano-sized vesicles, and it was shown that these vesicles produce identical outcomes to the originating cell from which they are released. In recent years, the role of NK cell-derived exosomes in various diseases including viral infections has been highlighted, drawing attention to utilizing the therapeutic potential of these nanoparticles. In this article, the role of NK cells in various viral infections and the mechanisms used by viruses to evade these important immune system cells are initially examined. Subsequently, the role of NK cell exosomes in controlling various viral infections is discussed. Finally, the current position of these cells in the treatment of viral infections and the therapeutic potential of their exosomes are reviewed. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Razizadeh
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zafarani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Taghavi-Farahabadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Sara Minaeian
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Mahmoudi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Huisman BD, Guan N, Rückert T, Garner L, Singh NK, McMichael AJ, Gillespie GM, Romagnani C, Birnbaum ME. High-throughput characterization of HLA-E-presented CD94/NKG2x ligands reveals peptides which modulate NK cell activation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4809. [PMID: 37558657 PMCID: PMC10412585 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40220-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
HLA-E is a non-classical class I MHC protein involved in innate and adaptive immune recognition. While recent studies have shown HLA-E can present diverse peptides to NK cells and T cells, the HLA-E repertoire recognized by CD94/NKG2x has remained poorly defined, with only a limited number of peptide ligands identified. Here we screen a yeast-displayed peptide library in the context of HLA-E to identify 500 high-confidence unique peptides that bind both HLA-E and CD94/NKG2A or CD94/NKG2C. Utilizing the sequences identified via yeast display selections, we train prediction algorithms and identify human and cytomegalovirus (CMV) proteome-derived, HLA-E-presented peptides capable of binding and signaling through both CD94/NKG2A and CD94/NKG2C. In addition, we identify peptides which selectively activate NKG2C+ NK cells. Taken together, characterization of the HLA-E-binding peptide repertoire and identification of NK activity-modulating peptides present opportunities for studies of NK cell regulation in health and disease, in addition to vaccine and therapeutic design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke D Huisman
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ning Guan
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Timo Rückert
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin (DRFZ), ein Leibniz Institut, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lee Garner
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nishant K Singh
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew J McMichael
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Geraldine M Gillespie
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chiara Romagnani
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin (DRFZ), ein Leibniz Institut, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael E Birnbaum
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lee J, Chang WLW, Scott JM, Hong S, Lee T, Deere JD, Park PH, Sparger EE, Dandekar S, Hartigan-O'Connor DJ, Barry PA, Kim S. FcRγ- NK Cell Induction by Specific Cytomegalovirus and Expansion by Subclinical Viral Infections in Rhesus Macaques. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:443-452. [PMID: 37314415 PMCID: PMC10932550 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
"Adaptive" NK cells, characterized by FcRγ deficiency and enhanced responsiveness to Ab-bound, virus-infected cells, have been found in certain hCMV-seropositive individuals. Because humans are exposed to numerous microbes and environmental agents, specific relationships between hCMV and FcRγ-deficient NK cells (also known as g-NK cells) have been challenging to define. Here, we show that a subgroup of rhesus CMV (RhCMV)-seropositive macaques possesses FcRγ-deficient NK cells that stably persist and display a phenotype resembling human FcRγ-deficient NK cells. Moreover, these macaque NK cells resembled human FcRγ-deficient NK cells with respect to functional characteristics, including enhanced responsiveness to RhCMV-infected target in an Ab-dependent manner and hyporesponsiveness to tumor and cytokine stimulation. These cells were not detected in specific pathogen-free (SPF) macaques free of RhCMV and six other viruses; however, experimental infection of SPF animals with RhCMV strain UCD59, but not RhCMV strain 68-1 or SIV, led to induction of FcRγ-deficient NK cells. In non-SPF macaques, coinfection by RhCMV with other common viruses was associated with higher frequencies of FcRγ-deficient NK cells. These results support a causal role for specific CMV strain(s) in the induction of FcRγ-deficient NK cells and suggest that coinfection by other viruses further expands this memory-like NK cell pool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaewon Lee
- Graduate Group of Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - W L William Chang
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
| | - Jeannine M Scott
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Suyeon Hong
- Immunobiology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Taehyung Lee
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Jesse D Deere
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Peter H Park
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Ellen E Sparger
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Satya Dandekar
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Dennis J Hartigan-O'Connor
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Peter A Barry
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Graduate Group of Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Saunders PM, Brooks AG, Rossjohn J. Oyez, Oyez, Oyez! Nat Immunol 2023:10.1038/s41590-023-01541-x. [PMID: 37308666 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01541-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Philippa M Saunders
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew G Brooks
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Palmer WH, Norman PJ. The impact of HLA polymorphism on herpesvirus infection and disease. Immunogenetics 2023; 75:231-247. [PMID: 36595060 PMCID: PMC10205880 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-022-01288-z] [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: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are cell surface molecules, central in coordinating innate and adaptive immune responses, that are targets of strong diversifying natural selection by pathogens. Of these pathogens, human herpesviruses have a uniquely ancient relationship with our species, where coevolution likely has reciprocating impact on HLA and viral genomic diversity. Consistent with this notion, genetic variation at multiple HLA loci is strongly associated with modulating immunity to herpesvirus infection. Here, we synthesize published genetic associations of HLA with herpesvirus infection and disease, both from case/control and genome-wide association studies. We analyze genetic associations across the eight human herpesviruses and identify HLA alleles that are associated with diverse herpesvirus-related phenotypes. We find that whereas most HLA genetic associations are virus- or disease-specific, HLA-A*01 and HLA-A*02 allotypes may be more generally associated with immune susceptibility and control, respectively, across multiple herpesviruses. Connecting genetic association data with functional corroboration, we discuss mechanisms by which diverse HLA and cognate receptor allotypes direct variable immune responses during herpesvirus infection and pathogenesis. Together, this review examines the complexity of HLA-herpesvirus interactions driven by differential T cell and Natural Killer cell immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William H. Palmer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO USA
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO USA
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rousselière A, Charreau B. Persistent CD8 T Cell Marks Caused by the HCMV Infection in Seropositive Adults: Prevalence of HLA-E-Reactive CD8 T Cells. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060889. [PMID: 36980230 PMCID: PMC10047643 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the frequency and peptide specificity of long-lasting HCMV-specific CD8 T cells in a cohort of 120 cytomegalovirus seropositive (HCMV+) healthy carriers with the aim of deciphering the relative contribution of unconventional HLA-E- versus conventional HLA-A2-specific CD8 T cells to long-term T cell memory expansion in HCMV immunity. The presence of HCMV-specific CD8 T cells was investigated by flow cytometry using five MHC/peptide tetramer complexes (HLA-A2/pp65, HLA-A2/IE1 and three different HLA-E/UL40). Here, we report that 50% of HCMV+ healthy individuals possess HCMV-specific CD8 T cells, representing ≥0.1% of total blood CD8 T cells years post-infection. Around a third (30.8%) of individuals possess HLA-A2-restricted (A2pp65 or A2IE1) and an equal proportion (27.5%) possess an HLA-E/UL40 CD8 T response. Concomitant HLA-E- and HLA-A2-reactive CD8 T cells were frequently found, and VMAPRTLIL peptide was the major target. The frequency of HLA-E/VMAPRTLIL among total blood CD8 T cells was significantly higher than the frequency of HLA-A2pp65 T cells (mean values: 5.9% versus 2.3%, p = 0.0354). HLA-EUL40 CD8 T cells display lower TCR avidity but similar levels of CD3 and CD8 coreceptors. In conclusion, HLA-E-restricted CD8 T cells against the VMAPRTLIL UL40 peptide constitute a predominant subset among long-lasting anti-HCMV CD8 T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Rousselière
- Centre de Recherche Translationnelle en Transplantation et Immunologie (CR2TI), Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, UMR 1064, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Béatrice Charreau
- Centre de Recherche Translationnelle en Transplantation et Immunologie (CR2TI), Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, UMR 1064, 44093 Nantes, France
- CHU Nantes, Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), CEDEX 1, 44093 Nantes, France
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Siemaszko J, Marzec-Przyszlak A, Bogunia-Kubik K. Activating NKG2C Receptor: Functional Characteristics and Current Strategies in Clinical Applications. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2023; 71:9. [PMID: 36899273 PMCID: PMC10004456 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-023-00674-z] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The interest in NK cells and their cytotoxic activity against tumour, infected or transformed cells continuously increases as they become a new efficient and off-the-shelf agents in immunotherapies. Their actions are balanced by a wide set of activating and inhibitory receptors, recognizing their complementary ligands on target cells. One of the most studied receptors is the activating CD94/NKG2C molecule, which is a member of the C-type lectin-like family. This review is intended to summarise latest research findings on the clinical relevance of NKG2C receptor and to examine its contribution to current and potential therapeutic strategies. It outlines functional characteristics and molecular features of CD94/NKG2C, its interactions with HLA-E molecule and presented antigens, pointing out a key role of this receptor in immunosurveillance, especially in the human cytomegalovirus infection. Additionally, the authors attempt to shed some light on receptor's unique interaction with its ligand which is shared with another receptor (CD94/NKG2A) with rather opposite properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jagoda Siemaszko
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Marzec-Przyszlak
- Department of Biosensors and Processing of Biomedical Signals, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vietzen H, Jaksch P, Puchhammer-Stöckl E. The human cytomegalovirus-specific and UL40-mediated imprint in the natural killer cell repertoire is associated with antibody-mediated rejection in lung transplant recipients. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023; 42:305-314. [PMID: 36376218 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD16+ natural killer (NK-) cells play, together with donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), an important role in the pathogenesis of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) in lung-transplant recipients (LTRs). Cytotoxic CD16+NKG2C+ NK cells proliferate in response to human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections via the presentation of HCMV-encoded and highly polymorphic UL40 peptides. In our study, we aimed to clarify whether infections with HCMV-strains carrying different UL40 peptide variants are associated with the shift of the NK cell repertoire and the development of ABMR in LTRs. METHODS We included 30 DSA+ABMR+, 30 DSA+ABMR- and 90 DSA-ABMR- LTRs. In all patients, 1 episode of high-level HCMV-replication occurred. In all DSA+ABMR+ LTRs, HCMV-replication occurred prior to ABMR diagnosis. The association of HCMV UL40 variants with the expansion of CD16+ NK cell subsets and ABMR was assessed in NK cell proliferation and ADCC assays. RESULTS Our study revealed that the VMAPRTLIL and VMTPRTLVL UL40 variants were significantly overrepresented in DSA+ABMR+ LTRs. Both peptides were associated with a pronounced proliferation of cytotoxic and proinflammatory CD16+NKG2C+ NK cells. The stimulation with both peptides led to a shift of the NK cell repertoire towards CD16+NKG2C+ NK cells, which was associated with strong ADCC responses after stimulation with endothelial cells and plasma from DSA+ABMR+ LTRs. CONCLUSIONS Distinct UL40 peptide variants of the infecting HCMV-strain are associated with the development of ABMR after lung transplantation, due to a shift towards a highly cytotoxic CD16+NKG2C+ NK cell population. These peptides are thus potential prognostic markers for ABMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Vietzen
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Peter Jaksch
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Anderko RR, Mailliard RB. Mapping the interplay between NK cells and HIV: therapeutic implications. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 113:109-138. [PMID: 36822173 PMCID: PMC10043732 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiac007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although highly effective at durably suppressing plasma HIV-1 viremia, combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment regimens do not eradicate the virus, which persists in long-lived CD4+ T cells. This latent viral reservoir serves as a source of plasma viral rebound following treatment interruption, thus requiring lifelong adherence to ART. Additionally, challenges remain related not only to access to therapy but also to a higher prevalence of comorbidities with an inflammatory etiology in treated HIV-1+ individuals, underscoring the need to explore therapeutic alternatives that achieve sustained virologic remission in the absence of ART. Natural killer (NK) cells are uniquely positioned to positively impact antiviral immunity, in part due to the pleiotropic nature of their effector functions, including the acquisition of memory-like features, and, therefore, hold great promise for transforming HIV-1 therapeutic modalities. In addition to defining the ability of NK cells to contribute to HIV-1 control, this review provides a basic immunologic understanding of the impact of HIV-1 infection and ART on the phenotypic and functional character of NK cells. We further delineate the qualities of "memory" NK cell populations, as well as the impact of HCMV on their induction and subsequent expansion in HIV-1 infection. We conclude by highlighting promising avenues for optimizing NK cell responses to improve HIV-1 control and effect a functional cure, including blockade of inhibitory NK receptors, TLR agonists to promote latency reversal and NK cell activation, CAR NK cells, BiKEs/TriKEs, and the role of HIV-1-specific bNAbs in NK cell-mediated ADCC activity against HIV-1-infected cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renee R Anderko
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Robbie B Mailliard
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Do variations in the HLA-E ligand encoded by UL40 distinguish individuals susceptible to HCMV disease? Hum Immunol 2023; 84:75-79. [PMID: 36456304 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is carried lifelong by ∼80 % of adults worldwide, generating distinct disease syndromes in transplant recipients, people with HIV (PWH) and neonates. Amino acids 15-23 encoded by the HCMV gene UL40 match positions 3-11 of HLA-A and HLA-C, and constitute a "signal peptide" able to stabilise cell surface HLA-E as a restriction element and a ligand of NKG2A and NKG2C. We present next generation sequencing of UL40 amplified from 15 Australian renal transplant recipients (RTR), six healthy adults and four neonates, and 21 Indonesian PWH. We found no groupwise associations between the presence of multiple sequences and HCMV burden (highest in PWH) or HCMV-associated symptoms in neonates. Homology between UL40 and corresponding HLA-C and HLA-A peptides in 11 RTR revealed perfect matches with HLA-C in three individuals, all carrying HCMV encoding only VMAPRTLIL - a peptide previously associated with viremia. However indices of the burden of HCMV did not segregate in our cohort.
Collapse
|
16
|
López-Botet M, De Maria A, Muntasell A, Della Chiesa M, Vilches C. Adaptive NK cell response to human cytomegalovirus: Facts and open issues. Semin Immunol 2023; 65:101706. [PMID: 36542944 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection exerts broad effects on the immune system. These include the differentiation and persistent expansion of a mature NK cell subset which displays a characteristic phenotypic and functional profile hallmarked by expression of the HLA-E-specific CD94/NKG2C activating receptor. Based on our experience and recent advances in the field, we overview the adaptive features of the NKG2C+ NK cell response, discussing observations and open questions on: (a) the mechanisms and influence of viral and host factors; (b) the existence of other NKG2C- NK cell subsets sharing adaptive features; (c) the development and role of adaptive NKG2C+ NK cells in the response to HCMV in hematopoietic and solid organ transplant patients; (d) their relation with other viral infections, mainly HIV-1; and (e) current perspectives for their use in adoptive immunotherapy of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel López-Botet
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM). Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine and Life Sciences. Univ. Pompeu Fabra. Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Division of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Aura Muntasell
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM). Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Carlos Vilches
- Immunogenetics & Histocompatibility Lab, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro - Segovia de Arana, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Davies EL, Noor M, Lim EY, Houldcroft CJ, Okecha G, Atkinson C, Reeves MB, Jackson SE, Wills MR. HCMV carriage in the elderly diminishes anti-viral functionality of the adaptive immune response resulting in virus replication at peripheral sites. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1083230. [PMID: 36591233 PMCID: PMC9797693 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1083230] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection and periodic reactivation is, generally, well controlled by adaptative immune responses in the healthy. In older people, overt HCMV disease is rarely seen despite the association of HCMV with increased risk of mortality; evidence from studies of unwell aged populations suggest that HCMV seropositivity is an important co-morbidity factor. HCMV genomes have been detected in urine from older donors, suggesting that the immune response prevents systemic disease but possibly immunomodulation due to lifelong viral carriage may alter its efficacy at peripheral tissue sites. Previously we have demonstrated that there were no age-related expansions of T cell responses to HCMV or increase in latent viral carriage with age and these T cells produced anti-viral cytokines and viremia was very rarely detected. To investigate the efficacy of anti-HCMV responses with increasing age, we used an in vitro Viral Dissemination Assay (VDA) using autologous dermal fibroblasts to determine the anti-viral effector capacity of total PBMC, as well as important subsets (T cells, NK cells). In parallel we assessed components of the humoral response (antibody neutralization) and combined this with qPCR detection of HCMV in blood, saliva and urine in a cohort of young and old donors. Consistent with previous studies, we again show HCMV specific cIL-10, IFNγ and TNFα T cell responses to peptides did not show an age-related defect. However, assessment of direct anti-viral cellular and antibody-mediated adaptive immune responses using the VDA shows that older donors are significantly less able to control viral dissemination in an in vitro assay compared to young donors. Corroborating this observation, we detected viral genomes in saliva samples only from older donors, these donors had a defect in cellular control of viral spread in our in vitro assay. Phenotyping of fibroblasts used in this study shows expression of a number of checkpoint inhibitor ligands which may contribute to the defects observed. The potential to therapeutically intervene in checkpoint inhibitor pathways to prevent HCMV reactivation in the unwell aged is an exciting avenue to explore.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Davies
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mahlaqua Noor
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Y. Lim
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte J. Houldcroft
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina Okecha
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Atkinson
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew B. Reeves
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E. Jackson
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Sarah E. Jackson, ; Mark R. Wills,
| | - Mark R. Wills
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Sarah E. Jackson, ; Mark R. Wills,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Romero-Martín L, Duran-Castells C, Olivella M, Rosás-Umbert M, Ruiz-Riol M, Sanchez J, Hartigan-O Connor D, Mothe B, Olvera À, Brander C. Disruption of the HLA-E/NKG2X axis is associated with uncontrolled HIV infections. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1027855. [PMID: 36466823 PMCID: PMC9716355 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1027855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The contribution of the HLA-E/NKG2X axis in NK-mediated control of HIV infection remains unclear. We have studied the relationship between HLA-E expression and phenotypical as well as functional characteristics of NK cells, in the context of chronic HIV infection and in an in vitro model of acute infection. High viremia in HIV+ individuals was related to increased HLA-E expression, and changes in NK subpopulations, especially a reduction of the CD56bright as well as an increase in adaptive NK subpopulation. Uncontrolled HIV infection was also characterized by a reversion of the NKG2A/NKG2C expression ratio and a loss of positive and negative regulation of NK mediated by HLA-E. This was reflected in a lower cytotoxic, degranulation and cytokine production capacity, especially in CD56bright and adaptive NK. In line with these results, HLA-E expression showed a positive correlation with viral growth inhibition in an in vitro model of acute infection at day 7, which was lost after 14 days of culture. Using HLA-E expressing K562 cells, we determined that only one out of 11 described HIV-derived HLA-E epitopes increased HLA-E surface stability. In spite of that, eight of the 11 epitopes were capable of increasing degranulation and three drove differences in NK-cell mediated cell lysis or cytokine secretion. In conclusion, our results indicate that HLA-E molecules presenting HIV-derived epitopes may sensitize target cells for NK lysis in early HIV infection. However, prolonged exposure to elevated HLA-E expression levels in vivo may lead to NK cell dysfunction and reduced viral control In chronic infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Romero-Martín
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Duran-Castells
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Olivella
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Míriam Rosás-Umbert
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz-Riol
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Dennis Hartigan-O Connor
- California National Primate Research Center and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Beatriz Mothe
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Fundació Lluita contra la Sida, Infectious Disease Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Àlex Olvera
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Brander
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Shirane M, Yawata N, Motooka D, Shibata K, Khor SS, Omae Y, Kaburaki T, Yanai R, Mashimo H, Yamana S, Ito T, Hayashida A, Mori Y, Numata A, Murakami Y, Fujiwara K, Ohguro N, Hosogai M, Akiyama M, Hasegawa E, Paley M, Takeda A, Maenaka K, Akashi K, Yokoyama WM, Tokunaga K, Yawata M, Sonoda KH. Intraocular human cytomegaloviruses of ocular diseases are distinct from those of viremia and are capable of escaping from innate and adaptive immunity by exploiting HLA-E-mediated peripheral and central tolerance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1008220. [PMID: 36341392 PMCID: PMC9626817 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1008220] [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: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections develop into CMV diseases that result in various forms of manifestations in local organs. CMV-retinitis is a form of CMV disease that develops in immunocompromised hosts with CMV-viremia after viruses in the peripheral circulation have entered the eye. In the HCMV genome, extensive diversification of the UL40 gene has produced peptide sequences that modulate NK cell effector functions when loaded onto HLA-E and are subsequently recognized by the NKG2A and NKG2C receptors. Notably, some HCMV strains carry UL40 genes that encode peptide sequences identical to the signal peptide sequences of specific HLA-A and HLA-C allotypes, which enables these CMV strains to escape HLA-E-restricted CD8+T cell responses. Variations in UL40 sequences have been studied mainly in the peripheral blood of CMV-viremia cases. In this study, we sought to investigate how ocular CMV disease develops from CMV infections. CMV gene sequences were compared between the intraocular fluids and peripheral blood of 77 clinical cases. UL40 signal peptide sequences were more diverse, and multiple sequences were typically present in CMV-viremia blood compared to intraocular fluid. Significantly stronger NK cell suppression was induced by UL40-derived peptides from intraocular HCMV compared to those identified only in peripheral blood. HCMV present in intraocular fluids were limited to those carrying a UL40 peptide sequence corresponding to the leader peptide sequence of the host's HLA class I, while UL40-derived peptides from HCMV found only in the peripheral blood were disparate from any HLA class I allotype. Overall, our analyses of CMV-retinitis inferred that specific HCMV strains with UL40 signal sequences matching the host's HLA signal peptide sequences were those that crossed the blood-ocular barrier to enter the intraocular space. UL40 peptide repertoires were the same in the intraocular fluids of all ocular CMV diseases, regardless of host immune status, implying that virus type is likely to be a common determinant in ocular CMV disease development. We thus propose a mechanism for ocular CMV disease development, in which particular HCMV types in the blood exploit peripheral and central HLA-E-mediated tolerance mechanisms and, thus, escape the antivirus responses of both innate and adaptive immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Shirane
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nobuyo Yawata
- Department of Ocular Pathology and Imaging Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Ocular inflammation and Immunology, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kensuke Shibata
- Department of Ocular Pathology and Imaging Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seik-Soon Khor
- Genome Medical Science Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Omae
- Genome Medical Science Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshikatsu Kaburaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ryoji Yanai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hisashi Mashimo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Japan Community Health Care Organization Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamana
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takako Ito
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akira Hayashida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuo Mori
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Science, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akihiko Numata
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Science, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kohta Fujiwara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Ohguro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Japan Community Health Care Organization Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mayumi Hosogai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Masato Akiyama
- Department of Ocular Pathology and Imaging Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eiichi Hasegawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Michael Paley
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Atsunobu Takeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Katsumi Maenaka
- Center for Research and Education on Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Global Station for Biosurfaces and Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Koichi Akashi
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Science, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Wayne M. Yokoyama
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Katsushi Tokunaga
- Genome Medical Science Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Yawata
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research, ASTAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Singapore Medicine Immunology Translational Research Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cronk JM, Dziewulska KH, Puchalski P, Crittenden RB, Hammarskjöld ML, Brown MG. Altered-Self MHC Class I Sensing via Functionally Disparate Paired NK Cell Receptors Counters Murine Cytomegalovirus gp34-Mediated Immune Evasion. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1545-1554. [PMID: 36165178 PMCID: PMC9529956 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The murine CMV (MCMV) immunoevasin m04/gp34 escorts MHC class I (MHC I) molecules to the surface of infected cells where these complexes bind Ly49 inhibitory receptors (IRs) and prevent NK cell attack. Nonetheless, certain self-MHC I-binding Ly49 activating and inhibitory receptors are able to promote robust NK cell expansion and antiviral immunity during MCMV infection. A basis for MHC I-dependent NK cell sensing of MCMV-infected targets and control of MCMV infection however remains unclear. In this study, we discovered that the Ly49R activation receptor is selectively triggered during MCMV infection on antiviral NK cells licensed by the Ly49G2 IR. Ly49R activating receptor recognition of MCMV-infected targets is dependent on MHC I Dk and MCMV gp34 expression. Remarkably, although Ly49R is critical for Ly49G2-dependent antiviral immunity, blockade of the activation receptor in Ly49G2-deficient mice has no impact on virus control, suggesting that paired Ly49G2 MCMV sensing might enable Ly49R+ NK cells to better engage viral targets. Indeed, MCMV gp34 facilitates Ly49G2 binding to infected cells, and the IR is required to counter gp34-mediated immune evasion. A specific requirement for Ly49G2 in antiviral immunity is further explained by its capacity to license cytokine receptor signaling pathways and enhance Ly49R+ NK cell proliferation during infection. These findings advance our understanding of the molecular basis for functionally disparate self-receptor enhancement of antiviral NK cell immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John M Cronk
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Karolina H Dziewulska
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Patryk Puchalski
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; and
| | - Rowena B Crittenden
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; and
| | - Marie-Louise Hammarskjöld
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Michael G Brown
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA;
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; and
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Moffett A, Shreeve N. Local immune recognition of trophoblast in early human pregnancy: controversies and questions. Nat Rev Immunol 2022; 23:222-235. [PMID: 36192648 PMCID: PMC9527719 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The role of the maternal immune system in reproductive success in humans remains controversial. Here we focus on the events that occur in the maternal decidua during the first few weeks of human pregnancy, because this is the site at which maternal leukocytes initially interact with and can recognize fetal trophoblast cells, potentially involving allorecognition by both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are the dominant leukocyte population in first-trimester decidua, and genetic studies point to a role of allorecognition by uterine NK cells in establishing a boundary between the mother and the fetus. By contrast, definitive evidence that allorecognition by decidual T cells occurs during the first trimester is lacking. Thus, our view is that during the crucial period when the placenta is established, damaging T cell-mediated adaptive immune responses towards placental trophoblast are minimized, whereas NK cell allorecognition contributes to successful implantation and healthy pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Moffett
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Norman Shreeve
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Aguilar OA, Fong LK, Ishiyama K, DeGrado WF, Lanier LL. The CD3ζ adaptor structure determines functional differences between human and mouse CD16 Fc receptor signaling. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20220022. [PMID: 35320345 PMCID: PMC8953085 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can detect antibody-coated cells through recognition by the CD16 Fc receptor. The importance of CD16 in human NK cell biology has long been appreciated, but how CD16 functions in mouse NK cells remains poorly understood. Here, we report drastic differences between human and mouse CD16 functions in NK cells. We demonstrate that one of the adaptor molecules that CD16 associates with and signals through, CD3ζ, plays a critical role in these functional differences. Using a systematic approach, we demonstrate that residues in the transmembrane domain of the mouse CD3ζ molecule prevent efficient complex formation with mouse CD16, thereby dampening receptor function. Mutating these residues in mouse CD3ζ to those encoded by human CD3ζ resulted in rescue of CD16 receptor function. We reveal that the mouse CD3ζ transmembrane domain adopts a tightly packed confirmation, preventing association with CD16, whereas human CD3ζ adopts a versatile configuration that accommodates receptor assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar A. Aguilar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lam-Kiu Fong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kenichi Ishiyama
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - William F. DeGrado
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lewis L. Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Barber C, De Souza VA, Paterson RL, Martin‐Urdiroz M, Mulakkal NC, Srikannathasan V, Connolly M, Phillips G, Foong‐Leong T, Pengelly R, Karuppiah V, Grant T, Dembek M, Verma A, Gibbs‐Howe D, Blicher TH, Knox A, Robinson RA, Cole DK, Leonard S. Structure-guided stabilization of pathogen-derived peptide-HLA-E complexes using non-natural amino acids conserves native TCR recognition. Eur J Immunol 2022; 52:618-632. [PMID: 35108401 PMCID: PMC9306587 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The nonpolymorphic class Ib molecule, HLA-E, primarily presents peptides from HLA class Ia leader peptides, providing an inhibitory signal to NK cells via CD94/NKG2 interactions. Although peptides of pathogenic origin can also be presented by HLA-E to T cells, the molecular basis underpinning their role in antigen surveillance is largely unknown. Here, we solved a co-complex crystal structure of a TCR with an HLA-E presented peptide (pHLA-E) from bacterial (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) origin, and the first TCR-pHLA-E complex with a noncanonically presented peptide from viral (HIV) origin. The structures provided a molecular foundation to develop a novel method to introduce cysteine traps using non-natural amino acid chemistry that stabilized pHLA-E complexes while maintaining native interface contacts between the TCRs and different pHLA-E complexes. These pHLA-E monomers could be used to isolate pHLA-E-specific T cells, with obvious utility for studying pHLA-E restricted T cells, and for the identification of putative therapeutic TCRs.
Collapse
|
24
|
Vietzen H, Hartenberger S, Aberle SW, Puchhammer-Stöckl E. Dissection of the NKG2C NK cell response against Puumala Orthohantavirus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010006. [PMID: 34871302 PMCID: PMC8714190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections with the Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) in humans may cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), known as nephropathia epidemica (NE), which is associated with acute renal failure in severe cases. In response to PUUV-infections, a subset of potent antiviral NKG2C+ NK cells expand, whose role in virus defence and pathogenesis of NE is unclear. NKG2C+ NK cell proliferation is mediated by binding of NKG2C/CD94 to HLA-E on infected cells. The proliferation and activation of NKG2C+ NK cells via the NKG2C/HLA-E axis is affected by different NKG2C (NKG2Cwt/del) and HLA-E (HLA-E*0101/0103) alleles, which naturally occur in the human host. Homozygous (NKG2Cdel/del) and heterozygous (NKG2Cwt/del) deletions of the NKG2C receptor results in an impaired NKG2C/CD94 mediated proliferation and activation of NKG2C+ cells. We therefore analyzed the PUUV-mediated NKG2C+ NK cell responses and the impact of different NKG2C and HLA-E alleles in NE patients. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS NKG2C+ NK cell expansion and effector functions in PUUV-infected cells were investigated using flow cytometry and it was shown that PUUV-infected endothelial cells led to a NKG2C/CD94 mediated NKG2C+ NK cell activation and expansion, dependent on the HLA-G-mediated upregulation of HLA-E. Furthermore, the NKG2Cdel and HLA-E*0101/0103 alleles were determined in 130 NE patients and 130 matched controls, and it was shown that in NE patients the NKG2Cwt/del allele was significantly overrepresented, compared to the NKG2Cwt/wt variant (p = 0.01). In addition, in vitro analysis revealed that NKG2Cwt/del NK cells exhibited on overall a lower proliferation (p = 0.002) and lower IFNγ expression (p = 0.004) than NKG2Cwt/wt NK cells. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results corroborate the substantial impact of the NKG2C/HLA-E axis on PUUV-specific NK cell responses. A weak NKG2C+ NK cell response, as reflected by NKG2Cwt/del variant, may be associated with a higher risk for a severe hantavirus infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Vietzen
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Vaurs J, Douchin G, Echasserieau K, Oger R, Jouand N, Fortun A, Hesnard L, Croyal M, Pecorari F, Gervois N, Bernardeau K. A novel and efficient approach to high-throughput production of HLA-E/peptide monomer for T-cell epitope screening. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17234. [PMID: 34446788 PMCID: PMC8390762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96560-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, there has been a great interest in the study of HLA-E-restricted αβ T cells during bacterial and viral infections, including recently SARS-CoV-2 infection. Phenotyping of these specific HLA-E-restricted T cells requires new tools such as tetramers for rapid cell staining or sorting, as well as for the identification of new peptides capable to bind to the HLA-E pocket. To this aim, we have developed an optimal photosensitive peptide to generate stable HLA-E/pUV complexes allowing high-throughput production of new HLA-E/peptide complexes by peptide exchange. We characterized the UV exchange by ELISA and improved the peptide exchange readout using size exclusion chromatography. This novel approach for complex quantification is indeed very important to perform tetramerization of MHC/peptide complexes with the high quality required for detection of specific T cells. Our approach allows the rapid screening of peptides capable of binding to the non-classical human HLA-E allele, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic approaches based on the detection of HLA-E-restricted T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Vaurs
- P2R "Production de Protéines Recombinantes", Université de Nantes, CRCINA, SFR-Santé, INSERM, CNRS, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Gaël Douchin
- P2R "Production de Protéines Recombinantes", Université de Nantes, CRCINA, SFR-Santé, INSERM, CNRS, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Klara Echasserieau
- P2R "Production de Protéines Recombinantes", Université de Nantes, CRCINA, SFR-Santé, INSERM, CNRS, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Romain Oger
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, 44000, Nantes, France
- LabEx IGO «Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology», Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Jouand
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, 44000, Nantes, France
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, SFR Santé, Inserm UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Agnès Fortun
- P2R "Production de Protéines Recombinantes", Université de Nantes, CRCINA, SFR-Santé, INSERM, CNRS, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
- Université de Nantes, CHU de Nantes, Cibles et médicaments des infections et du cancer, IICiMed, EA 1155, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Leslie Hesnard
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Mikaël Croyal
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, SFR Santé, Inserm UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, 44000, Nantes, France
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du thorax, 44000, Nantes, France
- CRNH-Ouest Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Frédéric Pecorari
- P2R "Production de Protéines Recombinantes", Université de Nantes, CRCINA, SFR-Santé, INSERM, CNRS, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Nadine Gervois
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, 44000, Nantes, France.
- LabEx IGO «Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology», Nantes, France.
| | - Karine Bernardeau
- P2R "Production de Protéines Recombinantes", Université de Nantes, CRCINA, SFR-Santé, INSERM, CNRS, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France.
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, 44000, Nantes, France.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Vietzen H, Hartenberger S, Jaksch P, Puchhammer-Stöckl E. Association between chronic lung allograft dysfunction and human Cytomegalovirus UL40 peptide variants in lung-transplant recipients. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021; 40:900-904. [PMID: 34183227 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural-Killer cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) in lung-transplant recipients. Activating NKG2C+ and inhibitory NKG2A+ NK cells proliferate in response to human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection via the presentation of virally encoded UL40 peptides on HLA-E molecules. We aimed to clarify whether infection with HCMV strains carrying different UL40 peptide variants is associated with the development of CLAD. We included 82 lung-transplant recipients, 18 patients developing CLAD and 64 matched control patients without CLAD. In all patients 1 episode of high-level HCMV-replication occurred. HCMV UL40 variants and Natural-Killer-cell proliferation with distinct UL40 peptides were assessed. The VMTPRTLIL variant was significantly overrepresented in patients developing CLAD (p < 0.0001) and lead to a significantly lower proliferation of inhibitory NKG2A+ cells, compared to the VMAPRTLIL, VMAPRTLVL and VMAPRTLLL variants (p < 0.0001). Thus, HCMV UL40 variants may contribute to development of CLAD over the NK cell response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Vietzen
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Peter Jaksch
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that provide critical host defense against pathogens and cancer. Originally heralded for their early and rapid effector activity, NK cells have been recognized over the last decade for their ability to undergo adaptive immune processes, including antigen-driven clonal expansion and generation of long-lived memory. This review presents an overview of how NK cells lithely partake in both innate and adaptive responses and how this versatility is manifest in human NK cell-mediated immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M Mujal
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Rebecca B Delconte
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Joseph C Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; .,Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sullivan LC, Nguyen THO, Harpur CM, Stankovic S, Kanagarajah AR, Koutsakos M, Saunders PM, Cai Z, Gray JA, Widjaja JML, Lin J, Pietra G, Mingari MC, Moretta L, Samir J, Luciani F, Westall GP, Malmberg KJ, Kedzierska K, Brooks AG. Natural killer cell receptors regulate responses of HLA-E-restricted T cells. Sci Immunol 2021; 6:eabe9057. [PMID: 33893172 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abe9057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can stimulate robust human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E-restricted CD8+ T cell responses. These T cells recognize a peptide from UL40, which differs by as little as a single methyl group from self-peptides that also bind HLA-E, challenging their capacity to avoid self-reactivity. Unexpectedly, we showed that the UL40/HLA-E T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire included TCRs that had high affinities for HLA-E/self-peptide. However, paradoxically, lower cytokine responses were observed from UL40/HLA-E T cells bearing TCRs with high affinity for HLA-E. RNA sequencing and flow cytometric analysis revealed that these T cells were marked by the expression of inhibitory natural killer cell receptors (NKRs) KIR2DL1 and KIR2DL2/L3. On the other hand, UL40/HLA-E T cells bearing lower-affinity TCRs expressed the activating receptor NKG2C. Activation of T cells bearing higher-affinity TCRs was regulated by the interaction between KIR2D receptors and HLA-C. These findings identify a role for NKR signaling in regulating self/non-self discrimination by HLA-E-restricted T cells, allowing for antiviral responses while avoiding contemporaneous self-reactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
- Lung Transplant Service, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Thi H O Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Christopher M Harpur
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Sanda Stankovic
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Abbie R Kanagarajah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Marios Koutsakos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Philippa M Saunders
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Zhangying Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - James A Gray
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jacqueline M L Widjaja
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES). University of Genoa, Genoa 16132, Italy
- Unità Operativa Complessa Immunologia, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES). University of Genoa, Genoa 16132, Italy
- Unità Operativa Complessa Immunologia, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa 16132, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Roma, Italy
| | - Jerome Samir
- School of Medical Sciences and The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fabio Luciani
- School of Medical Sciences and The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Glen P Westall
- Lung Transplant Service, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Karl J Malmberg
- KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0318, Norway
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0310, Norway
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katherine Kedzierska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew G Brooks
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yawata N, Shirane M, Woon K, Lim X, Tanaka H, Kawano YI, Yawata M, Chee SP, Siak J, Sonoda KH. Molecular Signatures of Natural Killer Cells in CMV-Associated Anterior Uveitis, A New Type of CMV-Induced Disease in Immunocompetent Individuals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073623. [PMID: 33807229 PMCID: PMC8037729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes clinical issues primarily in immune-suppressed conditions. CMV-associated anterior uveitis (CMV-AU) is a notable new disease entity manifesting recurrent ocular inflammation in immunocompetent individuals. As patient demographics indicated contributions from genetic background and immunosenescence as possible underlying pathological mechanisms, we analyzed the immunogenetics of the cohort in conjunction with cell phenotypes to identify molecular signatures of CMV-AU. Among the immune cell types, natural killer (NK) cells are main responders against CMV. Therefore, we first characterized variants of polymorphic genes that encode differences in CMV-related human NK cell responses (Killer cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) and HLA class I) in 122 CMV-AU patients. The cases were then stratified according to their genetic features and NK cells were analyzed for human CMV-related markers (CD57, KLRG1, NKG2C) by flow cytometry. KIR3DL1 and HLA class I combinations encoding strong receptor–ligand interactions were present at substantially higher frequencies in CMV-AU. In these cases, NK cell profiling revealed expansion of the subset co-expressing CD57 and KLRG1, and together with KIR3DL1 and the CMV-recognizing NKG2C receptor. The findings imply that a mechanism of CMV-AU pathogenesis likely involves CMV-responding NK cells co-expressing CD57/KLRG1/NKG2C that develop on a genetic background of KIR3DL1/HLA-B allotypes encoding strong receptor–ligand interactions.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- CD57 Antigens/genetics
- CD57 Antigens/immunology
- Cohort Studies
- Cytomegalovirus/immunology
- Cytomegalovirus/pathogenicity
- Cytomegalovirus Infections/immunology
- Female
- Genes, MHC Class I/genetics
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects
- Humans
- Immunocompromised Host/immunology
- Immunocompromised Host/physiology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Killer Cells, Natural/physiology
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Lectins, C-Type/metabolism
- Male
- Middle Aged
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C/genetics
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C/immunology
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, KIR/genetics
- Transplantation, Homologous/adverse effects
- Uveitis, Anterior/genetics
- Uveitis, Anterior/metabolism
- Uveitis, Anterior/virology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyo Yawata
- Department of Ocular Pathology and Imaging Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (K.W.); (X.L.); (S.-P.C.); (J.S.)
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Correspondence:
| | - Mariko Shirane
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (M.S.); (K.-H.S.)
| | - Kaing Woon
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (K.W.); (X.L.); (S.-P.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Xinru Lim
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (K.W.); (X.L.); (S.-P.C.); (J.S.)
| | | | - Yoh-Ichi Kawano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka 814-0193, Japan;
| | - Makoto Yawata
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research, A*STAR, Singapore 117609, Singapore;
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- NUSMED Immunology Translational Research Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Soon-Phaik Chee
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (K.W.); (X.L.); (S.-P.C.); (J.S.)
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Ocular Inflammation and Immunology Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
| | - Jay Siak
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (K.W.); (X.L.); (S.-P.C.); (J.S.)
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Ocular Inflammation and Immunology Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (M.S.); (K.-H.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Vietzen H, Rückert T, Hartenberger S, Honsig C, Jaksch P, Geleff S, Hammer Q, Romagnani C, Segura-Wang M, Puchhammer-Stöckl E. Extent of Cytomegalovirus Replication in the Human Host Depends on Variations of the HLA-E/UL40 Axis. mBio 2021; 12:e02996-20. [PMID: 33727352 PMCID: PMC8092275 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02996-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) may cause severe infections in lung transplant recipients (LTRs). In response to HCMV infections, a subset of NKG2C+ NK cells expands, which limits HCMV replication and is characterized by high expression of the activating NKG2C/CD94 and absence of the inhibitory NKG2A/CD94 receptor. Both receptors bind to HLA-E, which is stabilized by HCMV-encoded UL40 peptides. HLA-E and UL40 occur as different genetic variants. In this study, we investigated the interplay between the human NK cell response and the infecting HCMV-UL40 strain, and we assessed the impact of HCMV-UL40 and of donor- and recipient-encoded HLA-E*0101/0103 variants on HCMV replication after lung transplantation. We included 137 LTRs displaying either no or low- or high-level (>1,000 copies/ml plasma) viremia. HCMV-UL40 and HLA-E*0101/0103 variants were determined. UL40 diversity was investigated by next-generation sequencing. UL40 peptide-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity was assessed by flow cytometry. Donor-encoded HLA-E*0101/0103 was significantly associated with development of high-level viremia after transplantation (P = 0.007). The HCMV-UL40 variant VMAPRTLIL occurred significantly more frequently in highly viremic LTRs, and the variant VMTPRTLIL occurred significantly more frequently in low-viremic LTRs (P = 0.004). This difference was associated with a better inhibition of NKG2A+ NKG2C- NK cells by VMAPRTLIL (P < 0.001). In LTRs with repeated high-level viremic episodes, HCMV strains with UL40 variants displaying low affinity to the patients' HLA-E variant emerged over time. The HLA-E-UL40 axis has a substantial impact on the level of HCMV replication in LTRs. The interplay between UL40 peptide variants, the recipient HLA-E status, and the activation of inhibitory NKG2A+ NKG2C- cells is of major importance for development of high-level viremia after lung transplantation.IMPORTANCE Infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is associated with substantial morbidity in immunosuppressed patients and after congenital infections. Therefore, development of a vaccine against HCMV is a main public health priority. Revealing the complex interaction between HCMV and host responses, is of utmost importance for understanding viral pathogenesis and for vaccine design. The present data contribute to the understanding of HCMV-specific host immune responses and reveal specifically the interaction between HLA-E and the virus-encoded UL40 peptide, which further leads to a potent NK cell response. We demonstrate that this interaction is a key factor for reduction of virus replication in immunosuppressed patients. We further show that distinct naturally occurring HCMV-UL40 variants reduce the activation of a specific subpopulation of host NK cells and thereby are associated with high-level viremia in the patients. These findings will allow the characterization of patients at risk for severe HCMV infection and contribute to strategies for HCMV vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Vietzen
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Timo Rückert
- Innate Immunity, German Rheumatism Research Center, Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Honsig
- Division of Clinical Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Jaksch
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvana Geleff
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Quirin Hammer
- Innate Immunity, German Rheumatism Research Center, Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chiara Romagnani
- Innate Immunity, German Rheumatism Research Center, Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maia Segura-Wang
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Strumillo ST, Kartavykh D, de Carvalho FF, Cruz NC, de Souza Teodoro AC, Sobhie Diaz R, Curcio MF. Host-virus interaction and viral evasion. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:1124-1147. [PMID: 33533523 PMCID: PMC8014853 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
With each infectious pandemic or outbreak, the medical community feels the need to revisit basic concepts of immunology to understand and overcome the difficult times brought about by these infections. Regarding viruses, they have historically been responsible for many deaths, and such a peculiarity occurs because they are known to be obligate intracellular parasites that depend upon the host's cell machinery for their replication. Successful infection with the production of essential viral components requires constant viral evolution as a strategy to manipulate the cellular environment, including host internal factors, the host's nonspecific and adaptive immune responses to viruses, the metabolic and energetic state of the infected cell, and changes in the intracellular redox environment during the viral infection cycle. Based on this knowledge, it is fundamental to develop new therapeutic strategies for controlling viral dissemination, by means of antiviral therapies, vaccines, or antioxidants, or by targeting the inhibition or activation of cell signaling pathways or metabolic pathways that are altered during infection. The rapid recovery of altered cellular homeostasis during viral infection is still a major challenge. Here, we review the strategies by which viruses evade the host's immune response and potential tools used to develop more specific antiviral therapies to cure, control, or prevent viral diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scheilla T Strumillo
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denis Kartavykh
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Retrovirology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fábio F de Carvalho
- Departament of Educational Development, Getulio Vargas Foundation, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicolly C Cruz
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Retrovirology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C de Souza Teodoro
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Sobhie Diaz
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Retrovirology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marli F Curcio
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Retrovirology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pang J, Slyker JA, Roy S, Bryant J, Atkinson C, Cudini J, Farquhar C, Griffiths P, Kiarie J, Morfopoulou S, Roxby AC, Tutil H, Williams R, Gantt S, Goldstein RA, Breuer J. Mixed cytomegalovirus genotypes in HIV-positive mothers show compartmentalization and distinct patterns of transmission to infants. eLife 2020; 9:e63199. [PMID: 33382036 PMCID: PMC7806273 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the commonest cause of congenital infection and particularly so among infants born to HIV-infected women. Studies of congenital CMV infection (cCMVi) pathogenesis are complicated by the presence of multiple infecting maternal CMV strains, especially in HIV-positive women, and the large, recombinant CMV genome. Using newly developed tools to reconstruct CMV haplotypes, we demonstrate anatomic CMV compartmentalization in five HIV-infected mothers and identify the possibility of congenitally transmitted genotypes in three of their infants. A single CMV strain was transmitted in each congenitally infected case, and all were closely related to those that predominate in the cognate maternal cervix. Compared to non-transmitted strains, these congenitally transmitted CMV strains showed statistically significant similarities in 19 genes associated with tissue tropism and immunomodulation. In all infants, incident superinfections with distinct strains from breast milk were captured during follow-up. The results represent potentially important new insights into the virologic determinants of early CMV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juanita Pang
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform BuildingLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jennifer A Slyker
- Departments of Global Health and Epidemiology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Sunando Roy
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform BuildingLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Josephine Bryant
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform BuildingLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Claire Atkinson
- Institute of Immunology and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Juliana Cudini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform BuildingLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Departments of Global Health, Epidemiology, Medicine (Div. Allergy and Infectious Diseases), University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Paul Griffiths
- Institute of Immunology and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - James Kiarie
- University of Nairobi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, World Health OrganizationNairobiKenya
| | - Sofia Morfopoulou
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform BuildingLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Alison C Roxby
- Departments of Global Health, Epidemiology, Medicine (Div. Allergy and Infectious Diseases), University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Helena Tutil
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform BuildingLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Rachel Williams
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform BuildingLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Soren Gantt
- Research Centre of the Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Montréal QCMontréalCanada
| | - Richard A Goldstein
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform BuildingLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Judith Breuer
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Bogunia-Kubik K, Łacina P. Non-KIR NK cell receptors: Role in transplantation of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cells. Int J Immunogenet 2020; 48:157-171. [PMID: 33352617 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are of major significance in patients after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). They are the first subset of lymphocytes to appear in peripheral blood after transplantation and play an important role in the immune responses against cancer and viral infections. The function of NK cells is controlled by various surface receptors, of which type I integral proteins with immunoglobulin-like domains (killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors, KIRs) have been the most extensively studied. The present review focuses on less studied NK cell receptors, such as type II integral proteins with lectin-like domains (CD94/NKG2, NKG2D), natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILTs) and their ligands. Their potential role in patients with haematological disorders subjected to HSC transplant procedure in the context of post-transplant complications such as viral reactivation and acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) will be presented and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Łacina
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Barnes S, Schilizzi O, Audsley KM, Newnes HV, Foley B. Deciphering the Immunological Phenomenon of Adaptive Natural Killer (NK) Cells and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228864. [PMID: 33238550 PMCID: PMC7700325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a significant and vital role in the first line of defense against infection through their ability to target cells without prior sensitization. They also contribute significantly to the activation and recruitment of both innate and adaptive immune cells through the production of a range of cytokines and chemokines. In the context of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, NK cells and CMV have co-evolved side by side to employ several mechanisms to evade one another. However, during this co-evolution the discovery of a subset of long-lived NK cells with enhanced effector potential, increased antibody-dependent responses and the potential to mediate immune memory has revolutionized the field of NK cell biology. The ability of a virus to imprint on the NK cell receptor repertoire resulting in the expansion of diverse, highly functional NK cells to this day remains a significant immunological phenomenon that only occurs in the context of CMV. Here we review our current understanding of the development of these NK cells, commonly referred to as adaptive NK cells and their current role in transplantation, infection, vaccination and cancer immunotherapy to decipher the complex role of CMV in dictating NK cell functional fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Barnes
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (S.B.); (O.S.); (K.M.A.); (H.V.N.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ophelia Schilizzi
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (S.B.); (O.S.); (K.M.A.); (H.V.N.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Katherine M. Audsley
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (S.B.); (O.S.); (K.M.A.); (H.V.N.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Hannah V. Newnes
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (S.B.); (O.S.); (K.M.A.); (H.V.N.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Bree Foley
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (S.B.); (O.S.); (K.M.A.); (H.V.N.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cytomegalovirus replication is associated with enrichment of distinct γδ T cell subsets following lung transplantation: A novel therapeutic approach? J Heart Lung Transplant 2020; 39:1300-1312. [PMID: 32962919 PMCID: PMC7448790 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-viral treatments to control cytomegalovirus (CMV) after lung transplantation (LTx) are associated with toxicity and anti-viral resistance. Cellular immunotherapy with virus-specific cytotoxic T cells has yielded promising results but requires donor/recipient matching. γδ T cells are involved in anti-viral immunity and can recognize antigens independently of major histocompatibility complex molecules and may not require the same level of matching. We assessed the phenotype of circulating γδ T cells after LTx to identify the candidate populations for CMV immunotherapy. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from lung transplant recipients before transplantation and at routine bronchoscopies after LTx. Patients were stratified by risk of CMV disease into moderate risk (recipient CMV seropositive, n = 15) or high risk (HR) (recipient CMV seronegative/donor CMV seropositive, n = 10). CMV replication was classified as polymerase chain reaction positive (>150 copies/ml) in blood and/or bronchoalveolar lavage within the first 18 months. The phenotype of γδ T cells was assessed by multicolor flow cytometry, and T-cell receptor (TCR) sequences were determined by deep sequencing. RESULTS In HR lung transplant recipients with CMV replication, we observed striking phenotypic changes in γδ T cells, marked by an increase in the proportion of effector Vδ1+ γδ T cells expressing the activating natural killer cell receptor NKG2C. Moreover, we observed a remarkable increase in TCR diversity. CONCLUSIONS NKG2C+ Vδ1+ γδ T cells were associated with CMV replication and may indicate their potential to control infection. As such, we propose that they could be a potential target for cellular therapy against CMV.
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
The continuous interactions between host and pathogens during their coevolution have shaped both the immune system and the countermeasures used by pathogens. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that are considered central players in the antiviral response. Not only do they express a variety of inhibitory and activating receptors to discriminate and eliminate target cells but they can also produce immunoregulatory cytokines to alert the immune system. Reciprocally, several unrelated viruses including cytomegalovirus, human immunodeficiency virus, influenza virus, and dengue virus have evolved a multitude of mechanisms to evade NK cell function, such as the targeting of pathways for NK cell receptors and their ligands, apoptosis, and cytokine-mediated signaling. The studies discussed in this article provide further insights into the antiviral function of NK cells and the pathways involved, their constituent proteins, and ways in which they could be manipulated for host benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Mancini
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C7, Canada;,
- McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Silvia M. Vidal
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C7, Canada;,
- McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 0B1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lucas JAM, Hayhurst JD, Turner TR, Gymer AW, Leen G, Robinson J, Marsh SGE, Mayor NP. Single molecule real-time DNA sequencing of the full HLA-E gene for 212 reference cell lines. HLA 2020; 95:561-572. [PMID: 32227678 DOI: 10.1111/tan.13882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a genotyping assay that produces fully phased, unambiguous HLA-E genotyping using Pacific Biosciences' single molecule real-time DNA sequencing. In total 212 cell lines were genotyped, including the panel of 107 established at the 10th International Histocompatibility Workshop. Our results matched the previously known HLA-E genotype in 94 (44.3%) cell lines, in all cases either improving or equalling previous genotyping resolution. Three (1.4%) cells had discrepant HLA-E genotyping data and 115 (54.2%) had no previous HLA-E data. The HLA-E genotypes for four (1.9%) cell lines resulted in a change of zygosity by identifying two distinct haplotypes. We discovered eight novel HLA-E alleles, extended the known reference sequence of seven and confirmed the existence of a further 10.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A M Lucas
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - James D Hayhurst
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas R Turner
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur W Gymer
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gayle Leen
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Robinson
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven G E Marsh
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neema P Mayor
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Grant EJ, Nguyen AT, Lobos CA, Szeto C, Chatzileontiadou DSM, Gras S. The unconventional role of HLA-E: The road less traveled. Mol Immunol 2020; 120:101-112. [PMID: 32113130 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Histocompatibility Leukocyte Antigens, or HLAs, are one of the most polymorphic molecules in humans. This high degree of polymorphism endows HLA molecules with the ability to present a vast array of peptides, an essential trait for responding to ever-evolving pathogens. Unlike classical HLA molecules (HLA-Ia), some non-classical HLA-Ib molecules, including HLA-E, are almost monomorphic. Several studies show HLA-E can present self-peptides originating from the leader sequence of other HLA molecules, which signals to our immune system that the cell is healthy. Therefore, it was traditionally thought that the chief role of HLA-E in the body was in immune surveillance. However, there is emerging evidence that HLA-E is also able to present pathogen-derived peptides to the adaptive immune system, namely T cells, in a manner that is similar to classical HLA-Ia molecules. Here we describe the early findings of this less conventional role of HLA-E in the adaptive immune system and its importance for immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Grant
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Andrea T Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Christian A Lobos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Christopher Szeto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Demetra S M Chatzileontiadou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Stephanie Gras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
: The use of cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a vaccine vector to express antigens against multiple infectious diseases, including simian immunodeficiency virus, Ebola virus, plasmodium, and mycobacterium tuberculosis, in rhesus macaques has generated extraordinary levels of protective immunity against subsequent pathogenic challenge. Moreover, the mechanisms of immune protection have altered paradigms about viral vector-mediated immunity against ectopically expressed vaccine antigens. Further optimization of CMV-vectored vaccines, particularly as this approach moves to human clinical trials will be augmented by a more complete understanding of how CMV engenders mechanisms of immune protection. This review summarizes the particulars of the specific CMV vaccine vector that has been used to date (rhesus CMV strain 68-1) in relation to CMV natural history.
Collapse
|
40
|
Berry R, Watson GM, Jonjic S, Degli-Esposti MA, Rossjohn J. Modulation of innate and adaptive immunity by cytomegaloviruses. Nat Rev Immunol 2019; 20:113-127. [PMID: 31666730 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-019-0225-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The coordinated activities of innate and adaptive immunity are critical for effective protection against viruses. To counter this, some viruses have evolved sophisticated strategies to circumvent immune cell recognition. In particular, cytomegaloviruses encode large arsenals of molecules that seek to subvert T cell and natural killer cell function via a remarkable array of mechanisms. Consequently, these 'immunoevasins' play a fundamental role in shaping the nature of the immune system by driving the evolution of new immune receptors and recognition mechanisms. Here, we review the diverse strategies adopted by cytomegaloviruses to target immune pathways and outline the host's response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Berry
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. .,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Gabrielle M Watson
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stipan Jonjic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Mariapia A Degli-Esposti
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rohn H, Michita RT, Schramm S, Dolff S, Gäckler A, Korth J, Heinemann FM, Wilde B, Trilling M, Horn PA, Kribben A, Witzke O, Rebmann V. HLA-E Polymorphism Determines Susceptibility to BK Virus Nephropathy after Living-Donor Kidney Transplant. Cells 2019; 8:E847. [PMID: 31394776 PMCID: PMC6721664 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E is important for the regulation of anti-viral immunity. BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) reactivation after kidney transplant is a serious complication that can result in BKPyV-associated nephropathy (PyVAN) and subsequent allograft loss. To elucidate whether HLA-E polymorphisms influence BKPyV replication and nephropathy, we determined the HLA-E genotype of 278 living donor and recipient pairs. A total of 44 recipients suffered from BKPyV replication, and 11 of these developed PyVAN. Homozygosity of the recipients for the HLA-E*01:01 genotype was associated with the protection against PyVAN after transplant (p = 0.025, OR 0.09, CI [95%] 0.83-4.89). Considering the time course of the occurrence of nephropathy, recipients with PyVAN were more likely to carry the HLA-E*01:03 allelic variant than those without PyVAN (Kaplan-Meier analysis p = 0.03; OR = 4.25; CI (95%) 1.11-16.23). Our findings suggest that a predisposition based on a defined HLA-E genotype is associated with an increased susceptibility to develop PyVAN. Thus, assessing HLA-E polymorphisms may enable physicians to identify patients being at an increased risk of this viral complication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hana Rohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany.
| | - Rafael Tomoya Michita
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Genetics Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Sabine Schramm
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dolff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Anja Gäckler
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Korth
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Falko M Heinemann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Wilde
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Mirko Trilling
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Peter A Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kribben
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Vera Rebmann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Modulates CD94 + (KLRD1 +) NK Cells in Rhesus Macaques. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00731-19. [PMID: 31167916 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00731-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, we and others have shown that natural killer (NK) cells exhibit memory-like recall responses against cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human immunodeficiency/virus simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV/SIV) infections. Although the mechanism(s) have not been fully delineated, several groups have shown that the activating receptor NKG2C is elevated on NK cells in the context of rhesus CMV (rhCMV) or human CMV (hCMV) infections. CD94, which heterodimerizes with NKG2C is also linked to adaptive NK cell responses. Because nonhuman primates (NHP) play a crucial role in modeling HIV (SIV) infections, it is crucial to be able to assess and characterize the NKG2 family in NHP. Unfortunately, it is not possible to detect CD94 using commercially available antibodies in NHP. Our work, a first for NHP, has focused on developing RNA flow cytometry using mRNA transcripts as proxies distinguishing NKG2C from NKG2A. We have expanded the application of this technology and here we show the first characterization of CD94+ (KLRD1+) NK cells in NHP using multiparametric RNA flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from naive and matched acutely (n = 4) or chronically (n = 12) SIV-infected rhesus macaques were analyzed by flow cytometry using commercially available antibodies, determining expression of transcripts for NKG2A, NKG2C, and CD94 (KLRC1, KLRC2, and KLRD1, respectively) on NK cells using RNA flow cytometry. Our data show that KLRC1+/- KLRC2+ KLRD1+ NK cells decrease following chronic, but not acute, infection with SIV. This approach will allow us to investigate the kinetics of infection and NK memory formation and will further improve our understanding of basic NK cell biology, especially in the context of SIV infection.IMPORTANCE Nonhuman primates play a crucial role in approximating human biology and many diseases that are difficult, if not impossible, to achieve in other animal models, notably HIV. Current advances in adaptive NK cell research positions us to address fundamental deficiencies in our fight against infection and disease at the earliest moments after infection or substantially earlier in disease progression. We show here that we can identify specific NK cell subpopulations that are modulated following chronic, but not acute, SIV infection. The ability to identify these subsets more precisely will inform therapeutic and vaccine strategies targeting an optimized NK cell response.
Collapse
|
43
|
McKechnie JL, Beltrán D, Pitti A, Saenz L, Araúz AB, Vergara R, Harris E, Lanier LL, Blish CA, López-Vergès S. HLA Upregulation During Dengue Virus Infection Suppresses the Natural Killer Cell Response. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:268. [PMID: 31396492 PMCID: PMC6663972 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is the most prevalent mosquito-borne virus in the world and a major cause of morbidity in the tropics and subtropics. Upregulation of HLA class I molecules has long been considered a feature of DENV infection, yet this has not been evaluated in the setting of natural infection. Natural killer (NK) cells, an innate immune cell subset critical for mounting an early response to viral infection, are inhibited by self HLA class I, suggesting that upregulation of HLA class I during DENV infection could dampen the NK cell response. Here we addressed whether upregulation of HLA class I molecules occurs during in vivo DENV infection and, if so, whether this suppresses the NK cell response. We found that HLA class I expression was indeed upregulated during acute DENV infection across multiple cell lineages in vivo. To better understand the role of HLA class I upregulation, we infected primary human monocytes, a major target of DENV infection, in vitro. Upregulation of total HLA class I is dependent on active viral replication and is mediated in part by cytokines and other soluble factors induced by infection, while upregulation of HLA-E occurs in the presence of replication-incompetent virus. Importantly, blocking DENV-infected monocytes with a pan-HLA class I Fab nearly doubles the frequency of degranulating NK cells, while blocking HLA-E does not significantly improve the NK cell response. These findings demonstrate that upregulation of HLA class I during DENV infection suppresses the NK cell response, potentially contributing to disease pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia L McKechnie
- Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Davis Beltrán
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City, Panama.,Institute for Scientific Research and Technology Services (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama City, Panama.,Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, India
| | - Arcelys Pitti
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | - Lisseth Saenz
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City, Panama
| | | | - Rosemary Vergara
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Eva Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Lewis L Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Catherine A Blish
- Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Sandra López-Vergès
- Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City, Panama.,Institute for Scientific Research and Technology Services (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama City, Panama
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sharpe HR, Bowyer G, Brackenridge S, Lambe T. HLA-E: exploiting pathogen-host interactions for vaccine development. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 196:167-177. [PMID: 30968409 PMCID: PMC6468186 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses, when used as vectors for vaccine antigen delivery, can induce strong cellular and humoral responses against target epitopes. Recent work by Hansen et al. describes the use of a cytomegalovirus‐vectored vaccine, which is able to generate a stable effector‐memory T cell population at the sites of vaccination in rhesus macaques. This vaccine, targeted towards multiple epitopes in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), did not induce classical CD8+ T cells. However, non‐canonical CD8+ T cell induction occurred via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and MHC‐E. The MHC‐E‐restricted T cells could recognize broad epitopes across the SIV peptides, and conferred protection against viral challenge to 55% of vaccinated macaques. The human homologue, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐E, is now being targeted as a new avenue for vaccine development. In humans, HLA‐E is an unusually oligomorphic class Ib MHC molecule, in comparison to highly polymorphic MHC class Ia. Whereas MHC class Ia presents peptides derived from pathogens to T cells, HLA‐E classically binds defined leader peptides from class Ia MHC peptides and down‐regulates NK cell cytolytic activity when presented on the cell surface. HLA‐E can also restrict non‐canonical CD8+ T cells during natural infection with various pathogens, although the extent to which they are involved in pathogen control is mostly unknown. In this review, an overview is provided of HLA‐E and its ability to interact with NK cells and non‐canonical T cells. Also discussed are the unforeseen beneficial effects of vaccination, including trained immunity of NK cells from bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination, and the broad restriction of non‐canonical CD8+ T cells by cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐vectored vaccines in pre‐clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H R Sharpe
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - G Bowyer
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - S Brackenridge
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, NDM Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - T Lambe
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Pump WC, Kraemer T, Huyton T, Hò GGT, Blasczyk R, Bade-Doeding C. Between Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses: NKG2A, NKG2C, and CD8⁺ T Cell Recognition of HLA-E Restricted Self-Peptides Acquired in the Absence of HLA-Ia. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1454. [PMID: 30909402 PMCID: PMC6471057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
On healthy cells the non-classical HLA class Ib molecule HLA-E displays the cognate ligand for the NK cell receptor NKG2A/CD94 when bound to HLA class I signal peptide sequences. In a pathogenic situation when HLA class I is absent, HLA-E is bound to a diverse set of peptides and enables the stimulatory NKG2C/CD94 receptor to bind. The activation of CD8⁺ T cells by certain p:HLA-E complexes illustrates the dual role of this low polymorphic HLA molecule in innate and adaptive immunity. Recent studies revealed a shift in the HLA-E peptide repertoire in cells with defects in the peptide loading complex machinery. We recently showed that HLA-E presents a highly diverse set of peptides in the absence of HLA class Ia and revealed a non-protective feature against NK cell cytotoxicity mediated by these peptides. In the present study we have evaluated the molecular basis for the impaired NK cell inhibition by these peptides and determined the cell surface stability of individual p:HLA-E complexes and their binding efficiency to soluble NKG2A/CD94 or NKG2C/CD94 receptors. Additionally, we analyzed the recognition of these p:HLA-E epitopes by CD8⁺ T cells. We show that non-canonical peptides provide stable cell surface expression of HLA-E, and these p:HLA-E complexes still bind to NKG2/CD94 receptors in a peptide-restricted fashion. Furthermore, individual p:HLA-E complexes elicit activation of CD8⁺ T cells with an effector memory phenotype. These novel HLA-E epitopes provide new implications for therapies targeting cells with abnormal HLA class I expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke C Pump
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Medical Park, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 5, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Medical Park, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 5, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Trevor Huyton
- Department of Cellular Logistics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Gia-Gia T Hò
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Medical Park, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 5, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Rainer Blasczyk
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Medical Park, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 5, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Christina Bade-Doeding
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Medical Park, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 5, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Human NK cells: surface receptors, inhibitory checkpoints, and translational applications. Cell Mol Immunol 2019; 16:430-441. [PMID: 30778167 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-019-0206-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play important roles in innate defenses against viruses and in the control of tumor growth and metastasis. The regulation/induction of NK cell function is mediated by an array of activating or inhibitory surface receptors. In humans, major activating receptors involved in target cell killing are the natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) and NKG2D. Activating receptors recognize ligands that are overexpressed or expressed de novo upon cell stress, viral infection, or tumor transformation. The HLA-class I-specific inhibitory receptors, including KIRs recognizing HLA-class I allotypic determinants and CD94/NKG2A recognizing the class-Ib HLA-E, constitute a fail-safe mechanism to avoid unwanted NK-mediated damage to healthy cells. Other receptors such as PD-1, primarily expressed by activated T lymphocytes, are important inhibitory checkpoints of immune responses that ensure T-cell tolerance. PD-1 also may be expressed by NK cells in cancer patients. Since PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) may be expressed by different tumors, PD-1/PD-L1 interactions inactivate both T and NK cells. Thus, the reliable evaluation of PD-L1 expression in tumors has become a major issue to select patients who may benefit from therapy with mAbs disrupting PD-1/PD-L1 interactions. Recently, NKG2A was revealed to be an important checkpoint controlling both NK and T-cell activation. Since most tumors express HLA-E, mAbs targeting NKG2A has been used alone or in combination with other therapeutic mAbs targeting PD-1 or tumor antigens (e.g., EGFR), with encouraging results. The translational value of NK cells and their receptors is evidenced by the extraordinary therapeutic success of haploidentical HSCT to cure otherwise fatal high-risk leukemias.
Collapse
|
47
|
Bastidas-Legarda LY, Khakoo SI. Conserved and variable natural killer cell receptors: diverse approaches to viral infections. Immunology 2019; 156:319-328. [PMID: 30570753 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system with essential roles during viral infections. NK cell functions are mediated through a repertoire of non-rearranging inhibitory and activating receptors that interact with major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide complexes on the surface of infected cells. Recent work studying the conserved CD94-NKG2A and variable killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor-MHC systems suggest that these two receptor families may have subtly different properties in terms of interactions with MHC class I bound peptides, and in recognition of down-regulation of MHC class I. In this review, we discuss how these properties generate diversity in the NK cell response to viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leidy Y Bastidas-Legarda
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Rölle A, Jäger D, Momburg F. HLA-E Peptide Repertoire and Dimorphism-Centerpieces in the Adaptive NK Cell Puzzle? Front Immunol 2018; 9:2410. [PMID: 30386347 PMCID: PMC6199380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive Natural Killer (NK) cells, a heterogenous subpopulation of human NK cells with a unique phenotypic and functional signature, became arguably one of the central areas of interest in the field. While their existence seems closely associated with prior exposure to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), many questions regarding their origin and regulation remain unanswered. However, a common denominator for the majority of adaptive NK cells is the expression of the activating heterodimeric receptor CD94/NKG2C that binds to HLA-E, a non-classical HLA molecule, that displays a comparably restricted expression pattern, very limited polymorphism and presents a distinct set of peptides. Recent studies suggest that-in analogy to T cell responses-peptides presented on HLA-E could play an unexpectedly decisive role for the biology of adaptive NK cells. Here, we discuss how this perspective on the CD94/NKG2C-HLA-E axis aligns with the existing literature and speculate about possible translational implication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rölle
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseasesm, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity (D120), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseasesm, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity (D120), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Momburg
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group (D121), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Patel M, Vlahava VM, Forbes SK, Fielding CA, Stanton RJ, Wang ECY. HCMV-Encoded NK Modulators: Lessons From in vitro and in vivo Genetic Variation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2214. [PMID: 30327650 PMCID: PMC6174198 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is under constant selective pressure from the immune system in vivo. Study of HCMV genes that have been lost in the absence of, or genetically altered by, such selection can focus research toward findings of in vivo significance. We have been particularly interested in the most pronounced change in the highly passaged laboratory strains AD169 and Towne—the deletion of 13–15 kb of sequence (designated the UL/b′ region) that encodes up to 22 canonical genes, UL133-UL150. At least 5 genes have been identified in UL/b′ that inhibit NK cell function. UL135 suppresses formation of the immunological synapse (IS) by remodeling the actin cytoskeleton, thereby illustrating target cell cooperation in IS formation. UL141 inhibits expression of two activating ligands (CD155, CD112) for the activating receptor CD226 (DNAM-1), and two receptors (TRAIL-R1, R2) for the apoptosis-inducing TRAIL. UL142, ectopically expressed in isolation, and UL148A, target specific MICA allotypes that are ligands for NKG2D. UL148 impairs expression of CD58 (LFA-3), the co-stimulatory cell adhesion molecule for CD2 found on T and NK cells. Outside UL/b′, studies on natural variants have shown UL18 mutants change affinity for their inhibitory ligand LIR-1, while mutations in UL40's HLA-E binding peptide differentially drive NKG2C+ NK expansions. Research into HCMV genomic stability and its effect on NK function has provided important insights into virus:host interactions, but future studies will require consideration of genetic variability and the effect of genes expressed in the context of infection to fully understand their in vivo impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihil Patel
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Virginia-Maria Vlahava
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Simone K Forbes
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ceri A Fielding
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Stanton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Eddie C Y Wang
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Rölle A, Meyer M, Calderazzo S, Jäger D, Momburg F. Distinct HLA-E Peptide Complexes Modify Antibody-Driven Effector Functions of Adaptive NK Cells. Cell Rep 2018; 24:1967-1976.e4. [PMID: 30134159 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.07.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive NK cells are characterized by profound alterations in multiple signaling molecules, transcription factors, and epigenetic modifications compared with canonical NK cells. Although their existence is associated with prior exposure to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), key questions regarding their regulation and function remain. A large proportion of adaptive NK cells express the activating receptor CD94/NKG2C, binding to human leukocyte antigen E (HLA-E), that presents a limited set of peptides. We show that adaptive NK cells discriminate differences between HLA-E-peptide complexes with exquisite specificity. Prolonged exposure to an environment displaying the HLA-E peptide ligand VMAPRTLFL, derived from the leader sequence of HLA-G, enriched adaptive NK cells with low FcεRγ expression, upregulated CD25 expression, increased proliferative activity, and resulted in elevated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and IFN-γ responses compared with other HLA-E peptide complexes. Our study demonstrates that recognition of alterations in the HLA-E ligandome via an activating receptor can influence heterologous effector mechanisms and proliferation in adaptive NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rölle
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group (D121), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" (D120), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Marten Meyer
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group (D121), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" (D120), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvia Calderazzo
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" (D120), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Momburg
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation Group (D121), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" (D120), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|