Differential requirements for Vav proteins in DAP10- and ITAM-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity

Multiplex interrogation of the NK cell signalome reveals global downregulation of CD16 signaling during lentivirus infection through an IL-18/ADAM17-dependent mechanism

Despite their importance, natural killer (NK) cell responses are frequently dysfunctional during human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infections, even irrespective of antiretroviral therapies, with poorly understood underlying mechanisms. NK cell surface receptor modulation in lentivirus infection has been extensively studied, but a deeper interrogation of complex cell signaling is mostly absent, largely due to the absence of any comprehensive NK cell signaling assay. To fill this knowledge gap, we developed a novel multiplex signaling analysis to broadly assess NK cell signaling. Using this assay, we elucidated that NK cells exhibit global signaling reduction from CD16 both in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) and SIV-infected rhesus macaques. Intriguingly, antiretroviral treatment did not fully restore diminished CD16 signaling in NK cells from PLWH. As a putative mechanism, we demonstrated that NK cells increased surface ADAM17 expression via elevated plasma IL-18 levels during HIV-1 infection, which in turn reduced surface CD16 downregulation. We also illustrated that CD16 expression and signaling can be restored by ADAM17 perturbation. In summary, our multiplex NK cell signaling analysis delineated unique NK cell signaling perturbations specific to lentiviral infections, resulting in their dysfunction. Our analysis also provides mechanisms that will inform the restoration of dysregulated NK cell functions, offering potential insights for the development of new NK cell-based immunotherapeutics for HIV-1 disease.

Receptors of immune cells mediates recognition for tumors

Over the last few decades, the immune system has been steered toward eradication of cancer cells with the help of cancer immunotherapy. T cells, B cells, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, T-reg cells, and natural killer (NK) cells are some of the numerous immune cell types that play a significant part in cancer cell detection and reduction of inflammation, and the antitumor response. Briefly stated, chimeric antigen receptors, adoptive transfer and immune checkpoint modulators are currently the subjects of research focus for successful immunotherapy-based treatments for a variety of cancers. This chapter discusses ongoing investigations on the mechanisms and recent developments by which receptors of immune cells especially that of lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages regulate the detection of immune system leading to malignancies. We will also be looking into the treatment strategies based on these mechanisms.

CD16+ fibroblasts foster a trastuzumab-refractory microenvironment that is reversed by VAV2 inhibition

The leukocyte Fcγ receptor (FcγR)-mediated response is important for the efficacy of therapeutic antibodies; however, little is known about the role of FcγRs in other cell types. Here we identify a subset of fibroblasts in human breast cancer that express CD16 (FcγRIII). An abundance of these cells in HER2⁺ breast cancer patients is associated with poor prognosis and response to trastuzumab. Functionally, upon trastuzumab stimulation, CD16⁺ fibroblasts reduce drug delivery by enhancing extracellular matrix stiffness. Interaction between trastuzumab and CD16 activates the intracellular SYK-VAV2-RhoA-ROCK-MLC2-MRTF-A pathway, leading to elevated contractile force and matrix production. Targeting of a Rho family guanine nucleotide exchange factor, VAV2, which is indispensable for the function of CD16 in fibroblasts rather than leukocytes, reverses desmoplasia provoked by CD16⁺ fibroblasts. Collectively, our study reveals a role for the fibroblast FcγR in drug resistance, and suggests that VAV2 is an attractive target to augment the effects of antibody treatments.

Actin Retrograde Flow Regulated by the Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome Protein Drives the Natural Killer Cell Response

Understanding the crosstalk between natural killer (NK) cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) has enhanced the potential of exploiting the interplay between activation and inhibition of NK cells for immunotherapy. This interaction is crucial for understanding how tumor cells escape NK cell immune surveillance. NK cell dysfunction is regulated by two molecular mechanisms, downregulated activating receptor ligand expression on the tumor cells, and upregulated inhibitory signals delivered to NK cells. Recent studies demonstrated the role of mechanotransduction in modulating NK cell responses in the TME. The immunological synapse represents a functional interface between the NK cell and its target, regulated by Actin Retrograde Flow (ARF), which drives the adhesion molecules and receptors toward the central zone of the immunological synapse (IS). Here, we further characterize the role of ARF in controlling the immune response of NK cells, using CRISPR/cas9-mediated Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASp) gene silencing of NK cells. We demonstrate that WASp regulates ARF velocity, affecting the conformation and function of the key NK inhibitory regulator, SH2-domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1), and consequently, the NK cell response. Our results demonstrate the potential of modulating the biophysical and intracellular regulation of NK activation as a promising approach for improving immunotherapy.

Inducible MyD88/CD40 synergizes with IL-15 to enhance antitumor efficacy of CAR-NK cells

Natural killer (NK) cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are a promising anticancer immunotherapy, leveraging both innate NK cell antitumor activity and target-specific cytotoxicity. Inducible MyD88/CD40 (iMC) is a potent, rimiducid-regulated protein switch that has been deployed previously as a T-cell activator to enhance proliferation and persistence of CAR-modified T cells. In this study, iMC was extended to CAR-NK cells to enhance their growth and augment cytotoxicity against tumor cells. iMC-activated NK cells substantially increased cytokine and chemokine secretion and displayed higher levels of perforin and granzyme B degranulation. In addition, iMC activation could be coupled with ectopic interleukin-15 (IL-15) to further enhance NK cell proliferation. When coexpressed with a target-specific CAR (CD123 or BCMA), this IL-15/iMC system showed further augmented antitumor activity through enhanced CAR-NK cell expansion and cytolytic activity. To protect against potential toxicity from engineered NK cells, an orthogonal rapamycin-regulated Caspase-9 (iRC9) was included in a 4-gene, dual-switch platform. After infusion of dual-switch NK cells, pharmacologic iRC9 dimerization led to rapid elimination of a majority of expanded transduced NK cells. Thus, CAR-NK cells utilizing dual molecular switches provide an innovative and effective approach to cancer immunotherapy with controlled specificity, efficacy, and safety.

TRIGGERED: could refocused cell signaling be key to natural killer cell-based HIV immunotherapeutics?

Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the critical innate immune effector cells that directly kill tumors and virus-infected cells, and modulate other immune cells including dendritic cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Signals from activating and inhibitory surface receptors orchestrate the regulatory and cytotoxic functions of NK cells. Although a number of surface receptors are involved, multiple signaling molecules are shared so that NK cell responses are synergistically regulated. Many pathogens and tumors evade NK cell responses by targeting NK cell signaling. Particularly in HIV/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, the NK cell repertoire is diminished by changes in subsets of NK cells, expression of activating and inhibitory receptors, and intracellular signaling molecules. However, in-depth studies on intracellular signaling in NK cells in HIV/SIV infections remain limited. Checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells have demonstrated enhanced NK cell activities against tumors and viral infections. In addition, targeting intracellular signaling molecules by small molecules could also improve NK cell responses towards HIV/SIV infection in vivo. Therefore, further understanding of NK cell signaling including identification of key signaling molecules is crucial to maximize the efficacy of NK cell-based treatments. Herein, we review the current state of the literature and outline potential future avenues where optimized NK cells could be utilized in HIV-1 cure strategies and other immunotherapeutics in PLWH.

The Role of the Cytoskeleton in Regulating the Natural Killer Cell Immune Response in Health and Disease: From Signaling Dynamics to Function

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells, which play key roles in elimination of virally infected and malignant cells. The balance between activating and inhibitory signals derived from NK surface receptors govern the NK cell immune response. The cytoskeleton facilitates most NK cell effector functions, such as motility, infiltration, conjugation with target cells, immunological synapse assembly, and cytotoxicity. Though many studies have characterized signaling pathways that promote actin reorganization in immune cells, it is not completely clear how particular cytoskeletal architectures at the immunological synapse promote effector functions, and how cytoskeletal dynamics impact downstream signaling pathways and activation. Moreover, pioneering studies employing advanced imaging techniques have only begun to uncover the architectural complexity dictating the NK cell activation threshold; it is becoming clear that a distinct organization of the cytoskeleton and signaling receptors at the NK immunological synapse plays a decisive role in activation and tolerance. Here, we review the roles of the actin cytoskeleton in NK cells. We focus on how actin dynamics impact cytolytic granule secretion, NK cell motility, and NK cell infiltration through tissues into inflammatory sites. We will also describe the additional cytoskeletal components, non-muscle Myosin II and microtubules that play pivotal roles in NK cell activity. Furthermore, special emphasis will be placed on the role of the cytoskeleton in assembly of immunological synapses, and how mutations or downregulation of cytoskeletal accessory proteins impact NK cell function in health and disease.

VAV1-overexpressing YT cells display improved cytotoxicity against malignant cells

Immunotherapy based on adoptive transfer of genetically engineered T- and NK-cells is an area of active ongoing research and has proven highly efficacious for patients with certain B-cell malignancies. Use of NK cells and NK cell lines as carriers of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) appears particularly promising, as this opens an opportunity for moving the therapy from autologous to the allogeneic (universal) format. This "off-the-shelf" approach is thought to significantly reduce the price of the treatment and make it available to many more patients in need. Yet, the efficacy of CAR-NK cells in vivo presently remains low, and boosting the activity of CAR NK cells via stronger tumor homing, resistance to tumor microenvironment, as well as greater cytotoxicity may translate into improved patient outcomes. Here, we established a derivative of a human NK cell line YT overexpressing a positive regulator of cytotoxicity, VAV1. Activity of YT-VAV1 cells obtained was assayed in vitro against several cancer cell lines and primary patient-derived cancer cells. YT-VAV1 cells outperform parental YT cells in terms of cytotoxicity.

Research Progress on NK Cell Receptors and Their Signaling Pathways

Natural killer cells (NK cells) play an important role in innate immunity. NK cells recognize self and nonself depending on the balance of activating receptors and inhibitory receptors. After binding to their ligands, NK cell receptors trigger subsequent signaling conduction and then determine whether NK is activated or inhibited. Furthermore, NK cell response includes cytotoxicity and cytokine release, which is tightly related to the activation of NK cell-activating receptors and the inhibition of inhibitory receptors on the surfaces of NK cells. The expression and function of NK cell surface receptors also alter in virus infection, tumor, and autoimmune diseases and influence the occurrence and development of diseases. So, it is important to understand the mechanism of recognition between NK receptors and their ligands in pathological conditions and the signaling pathways of NK cell receptors. This review mainly summarizes the research progress on NK cell surface receptors and their signal pathways.

Strategies to enhance NK cell function for the treatment of tumors and infections

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells equipped with the ability to rapidly kill stressed cells that are neoplastic or virally infected. These cells are especially important in settings where these stressed cells downregulate MHC class I molecules and evade recognition by cytotoxic T cells. However, the activity of NK cells alone is often suboptimal to fully control tumor growth or to clear viral infections. Thus, the enhancement of NK cell function is necessary to fully harness their antitumor or antiviral potential. In this review, we discuss how NK cell function can be augmented by the modulation of signal transduction pathways, by the manipulation of inhibitory/activating receptors on NK cells, and by cytokine-induced activation. We also discuss how some of these strategies are currently impacting NK cells in the treatment of cancer and infections.

NK cell recognition of hematopoietic cells by SLAM-SAP families

The signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family of receptors (SFRs) are ubiquitously expressed on immune cells, and they regulate multiple immune events by recruiting SH2 (Src homology 2) domain-containing SAP family adapters, including SAP and its homologs, Ewing's sarcoma-associated transcript 2 (EAT-2) and EAT-2 related transducer (ERT). In human patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative (XLP) disease, which is caused by SAP mutations, SFRs alternatively bind other inhibitory SH2 domain-containing molecules to suppress immune cell activation and development. NK cells express multiple SFRs and all SAP family adapters. In recent decades, SFRs have been found to be critical for enhancing NK cell activation in response to abnormal hematopoietic cells in SAP-family-intact NK cells; however, SFRs might suppress NK cell activation in SAP-family-deficient mice or patients with XLP1. In this paper, we review how these two distinct SFR signaling pathways orchestrate NK cell activation and inhibition and highlight the importance of SFR regulation of NK cell biology and their physiological status and pathological relevance in patients with XLP1.

Natural Killer Cells: Development, Maturation, and Clinical Utilization

Natural killer (NK) cells are the predominant innate lymphocyte subsets that mediate anti-tumor and anti-viral responses, and therefore possess promising clinical utilization. NK cells do not express polymorphic clonotypic receptors and utilize inhibitory receptors (killer immunoglobulin-like receptor and Ly49) to develop, mature, and recognize “self” from “non-self.” The essential roles of common gamma cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, and IL-15 in the commitment and development of NK cells are well established. However, the critical functions of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12, IL-18, IL-27, and IL-35 in the transcriptional-priming of NK cells are only starting to emerge. Recent studies have highlighted multiple shared characteristics between NK cells the adaptive immune lymphocytes. NK cells utilize unique signaling pathways that offer exclusive ways to genetically manipulate to improve their effector functions. Here, we summarize the recent advances made in the understanding of how NK cells develop, mature, and their potential translational use in the clinic.

Natural killer cell cytotoxicity and its regulation by inhibitory receptors

Natural killer (NK) cells express an array of germ-line encoded receptors that are capable of triggering cytotoxicity. NK cells tend to express many members of a given family of signalling molecules. The presence of many activating receptors and many members of a given family of signalling molecules can enable NK cells to detect different kinds of target cells, and to mount different kinds of responses. This contributes also to the robustness of NK cells responses; cytotoxic functions of NK cells often remain unaffected in the absence of selected signalling molecules. NK cells express many MHC-I-specific inhibitory receptors. Signals from MHC-I-specific inhibitory receptors tightly control NK cell cytotoxicity and, paradoxically, maintain NK cells in a state of proper responsiveness. This review provides a brief overview of the events that underlie NK cell activation, and how signals from inhibitory receptors intercept NK cell activation to prevent inappropriate triggering of cytotoxicity.

Actin retrograde flow controls natural killer cell response by regulating the conformation state of SHP-1

Natural killer (NK) cells are a powerful weapon against viral infections and tumor growth. Although the actin-myosin (actomyosin) cytoskeleton is crucial for a variety of cellular processes, the role of mechanotransduction, the conversion of actomyosin mechanical forces into signaling cascades, was never explored in NK cells. Here, we demonstrate that actomyosin retrograde flow (ARF) controls the immune response of primary human NK cells through a novel interaction between β-actin and the SH2-domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1), converting its conformation state, and thereby regulating NK cell cytotoxicity. Our results identify ARF as a master regulator of the NK cell immune response. Since actin dynamics occur in multiple cellular processes, this mechanism might also regulate the activity of SHP-1 in additional cellular systems.

In silico modeling identifies CD45 as a regulator of IL-2 synergy in the NKG2D-mediated activation of immature human NK cells

Natural killer (NK) cells perform immunosurveillance of virally infected and transformed cells, and their activation depends on the balance between signaling by inhibitory and activating receptors. Cytokine receptor signaling can synergize with activating receptor signaling to induce NK cell activation. We investigated the interplay between the signaling pathways stimulated by the cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) and the activating receptor NKG2D in immature (CD56^bright) and mature (CD56^dim) subsets of human primary NK cells using mass cytometry experiments and in silico modeling. Our analysis revealed that IL-2 changed the abundances of several key proteins, including NKG2D and the phosphatase CD45. Furthermore, we found differences in correlations between protein abundances, which were associated with the maturation state of the NK cells. The mass cytometry measurements also revealed that the signaling kinetics of key protein abundances induced by NKG2D stimulation depended on the maturation state and the pretreatment condition of the NK cells. Our in silico model, which described the multidimensional data with coupled first-order reactions, predicted that the increase in CD45 abundance was a major enhancer of NKG2D-mediated activation in IL-2-treated CD56^bright NK cells but not in IL-2-treated CD56^dim NK cells. This dependence on CD45 was verified by measurement of CD107a mobilization to the NK cell surface (a marker of activation). Our mathematical framework can be used to glean mechanisms underlying synergistic signaling pathways in other activated immune cells.

Redirected Primary Human Chimeric Antigen Receptor Natural Killer Cells As an "Off-the-Shelf Immunotherapy" for Improvement in Cancer Treatment

Primary human natural killer (NK) cells recognize and subsequently eliminate virus infected cells, tumor cells, or other aberrant cells. However, cancer cells are able to develop tumor immune escape mechanisms to undermine this immune control. To overcome this obstacle, NK cells can be genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) in order to improve specific recognition of cancer surface markers (e.g., CD19, CD20, and ErbB2). After target recognition, intracellular CAR domain signaling (CD3ζ, CD28, 4-1BB, and 2B4) leads to activation of PI3K or DNAX proteins (DAP10, DAP12) and finally to enhanced cytotoxicity, proliferation, and/or interferon γ release. This mini-review summarizes both the first preclinical trials with CAR-engineered primary human NK cells and the translational implications for “off-the-shelf immunotherapy” in cancer treatment. Signal transduction in NK cells as well as optimization of CAR signaling will be described, becoming more and more a focal point of interest in addition to redirected T cells. Finally, strategies to overcome off-target effects will be discussed in order to improve future clinical trials and to avoid attacking healthy tissues.

Molecular checkpoints controlling natural killer cell activation and their modulation for cancer immunotherapy

Natural killer (NK) cells have gained considerable attention as promising therapeutic tools for cancer therapy due to their innate selectivity against cancer cells over normal healthy cells. With an array of receptors evolved to sense cellular alterations, NK cells provide early protection against cancer cells by producing cytokines and chemokines and exerting direct cytolytic activity. These effector functions are governed by signals transmitted through multiple receptor–ligand interactions but are not achieved by engaging a single activating receptor on resting NK cells. Rather, they require the co-engagement of different activating receptors that use distinct signaling modules, due to a cell-intrinsic inhibition mechanism. The redundancy of synergizing receptors and the inhibition of NK cell function by a single class of inhibitory receptor suggest the presence of common checkpoints to control NK cell activation through different receptors. These molecular checkpoints would be therapeutically targeted to harness the power of NK cells against diverse cancer cells that express heterogeneous ligands for NK cell receptors. Recent advances in understanding the activation of NK cells have revealed promising candidates in this category. Targeting such molecular checkpoints will facilitate NK cell activation by lowering activation thresholds, thereby providing therapeutic strategies that optimize NK cell reactivity against cancer.

PI3K p85 β regulatory subunit deficiency does not affect NK cell differentiation and increases NKG2D-mediated activation

Activation of NK cells depends on a balance between activating and inhibitory signals. Class Ia PI3K are heterodimeric proteins with a catalytic and a regulatory subunit and have a central role in cell signaling by associating with tyrosine kinase receptors to trigger signaling cascades. The regulatory p85 subunit participates in signaling through NKG2D, one of the main activating receptors on NK cells, via its interaction with the adaptor protein DAP10. Although the effects of inhibiting catalytic subunits or deleting the regulatory p85α subunit have been studied, little attention has focused on the role of the p85β subunit in NK cells. Using p85β knockout mice, we found that p85β deficiency does not alter NK cell differentiation and maturation in spleen or bone marrow. NK cells from p85β^-/- mice nonetheless produced more IFN-γ and degranulated more effectively when stimulated with anti-NKG2D antibody. These cells also degranulated and killed NKG2D ligand-expressing target cells more efficiently. We show that p85β deficiency impaired NKG2D internalization, which could contribute to the activated phenotype. Decreasing p85β subunit protein levels might thus constitute a therapeutic target to promote NK cell activity toward NKG2D ligand-expressing cells.

Dephosphorylation of the adaptor LAT and phospholipase C-γ by SHP-1 inhibits natural killer cell cytotoxicity

Natural killer (NK) cells discriminate between healthy cells and virally infected or transformed self-cells by tuning activating and inhibitory signals received through cell surface receptors. Inhibitory receptors inhibit NK cell function by recruiting and activating the tyrosine phosphatase Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) to the plasma membrane. However, to date, the guanine nucleotide exchange factor VAV1 is the only direct SHP-1 substrate identified in NK cells. We reveal that the adaptor protein linker for activation of T cells (LAT) as well as phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) and PLC-γ2 are SHP-1 substrates. Dephosphorylation of Tyr(132) in LAT by SHP-1 in NK cells abrogated the recruitment of PLC-γ1 and PLC-γ2 to the immunological synapse between the NK cell and a cancer cell target, which reduced NK cell degranulation and target cell killing. Furthermore, the ubiquitylation of LAT by the E3 ubiquitin ligases c-Cbl and Cbl-b, which was induced by LAT phosphorylation, led to the degradation of LAT in response to the engagement of inhibitory receptors on NK cells, which abrogated NK cell cytotoxicity. Knockdown of the Cbl proteins blocked LAT ubiquitylation, which promoted NK cell function. Expression of a ubiquitylation-resistant mutant LAT blocked inhibitory receptor signaling, enabling cells to become activated. Together, these data identify previously uncharacterized SHP-1 substrates and inhibitory mechanisms that determine the response of NK cells.

TREM2 in CNS homeostasis and neurodegenerative disease

Myeloid-lineage cells accomplish a myriad of homeostatic tasks including the recognition of pathogens, regulation of the inflammatory milieu, and mediation of tissue repair and regeneration. The innate immune receptor and its adaptor protein—triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) and DNAX-activating protein of 12 kDa (DAP12)—possess the ability to modulate critical cellular functions via crosstalk with diverse signaling pathways. As such, mutations in TREM2 and DAP12 have been found to be associated with a range of disease phenotypes. In particular, mutations in TREM2 increase the risk for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The leading hypothesis is that microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, are the major myeloid cells affected by dysregulated TREM2-DAP12 function. Here, we review how impaired signaling by the TREM2-DAP12 pathway leads to altered immune responses in phagocytosis, cytokine production, and microglial proliferation and survival, thus contributing to disease pathogenesis.

NK cell function triggered by multiple activating receptors is negatively regulated by glycogen synthase kinase-3β

Activation of NK cells is triggered by combined signals from multiple activating receptors that belong to different families. Several NK cell activating receptors have been identified, but their role in the regulation of effector functions is primarily understood in the context of their individual engagement. Therefore, little is known about the signaling pathways broadly implicated by the multiple NK cell activation cues. Here we provide evidence pointing to glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β as a negative regulator of multiple NK cell activating signals. Using an activation model that combines NKG2D and 2B4 and tests different signaling molecules, we found that GSK-3 undergoes inhibitory phosphorylation at regulatory serine residues by the engagement of NKG2D and 2B4, either individually or in combination. The extent of such phosphorylation was closely correlated with the degree of NK cell activation. NK cell functions, such as cytokine production and cytotoxicity, were consistently enhanced by the knockdown of GSK-3β or its inhibition with different pharmacological inhibitors, whereas inhibition of the GSK-3α isoform had no effect. In addition, NK cell function was augmented by the overexpression of a catalytically inactive form of GSK-3β. Importantly, the regulation of NK cell function by GSK-3β was common to diverse activating receptors that signal through both ITAM and non-ITAM pathways. Thus, our results suggest that GSK-3β negatively regulates NK cell activation and that modulation of GSK-3β function could be used to enhance NK cell activation.

A signaling network stimulated by β2 integrin promotes the polarization of lytic granules in cytotoxic cells

Cytotoxic lymphocytes kill target cells through the polarized release of the contents of intracellular perforin-containing granules. In natural killer (NK) cells, the binding of β2 integrin to members of the intercellular adhesion molecule family is sufficient to promote not only the adhesion of NK cells to target cells but also the polarization of intracellular lytic granules toward the target. We used NK cells in an experimental system designed to enable us to study the polarization of lytic granules in the absence of their release through degranulation, as well as β2 integrin signaling independently of inside-out signals from other receptors. Through a proteomics approach, we identified a signaling network centered on an integrin-linked kinase (ILK)-Pyk2-paxillin core that was required for granule and microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) polarization. The conserved Cdc42-Par6 signaling pathway, which controls cell polarity, was also activated by ILK and was required for granule polarization toward the target cell. A subset of the signaling components required for polarization contributed also to the convergence of granules on the MTOC. These results delineate two connected signaling networks that are stimulated upon β2 integrin engagement and control the polarization of the MTOC and associated lytic granules toward the site of contact with target cells to mediate cellular cytotoxicity.

The central role of the cytoskeleton in mechanisms and functions of the NK cell immune synapse

Natural killer (NK) cells discriminate between healthy and unhealthy target cells through a balance of activating and inhibitory signals at direct intercellular contacts called immune synapses. Rearrangements in the cellular cytoskeleton have long been known to be critical in assembly of immune synapses. Here, through bringing together the vast literature on this subject, the number of different ways in which the cytoskeleton is important becomes evident. The dynamics of filamentous actin are critical in (i) creating the nanometer-scale organization of NK cell receptors, (ii) establishing cellular polarity, (iii) coordinating immune receptor and integrin-mediated signaling, and (iv) directing secretion of lytic granules and cytokines. The microtubule network also is important in the delivery of lytic granules and vesicles containing cytokines to the immune synapse. Together, these data establish that the cytoskeleton acts as a central regulator of this complex and dynamic process - and an enormous amount of NK cell biology is controlled through the cytoskeleton.

A genetic defect in mice that impairs missing self recognition despite evidence for normal maturation and MHC class I-dependent education of NK cells

In studies of a CD1d1-deficient mouse strain, we unexpectedly observed a severely impaired capacity for NK cell-mediated rejection of MHC class I-deficient (spleen or tumor) cells. Studies of another CD1-defective strain, as well as intercrosses with C57BL/6 mice, indicated that the impaired missing self rejection (IMSR) NK cell defect was a recessive trait, independent from the targeted CD1 locus. Studies with mixed bone marrow chimeras indicated that the defect is intrinsic to NK cells. The IMSR mice had normal proportions of NK cells, displaying a typical cell surface phenotype, as evaluated using a panel of Abs to developmental markers and known receptors. The impaired missing self recognition could not be overcome through cytokine stimulation. There was also an impaired capacity with respect to NKG2D-dependent cytotoxicity, whereas the mice exhibited normal Ly49D/DAP12-dependent responses in vivo and in vitro. The NK cell system of IMSR mice showed two hallmarks of MHC-dependent education: skewing of the Ly49 receptor repertoire and differential in vitro responsiveness between NK cells with and without inhibitory receptors for self-MHC ("licensing"). We conclude that these mice have a recessive trait that perturbs the missing self reaction, as well as NKG2D-dependent responses, whereas other aspects of the NK system, such as development, capacity to sense MHC molecules during education, and Ly49D/DAP12-dependent responses, are largely intact.

How to trigger a killer: modulation of natural killer cell reactivity on many levels

The functions of Natural Killer (NK) cells are regulated by a highly redundant set of germline-encoded surface receptors that can inhibit or activate NK cell activities. NK cells can be activated by cytokines or through the interaction with transformed or infected cells. This typically results in the production of cytokines, chemokines, and the induction of cellular cytotoxicity. However, the reactivity of NK cells is modulated on various levels and shaped by processes such as development, education, priming, exposure to antigens and cytokines, and the formation of memory-like phenotypes. Here, I will summarize our current understanding of these processes and describe how they influence NK cell reactivity on a molecular level.

Recognition of tumors by the innate immune system and natural killer cells

In recent years, roles of the immune system in immune surveillance of cancer have been explored using a variety of approaches. The roles of the adaptive immune system have been a major emphasis, but increasing evidence supports a role for innate immune effector cells such as natural killer (NK) cells in tumor surveillance. Here, we discuss some of the evidence for roles in tumor surveillance of innate immune cells. In particular, we focus on NK cells and other immune cells that express germline-encoded receptors, often labeled NK receptors. The impact of these receptors and the cells that express them on tumor suppression is summarized. We discuss in detail some of the pathways and events in tumor cells that induce or upregulate cell-surface expression of the ligands for these receptors, and the logic of how those pathways serve to identify malignant, or potentially malignant cells. How tumors often evade tumor suppression mediated by innate killer cells is another major subject of the review. We end with a discussion on some of the implications of the various findings with respect to possible therapeutic approaches.

NKG2D triggers cytotoxicity in murine epidermal γδ T cells via PI3K-dependent, Syk/ZAP70-independent signaling pathway

Murine epidermal γδ T cells, known as dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs), survey tissue stress through the invariant T-cell receptor (TCR) and non-clonotypic receptors such as NKG2D. NKG2D signaling via the DAP10-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway directly stimulates cytotoxicity in natural killer (NK) cells and costimulates CD8(+) T cells to augment TCR signals. In activated murine NK cells, NKG2D signals also via the DAP12-Syk/ZAP70 pathway that triggers both cytotoxicity and cytokine production. It remains controversial whether NKG2D on DETCs is a primary activating receptor or functions only as a costimulatory receptor, and signaling pathways initiated by NKG2D ligation in DETCs have not been analyzed. We show that stimulation of short-term DETC lines with recombinant NKG2D ligands triggers degranulation (exocytosis of cytotoxic granules) via the PI3K-dependent signaling pathway, but does not induce cytokine production or Syk/ZAP70 activation. Coengagement of TCR or Syk/ZAP70 signaling was not crucial for DETC-mediated killing of NKG2D ligand-expressing target cells. Thus, NKG2D can function as a coactivating stress receptor that directly triggers cytotoxicity in DETCs, at least after priming, via the PI3K-dependent, Syk/ZAP70-independent signaling pathway.

The Glycophosphatidylinositol Anchor of the MCMV Evasin, m157, Facilitates Optimal Cell Surface Expression and Ly49 Receptor Recognition

The murine cytomegalovirus-encoded protein m157 is a cognate ligand for both inhibitory and activating receptors expressed by natural killer cells. Additionally, m157 is expressed on the surface of infected cells by a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Although endogenous GPI-anchored proteins are known to be ligands for the NK cell receptor, NKG2D, the contribution of the GPI anchor for viral m157 ligand function is unknown. To determine whether the GPI anchor for m157 is dispensable for m157 function, we generated m157 variants expressed as transmembrane fusion proteins and tested cells expressing transmembrane m157 for the capacity to activate cognate Ly49 receptors. We found that the GPI anchor is required for high-level cell surface expression of m157, and that the transmembrane m157 ligand retains the capacity to activate reporter cells and NK cells expressing Ly49H, as well as Ly49I(129) reporter cells, but with reduced potency. Importantly, target cells expressing the transmembrane form of m157 were killed less efficiently and failed to mediate Ly49H receptor downregulation on fresh NK cells compared to targets expressing GPI-anchored m157. Taken together, these results show that the GPI anchor for m157 facilitates robust cell surface expression, and that NK cells are sensitive to the altered cell surface expression of this potent viral evasin.

The Rac activator DOCK2 regulates natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity in mice through the lytic synapse formation

Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in protective immunity against viral infection and tumor progression, but they also contribute to rejection of bone marrow grafts via contact-dependent cytotoxicity. Ligation of activating NK receptors with their ligands expressed on target cells induces receptor clustering and actin reorganization at the interface and triggers polarized movement of lytic granules to the contact site. Although activation of the small GTPase Rac has been implicated in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, its precise role and the upstream regulator remain elusive. Here, we show that DOCK2, an atypical guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rac, plays a key role in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. We found that although DOCK2 deficiency in NK cells did not affect conjugate formation with target cells, DOCK2-deficienct NK cells failed to effectively kill leukemia cells in vitro and major histocompatibility complex class I-deficient bone marrow cells in vivo, regardless of the sorts of activating receptors. In DOCK2-deficient NK cells, NKG2D-mediated Rac activation was almost completely lost, resulting in a severe defect in the lytic synapse formation. Similar results were obtained when the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity of DOCK2 was selectively abrogated. These results indicate that DOCK2-Rac axis controls NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity through the lytic synapse formation.

Activating natural cytotoxicity receptors of natural killer cells in cancer and infection

Natural killer (NK) cells are central players in the vertebrate immune system that rapidly eliminate malignantly transformed or infected cells. The natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) NKp30, NKp44, and NKp46 are important mediators of NK cell cytotoxicity, which trigger an immune response on recognition of cognate cellular and viral ligands. Tumour and viral immune escape strategies targeting these receptor-ligand systems impair NK cell cytotoxicity and promote disease. Therefore, a molecular understanding of the function of the NCRs in immunosurveillance is instrumental to discovering novel access points to combat infections and cancer.

Controlling natural killer cell responses: integration of signals for activation and inhibition

Understanding how signals are integrated to control natural killer (NK) cell responsiveness in the absence of antigen-specific receptors has been a challenge, but recent work has revealed some underlying principles that govern NK cell responses. NK cells use an array of innate receptors to sense their environment and respond to alterations caused by infections, cellular stress, and transformation. No single activation receptor dominates; instead, synergistic signals from combinations of receptors are integrated to activate natural cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Inhibitory receptors for major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) have a critical role in controlling NK cell responses and, paradoxically, in maintaining NK cells in a state of responsiveness to subsequent activation events, a process referred to as licensing. MHC-I-specific inhibitory receptors both block activation signals and trigger signals to phosphorylate and inactivate the small adaptor Crk. These different facets of inhibitory signaling are incorporated into a revocable license model for the reversible tuning of NK cell responsiveness.

Signaling for synergistic activation of natural killer cells

Natural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in early surveillance against virus infection and cellular transformation, and are also implicated in the control of inflammatory response through their effector functions of direct lysis of target cells and cytokine secretion. NK cell activation toward target cell is determined by the net balance of signals transmitted from diverse activating and inhibitory receptors. A distinct feature of NK cell activation is that stimulation of resting NK cells with single activating receptor on its own cannot mount natural cytotoxicity. Instead, specific pairs of co-activation receptors are required to unleash NK cell activation via synergy-dependent mechanism. Because each co-activation receptor uses distinct signaling modules, NK cell synergy relies on the integration of such disparate signals. This explains why the study of the mechanism underlying NK cell synergy is important and necessary. Recent studies revealed that NK cell synergy depends on the integration of complementary signals converged at a critical checkpoint element but not on simple amplification of the individual signaling to overcome intrinsic activation threshold. This review focuses on the signaling events during NK cells activation and recent advances in the study of NK cell synergy.

SLAT regulates CD8+ T cell clonal expansion in a Cdc42- and NFAT1-dependent manner

After antigenic stimulation, CD8(+) T cells undergo clonal expansion and differentiation into CTLs that can mount a strong defense against intracellular pathogens and tumors. SWAP-70-like adapter of T cells (SLAT), also known as Def6, is a novel guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the Cdc42 GTPase and plays a role in CD4(+) T cell activation and Th cell differentiation by controlling Ca(2+)/NFAT signaling, but its requirement in CD8(+) T cell response has not been explored. Using a range of transgenic and knockout in vivo systems, we show that SLAT is required for efficient expansion of CD8(+) T cells during the primary response but is not necessary for CTL differentiation. The reduced clonal expansion observed in the absence of SLAT resulted from a CD8(+) T cell-intrinsic proliferation defect and a reduced IL-2-dependent cell survival. On a molecular level, we show that Def6 deficiency resulted in defective TCR/CD28-induced NFAT translocation to the nucleus in CD8(+) T cells. Constitutively active Cdc42 or NFAT1 mutants fully restored the impaired expansion of Def6(-/-) CD8(+) T cells. Taken together, these data describe a new and pivotal role of SLAT-mediated NFAT activation in CD8(+) T cells, providing new insight into the signaling pathways involved in CD8(+) T cell proliferation.

The adaptor SAP controls NK cell activation by regulating the enzymes Vav-1 and SHIP-1 and by enhancing conjugates with target cells

The adaptor SAP, mutated in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, has critical roles in multiple immune cell types. Among these, SAP is essential for the ability of natural killer (NK) cells to eliminate abnormal hematopoietic cells. Herein, we elucidated the molecular and cellular bases of this activity. SAP enhanced NK cell responsiveness by a dual molecular mechanism. It coupled SLAM family receptors to the kinase Fyn, which triggered the exchange factor Vav-1 and augmented NK cell activation. SAP also prevented the inhibitory function of SLAM family receptors. This effect was Fyn independent and correlated with uncoupling of SLAM family receptors from the lipid phosphatase SHIP-1. Both mechanisms cooperated to enable conjugate formation with target cells and to stimulate cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion by NK cells. These data showed that SAP secures NK cell activation by a dichotomous molecular mechanism, which is required for conjugate formation. These findings may have implications for the role of SAP in other immune cell types.

A targeted siRNA screen identifies regulators of Cdc42 activity at the natural killer cell immunological synapse

Natural killer (NK) cells kill tumor cells and virally infected cells, and an effective NK cell response requires processes, such as motility, recognition, and directional secretion, that rely on cytoskeletal rearrangement. The Rho guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Cdc42 coordinates cytoskeletal reorganization downstream of many receptors. The Rho-related GTPase from plants 1 (ROP1) exhibits oscillatory activation behavior at the apical plasma membrane of growing pollen tubes; however, a similar oscillation in Rho GTPase activity has so far not been demonstrated in mammalian cells. We hypothesized that oscillations in Cdc42 activity might occur within NK cells as they interact with target cells. Through fluorescence lifetime imaging of a Cdc42 biosensor, we observed that in live NK cells forming immunological synapses with target cells, Cdc42 activity oscillated after exhibiting an initial increase. We used protein-protein interaction networks and structural databases to identify candidate proteins that controlled Cdc42 activity, leading to the design of a targeted short interfering RNA screen. The guanine nucleotide exchange factors RhoGEF6 and RhoGEF7 were necessary for Cdc42 activation within the NK cell immunological synapse. In addition, the kinase Akt and the p85α subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) were required for Cdc42 activation, the periodicity of the oscillation in Cdc42 activity, and the subsequent polarization of cytotoxic vesicles toward target cells. Given that PI3Ks are targets of tumor therapies, our findings suggest the need to monitor innate immune function during the course of targeted therapy against these enzymes.

Remodelling of cortical actin where lytic granules dock at natural killer cell immune synapses revealed by super-resolution microscopy

Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that secrete lytic granules to directly kill virus-infected or transformed cells across an immune synapse. However, a major gap in understanding this process is in establishing how lytic granules pass through the mesh of cortical actin known to underlie the NK cell membrane. Research has been hampered by the resolution of conventional light microscopy, which is too low to resolve cortical actin during lytic granule secretion. Here we use two high-resolution imaging techniques to probe the synaptic organisation of NK cell receptors and filamentous (F)-actin. A combination of optical tweezers and live cell confocal microscopy reveals that microclusters of NKG2D assemble into a ring-shaped structure at the centre of intercellular synapses, where Vav1 and Grb2 also accumulate. Within this ring-shaped organisation of NK cell proteins, lytic granules accumulate for secretion. Using 3D-structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) to gain super-resolution of ~100 nm, cortical actin was detected in a central region of the NK cell synapse irrespective of whether activating or inhibitory signals dominate. Strikingly, the periodicity of the cortical actin mesh increased in specific domains at the synapse when the NK cell was activated. Two-colour super-resolution imaging revealed that lytic granules docked precisely in these domains which were also proximal to where the microtubule-organising centre (MTOC) polarised. Together, these data demonstrate that remodelling of the cortical actin mesh occurs at the central region of the cytolytic NK cell immune synapse. This is likely to occur for other types of cell secretion and also emphasises the importance of emerging super-resolution imaging technology for revealing new biology.

β2 integrin induces TCRζ-Syk-phospholipase C-γ phosphorylation and paxillin-dependent granule polarization in human NK cells

Cytotoxic lymphocytes kill target cells through polarized release of the content of lytic granules at the immunological synapse. In human NK cells, signals for granule polarization and for degranulation can be uncoupled: Binding of β(2) integrin LFA-1 to ICAM is sufficient to induce polarization but not degranulation, whereas CD16 binding to IgG triggers unpolarized degranulation. In this study, we investigated the basis for this difference. IL-2-expanded human NK cells were stimulated by incubation with plate-bound ligands of LFA-1 (ICAM-1) and CD16 (human IgG). Surprisingly, LFA-1 elicited signals similar to those induced by CD16, including tyrosine phosphorylation of the TCR ζ-chain, tyrosine kinase Syk, and phospholipase C-γ. Whereas CD16 activated Ca(2+) mobilization and LAT phosphorylation, LFA-1 did not, but induced strong Pyk2 and paxillin phosphorylation. LFA-1-dependent granule polarization was blocked by inhibition of Syk, phospholipase C-γ, and protein kinase C, as well as by paxillin knockdown. Therefore, common signals triggered by CD16 and LFA-1 bifurcate to provide independent control of Ca(2+)-dependent degranulation and paxillin-dependent granule polarization.

Cutting edge: The adapters EAT-2A and -2B are positive regulators of CD244- and CD84-dependent NK cell functions in the C57BL/6 mouse

EWS/FLI1-activated transcript 2 (EAT-2)A and EAT-2B are single SH2-domain proteins, which bind to phosphorylated tyrosines of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family receptors in murine NK cells. While EAT-2 is a positive regulator in human cells, a negative regulatory role was attributed to the adapter in NK cells derived from EAT-2A-deficient 129Sv mice. To evaluate whether the genetic background or the presence of a selection marker in the mutant mice could influence the regulatory mode of these adapters, we generated EAT-2A-, EAT-2B-, and EAT-2A/B-deficient mice using C57BL/6 embryonic stem cells. We found that NK cells from EAT-2A- and EAT-2A/B-deficient mice were unable to kill tumor cells in a CD244- or CD84-dependent manner. Furthermore, EAT-2A/B positively regulate phosphorylation of Vav-1, which is known to be implicated in NK cell killing. Thus, as in humans, the EAT-2 adapters act as positive regulators of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family receptor-specific NK cell functions in C57BL/6 mice.

Vav3 is involved in GABAergic axon guidance events important for the proper function of brainstem neurons controlling cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal parameters

Vav3 is a phosphorylation-dependent activator of Rho/Rac GTPases that has been implicated in hematopoietic, bone, cerebellar, and cardiovascular roles. Consistent with the latter function, Vav3-deficient mice develop hypertension, tachycardia, and renocardiovascular dysfunctions. The cause of those defects remains unknown as yet. Here, we show that Vav3 is expressed in GABAegic neurons of the ventrolateral medulla (VLM), a brainstem area that modulates respiratory rates and, via sympathetic efferents, a large number of physiological circuits controlling blood pressure. On Vav3 loss, GABAergic cells of the caudal VLM cannot innervate properly their postsynaptic targets in the rostral VLM, leading to reduced GABAergic transmission between these two areas. This results in an abnormal regulation of catecholamine blood levels and in improper control of blood pressure and respiration rates to GABAergic signals. By contrast, the reaction of the rostral VLM to excitatory signals is not impaired. Consistent with those observations, we also demonstrate that Vav3 plays important roles in axon branching and growth cone morphology in primary GABAergic cells. Our study discloses an essential and nonredundant role for this Vav family member in axon guidance events in brainstem neurons that control blood pressure and respiratory rates.

Current perspectives of natural killer cell education by MHC class I molecules

From the early days of natural killer (NK) cell research, it was clear that MHC genes controlled the specificity of mouse NK cell-dependent responses, such as the ability to reject transplanted allogeneic bone marrow and to kill tumour cells. Although several mechanisms that are involved in this 'education' process have been clarified, most of the mechanisms have still to be identified. Here, we review the current understanding of the processes that are involved in NK cell education, including how the host MHC class I molecules regulate responsiveness and receptor repertoire formation in NK cells and the signalling pathways that are involved.

Signal transduction during activation and inhibition of natural killer cells

Natural killer (NK) cells are important for early immune responses to viral infections and cancer. Upon activation, NK cells secrete cytokines and chemokines, and kill sensitive target cells by releasing the content of cytolytic granules. This unit is focused on the signal transduction pathways that regulate NK cell activities in response to contact with other cells. We will highlight signals regulating NK cell adhesion to target cells and describe the induction of cellular cytotoxicity by the engagement of different NK cell activation receptors. Negative signaling induced by inhibitory receptors opposes NK cell activation and provides an important safeguard from NK cell reactivity toward normal, healthy cells. We will discuss the complex integration of the different signals that occur during interaction of NK cells with target cells.

Transience in polarization of cytolytic effectors is required for efficient killing and controlled by Cdc42

Cytolytic effectors polarize toward target cells for effective killing and IFN-gamma secretion. The spatiotemporal features of this polarization and their importance for cytolysis have not been resolved. In cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, transient polarization was consistently associated with effective killing. Polarization was regulated by Cdc42, a small Rho family GTPase universally critical for cytoskeletal dynamics. Transient accumulation of active Cdc42 at the cytolytic effector/target cell interface and focus of such accumulation on the interface center were closely related to cytolysis. Surprisingly, however, the intensity of Cdc42 activation was not. We interfered with Cdc42 activation in NK cells such that sustained polarization in long lasting nonkilling cell couples was selectively blocked. Thus the proportion of the NK cell population displaying transient polarization was increased. As a consequence, cytolytic responder frequency and IFN-gamma production were enhanced upon such interference with Cdc42 activation. These data support the notion that transience in polarization is critical for cytolytic effector function, likely by preventing cytolytic effectors from becoming trapped in nonproductive target cell interactions.

Synergistic signals for natural cytotoxicity are required to overcome inhibition by c-Cbl ubiquitin ligase

Natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity toward target cells depends on synergistic coactivation by NK cell receptors such as NKG2D and 2B4. How synergy occurs is not known. Synergistic phosphorylation of phospholipase PLC-gamma2, Ca(2+) mobilization, and degranulation triggered by NKG2D and 2B4 coengagement were blocked by Vav1 siRNA knockdown, but enhanced by knockdown of c-Cbl. c-Cbl inhibited Vav1-dependent signals, given that c-Cbl knockdown did not rescue the Vav1 defect. Moreover, c-Cbl knockdown and Vav1 overexpression each circumvented the necessity for synergy because NKG2D or 2B4 alone became sufficient for activation. Thus, synergy requires not strict complementation but, rather, strong Vav1 signals to overcome inhibition by c-Cbl. Inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity by CD94-NKG2A binding to HLA-E on target cells was dominant over synergistic activation, even after c-Cbl knockdown. Therefore, NK cell activation by synergizing receptors is regulated at the level of Vav1 by a hierarchy of inhibitory mechanisms.

VAV2 and VAV3 as candidate disease genes for spontaneous glaucoma in mice and humans

Background

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Nonetheless, the mechanism of its pathogenesis has not been well-elucidated, particularly at the molecular level, because of insufficient availability of experimental genetic animal models.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Here we demonstrate that deficiency of Vav2 and Vav3, guanine nucleotides exchange factors for Rho guanosine triphosphatases, leads to an ocular phenotype similar to human glaucoma. Vav2/Vav3-deficient mice, and to a lesser degree Vav2-deficient mice, show early onset of iridocorneal angle changes and elevated intraocular pressure, with subsequent selective loss of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve head cupping, which are the hallmarks of glaucoma. The expression of Vav2 and Vav3 tissues was demonstrated in the iridocorneal angle and retina in both mouse and human eyes. In addition, a genome-wide association study screening glaucoma susceptibility loci using single nucleotide polymorphisms analysis identified VAV2 and VAV3 as candidates for associated genes in Japanese open-angle glaucoma patients.

Conclusions/Significance

Vav2/Vav3-deficient mice should serve not only as a useful murine model of spontaneous glaucoma, but may also provide a valuable tool in understanding of the pathogenesis of glaucoma in humans, particularly the determinants of altered aqueous outflow and subsequent elevated intraocular pressure.

Vav3-deficient mice exhibit a transient delay in cerebellar development

Vav3 is a guanosine diphosphate/guanosine triphosphate exchange factor for Rho/Rac GTPases that has been involved in functions related to the hematopoietic system, bone formation, cardiovascular regulation, angiogenesis, and axon guidance. We report here that Vav3 is expressed at high levels in Purkinje and granule cells, suggesting additional roles for this protein in the cerebellum. Consistent with this hypothesis, we demonstrate using Vav3-deficient mice that this protein contributes to Purkinje cell dendritogenesis, the survival of granule cells of the internal granular layer, the timely migration of granule cells of the external granular layer, and to the formation of the cerebellar intercrural fissure. With the exception of the latter defect, the dysfunctions found in Vav3(-/-) mice only occur at well-defined postnatal developmental stages and disappear, or become ameliorated, in older animals. Vav2-deficient mice do not show any of those defects. Using primary neuronal cultures, we show that Vav3 is important for dendrite branching, but not for primary dendritogenesis, in Purkinje and granule cells. Vav3 function in the cerebellum is functionally relevant, because Vav3(-/-) mice show marked motor coordination and gaiting deficiencies in the postnatal period. These results indicate that Vav3 function contributes to the timely developmental progression of the cerebellum.

Ly49H signaling through DAP10 is essential for optimal natural killer cell responses to mouse cytomegalovirus infection

The activating natural killer (NK) cell receptor Ly49H recognizes the mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) m157 glycoprotein expressed on the surface of infected cells and is required for protection against MCMV. Although Ly49H has previously been shown to signal via DAP12, we now show that Ly49H must also associate with and signal via DAP10 for optimal function. In the absence of DAP12, DAP10 enables Ly49H-mediated killing of m157-bearing target cells, proliferation in response to MCMV infection, and partial protection against MCMV. DAP10-deficient Ly49H⁺ NK cells, expressing only Ly49H–DAP12 receptor complexes, are partially impaired in their ability to proliferate during MCMV infection, display diminished ERK1/2 activation, produce less IFN-γ upon Ly49H engagement, and demonstrate reduced control of MCMV infection. Deletion of both DAP10 and DAP12 completely abrogates Ly49H surface expression and control of MCMV infection. Thus, optimal NK cell–mediated immunity to MCMV depends on Ly49H signaling through both DAP10 and DAP12.

Cytosolic PLA2 is required for CTL-mediated immunopathology of celiac disease via NKG2D and IL-15

IL-15 and NKG2D promote autoimmunity and celiac disease by arming cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to cause tissue destruction. However, the downstream signaling events underlying these functional properties remain unclear. Here, we identify cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂) as a central molecule in NKG2D-mediated cytolysis in CTLs. Furthermore, we report that NKG2D induces, upon recognition of MIC⁺ target cells, the release of arachidonic acid (AA) by CTLs to promote tissue inflammation in association with target killing. Interestingly, IL-15, which licenses NKG2D-mediated lymphokine killer activity in CTLs, cooperates with NKG2D to induce cPLA₂ activation and AA release. Finally, cPLA₂ activation in intraepithelial CTLs of celiac patients provides an in vivo pathophysiological dimension to cPLA₂ activation in CTLs. These results reveal an unrecognized link between NKG2D and tissue inflammation, which may underlie the emerging role of NKG2D in various immunopathological conditions and define new therapeutic targets.