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Wang Y, Lifshitz L, Silverstein NJ, Mintzer E, Luk K, StLouis P, Brehm MA, Wolfe SA, Deeks SG, Luban J. Transcriptional and chromatin profiling of human blood innate lymphoid cell subsets sheds light on HIV-1 pathogenesis. EMBO J 2023; 42:e114153. [PMID: 37382276 PMCID: PMC10425848 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023114153] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a diverse population of cells that include NK cells and contribute to tissue homeostasis and repair, inflammation, and provide protection from infection. The interplay between human blood ILCs, as well as their responses to HIV-1 infection, remains poorly understood. This study used transcriptional and chromatin profiling to explore these questions. Transcriptional profiling and flow cytometry analysis support that there are four main ILC subsets found in human blood. Unlike in mice, human NK cells expressed the tissue repair protein amphiregulin (AREG). AREG production was induced by TCF7/WNT, IL-2, and IL-15, and inhibited by TGFB1, a cytokine increased in people living with HIV-1. In HIV-1 infection, the percentage of AREG+ NK cells correlated positively with the numbers of ILCs and CD4+ T cells but negatively with the concentration of inflammatory cytokine IL-6. NK-cell knockout of the TGFB1-stimulated WNT antagonist RUNX3 increased AREG production. Antiviral gene expression was increased in all ILC subsets from HIV-1 viremic people, and anti-inflammatory gene MYDGF was increased in an NK-cell subset from HIV-1-infected people whose viral load was undetectable in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. The percentage of defective NK cells in people living with HIV-1 correlated inversely with ILC percentage and CD4+ T-cell counts. CD4+ T cells and their production of IL-2 prevented the loss of NK-cell function by activating mTOR. These studies clarify how ILC subsets are interrelated and provide insight into how HIV-1 infection disrupts NK cells, including an uncharacterized homeostatic function in NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yetao Wang
- Hospital for Skin Diseases (Institute of Dermatology)Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune‐Mediated Skin DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical SciencesNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of DermatologyChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeNanjingChina
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Lawrence Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Noah J Silverstein
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Esther Mintzer
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Kevin Luk
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Pamela StLouis
- Diabetes Center of ExcellenceUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Michael A Brehm
- Diabetes Center of ExcellenceUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Scot A Wolfe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Steven G Deeks
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Jeremy Luban
- Program in Molecular MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiotechnologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
- Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeMAUSA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and HarvardCambridgeMAUSA
- Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen ReadinessBostonMAUSA
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2
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Martins-Lima C, Chianese U, Benedetti R, Altucci L, Jerónimo C, Correia MP. Tumor microenvironment and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bladder cancer: Cytokines in the game? Front Mol Biosci 2023; 9:1070383. [PMID: 36699696 PMCID: PMC9868260 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1070383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BlCa) is a highly immunogenic cancer. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the standard treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients and, recently, second-line immunotherapies have arisen to treat metastatic BlCa patients. Understanding the interactions between tumor cells, immune cells and soluble factors in bladder tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial. Cytokines and chemokines released in the TME have a dual role, since they can exhibit both a pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory potential, driving infiltration and inflammation, and also promoting evasion of immune system and pro-tumoral effects. In BlCa disease, 70-80% are non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, while 20-30% are muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) at the time of diagnosis. However, during the follow up, about half of treated NMIBC patients recur once or more, with 5-25% progressing to muscle-invasive bladder cancer, which represents a significant concern to the clinic. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one biological process associated with tumor progression. Specific cytokines present in bladder TME have been related with signaling pathways activation and EMT-related molecules regulation. In this review, we summarized the immune landscape in BlCa TME, along with the most relevant cytokines and their putative role in driving EMT processes, tumor progression, invasion, migration and metastasis formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Martins-Lima
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal,Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Chianese
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Benedetti
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy,BIOGEM, Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Institute, Avellino, Italy,IEOS, Institute of Endocrinology and Oncology, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology at School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal,*Correspondence: Carmen Jerónimo, , ; Margareta P. Correia,
| | - Margareta P. Correia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology at School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal,*Correspondence: Carmen Jerónimo, , ; Margareta P. Correia,
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3
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Abbaspour-Aghdam S, Hazrati A, Abdolmohammadi-Vahid S, Tahmasebi S, Mohseni J, Valizadeh H, Nadiri M, Mikaeili H, Sadeghi A, Yousefi M, Roshangar L, Nikzad B, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Kafil HS, Malekpour K, Ahmadi M. Immunomodulatory role of Nanocurcumin in COVID-19 patients with dropped natural killer cells frequency and function. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 933:175267. [PMID: 36122756 PMCID: PMC9482094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is still a challenging problem in the case of infection treatment. The immunomodulatory effect of Nanocurcumin was investigated in the present study in an attempt to counterbalance the immune response and improve the patients' clinical symptoms. 60 confirmed COVID-19 patients and 60 healthy controls enrolled in the study. COVID-19 patients were divided into Nanocurcumin and placebo received groups. Due to the importance of the role of NK cells in this disease, the frequency, cytotoxicity, receptor gene expression of NK cells, and serum secretion levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, as well as circulating C5a as a chemotactic factor an inflammatory mediator was evaluated by flow cytometry, real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in both experimental groups before and after the intervention. Given the role of measured factors in the progression and pathogenesis of COVID-19 disease, the results can help find appropriate treatments. The results of this study indicated that the Nanocurcumin could significantly increase the frequency and function of NK cells compared to the placebo-treated group. As an immunomodulatory agent, Nanocurcumin may be a helpful choice to improve NK cell function in COVID-19 patients and improve the clinical outcome of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Hazrati
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Safa Tahmasebi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Mohseni
- Genetics Research Group, ACECR Infertility Center, Tabriz, East Azarbaijan, Iran
| | - Hamed Valizadeh
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Nadiri
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Haleh Mikaeili
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Armin Sadeghi
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Roshangar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Nikzad
- Research Center of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Samadi Kafil
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kosar Malekpour
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Ahmadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Zhang Y, Tong S, Li S, Wang X, Ren H, Yin W. Increased ILT2 expression contributes to dysfunction of CD56dimCD16+NK cells in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Antiviral Res 2022; 205:105385. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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5
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Zhu H, Fu L, Jin Y, Shao J, Zhang S, Zheng N, Fan L, Yu Z, Ying J, Hu Y, Chen T, Chen Y, Chen M, Chen M, Xiong Z, Kang J, Jin J, Cai T, Ye H. Clinical features of COVID-19 convalescent patients with re-positive nucleic acid detection. J Clin Lab Anal 2020; 34:e23392. [PMID: 32506726 PMCID: PMC7300578 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a pandemic that has rapidly spread worldwide. Increasingly, confirmed patients being discharged according to the current diagnosis and treatment protocols, follow‐up of convalescent patients is important to knowing about the outcome. Methods A retrospective study was performed among 98 convalescent patients with COVID‐19 in a single medical center. The clinical features of patients during their hospitalization and 2‐week postdischarge quarantine were collected. Results Among the 98 COVID‐19 convalescent patients, 17 (17.3%) were detected positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) nucleic acid during 2‐week postdischarge quarantine. The median time from discharge to SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid re‐positive was 4 days (IQR, 3‐8.5).The median time from symptoms onset to final respiratory SARS‐CoV‐2 detection of negative result was significantly longer in re‐positive group (34 days [IQR, 29.5‐42.5]) than in non‐re‐positive group (19 days [IQR, 16‐26]). On the other hand, the levels of CD3‐CD56 + NK cells during hospitalization and 2‐week postdischarge were higher in re‐positive group than in non‐re‐positive group (repeated measures ANOVA, P = .018). However, only one case in re‐positive group showed exudative lesion recurrence in pulmonary computed tomography (CT) with recurred symptoms. Conclusion It is still possible for convalescent patients to show positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid detection, but most of the re‐positive patients showed no deterioration in pulmonary CT findings. Continuous quarantine and close follow‐up for convalescent patients are necessary to prevent possible relapse and spread of the disease to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhu
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China
| | - Liyun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China.,Department of Hepatology, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Yinhua Jin
- Department of Radiology, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiale Shao
- Department of Respiratory, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China
| | - Nanhong Zheng
- Department of Acute Infection, HwaMei Hospital University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Lingyan Fan
- Department of Acute Infection, HwaMei Hospital University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhe Yu
- Department of Respiratory, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Jun Ying
- Department of Respiratory, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Yaoren Hu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China.,Department of Hepatology, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Tongen Chen
- Department of General practice, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Yanglingzi Chen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China
| | - Mingjue Chen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China
| | - Zi Xiong
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China
| | - Junfei Kang
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiachang Jin
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China
| | - Ting Cai
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China.,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China
| | - Honghua Ye
- Department of Cardiology, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
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6
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Nafady A, Nafady-Hego H, Abdelwahab NM, Eltellawy RHN, Abu Faddan NH. Peripheral lymphocytes analyses in children with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Eur J Clin Invest 2018; 48:e13004. [PMID: 30022474 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific immune response is believed to play a crucial role in viral clearance. There is, nevertheless, no reliable parameter to monitor this immune response or predict chronic HCV infection development. METHOD An observational case-control study was performed to identify such parameters, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 57 children with chronic HCV were systemically phenotyped, and the serum level of Interferon gamma and interleukin (IL) -17 was measured. The data were compared with 37 age-matched healthy volunteers (controls). RESULTS Children with chronic HCV infection had a lower frequency of natural killer cells (NK) cells, CD56Dim NK cells and expansion of CD56Bright NK cells compared with controls (P = 0.001, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001 respectively). Increased CD56Dim NK cells were negatively correlated with the higher viral load, R2 = 0.29, P = 0.05, while, increased NK T cells were positively correlated with high viral load, R2 = 0.17, P = 0.011. T helper cells, naive T cells, CD127 negative T cells, and HLA-DR-positive T cells significantly increased in patients than in controls. The frequency of CD4+CD25high+ T regulatory (Treg) cells increased in HCV-infected patients, compared with those in control, and FOXP3 was upregulated within them. Treg cells' increase was positively correlated with high viral load, R2 = 0.45, P = 0.004. The level of IL-17 was higher in HCV patients than that in control, P < 0.0001. CONCLUSION Although the contribution of those markers to the chronic HCV establishment in children remains elusive, the results may provide important clues for reliable indicators of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Nafady
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.,Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Hanaa Nafady-Hego
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Nadia M Abdelwahab
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Radwa H N Eltellawy
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Nagla H Abu Faddan
- Department of Pediatrics, children hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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7
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Tsao TM, Tsai MJ, Hwang JS, Cheng WF, Wu CF, Chou CCK, Su TC. Health effects of a forest environment on natural killer cells in humans: an observational pilot study. Oncotarget 2018; 9:16501-16511. [PMID: 29662662 PMCID: PMC5893257 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Health effect assessments based on natural killer (NK) cells are an important emerging area of human health. We recruited 90 forest staff members in Xitou, Taiwan and 110 urban staff members in Taipei to investigate the health effects of forest environment exposure on NK cells (CD3−/CD56+) and activating NK cells (CD3−/CD56+/CD69+) in humans. We also invited 11 middle-aged volunteers in a pilot study to participate in a five-day/four-night forest trip to Xitou forest to investigate the health effects of a forest trip on NK cells and activating NK cells. Results showed that NK cells were higher in the forest group (19.5 ± 9.1%) than in the urban group (16.4 ± 8.4%). In particular, the percentage of NK cells was significantly higher in the forest group than in the urban group among the subgroups of male, a higher body mass index (≥ 25 kg/m2), without hypertension, lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, hyperglycemia, without smoking habit, and with tea drinking habit. After the five-day trip in Xitou forest, the percentage of activating NK cells of the invited participants from Taipei increased significantly after the trip to Xitou forest (0.83 ± 0.39% vs. 1.72 ± 0.1%). The percentage of activating NK cells was 1.13 ± 0.43%, which was higher than the baseline value of 0.77 ± 0.38% before the forest trip among the seven subjects who participated in the follow-up study four days after returning to Taipei. This study suggests that exposure to forest environments might enhance the immune response of NK cells and activating NK cells in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Ming Tsao
- The Experimental Forest, National Taiwan University, Nantou, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jer Tsai
- The Experimental Forest, National Taiwan University, Nantou, Taiwan.,School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Wen-Fang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Fu Wu
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Charles-C K Chou
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Chen Su
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Lieberman NAP, DeGolier K, Haberthur K, Chinn H, Moyes KW, Bouchlaka MN, Walker KL, Capitini CM, Crane CA. An Uncoupling of Canonical Phenotypic Markers and Functional Potency of Ex Vivo-Expanded Natural Killer Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 9:150. [PMID: 29456538 PMCID: PMC5801405 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in cellular therapies for patients with cancer, including checkpoint blockade and ex vivo-expanded, tumor-specific T cells, have demonstrated that targeting the immune system is a powerful approach to the elimination of tumor cells. Clinical efforts have also demonstrated limitations, however, including the potential for tumor cell antigenic drift and neoantigen formation, which promote tumor escape and recurrence, as well as rapid onset of T cell exhaustion in vivo. These findings suggest that antigen unrestricted cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, may be beneficial for use as an alternative to or in combination with T cell based approaches. Although highly effective in lysing transformed cells, to date, few clinical trials have demonstrated antitumor function or persistence of transferred NK cells. Several recent studies describe methods to expand NK cells for adoptive transfer, although the effects of ex vivo expansion are not fully understood. We therefore explored the impact of a clinically validated 12-day expansion protocol using a K562 cell line expressing membrane-bound IL-15 and 4-1BB ligand with high-dose soluble IL-2 on the phenotype and functions of NK cells from healthy donors. Following expansions using this protocol, we found expression of surface proteins that implicate preferential expansion of NK cells that are not fully mature, as is typically associated with highly cytotoxic NK cell subsets. Despite increased expression of markers associated with functional exhaustion in T cells, we found that ex vivo-expanded NK cells retained cytokine production capacity and had enhanced tumor cell cytotoxicity. The preferential expansion of an NK cell subset that is phenotypically immature and functionally pleiotropic suggests that adoptively transferred cells may persist better in vivo when compared with previous methods using this approach. Ex vivo expansion does not quell killer immunoglobulin-like receptor diversity, allowing responsiveness to various factors in vivo that may influence activation and inhibition. Collectively, our data suggest that in addition to robust NK cell expansion that has been described using this method, expanded NK cells may represent an ideal cell therapy that is longer lived, highly potent, and responsive to an array of activating and inhibitory signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A P Lieberman
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kole DeGolier
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kristen Haberthur
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Harrison Chinn
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kara W Moyes
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Myriam N Bouchlaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kirsti L Walker
- Department of Pediatrics, Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Christian M Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Courtney A Crane
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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9
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Indolfi G, Mangone G, Moriondo M, Serranti D, Bartolini E, Azzari C, Resti M. Altered natural killer cells subsets distribution in children with hepatitis C following vertical transmission. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:125-33. [PMID: 26470759 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells number, phenotypes and function have been evaluated in many studies in adults with hepatitis C as compared with healthy controls or dynamically during interferon-based and interferon-free treatments. Overall, in adults with chronic infection number of circulating NK cells has been reported to be lower when compared to spontaneous resolvers and healthy subjects. Different studies yielded inconsistent findings due to patient and virus heterogeneity. AIM To evaluate NK cells in children according to the different outcomes of the infection. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we examined numbers and phenotypes of circulating NK cells from a homogenous cohort of Italian children with vertically acquired hepatitis C. RESULTS We compared 31 children who developed chronic infection with nine who presented spontaneous clearance and 13 controls. CD56(+) CD3(-) NK cell numbers were consistently lower in the persistently infected group (P = 0.03 and 0.04). This decrease was due to depletions of CD56(dim) NK cells (P = 0.03 chronic infection vs. spontaneous clearance), while CD56(bright) NK cells were expanded (P = 0.03). No significant difference was found in the frequencies of CD56(+) CD16(+) and CD56(dim) CD16(-) cells. Perforin expression was higher in children with chronic infection (P = 0.03 vs. spontaneous clearance). CONCLUSIONS Altered NK cells number and phenotypes could impact the outcome of HCV infection in children following vertical transmission. This study suggests for the first time that NK cells cytolytic function, featured by CD56(dim) cells, contributes to the elimination of HCV in children presenting spontaneous clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Indolfi
- Paediatric and Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University-Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Mangone
- Immunology Lab, Meyer Children's University-Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Moriondo
- Immunology Lab, Meyer Children's University-Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - D Serranti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Bartolini
- Paediatric and Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University-Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C Azzari
- Immunology Lab, Meyer Children's University-Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Resti
- Paediatric and Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University-Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Abstract
Persistent viral infection, such as HCV infection, is the result of the inability of the host immune system to mount a successful antiviral response, as well as the escape strategies devised by the virus. Although each individual component of the host immune system plays important roles in antiviral immunity, the interactive network of immune cells as a whole acts against the virus. The innate immune system forms the first line of host defense against viral infection, and thus, virus elimination or chronic HCV infection is linked to the direct outcome of the interactions between the various innate immune cells and HCV. By understanding how the distinct components of the innate immune system function both individually and collectively during HCV infection, potential therapeutic targets can be identified to overcome immune dysfunction and control chronic viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banishree Saha
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Hu X, Jiang Y, Li X, Gao Y, Guo X, Chi X, Yan H, Feng J, Zhong J, Sun B, Shao X, Xiao W, Pan Y, Niu J. Long-term effect on natural killer cells by interferon-α therapy on the outcomes of HCV infection. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2014; 34:366-75. [PMID: 24367931 PMCID: PMC4015508 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2013.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells act as innate immune cells against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Interferon-α (IFN-α) and ribavirin are the standard treatments for patients with HCV infection. This study is aimed at investigating the dynamic changes in the frequency of different subsets of NK cells following treatment in xx chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. CHC patients were treated with peg-IFN or IFN-α, and followed up for 72 weeks. The frequency of different subsets of NK in CHC patients was determined longitudinally by flow cytometry. Treatment with the standard therapy increased the percentages of NKp30(+), NKp46(+), and CD107a(+) NK cells, which were positively correlated with the declining of serum HCV-RNA, but not IFN-γ(+) NK cells. NKG2A(+) and KIR2DL3(+) NK cells were associated with an early virological response in CHC patients. Treatment with IFN-α adjusts the balance of activated receptors and inhibitory receptors and enhances the cytotoxic activity of NK cells. Therefore, measuring NK subsets may be valuable for therapeutic responses in CHC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Hu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yanfang Jiang
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiurong Li
- Heilongjiang Province Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yanhang Gao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiumei Chi
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongqing Yan
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junyan Feng
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Bing Sun
- Pasteur Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Shao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weihua Xiao
- Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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12
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Abstract
Apoptosis is a prominent feature of liver diseases. Causative factors such as alcohol, viruses, toxic bile acids, fatty acids, drugs, and immune response, can induce apoptotic cell death via membrane receptors and intracellular stress. Apoptotic signaling network, including membrane death receptor-mediated cascade, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, lysosomal permeabilization, and mitochondrial dysfunction, is intermixed each other, but one mechanism may dominate at a particular stage. Mechanisms of hepatic apoptosis are complicated by multiple signaling pathways. The progression of liver disease is affected by the balance between apoptotic and antiapoptotic capabilities. Therapeutic options of liver injury are impacted by the clear understanding toward mechanisms of hepatic apoptosis.
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13
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Molecular mechanisms of hepatic apoptosis. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e996. [PMID: 24434519 PMCID: PMC4040708 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a prominent feature of liver diseases. Causative factors such as alcohol, viruses, toxic bile acids, fatty acids, drugs, and immune response, can induce apoptotic cell death via membrane receptors and intracellular stress. Apoptotic signaling network, including membrane death receptor-mediated cascade, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, lysosomal permeabilization, and mitochondrial dysfunction, is intermixed each other, but one mechanism may dominate at a particular stage. Mechanisms of hepatic apoptosis are complicated by multiple signaling pathways. The progression of liver disease is affected by the balance between apoptotic and antiapoptotic capabilities. Therapeutic options of liver injury are impacted by the clear understanding toward mechanisms of hepatic apoptosis.
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Brenndörfer ED, Sällberg M. Hepatitis C virus-mediated modulation of cellular immunity. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2012; 60:315-29. [PMID: 22911132 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-012-0184-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease globally. A chronic infection can result in liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure in a significant ratio of the patients. About 170 million people are currently infected with HCV. Since 80 % of the infected patients develop a chronic infection, HCV has evolved sophisticated escape strategies to evade both the innate and the adaptive immune system. Thus, chronic hepatitis C is characterized by perturbations in the number, subset composition and/or functionality of natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and T cells. The balance between HCV-induced immune evasion and the antiviral immune response results in chronic liver inflammation and consequent immune-mediated liver injury. This review summarizes our current understanding of the HCV-mediated interference with cellular immunity and of the factors resulting in HCV persistence. A profound knowledge about the intrinsic properties of HCV and its effects on intrahepatic immunity is essential to be able to design effective immunotherapies against HCV such as therapeutic HCV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Daniel Brenndörfer
- Division of Clinical Microbiology F68, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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Anthony DD, Conry SJ, Medvik K, Sandhya Rani MR, Falck-Ytter Y, Blanton RE, Lederman MM, Rodriguez B, Landay AL, Sandberg JK. Baseline levels of soluble CD14 and CD16+56- natural killer cells are negatively associated with response to interferon/ribavirin therapy during HCV-HIV-1 coinfection. J Infect Dis 2012; 206:969-73. [PMID: 22782948 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease progression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is associated with immune activation. Activation indices are higher during coinfection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV. The effect of immune activation on interferon α (IFN-α) therapy response is unknown. We evaluated soluble CD14 (sCD14) and natural killer (NK)-cell subsets at baseline, and during pegIFN-α2a/ribavirin therapy in HCV-HIV coinfection. The sCD14 level increased during therapy. Baseline sCD14 positively correlated with baseline HCV level and CD16(+)56(-) NK-cell frequency, and both sCD14 and CD16(+)56(-) NK cells correlated negatively with magnitude of HCV decline. IL28B genotype was associated with therapy response but not sCD14 or CD16(+)56(-) NK frequency. Markers of innate immune activation predict poor host response to IFN-α-based HCV therapy during HCV-HIV coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald D Anthony
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Infectious and Rheumatic Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Center for AIDS Research, University Hospitals of Cleveland and VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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16
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Dominguez-Villar M, Garcia-Cozar FJ, Chambers BJ. The effects of hepatitis C virus core protein on functional responses in the NK cell line YTS. Scand J Immunol 2012; 75:54-60. [PMID: 21916918 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2011.02624.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus infection affects more than 170 million people worldwide. More than 80% of the patients are not able to eliminate the virus and progress to a chronic infection that usually culminates in complications such as cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the adaptive immune response has been widely shown to be essential for viral clearance, the role of natural killer (NK) cells is not clearly understood. In this study, the effect of HCV core protein is examined on NK cell function, i.e., cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion. The expression of core protein in the YTS NK cell line led to an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells soon after transduction. The surviving cells exhibited decreased cytotoxicity associated with decreases in perforin and granzyme B expression. Furthermore, the HCV core protein-transduced YTS NK cells had reduced IFNγ production as well as an altered surface receptor expression pattern. These features may correspond to a state of functional anergy similar to that seen in T cells transduced with HCV core protein. Together, these data suggest that HCV core protein may alter NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dominguez-Villar
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Huddinge University Hospital Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Farag MMS, Weigand K, Encke J, Momburg F. Activation of natural killer cells by hepatitis C virus particles in vitro. Clin Exp Immunol 2011; 165:352-62. [PMID: 21682720 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2011.04431.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the ability of hepatitis C virus (HCV) to alter early innate immune responses in infected patients. Previous studies have shown that natural killer (NK) cells are functionally impaired after interaction of recombinant HCV glycoprotein E2 with the co-stimulatory CD81 molecule in vitro; however, the functional consequences of a prolonged contact of NK cells with HCV particles have remained unclear. We have examined the phenotypes of purified, interleukin-2-activated NK cells from healthy donors and HCV genotype 1b patients after culture for 5 days with HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) and serum samples containing HCV genotype 1b. NK cells from healthy donors and chronic HCV patients were found to up-regulate receptors associated with activation (NKp46, NKp44, NKp30, NKG2D), while NK receptors from the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor family (KIR/CD158), predominantly having an inhibitory function, were significantly down-modulated after culture in the presence of HCV particles compared with control cultures of NK cells. HCV-infected sera and HCVpp elicited significantly higher secretion of the NK effector lymphokines interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α. Furthermore, HCV stimulated the cytotoxic potential of NK cells from normal donors and patients. The enhanced activation of NK cells after prolonged culture with HCVpp or HCV-containing sera for 5 days suggests that these innate effector cells may play an important role in viral control during early phases of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M S Farag
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical Clinic IV, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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Soldevila B, Alonso N, Martínez-Arconada MJ, Morillas RM, Planas R, Sanmartí AM, Martínez-Cáceres EM. A prospective study of T- and B-lymphocyte subpopulations, CD81 expression levels on B cells and regulatory CD4(+) CD25(+) CD127(low/-) FoxP3(+) T cells in patients with chronic HCV infection during pegylated interferon-alpha2a plus ribavirin treatment. J Viral Hepat 2011; 18:384-92. [PMID: 20487258 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2010.01317.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Resolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection requires a complex interplay between innate and adaptative immune responses. The role of lymphocyte subpopulations during combined antiviral treatment remains to be defined. This study was conducted to assess the effect of pegylated interferon-alpha2a (pegIFN-α2a) and ribavirin treatment on peripheral blood lymphocytes, mainly on CD81 expression on B cells and CD4(+) CD25(+) CD127(low/-) FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in patients with chronic HCV infection. Thirty-five patients with chronic HCV infection who started pegIFN-α2a and ribavirin treatment were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained at baseline before treatment (BT), mid-treatment (MT), the end of treatment (ET) and 24weeks post-treatment (PT). During combined antiviral treatment, a significant decrease in the percentage of CD3(+) , CD8(+) , CD3(+) gamma/delta (γδ)(+) , CD19(+) lymphocyte subpopulations and Tregs was observed. There was also a significant increase in the percentage of the CD4(+) lymphocyte subpopulation and in CD81 expression levels on CD19(+) B cells when BT was compared with ET (all P<0.05). Seventeen patients were nonresponders (NR) and 18 had a sustained virological response (SVR). At baseline, NR patients had higher CD81 expression levels on CD19(+) B cells (P=0.017) and a higher Tregs percentage (P=0.025) than SVR patients. Our results suggest that immunomodulation fluctuates during antiviral treatment and that percentage CD81 expression levels on B cells and Tregs might be useful as an immunological prognostic factor for pegIFN-α2a and ribavirin treatment response in chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Soldevila
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Tjwa ETTL, van Oord GW, Hegmans JP, Janssen HLA, Woltman AM. Viral load reduction improves activation and function of natural killer cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2011; 54:209-18. [PMID: 21095036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2009] [Revised: 06/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells play a major role in anti-viral immunity as first line defense and regulation of virus-specific T cell responses. This study aimed to investigate phenotype and function of NK cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and to study the effect of anti-viral therapy. METHODS Peripheral blood NK cells from 40 chronic HBV patients were compared to NK cells of 25 healthy controls. The effect of entecavir-induced viral load reduction on NK cell phenotype and function was investigated in 15 chronic HBV patients. RESULTS NK cell numbers and subset distribution did not differ between HBV patients and normal subjects. In chronic HBV patients, the cytotoxic capacity was retained, but NK cell activation and subsequent IFNγ and TNFα production, especially of the CD56(dim) subset, were strongly hampered. This functional dichotomy was paralleled by an altered activation state, elevated expression of NKG2A, and downregulated expression of CD16 and NKp30, which correlated with serum HBV-DNA load. Anti-viral therapy partially restored NK cell phenotype, as shown by NKG2A downregulation. Moreover, viral replication inhibition improved IFNγ production as a result of an increased ability of CD56(dim) NK cells to become activated de novo. This improved NK cell activation and function which correlated with therapy-induced reduction in serum ALT levels, but not HBV-DNA load. CONCLUSIONS The specific defect in CD56(dim) NK cell activation and the reduced capacity to produce anti-viral and Th1-skewing cytokines may play a role in HBV persistence. Restoration of this NK cell cytokine-producing capacity, as achieved by viral load reduction, could therefore contribute to definite clearance of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric T T L Tjwa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Interferon therapy shifts natural killer subsets among Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C. Braz J Infect Dis 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1413-8670(10)70082-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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21
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Lee S, Watson MW, Flexman JP, Cheng W, Hammond T, Price P. Increased proportion of the CD56(bright) NK cell subset in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) receiving interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy. J Med Virol 2010; 82:568-74. [PMID: 20166183 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are implicated in the regulation of a protective immune response in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), but effects of interferon-alpha/ribavirin therapy on NK cell subsets and the consequences of viral clearance during therapy remain unclear. Samples were collected from chronically infected patients (n = 34) at baseline and from a subset after 3-10 months on pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy (n = 19). NK cells present in cryopreserved PBMC were characterized by flow cytometry. Before therapy, the frequency of CD3-CD56+ NK cells was lower in patients than uninfected controls. Therapy increased proportions of CD56(bright) NK cells. Frequencies of CD56(dim) NK cells declined slightly while perforin and CD16 expression on CD56(dim) NK cells decreased compared to baseline samples. Evaluation of NK cell subsets at baseline did not identify patients able to achieve sustained virological response following therapy. However, therapy may promote the expansion of NK cells able to produce interferon-gamma, while minimizing cytotoxicity to limit liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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22
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Amadei B, Urbani S, Cazaly A, Fisicaro P, Zerbini A, Ahmed P, Missale G, Ferrari C, Khakoo SI. Activation of natural killer cells during acute infection with hepatitis C virus. Gastroenterology 2010; 138:1536-45. [PMID: 20080094 PMCID: PMC4183834 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2009] [Revised: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells are essential early after infection, not only for viral containment but also for timely and efficient induction of adaptive responses. An inhibitory effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-E2 proteins on NK cells has been reported, but the features of NK cell responses in the acute phase of hepatitis C are still largely undefined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the function and phenotype of NK cells in the acute phase of infection and compare individuals with chronic and self-limited outcomes. METHODS Twenty-two individuals with acute HCV infection, 14 with chronic evolution, and 8 with self-limited infection, were studied using NK phenotypic and functional assays. RESULTS An increased expression of NKG2D on both CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) NK cells was detected in patients with acute HCV, irrespective of the outcome, as compared with healthy controls. Also, interferon gamma production and cytotoxicity by NK cells were higher in individuals with acute HCV infection than in healthy controls. Subset analysis showed increased interferon gamma production in both NK cell subsets carrying group 1 and group 2 HLA-C-specific killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors. However, increased CD107a was noted only on NK cells expressing the group 1 HLA-C-specific killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor and was maximal in self-limited infection. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that in the acute phase of HCV infection, NK cells are activated regardless of outcome, with no evidence of a suppressive effect of HCV on NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Amadei
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Simona Urbani
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Angelica Cazaly
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paola Fisicaro
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zerbini
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Parvin Ahmed
- Department of Hepatology, Division of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Gabriele Missale
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrari
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- Department of Hepatology, Division of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
,Address for correspondence: Salim I Khakoo, Department of Hepatology,10th Floor QEQM building, Imperial College (St Mary’s Campus), South Wharf Road, London, W2 1PG, , tel: 44-207-886-6454; fax: 44-207-724-9369
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Fine characterization of intrahepatic NK cells expressing natural killer receptors in chronic hepatitis B and C. J Hepatol 2009; 51:458-67. [PMID: 19596474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2009.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2009] [Revised: 05/06/2009] [Accepted: 05/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The fate of intrahepatic NK cell subsets in the course of HCV and HBV infections is not clearly understood. METHODS Blood and intrahepatic CD56(+) NK cell subsets (expressing NKG2A, CD158a,h or CD158b,j receptors) from HCV or HBV patients were quantified by flow cytometry and localized by immunohistochemistry in liver biopsies. RESULTS A significant reduction in NK cell frequency and a quantitative imbalance between CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) subsets were observed in chronic HCV patients as compared to HBV patients, underlining that the inflammatory environment is not the only cause of these phenomena. The proportions of intrahepatic NK cells expressing either NKG2A, and/or CD158a,h, CD158b,j differed significantly between HCV and HBV patients. A higher frequency of perforin among intrahepatic CD56(+)CD3(-) cells was observed in HCV compared to HBV patients. Double immunohistochemical staining showed that CD56(+)CD3(-) cells were localized within necrotic areas. Immune monitoring of circulating CD56 subsets revealed that CD3(-)CD56(bright)NKG2A(+) and CD3(-)CD56(dim)NKG2A(+) cells were positively correlated with the necroinflammatory score and inversely correlated with viral load, respectively, in HCV patients. CONCLUSIONS HCV and HBV affect NK cell subsets according to the status of the diseases, especially CD3(-)CD56(dim)NKG2A(+) and CD3(-)CD56(bright)NKG2A(+) cells, may be of interest for disease monitoring.
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Srivastava R, Aggarwal R, Bhagat MR, Chowdhury A, Naik S. Alterations in natural killer cells and natural killer T cells during acute viral hepatitis E. J Viral Hepat 2008; 15:910-6. [PMID: 18673427 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2008.01036.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of liver damage in acute hepatitis E is poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the frequency and activation status of natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells and cytotoxic activity of NK cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients with hepatitis E (n = 41) and healthy controls (n = 61). Flow cytometry was used to assess NK (CD3(-)/CD56(+)) and NKT cell (CD3(+)/CD56(+)) fractions (% of PBMCs) and activation status (CD69(+); % of NK, NKT cells). NK cell cytotoxicity was assessed using major histocompatibilities complex-deficient K562 cells as target cells. In 14 patients, the studies were repeated during the convalescence period. Patients had fewer median (range) NK cells [8.9% (2.4-47.0) vs 11.2% (2.6-35.4)] and NKT cells [8.7% (2.8-34.1) vs 13.6% (2.3-36.9)] than controls (P < 0.05 each). Activation markers were present on large proportion of NK cells [43.5% (11.2-58.6) vs 15.5% (3.0-55.8)] and NKT cells [41.5% (17.4-71.1) vs 12.8% (3.3-63.2); P < 0.05 each] from patients. NK cell cytotoxicity was similar in patients and controls. During convalescence, all the parameters normalized. In conclusion, reversible alterations in NK and NKT cell number and activation status during acute hepatitis E suggest a role of these cells in the pathogenesis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Srivastava
- Department of Immunology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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25
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Muhanna N, Doron S, Wald O, Horani A, Eid A, Pappo O, Friedman SL, Safadi R. Activation of hepatic stellate cells after phagocytosis of lymphocytes: A novel pathway of fibrogenesis. Hepatology 2008; 48:963-77. [PMID: 18726940 PMCID: PMC2880478 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Increased CD8-T lymphocytes and reduced natural killer (NK) cells contribute to hepatic fibrosis. We have characterized pathways regulating the interactions of human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) with specific lymphocyte subsets in vivo and in vitro. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to characterize human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and intrahepatic lymphocytes (IHLs) obtained from healthy controls and from patients with either hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) with advanced fibrosis. Liver sections were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. To investigate in vitro interactions, PBLs from healthy controls or patients with HCV cirrhosis were co-cultured with an immortalized human HSC line (LX2 cells) or with primary HSCs. Significant alterations in lymphocyte distribution were identified in IHLs but not PBLs. The hepatic CD4/CD8 ratio and NK cells were significantly reduced in HBV/HCV patients. Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and infiltration of CD4, CD8, and NK cells were readily apparent in liver sections from patients with cirrhosis but not in healthy controls. Lymphocytes from each subset were in proximity to HSCs primarily within the periportal regions, and some were directly attached or engulfed. In culture, HSC activation was stimulated by HCV-derived CD8-subsets but attenuated by NK cells. Confocal microscopy identified lymphocyte phagocytosis within HSCs that was completely prevented by blocking intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and integrin molecules, or by irradiation of HSCs. LX2 knockdown of either Cdc42 or Rac1 [members of the Rho-guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) family] prevented both phagocytosis and the activation of HSC by HCV-derived lymphocytes. CONCLUSION The CD4/CD8 ratio and NK cells are significantly decreased in livers with advanced human fibrosis. Moreover, disease-associated but not healthy lymphocytes are engulfed by cultured HSCs, which is mediated by the Rac1 and Cdc42 pathways. Ingestion of lymphocytes by HSCs in hepatic fibrosis is a novel and potentially important pathway regulating the impact of lymphocytes on the course of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarit Doron
- Liver and Gastroenterology Units; Division of Medicine, Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ori Wald
- Liver and Gastroenterology Units; Division of Medicine, Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amjad Horani
- Liver and Gastroenterology Units; Division of Medicine, Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ahmed Eid
- Division of Surgery, Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orit Pappo
- Division of Pathology Department, Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
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Yamagiwa S, Matsuda Y, Ichida T, Honda Y, Takamura M, Sugahara S, Ishikawa T, Ohkoshi S, Sato Y, Aoyagi Y. Sustained response to interferon-alpha plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C is closely associated with increased dynamism of intrahepatic natural killer and natural killer T cells. Hepatol Res 2008; 38:664-72. [PMID: 18328072 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2008.00317.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM Previous studies have revealed that functional impairment of innate immune cells, including natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells, might be associated with the persistence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the involvement of innate immune cells, which predominate in the liver, in therapeutic HCV clearance is still unclear. METHODS To clarify the role of intrahepatic innate immune cells in the clinical outcome of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with interferon-alpha plus ribavirin (IFN/RBV), we prospectively investigated the status of NK and NKT cells in paired liver biopsy and peripheral blood (PB) samples obtained from 21 CHC patients before and immediately after IFN/RBV treatment by flow cytometry. Normal liver and PB samples were obtained from 10 healthy donors for living donor liver transplantation. RESULTS Before treatment, intrahepatic NK and NKT cells constituted a significantly lower proportion in CHC patients than in healthy individuals (P < 0.05). After IFN/RBV treatment, the proportions and absolute numbers of CD3(-)CD161(+) NK and CD3(+)CD56(+) NKT cells in the liver, but not in PB, were significantly increased in sustained responders (SR) as compared with poor responders (P < 0.05). The proportion of CD3(+)CD161(+) NKT cells was also increased in the liver of SR after the treatment. Moreover, there was a striking increase of activated CD152(+) cells among CD3(+)CD56(+) NKT cells in the liver of SR (P = 0.041). CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that sustained response to IFN/RBV treatment for patients with CHC is closely associated with increased dynamism of NK and NKT cells in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Yamagiwa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
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Ishii S, Koziel MJ. Immune responses during acute and chronic infection with hepatitis C virus. Clin Immunol 2008; 128:133-47. [PMID: 18514579 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2008.03.525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2007] [Revised: 03/27/2008] [Accepted: 03/27/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) induces persistent infection and causes chronic liver disease in most infected patients. Vigorous HCV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against HCV multiple epitopes are necessary for spontaneous viral clearance during the acute phase, but the virus appears to have multiple strategies to evade these defenses. There are relatively few studies on the role of immune responses during the chronic phase of infection. CD4+ T cell responses appear to protect against liver injury and may be important to clearance during interferon and ribavirin based therapy. Classic cytotoxic T cells (CTL) may primarily damage the liver in chronic HCV, but there may be subpopulations of T cells that protect against liver inflammation. Resolution of these outstanding questions is important to the development of a prophylactic vaccine as well as improving therapeutic options for those with chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeaki Ishii
- Infectious Disease Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Zein NN. Mission poorly accomplished: the protective role of natural killer cells in recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2008; 14:4-6. [PMID: 18161796 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Thorén FB, Romero AI, Hermodsson S, Hellstrand K. The CD16−/CD56brightSubset of NK Cells Is Resistant to Oxidant-Induced Cell Death. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 179:781-5. [PMID: 17617567 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.2.781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Phagocyte-derived reactive oxygen species ("oxygen radicals") have been ascribed a suppressive role in immunoregulation by inducing dysfunction and apoptotic cell death in lymphocytes. Earlier studies show that human NK cells are exceptionally sensitive to oxygen radical-induced apoptosis and functional inhibition. Two subsets of human CD56(+) NK cells have been identified: the highly cytotoxic CD56(dim) cells which constitute >90% of NK cells in peripheral blood, and the less cytotoxic but efficiently cytokine-producing CD56(bright) cells. In this study, we demonstrate that the CD56(bright) subset of NK cells, in contrast to CD56(dim) cells, remains viable and functionally intact after exposure to phagocyte-derived or exogenously added oxygen radicals. The resistance of CD56(bright) cells to oxidative stress was accompanied by a high capacity of neutralizing exogenous hydrogen peroxide, and by a high cell-surface expression of antioxidative thiols. Our results imply that CD56(bright) NK cells are endowed with an efficient antioxidative defense system that protects them from oxygen radical-induced inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik B Thorén
- Department of Infectious Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
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Sekiguchi T, Nagamine T, Takagi H, Mori M. Reduction of virus burden-induced splenectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis related to hepatitis C virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2006; 12:2089-94. [PMID: 16610063 PMCID: PMC4087691 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i13.2089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To examine the hepatitis C virus (HCV) levels and immunological markers in cirrhotic patients after splenectomy.
METHODS: HCV RNA titers as well as cellular and humoral immune markers were determined in 20 cirrhotic patients after splenectomy and in 32 cirrhotic controls with an intact spleen.
RESULTS: Serum HCV RNA titers were lower in the splenectomized patients than in the controls (186 ± 225 × 103 copies/mL vs 541 ± 417 × 103 copies/mL, P < 0.01). HCV RNA was judged to have been spontaneously eradicated in 4 splenectomized patients, but in none of the controls. Natural killer cell activity was higher in the splenectomized patients than in the controls (41.2 ± 19.3% vs 24.7 ± 15.3%, P < 0.01), and natural killer cell activity was negatively correlated to HCV RNA titers in the splenectomized patients except in those with serotype 2-related infection. The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly lower in the splenectomized patients than in the controls.
CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that splenectomy may diminish virus burden in cirrhotic patients with HCV infection at least in part, through augmentation of natural killer cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuro Sekiguchi
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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Morishima C, Paschal DM, Wang CC, Yoshihara CS, Wood BL, Yeo AET, Emerson SS, Shuhart MC, Gretch DR. Decreased NK cell frequency in chronic hepatitis C does not affect ex vivo cytolytic killing. Hepatology 2006; 43:573-80. [PMID: 16496327 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prior studies have suggested that natural killer (NK) cell function might be impaired in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Circulating NK cell frequency and cytolytic activity were examined freshly ex vivo in HCV-infected and uninfected subjects. Surprisingly, the intrinsic cytolytic activity of peripheral blood NK-enriched cells was similar between HCV-infected and uninfected groups (P = .91). Although the percentage of circulating CD3- CD16/56+ NK cells was 30% lower in HCV-infected compared with uninfected subjects (P = .02) paralleled by a decrease of CD56(dim) cytolytic NK cells (P = .02), overall K562 cytolysis by unfractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells was not affected (P = .29). Analysis of the relationships between NK cytolytic activity and other clinical information revealed an inverse association with liver fibrosis stage (P = .035). In conclusion, NK cell cytolytic function does not appear to be impaired in chronic hepatitis C, but higher levels of NK cell cytolysis are associated with less liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Morishima
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Golden-Mason L, Rosen HR. Natural killer cells: primary target for hepatitis C virus immune evasion strategies? Liver Transpl 2006; 12:363-72. [PMID: 16498647 DOI: 10.1002/lt.20708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection requiring transplantation represents a significant public health problem. The most remarkable feature of hepatitis C virus is the ability to establish chronic infection in the vast majority of cases. Efforts to define clinical correlates of HCV persistence have focused primarily on CD4 and CD8 T cell responses. Until recently, the role of innate immunity in determining the outcome of HCV infection had received relatively little attention. Natural killer (NK) cells are an important antiviral effector population eliminating virus through direct killing and cytokine production. Recent studies highlighting the cross-talk between NK cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells have prompted reevaluation of the important role NK cells play in regulating and maintaining specific immune responses. Like many other viruses, HCV has evolved strategies to evade detection and elimination by NK cells. T cell defects observed in HCV infection may be a consequence of inhibition of NK:DC interactions. We propose a theoretical model for HCV persistence that places the NK cell at the center of HCV immune evasion strategies. While this model is only theoretical, it provides a plausible interpretation of many published observations and a useful working model to test the role of NK cells in HCV persistence. In conclusion, the role of innate immune cells and their regulation of antigen-specific responses by the initial innate response to the virus, in particular NK cells, may prove to be an informative and clinically relevant avenue of investigation.
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Batoni G, Esin S, Favilli F, Pardini M, Bottai D, Maisetta G, Florio W, Campa M. Human CD56bright and CD56dim Natural Killer Cell Subsets Respond Differentially to Direct Stimulation with Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. Scand J Immunol 2005; 62:498-506. [PMID: 16316416 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2005.01692.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is capable of directly stimulating several effector functions of human natural killer (NK) cells in the absence of interleukin-12 and professional antigen presenting cells. To assess the contribution of two main human NK-cell subsets (CD56(dim) and CD56(bright)) to the overall in vitro NK-cell response to BCG, peripheral blood mononuclear cells depleted of nylon wool-adherent cells or purified NK cells were stimulated with live BCG. By combining intranuclear bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining and analysis of CD56 marker intensity, statistically higher percentages of BrdU(+) cells were found among the CD56(bright) subset than the CD56(dim) subset after 6 days of stimulation with BCG. Similarly, evaluation of intracellular interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) revealed that CD56(bright) cells were those mainly involved in IFN-gamma production in response to BCG. In contrast, the CD56(dim) subset contained higher levels of perforin and granzyme A, two key molecules for exocytosis-mediated cytotoxicity, than the CD56(bright) subset. Although 16-20-h stimulation with BCG did not substantially alter the expression of cytotoxic molecules by the two subsets, a decrease in perforin content was observed in the CD56(dim), but not in the CD56(bright) subset, following 4-h incubation with the NK-sensitive target K562 cell line. This decrease in perforin content correlated with the induction by BCG-stimulated NK cells, of early markers of apoptosis on target cells to a greater extent than unstimulated cells suggesting a major role for the CD56(dim) subset in cytotoxic activity in response to BCG. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) human NK-cell subsets exert different functional activities in response to a live bacterial pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Batoni
- Dipartimento di Patologia Sperimentale, Biotecnologie Mediche, Infettivologia ed Epidemiologia, University of Pisa, Italy.
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