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Sabag B, Puthenveetil A, Levy M, Joseph N, Doniger T, Yaron O, Karako-Lampert S, Lazar I, Awwad F, Ashkenazi S, Barda-Saad M. Dysfunctional natural killer cells can be reprogrammed to regain anti-tumor activity. EMBO J 2024:10.1038/s44318-024-00094-5. [PMID: 38637625 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical to the innate immune system, as they recognize antigens without prior sensitization, and contribute to the control and clearance of viral infections and cancer. However, a significant proportion of NK cells in mice and humans do not express classical inhibitory receptors during their education process and are rendered naturally "anergic", i.e., exhibiting reduced effector functions. The molecular events leading to NK cell anergy as well as their relation to those underlying NK cell exhaustion that arises from overstimulation in chronic conditions, remain unknown. Here, we characterize the "anergic" phenotype and demonstrate functional, transcriptional, and phenotypic similarities to the "exhausted" state in tumor-infiltrating NK cells. Furthermore, we identify zinc finger transcription factor Egr2 and diacylglycerol kinase DGKα as common negative regulators controlling NK cell dysfunction. Finally, experiments in a 3D organotypic spheroid culture model and an in vivo tumor model suggest that a nanoparticle-based delivery platform can reprogram these dysfunctional natural killer cell populations in their native microenvironment. This approach may become clinically relevant for the development of novel anti-tumor immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batel Sabag
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Abhishek Puthenveetil
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Moria Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Noah Joseph
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Tirtza Doniger
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Orly Yaron
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Sarit Karako-Lampert
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Itay Lazar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Fatima Awwad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Shahar Ashkenazi
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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Leijonhufvud C, Sanz-Ortega L, Schlums H, Gaballa A, Andersson A, Eriksson C, Segerberg F, Uhlin M, Bryceson YT, Carlsten M. KIR2DS1 and KIR2DL1-C245 Dominantly Repress NK Cell Degranulation Triggered by Monoclonal or Bispecific Antibodies, whereas Education by Uptuning Inhibitory Killer Ig-related Receptors Exerts No Advantage in Ab-dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:868-880. [PMID: 38240527 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
NK cell responsiveness to target cells is tuned by interactions between inhibitory NK cell receptors and their cognate HLA class I ligands in a process termed "NK cell education." Previous studies addressing the role for NK cell education in Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) show ambiguous results and do not encompass full educational resolution. In this study, we systematically characterized human NK cell CD16-triggered degranulation toward defined human tumor cell lines in the presence of either the mAb rituximab or a recently developed CD34xCD16 bispecific killer engager. Despite positive correlation between killer Ig-related receptor (KIR)-mediated education and CD16 expression, NK cells educated by one or even two inhibitory KIRs did not perform better in terms of ADCC than uneducated NK cells in either missing-self or KIR-ligand matched settings at saturating Ab concentrations. Instead, NKG2A+ NK cells consistently showed more potent ADCC in the missing-self context despite lower levels of CD16 expression. KIR2DS1+ NK cells demonstrated dampened ADCC in both the missing-self and KIR-ligand matched settings, even in the presence of its ligand HLA C2. The lower response by KIR2DS1+ NK cells was also observed when stimulated with a bispecific killer engager. Surprisingly, repression of ADCC was also observed by NKG2A+ NK cells coexpressing the inhibitory KIR2DL1-C245 receptor that confers weak education. In conclusion, our study suggests that NK cell education by inhibitory KIRs does not augment ADCC per se, whereas expression of KIR2DS1 and KIR2DL1-C245 dominantly represses ADCC. These insights add to the fundamental understanding of NK cells and may have implications for their therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Leijonhufvud
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Sanz-Ortega
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Heinrich Schlums
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ahmed Gaballa
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Andersson
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Eriksson
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip Segerberg
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Uhlin
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yenan T Bryceson
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattias Carlsten
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Cell Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Nersesian S, Carter EB, Lee SN, Westhaver LP, Boudreau JE. Killer instincts: natural killer cells as multifactorial cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269614. [PMID: 38090565 PMCID: PMC10715270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells integrate heterogeneous signals for activation and inhibition using germline-encoded receptors. These receptors are stochastically co-expressed, and their concurrent engagement and signaling can adjust the sensitivity of individual cells to putative targets. Against cancers, which mutate and evolve under therapeutic and immunologic pressure, the diversity for recognition provided by NK cells may be key to comprehensive cancer control. NK cells are already being trialled as adoptive cell therapy and targets for immunotherapeutic agents. However, strategies to leverage their naturally occurring diversity and agility have not yet been developed. In this review, we discuss the receptors and signaling pathways through which signals for activation or inhibition are generated in NK cells, focusing on their roles in cancer and potential as targets for immunotherapies. Finally, we consider the impacts of receptor co-expression and the potential to engage multiple pathways of NK cell reactivity to maximize the scope and strength of antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily B. Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacey N. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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4
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Panjwani MK, Grassmann S, Sottile R, Le Luduec JB, Kontopoulos T, van der Ploeg K, Sun JC, Hsu KC. Single-Cell Profiling Reveals a Naive-Memory Relationship between CD56 bright and Adaptive Human Natural Killer Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.23.559062. [PMID: 37790504 PMCID: PMC10543008 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.23.559062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Development of antigen-specific memory upon pathogen exposure is a hallmark of the adaptive immune system. While natural killer (NK) cells are considered part of the innate immune system, humans exposed to the chronic viral pathogen cytomegalovirus (CMV) often possess a distinct NK cell population lacking in individuals who have not been exposed, termed "adaptive" NK cells. To identify the "naïve" population from which this "memory" population derives, we performed phenotypic, transcriptional, and functional profiling of NK cell subsets. We identified immature precursors to the Adaptive NK cells that are equally present in both CMV+ and CMV-individuals, resolved an Adaptive transcriptional state distinct from most mature NK cells and sharing a common gene program with the immature CD56 bright population, and demonstrated retention of proliferative capacity and acquisition of superior IFNγ production in the Adaptive population. Furthermore, we distinguish the CD56 bright and Adaptive NK populations by expression of the transcription factor CXXC5, positioning these memory NK cells at the inflection point between innate and adaptive lymphocytes.
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Philippon C, Tao S, Clement D, Haroun-Izquierdo A, Kichula KM, Netskar H, Brandt L, Oei VS, Kanaya M, Lanuza PM, Schaffer M, Goodridge JP, Horowitz A, Zhu F, Hammer Q, Sohlberg E, Majhi RK, Kveberg L, Önfelt B, Norman PJ, Malmberg KJ. Allelic variation of KIR and HLA tunes the cytolytic payload and determines functional hierarchy of NK cell repertoires. Blood Adv 2023; 7:4492-4504. [PMID: 37327114 PMCID: PMC10440473 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023009827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The functionality of natural killer (NK) cells is tuned during education and is associated with remodeling of the lysosomal compartment. We hypothesized that genetic variation in killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and HLA, which is known to influence the functional strength of NK cells, fine-tunes the payload of effector molecules stored in secretory lysosomes. To address this possibility, we performed a high-resolution analysis of KIR and HLA class I genes in 365 blood donors and linked genotypes to granzyme B loading and functional phenotypes. We found that granzyme B levels varied across individuals but were stable over time in each individual and genetically determined by allelic variation in HLA class I genes. A broad mapping of surface receptors and lysosomal effector molecules revealed that DNAM-1 and granzyme B levels served as robust metric of the functional state in NK cells. Variation in granzyme B levels at rest was tightly linked to the lytic hit and downstream killing of major histocompatibility complex-deficient target cells. Together, these data provide insights into how variation in genetically hardwired receptor pairs tunes the releasable granzyme B pool in NK cells, resulting in predictable hierarchies in global NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Philippon
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), Institute for Clinical medicine, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sudan Tao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
- Blood Center of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Blood Safety Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dennis Clement
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), Institute for Clinical medicine, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alvaro Haroun-Izquierdo
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katherine M. Kichula
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Herman Netskar
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), Institute for Clinical medicine, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludwig Brandt
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vincent Sheng Oei
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), Institute for Clinical medicine, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Minoru Kanaya
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), Institute for Clinical medicine, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pilar Maria Lanuza
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Schaffer
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Amir Horowitz
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Marc and Jennifer Lipshultz Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Faming Zhu
- Blood Center of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Blood Safety Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Quirin Hammer
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ebba Sohlberg
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rakesh Kumar Majhi
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), Institute for Clinical medicine, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Kveberg
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), Institute for Clinical medicine, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Björn Önfelt
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), Institute for Clinical medicine, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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6
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Schmied L, Luu TT, Søndergaard JN, Hald SH, Meinke S, Mohammad DK, Singh SB, Mayer C, Perinetti Casoni G, Chrobok M, Schlums H, Rota G, Truong HM, Westerberg LS, Guarda G, Alici E, Wagner AK, Kadri N, Bryceson YT, Saeed MB, Höglund P. SHP-1 localization to the activating immune synapse promotes NK cell tolerance in MHC class I deficiency. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eabq0752. [PMID: 37040441 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abq0752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells recognize virally infected cells and tumors. NK cell function depends on balanced signaling from activating receptors, recognizing products from tumors or viruses, and inhibitory receptors (such as KIR/Ly49), which recognize major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules. KIR/Ly49 signaling preserves tolerance to self but also conveys reactivity toward MHC-I-low target cells in a process known as NK cell education. Here, we found that NK cell tolerance and education were determined by the subcellular localization of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. In mice lacking MHC-I molecules, uneducated, self-tolerant Ly49A+ NK cells showed accumulation of SHP-1 in the activating immune synapse, where it colocalized with F-actin and the signaling adaptor protein SLP-76. Education of Ly49A+ NK cells by the MHC-I molecule H2Dd led to reduced synaptic accumulation of SHP-1, accompanied by augmented signaling from activating receptors. Education was also linked to reduced transcription of Ptpn6, which encodes SHP-1. Moreover, synaptic SHP-1 accumulation was reduced in NK cells carrying the H2Dd-educated receptor Ly49G2 but not in those carrying the noneducating receptor Ly49I. Colocalization of Ly49A and SHP-1 outside of the synapse was more frequent in educated compared with uneducated NK cells, suggesting a role for Ly49A in preventing synaptic SHP-1 accumulation in NK cell education. Thus, distinct patterning of SHP-1 in the activating NK cell synapse may determine NK cell tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Schmied
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thuy T Luu
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas N Søndergaard
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CIDER), Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sophia H Hald
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephan Meinke
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dara K Mohammad
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Food Technology, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil KRG-Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Sunitha B Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, S-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Corinna Mayer
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giovanna Perinetti Casoni
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Chrobok
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Heinrich Schlums
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giorgia Rota
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Hieu M Truong
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa S Westerberg
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, S-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Greta Guarda
- Università della Svizzera Italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arnika K Wagner
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nadir Kadri
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yenan T Bryceson
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge C2:66, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 87, Laboratory Building 5th floor, N-5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Mezida B Saeed
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, S-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petter Höglund
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge C2:66, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
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7
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Mace EM. Human natural killer cells: Form, function, and development. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:371-385. [PMID: 36195172 PMCID: PMC9905317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that mediate important effector functions in the control of viral infection and malignancy. Their ability to distinguish "self" from "nonself" and lyse virally infected and tumorigenic cells through germline-encoded receptors makes them important players in maintaining human health and a powerful tool for immunotherapeutic applications and fighting disease. This review introduces our current understanding of NK cell biology, including key facets of NK cell differentiation and the acquisition and execution of NK cell effector function. Further, it addresses the clinical relevance of NK cells in both primary immunodeficiency and immunotherapy. It is intended to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of this important and interesting innate immune effector cell subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Mace
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York.
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8
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Wong JKM, Dolcetti R, Rhee H, Simpson F, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F. Weaponizing natural killer cells for solid cancer immunotherapy. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:111-121. [PMID: 36379852 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Enhancing natural killer (NK) cell-based innate immunity has become a promising strategy for immunotherapy against hard-to-cure solid cancers. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has been used to activate NK-cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) towards solid cancers. Cancer cells, however, can subvert immunosurveillance using multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms, which may hamper NK cell ADCC. Mechanisms to safely enhance ADCC by NK cells, such as utilizing temporary inhibition of receptor endocytosis to increase antibody presentation from target to effector cells can now be used to enhance NK-cell-mediated ADCC against solid tumors. This review summarizes and discusses the recent advances in the field and highlights current and potential future use of immunotherapies to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of innate anticancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua K M Wong
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Handoo Rhee
- Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Jubilee II Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; The School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Fiona Simpson
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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9
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Qin H, You C, Yan F, Tan K, Xu C, Zhao R, Ekpo MD, Tan S. Overcoming the challenges in translational development of natural killer cell therapeutics: An opinion paper. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1062765. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1062765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
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10
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Hilliard KA, Throm AA, Pingel JT, Saucier N, Zaher HS, French AR. Expansion of a novel population of NK cells with low ribosome expression in juvenile dermatomyositis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1007022. [PMID: 36389718 PMCID: PMC9660249 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1007022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a pediatric autoimmune disease associated with characteristic rash and proximal muscle weakness. To gain insight into differential lymphocyte gene expression in JDM, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 4 new-onset JDM patients and 4 healthy controls were sorted into highly enriched lymphocyte populations for RNAseq analysis. NK cells from JDM patients had substantially greater differentially expressed genes (273) than T (57) and B (33) cells. Upregulated genes were associated with the innate immune response and cell cycle, while downregulated genes were associated with decreased ribosomal RNA. Suppressed ribosomal RNA in JDM NK cells was validated by measuring transcription and phosphorylation levels. We confirmed a population of low ribosome expressing NK cells in healthy adults and children. This population of low ribosome NK cells was substantially expanded in 6 treatment-naïve JDM patients and was associated with decreased NK cell degranulation. The enrichment of this NK low ribosome population was completely abrogated in JDM patients with quiescent disease. Together, these data suggest NK cells are highly activated in new-onset JDM patients with an increased population of low ribosome expressing NK cells, which correlates with decreased NK cell function and resolved with control of active disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsey A. Hilliard
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology/Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Allison A. Throm
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology/Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jeanette T. Pingel
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology/Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Nermina Saucier
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology/Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Hani S. Zaher
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Anthony R. French
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology/Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
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11
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Colucci F. Uterine NK Cells Ace an "A" in Education: NKG2A Sets Up Crucial Functions at the Maternal-Fetal Interface. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1421-1425. [PMID: 36192118 PMCID: PMC7613701 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
I argue here that reproduction was a driving force in the evolution of NK-cell education, which is set by interactions between inhibitory receptors and self MHC. Maternal lymphocytes also interact with allogeneic MHC on fetal trophoblast cells. How the maternal immune system accommodates the semi-allogeneic fetus is a fascinating question. But it may be the wrong question. Tissue lymphocytes, like uterine NK (uNK) cells, do not attack the mismatched fetus and its placenta. Instead, they help the local vasculature to accommodate changes necessary to nourish the fetus. Education of uNK cells, driven by the ancient CD94:NKG2A inhibitory receptor and self MHC, sets them up to deliver these key functions at the maternal-fetal interface. /112
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK,University of Cambridge Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK
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12
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Cronk JM, Dziewulska KH, Puchalski P, Crittenden RB, Hammarskjöld ML, Brown MG. Altered-Self MHC Class I Sensing via Functionally Disparate Paired NK Cell Receptors Counters Murine Cytomegalovirus gp34-Mediated Immune Evasion. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1545-1554. [PMID: 36165178 PMCID: PMC9529956 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The murine CMV (MCMV) immunoevasin m04/gp34 escorts MHC class I (MHC I) molecules to the surface of infected cells where these complexes bind Ly49 inhibitory receptors (IRs) and prevent NK cell attack. Nonetheless, certain self-MHC I-binding Ly49 activating and inhibitory receptors are able to promote robust NK cell expansion and antiviral immunity during MCMV infection. A basis for MHC I-dependent NK cell sensing of MCMV-infected targets and control of MCMV infection however remains unclear. In this study, we discovered that the Ly49R activation receptor is selectively triggered during MCMV infection on antiviral NK cells licensed by the Ly49G2 IR. Ly49R activating receptor recognition of MCMV-infected targets is dependent on MHC I Dk and MCMV gp34 expression. Remarkably, although Ly49R is critical for Ly49G2-dependent antiviral immunity, blockade of the activation receptor in Ly49G2-deficient mice has no impact on virus control, suggesting that paired Ly49G2 MCMV sensing might enable Ly49R+ NK cells to better engage viral targets. Indeed, MCMV gp34 facilitates Ly49G2 binding to infected cells, and the IR is required to counter gp34-mediated immune evasion. A specific requirement for Ly49G2 in antiviral immunity is further explained by its capacity to license cytokine receptor signaling pathways and enhance Ly49R+ NK cell proliferation during infection. These findings advance our understanding of the molecular basis for functionally disparate self-receptor enhancement of antiviral NK cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Cronk
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Karolina H Dziewulska
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Patryk Puchalski
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; and
| | - Rowena B Crittenden
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; and
| | - Marie-Louise Hammarskjöld
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Michael G Brown
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA;
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; and
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
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13
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Li Y, Basar R, Wang G, Liu E, Moyes JS, Li L, Kerbauy LN, Uprety N, Fathi M, Rezvan A, Banerjee PP, Muniz-Feliciano L, Laskowski TJ, Ensley E, Daher M, Shanley M, Mendt M, Acharya S, Liu B, Biederstädt A, Rafei H, Guo X, Melo Garcia L, Lin P, Ang S, Marin D, Chen K, Bover L, Champlin RE, Varadarajan N, Shpall EJ, Rezvani K. KIR-based inhibitory CARs overcome CAR-NK cell trogocytosis-mediated fratricide and tumor escape. Nat Med 2022; 28:2133-2144. [PMID: 36175679 PMCID: PMC9942695 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-02003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Trogocytosis is an active process that transfers surface material from targeted to effector cells. Using multiple in vivo tumor models and clinical data, we report that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) activation in natural killer (NK) cells promoted transfer of the CAR cognate antigen from tumor to NK cells, resulting in (1) lower tumor antigen density, thus impairing the ability of CAR-NK cells to engage with their target, and (2) induced self-recognition and continuous CAR-mediated engagement, resulting in fratricide of trogocytic antigen-expressing NK cells (NKTROG+) and NK cell hyporesponsiveness. This phenomenon could be offset by a dual-CAR system incorporating both an activating CAR against the cognate tumor antigen and an NK self-recognizing inhibitory CAR that transferred a 'don't kill me' signal to NK cells upon engagement with their TROG+ siblings. This system prevented trogocytic antigen-mediated fratricide, while sparing activating CAR signaling against the tumor antigen, and resulted in enhanced CAR-NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rafet Basar
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guohui Wang
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Enli Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Judy S Moyes
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lucila N Kerbauy
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nadima Uprety
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mohsen Fathi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ali Rezvan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pinaki P Banerjee
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luis Muniz-Feliciano
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tamara J Laskowski
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emily Ensley
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - May Daher
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mayra Shanley
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mayela Mendt
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sunil Acharya
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Biederstädt
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine III: Hematology and Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hind Rafei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xingliang Guo
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luciana Melo Garcia
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul Lin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sonny Ang
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Marin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ken Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura Bover
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Richard E Champlin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Navin Varadarajan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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14
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Ben-Shmuel A, Sabag B, Puthenveetil A, Biber G, Levy M, Jubany T, Awwad F, Roy RK, Joseph N, Matalon O, Kivelevitz J, Barda-Saad M. Inhibition of SHP-1 activity by PKC-θ regulates NK cell activation threshold and cytotoxicity. eLife 2022; 11:73282. [PMID: 35258455 PMCID: PMC8903836 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in immunity, killing virally infected and cancerous cells. The balance of signals initiated upon engagement of activating and inhibitory NK receptors with cognate ligands determines killing or tolerance. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms regulating rapid NK cell discrimination between healthy and malignant cells in a heterogeneous tissue environment are incompletely understood. The SHP-1 tyrosine phosphatase is the central negative NK cell regulator that dephosphorylates key activating signaling proteins. Though the mechanism by which SHP-1 mediates NK cell inhibition has been partially elucidated, the pathways by which SHP-1 is itself regulated remain unclear. Here, we show that phosphorylation of SHP-1 in NK cells on the S591 residue by PKC-θ promotes the inhibited SHP-1 ‘folded’ state. Silencing PKC-θ maintains SHP-1 in the active conformation, reduces NK cell activation and cytotoxicity, and promotes tumor progression in vivo. This study reveals a molecular pathway that sustains the NK cell activation threshold through suppression of SHP-1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Batel Sabag
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Abhishek Puthenveetil
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Guy Biber
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Moria Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tammir Jubany
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Fatima Awwad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Roshan Kumar Roy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Noah Joseph
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Omri Matalon
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Jessica Kivelevitz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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