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Harris R, Mammadli M, Hiner S, Suo L, Yang Q, Sen JM, Karimi M. TCF-1 regulates NKG2D expression on CD8 T cells during anti-tumor responses. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 72:1581-1601. [PMID: 36562825 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03323-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy relies on improving T cell effector functions against malignancies, but despite the identification of several key transcription factors (TFs), the biological functions of these TFs are not entirely understood. We developed and utilized a novel, clinically relevant murine model to dissect the functional properties of crucial T cell transcription factors during anti-tumor responses. Our data showed that the loss of TCF-1 in CD8 T cells also leads to loss of key stimulatory molecules such as CD28. Our data showed that TCF-1 suppresses surface NKG2D expression on naïve and activated CD8 T cells via key transcriptional factors Eomes and T-bet. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, we uncovered how TCF-1 regulates critical molecules responsible for peripheral CD8 T cell effector functions. Finally, our unique genetic and molecular approaches suggested that TCF-1 also differentially regulates essential kinases. These kinases, including LCK, LAT, ITK, PLC-γ1, P65, ERKI/II, and JAK/STATs, are required for peripheral CD8 T cell persistent function during alloimmunity. Overall, our molecular and bioinformatics data demonstrate the mechanism by which TCF-1 modulated several critical aspects of T cell function during CD8 T cell response to cancer. Summary Figure: TCF-1 is required for persistent function of CD8 T cells but dispensable for anti-tumor response. Here, we have utilized a novel mouse model that lacks TCF-1 specifically on CD8 T cells for an allogeneic transplant model. We uncovered a molecular mechanism of how TCF-1 regulates key signaling pathways at both transcriptomic and protein levels. These key molecules included LCK, LAT, ITK, PLC-γ1, p65, ERK I/II, and JAK/STAT signaling. Next, we showed that the lack of TCF-1 impacted phenotype, proinflammatory cytokine production, chemokine expression, and T cell activation. We provided clinical evidence for how these changes impact GVHD target organs (skin, small intestine, and liver). Finally, we provided evidence that TCF-1 regulates NKG2D expression on mouse naïve and activated CD8 T cells. We have shown that CD8 T cells from TCF-1 cKO mice mediate cytolytic functions via NKG2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Harris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 766 Irving Ave Weiskotten Hall Suite 2281, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Mahinbanu Mammadli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 766 Irving Ave Weiskotten Hall Suite 2281, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Shannon Hiner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 766 Irving Ave Weiskotten Hall Suite 2281, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Liye Suo
- Department of Pathology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Rutgers Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Jyoti Misra Sen
- National Institute On Aging-National Institutes of Health, BRC Building, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.,Center On Aging and Immune Remodeling and Immunology Program, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Mobin Karimi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 766 Irving Ave Weiskotten Hall Suite 2281, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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Chitadze G, Lettau M, Peters C, Luecke S, Flüh C, Quabius ES, Synowitz M, Held-Feindt J, Kabelitz D. Erroneous expression of NKG2D on granulocytes detected by phycoerythrin-conjugated clone 149810 antibody. CYTOMETRY PART B-CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2021; 102:228-238. [PMID: 33749106 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.22001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The activating Natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor is typically expressed on NK cells, CD8 T lymphocytes, γδ T cells and small subsets of CD4 T lymphocytes. During the course of an extensive flow cytometry phenotyping of immune cells in the peripheral blood of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) we noticed an unexpected expression of NKG2D receptor on granulocytes using the phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated clone 149810 antibody. METHODS Peripheral blood samples from 35 patients with GBM and 22 age-matched healthy control (HC) donors were analyzed using flow cytometry, imaging cytometry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR to validate the observed expression of NKG2D receptor on myeloid cells. RESULTS Reactivity with PE-149810 was mostly observed on granulocytes from GBM patients on dexamethasone treatment where it correlated with inferior survival rates. Surprisingly, such NKG2D expression on granulocytes was not observed using the allophycocyanin (APC)-conjugate of the same clone 149810 antibody or an indirect staining procedure with unconjugated clone 149810 antibody. Moreover, the PE-conjugate of a different anti-NKG2D clone (1D11) also did not stain granulocytes. Imaging cytometry indicated cell surface and intracellular localization of PE-149810 but not of PE-1D11 in granulocytes. CONCLUSION Our results uncover an erroneous and false positive reactivity of PE-labeled (but not of APC-labeled or unconjugated) anti-NKG2D antibody 149810 on granulocytes from dexamethasone-treated GBM patients and raise a note of caution for studies of NKG2D expression on non-lymphoid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guranda Chitadze
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology and Oncology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marcus Lettau
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology and Oncology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefanie Luecke
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Charlotte Flüh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Elgar Susanne Quabius
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Synowitz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Janka Held-Feindt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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Bhat J, Dubin S, Dananberg A, Quabius ES, Fritsch J, Dowds CM, Saxena A, Chitadze G, Lettau M, Kabelitz D. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Modulates NKG2D Receptor Expression and Memory Phenotype of Human Gamma/Delta T Cells Upon Interaction With Tumor Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:569. [PMID: 30972064 PMCID: PMC6445873 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The functional plasticity and anti-tumor potential of human γδ T cells have been widely studied. However, the epigenetic regulation of γδ T-cell/tumor cell interactions has been poorly investigated. In the present study, we show that treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor Valproic acid (VPA) significantly enhanced the expression and/or release of the NKG2D ligands MICA, MICB and ULBP-2, but not ULBP-1 in the pancreatic carcinoma cell line Panc89 and the prostate carcinoma cell line PC-3. Under in vitro tumor co-culture conditions, the expression of full length and the truncated form of the NKG2D receptor in γδ T cells was significantly downregulated. Furthermore, using a newly established flow cytometry-based method to analyze histone acetylation (H3K9ac) in γδ T cells, we showed constitutive H3K9aclow and inducible H3K9achigh expression in Vδ2 T cells. The detailed analysis of H3K9aclow Vδ2 T cells revealed a significant reversion of TEMRA to TEM phenotype during in vitro co-culture with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Our study uncovers novel mechanisms of how epigenetic modifiers modulate γδ T-cell differentiation during interaction with tumor cells. This information is important when considering combination therapy of VPA with the γδ T-cell-based immunotherapy for the treatment of certain types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaydeep Bhat
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Samuel Dubin
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexandra Dananberg
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Elgar Susanne Quabius
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Juergen Fritsch
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - C. Marie Dowds
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ankit Saxena
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Guranda Chitadze
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marcus Lettau
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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Chitadze G, Flüh C, Quabius ES, Freitag-Wolf S, Peters C, Lettau M, Bhat J, Wesch D, Oberg HH, Luecke S, Janssen O, Synowitz M, Held-Feindt J, Kabelitz D. In-depth immunophenotyping of patients with glioblastoma multiforme: Impact of steroid treatment. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1358839. [PMID: 29147621 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1358839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite aggressive treatment regimens based on surgery and radiochemotherapy, the prognosis of patients with grade IV glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains extremely poor, calling for alternative options such as immunotherapy. Immunological mechanisms including the Natural Killer Group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor-ligand system play an important role in tumor immune surveillance and targeting the NKG2D system might be beneficial. However, before considering any kind of immunotherapy, a precise characterization of the immune system is important, particularly in GBM patients where conventional therapies with impact on the immune system are frequently co-administered. Here we performed an in-depth immunophenotyping of GBM patients and age-matched healthy controls and analyzed NKG2D ligand expression on primary GBM cells ex vivo. We report that GBM patients have a compromised innate immune system irrespective of steroid (dexamethasone) medication. However, dexamethasone drastically reduced the number of immune cells in the blood of GBM patients. Moreover, higher counts of immune cells influenced by dexamethasone like CD45+ lymphocytes and non-Vδ2 γδ T cells were associated with better overall survival. Higher levels of NKG2D ligands on primary GBM tumor cells were observed in patients who received radiochemotherapy, pointing towards increased immunogenic potential of GBM cells following standard radiochemotherapy. This study sheds light on how steroids and radiochemotherapy affect immune cell parameters of GBM patients, a pre-requisite for the development of new therapeutic strategies targeting the immune system in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guranda Chitadze
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Charlotte Flüh
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Elgar Susanne Quabius
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany.,Dept. of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Sandra Freitag-Wolf
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Marcus Lettau
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Jaydeep Bhat
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Daniela Wesch
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Hans-Heinrich Oberg
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Stefanie Luecke
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Ottmar Janssen
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Michael Synowitz
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Janka Held-Feindt
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, UKSH Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Hostein, Germany
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Risti M, Bicalho MDG. MICA and NKG2D: Is There an Impact on Kidney Transplant Outcome? Front Immunol 2017; 8:179. [PMID: 28289413 PMCID: PMC5326783 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper aims to present an overview of MICA and natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) genetic and functional interactions and their impact on kidney transplant outcome. Organ transplantation has gone from what can accurately be called a “clinical experiment” to a routine and reliable practice, which has proven to be clinically relevant, life-saving and cost-effective when compared with non-transplantation management strategies of both chronic and acute end-stage organ failures. The kidney is the most frequently transplanted organ in the world (transplant-observatory1). The two treatment options for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are dialysis and/or transplantation. Compared with dialysis, transplantation is associated with significant improvements in quality of life and overall longevity. A strong relationship exists between allograft loss and human leukocyte antigens (HLA) antibodies (Abs). HLA Abs are not the only factor involved in graft loss, as multiple studies have shown that non-HLA antigens are also involved, even when a patient has a good HLA matche and receives standard immunosuppressive therapy. A deeper understanding of other biomarkers is therefore important, as it is likely to lead to better monitoring (and consequent success) of organ transplants. The objective is to fill the void left by extensive reviews that do not often dive this deep into the importance of MICA and NKG2D in allograft acceptance and their partnership in the immune response. There are few papers that explore the relationship between these two protagonists when it comes to kidney transplantation. This is especially true for the role of NKG2D in kidney transplantation. These reasons give a special importance to this review, which aims to be a helpful tool in the hands of researchers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Risti
- LIGH - Immunogenetics and Histocompatibility Laboratory, Federal University of Paraná , Curitiba , Brazil
| | - Maria da Graça Bicalho
- LIGH - Immunogenetics and Histocompatibility Laboratory, Federal University of Paraná , Curitiba , Brazil
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Shemer-Avni Y, Kundu K, Shemesh A, Brusilovsky M, Yossef R, Meshesha M, Solomon-Alemayehu S, Levin S, Gershoni-Yahalom O, Campbell KS, Porgador A. Expression of NKp46 Splice Variants in Nasal Lavage Following Respiratory Viral Infection: Domain 1-Negative Isoforms Predominate and Manifest Higher Activity. Front Immunol 2017; 8:161. [PMID: 28261217 PMCID: PMC5309248 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The natural killer (NK) cell activating receptor NKp46/NCR1 plays a critical role in elimination of virus-infected and tumor cells. The NCR1 gene can be transcribed into five different splice variants, but the functional importance and physiological distribution of NKp46 isoforms are not yet fully understood. Here, we shed light on differential expression of NKp46 splice variants in viral respiratory tract infections and their functional difference at the cellular level. NKp46 was the most predominantly expressed natural cytotoxicity receptor in the nasal lavage of patients infected with four respiratory viruses: respiratory syncytia virus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, or influenza A. Expression of NKp30 was far lower and NKp44 was absent in all patients. Domain 1-negative NKp46 splice variants (i.e., NKp46 isoform d) were the predominantly expressed isoform in nasal lavage following viral infections. Using our unique anti-NKp46 mAb, D2-9A5, which recognizes the D2 extracellular domain, and a commercial anti-NKp46 mAb, 9E2, which recognizes D1 domain, allowed us to identify a small subset of NKp46 D1-negative splice variant-expressing cells within cultured human primary NK cells. This NKp46 D1-negative subset also showed higher degranulation efficiency in term of CD107a surface expression. NK-92 cell lines expressing NKp46 D1-negative and NKp46 D1-positive splice variants also showed functional differences when interacting with targets. A NKp46 D1-negative isoform-expressing NK-92 cell line showed enhanced degranulation activity. To our knowledge, we provide the first evidence showing the physiological distribution and functional importance of human NKp46 splice variants under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonat Shemer-Avni
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Kiran Kundu
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Avishai Shemesh
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michael Brusilovsky
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Rami Yossef
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Mesfin Meshesha
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Semaria Solomon-Alemayehu
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Shai Levin
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Orly Gershoni-Yahalom
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel
| | - Kerry S Campbell
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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7
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Shemesh A, Brusilovsky M, Hadad U, Teltsh O, Edri A, Rubin E, Campbell KS, Rosental B, Porgador A. Survival in acute myeloid leukemia is associated with NKp44 splice variants. Oncotarget 2016; 7:32933-45. [PMID: 27102296 PMCID: PMC5078064 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
NKp44 is a receptor encoded by the NCR2 gene, which is expressed by cytokine-activated natural killer (NK) cells that are involved in anti-AML immunity. NKp44 has three splice variants corresponding to NKp44ITIM+ (NKp44-1) and NKp44ITIM- (NKp44-2, and NKp44-3) isoforms. RNAseq data of AML patients revealed similar survival of NKp46+NKp44+ and NKp46+NKp44- patients. However, if grouped according to the NKp44 splice variant profile, NKp44-1 expression was significantly associated with poor survival of AML patients. Moreover, activation of PBMC from healthy controls showed co-dominant expression of NKp44-1 and NKp44-3, while primary NK clones show more diverse NKp44 splice variant profiles. Cultured primary NK cells resulted in NKp44-1 dominance and impaired function associated with PCNA over-expression by target cells. This impaired functional phenotype could be rescued by blocking of NKp44 receptor. Human NK cell lines revealed co-dominant expression of NKp44-1 and NKp44-3 and showed a functional phenotype that was not inhibited by PCNA over-expression. Furthermore, transfection-based overexpression of NKp44-1, but not NKp44-2/NKp44-3, reversed the endogenous resistance of NK-92 cells to PCNA-mediated inhibition, and resulted in poor formation of stable lytic immune synapses. This research contributes to the understanding of AML prognosis by shedding new light on the functional implications of differential splicing of NKp44.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishai Shemesh
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michael Brusilovsky
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Uzi Hadad
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Omri Teltsh
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Avishay Edri
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Eitan Rubin
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Kerry S. Campbell
- Immune Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benyamin Rosental
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine and the Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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Abstract
NKG2D is an activating receptor expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells, CD8(+) T cells, and subsets of CD4(+) T cells, invariant NKT cells (iNKT), and γδ T cells. In humans, NKG2D transmits signals by its association with the DAP10 adapter subunit, and in mice alternatively spliced isoforms transmit signals either using DAP10 or DAP12 adapter subunits. Although NKG2D is encoded by a highly conserved gene (KLRK1) with limited polymorphism, the receptor recognizes an extensive repertoire of ligands, encoded by at least eight genes in humans (MICA, MICB, RAET1E, RAET1G, RAET1H, RAET1I, RAET1L, and RAET1N), some with extensive allelic polymorphism. Expression of the NKG2D ligands is tightly regulated at the level of transcription, translation, and posttranslation. In general, healthy adult tissues do not express NKG2D glycoproteins on the cell surface, but these ligands can be induced by hyperproliferation and transformation, as well as when cells are infected by pathogens. Thus, the NKG2D pathway serves as a mechanism for the immune system to detect and eliminate cells that have undergone "stress." Viruses and tumor cells have devised numerous strategies to evade detection by the NKG2D surveillance system, and diversification of the NKG2D ligand genes likely has been driven by selective pressures imposed by pathogens. NKG2D provides an attractive target for therapeutics in the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis L Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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NKG2D expression by CD8+ T cells contributes to GVHD and GVT effects in a murine model of allogeneic HSCT. Blood 2015; 125:3655-63. [PMID: 25788701 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-02-629006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), controlling graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) while maintaining graft-versus-tumor (GVT) responses is of critical importance. Using a mouse model of allogeneic HSCT, we hereby demonstrate that NKG2D expression by CD8(+) T cells plays a major role in mediating GVHD and GVT effects by promoting the survival and cytotoxic function of CD8(+) T cells. The expression of NKG2D ligands was not induced persistently on normal tissues of allogeneic HSCT-recipient mice treated with anti-NKG2D antibody, suggesting that transient NKG2D blockade might be sufficient to attenuate GVHD and allow CD8(+) T cells to regain their GVT function. Indeed, short-term treatment with anti-NKG2D antibody restored GVT effects while maintaining an attenuated GVHD state. NKG2D expression was also detected on CD8(+) T cells from allogeneic HSCT patients and trended to be higher in those with active GVHD. Together, these data support a novel role for NKG2D expression by CD8(+) T cells during allogeneic HSCT, which could be potentially therapeutically exploited to separate GVHD from GVT effects.
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