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Kratzmeier C, Singh S, Asiedu EB, Webb TJ. Current Developments in the Preclinical and Clinical use of Natural Killer T cells. BioDrugs 2023; 37:57-71. [PMID: 36525216 PMCID: PMC9756707 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00572-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells play a pivotal role as a bridge between the innate and the adaptive immune response and are instrumental in the regulation of homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the potential for NKT cells to serve as biodrugs in viral infections and in cancer. NKT cells are being investigated for their use as a prognostic biomarker, an immune adjuvant, and as a form of cellular therapy. Historically, the clinical utility of NKT cells was hampered by their low frequency in the blood, discrepancies in nomenclature, and challenges with ex vivo expansion. However, recent advances in the field have permitted the development of several NKT cell-based preclinical and clinical strategies. These new developments pave the way for the successful implementation of NKT cell-based approaches for the treatment of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kratzmeier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore St, HSF I-Room 380, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Sasha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore St, HSF I-Room 380, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Emmanuel B Asiedu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore St, HSF I-Room 380, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Tonya J Webb
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore St, HSF I-Room 380, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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2
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Exploring the Role of Innate Lymphocytes in the Immune System of Bats and Virus-Host Interactions. Viruses 2022; 14:v14010150. [PMID: 35062356 PMCID: PMC8781337 DOI: 10.3390/v14010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bats are reservoirs of a large number of viruses of global public health significance, including the ancestral virus for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although bats are natural carriers of multiple pathogenic viruses, they rarely display signs of disease. Recent insights suggest that bats have a more balanced host defense and tolerance system to viral infections that may be linked to the evolutionary adaptation to powered flight. Therefore, a deeper understanding of bat immune system may provide intervention strategies to prevent zoonotic disease transmission and to identify new therapeutic targets. Similar to other eutherian mammals, bats have both innate and adaptive immune systems that have evolved to detect and respond to invading pathogens. Bridging these two systems are innate lymphocytes, which are highly abundant within circulation and barrier tissues. These cells share the characteristics of both innate and adaptive immune cells and are poised to mount rapid effector responses. They are ideally suited as the first line of defense against early stages of viral infections. Here, we will focus on the current knowledge of innate lymphocytes in bats, their function, and their potential role in host–pathogen interactions. Moreover, given that studies into bat immune systems are often hindered by a lack of bat-specific research tools, we will discuss strategies that may aid future research in bat immunity, including the potential use of organoid models to delineate the interplay between innate lymphocytes, bat viruses, and host tolerance.
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Phetsouphanh C, Phalora P, Hackstein CP, Thornhill J, Munier CML, Meyerowitz J, Murray L, VanVuuren C, Goedhals D, Drexhage L, Russell RA, Sattentau QJ, Mak JYW, Fairlie DP, Fidler S, Kelleher AD, Frater J, Klenerman P. Human MAIT cells respond to and suppress HIV-1. eLife 2021; 10:e50324. [PMID: 34951583 PMCID: PMC8752121 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human MAIT cells sit at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity, are polyfunctional and are capable of killing pathogen infected cells via recognition of the Class IB molecule MR1. MAIT cells have recently been shown to possess an antiviral protective role in vivo and we therefore sought to explore this in relation to HIV-1 infection. There was marked activation of MAIT cells in vivo in HIV-1-infected individuals, which decreased following ART. Stimulation of THP1 monocytes with R5 tropic HIVBAL potently activated MAIT cells in vitro. This activation was dependent on IL-12 and IL-18 but was independent of the TCR. Upon activation, MAIT cells were able to upregulate granzyme B, IFNγ and HIV-1 restriction factors CCL3, 4, and 5. Restriction factors produced by MAIT cells inhibited HIV-1 infection of primary PBMCs and immortalized target cells in vitro. These data reveal MAIT cells to be an additional T cell population responding to HIV-1, with a potentially important role in controlling viral replication at mucosal sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chansavath Phetsouphanh
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Prabhjeet Phalora
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Jodi Meyerowitz
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Lyle Murray
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Dominique Goedhals
- Division of Virology, University of the Free State/National Health Laboratory ServiceFree StateSouth Africa
| | - Linnea Drexhage
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Rebecca A Russell
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Quentin J Sattentau
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey YW Mak
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - David P Fairlie
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | | | | | - John Frater
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
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4
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Sobkowiak MJ, Paquin-Proulx D, Bosnjak L, Moll M, Sällberg Chen M, Sandberg JK. Dynamics of IL-15/IL-15R-α expression in response to HSV-1 infection reveal a novel mode of viral immune evasion counteracted by iNKT cells. Eur J Immunol 2021; 52:462-471. [PMID: 34910820 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149287] [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: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infects and persists in most of the human population. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) has an important role in the activation of cell-mediated immune responses and acts in complex with IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15R-α) through cell surface transpresentation. Here, we have examined the IL-15/IL-15R-α complex response dynamics during HSV-1 infection in human keratinocytes. Surface expression of the IL-15/IL-15R-α complex rapidly increased in response to HSV-1, reaching a peak around 12 h after infection. This response was dependent on detection of viral replication by TLR3, and enhancement of IL15 and IL15RA gene expression. Beyond the peak of expression, levels of IL-15 and IL-15R-α gradually declined, reaching a profound loss of surface expression beyond 24 h of infection. This involved the loss of IL15 and IL15RA transcription. Interestingly, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells inhibited the viral interference with IL-15/IL-15R-α complex expression in an IFNγ-dependent manner. These results indicate that rapid upregulation of the IL-15/IL-15R-α complex occurs in HSV-1 infected keratinocytes, and that this response is targeted by viral interference. Shutdown of the IL-15 axis represents a novel mode of HSV-1 immune evasion, which can be inhibited by the host iNKT cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał J Sobkowiak
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dominic Paquin-Proulx
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lidija Bosnjak
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Markus Moll
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Johan K Sandberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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Preferential and persistent impact of acute HIV-1 infection on CD4 + iNKT cells in colonic mucosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2104721118. [PMID: 34753817 PMCID: PMC8609642 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104721118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that HIV-1 disease progression is determined in the early stages of infection. Here, preinfection invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell levels were predictive of the peak viral load during acute HIV-1 infection (AHI). Furthermore, iNKT cells were preferentially lost in AHI. This was particularly striking in the colonic mucosa, where iNKT cells were depleted more profoundly than conventional CD4+ T cells. The initiation of antiretroviral therapy during AHI-prevented iNKT cell dysregulation in peripheral blood but not in the colonic mucosa. Overall, our results support a model in which iNKT cells are early and preferential targets for HIV-1 infection during AHI. Acute HIV-1 infection (AHI) results in the widespread depletion of CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood and gut mucosal tissue. However, the impact on the predominantly CD4+ immunoregulatory invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells during AHI remains unknown. Here, iNKT cells from peripheral blood and colonic mucosa were investigated during treated and untreated AHI. iNKT cells in blood were activated and rapidly depleted in untreated AHI. At the time of peak HIV-1 viral load, these cells showed the elevated expression of cell death–associated transcripts compared to preinfection. Residual peripheral iNKT cells suffered a diminished responsiveness to in vitro stimulation early into chronic infection. Additionally, HIV-1 DNA, as well as spliced and unspliced viral RNA, were detected in iNKT cells isolated from blood, indicating the active infection of these cells in vivo. The loss of iNKT cells occurred from Fiebig stage III in the colonic mucosa, and these cells were not restored to normal levels after initiation of ART during AHI. CD4+ iNKT cells were depleted faster and more profoundly than conventional CD4+ T cells, and the preferential infection of CD4+ iNKT cells over conventional CD4+ T cells was confirmed by in vitro infection experiments. In vitro data also provided evidence of latent infection in iNKT cells. Strikingly, preinfection levels of peripheral blood CD4+ iNKT cells correlated directly with the peak HIV-1 load. These findings support a model in which iNKT cells are early targets for HIV-1 infection, driving their rapid loss from circulation and colonic mucosa.
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Balasko A, Graydon C, Fowke KR. Novel in vitro invariant natural killer T cell functional assays. J Immunol Methods 2021; 499:113171. [PMID: 34706265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2021.113171] [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: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are innate lymphocytes bridging the innate and adaptive immune systems and are critical first responders against cancer and infectious diseases. iNKT cell phenotype and functionality are studied using in vitro stimulation assays assessing cytokine response and proliferation capabilities. The most common stimulant is the glycolipid α-Galactosyl Ceramide (α-GalCer), which stimulates iNKT cells when presented by CD1d, an MHC class I-like molecule expressed by antigen-presenting cells (APC). Another stimulant used is α-GalCer-loaded DimerX, a CD1d-Ig fusion protein which stimulates iNKT cells in an APC-independent fashion. Here, we demonstrate use of the PBS-57-loaded CD1d-tetramer as an APC-independent stimulant, where PBS-57 is an α-GalCer analogue. METHODS Using healthy fresh (n = 4) and frozen (n = 7) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), 10-h cytokine response (measuring IFN-γ production) and 10-day proliferation assays were performed assessing iNKT functionality using α-GalCer, CD1d-tetramer and DimerX stimulants. RESULTS All stimulants effectively induced IFN-γ production in both fresh and frozen PBMC. After the 10-h activation, CD1d-tetramer was significantly more effective than α-GalCer (p = 0.032) in inducing IFN-γ production in fresh PBMC and significantly more effective than both α-GalCer (p = 0.004) and DimerX (p = 0.021) in frozen PBMC. Similarly, all stimulants induced strong proliferation responses in all samples, although this was only significant in the frozen PBMC. No significant differences in proliferation were observed between stimulants. SIGNIFICANCE This study supports PBS-57-loaded CD1d-tetramer as an effective in vitro APC-independent iNKT cell stimulant, which is comparable to or even more effective than α-GalCer and DimerX. As CD1d is downregulated during infectious disease and cancer as evasion strategies, in vitro assays which are APC-independent can assist in providing objective insight to iNKT activation by not relying on CD1d expression by APCs. Overall, the novel CD1d-tetramer stimulation equips researchers with an expanded "toolkit" to successfully assess iNKT cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Balasko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - Colin Graydon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Keith R Fowke
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Ceramide and Related Molecules in Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115676. [PMID: 34073578 PMCID: PMC8197834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ceramide is a lipid messenger at the heart of sphingolipid metabolism. In concert with its metabolizing enzymes, particularly sphingomyelinases, it has key roles in regulating the physical properties of biological membranes, including the formation of membrane microdomains. Thus, ceramide and its related molecules have been attributed significant roles in nearly all steps of the viral life cycle: they may serve directly as receptors or co-receptors for viral entry, form microdomains that cluster entry receptors and/or enable them to adopt the required conformation or regulate their cell surface expression. Sphingolipids can regulate all forms of viral uptake, often through sphingomyelinase activation, and mediate endosomal escape and intracellular trafficking. Ceramide can be key for the formation of viral replication sites. Sphingomyelinases often mediate the release of new virions from infected cells. Moreover, sphingolipids can contribute to viral-induced apoptosis and morbidity in viral diseases, as well as virus immune evasion. Alpha-galactosylceramide, in particular, also plays a significant role in immune modulation in response to viral infections. This review will discuss the roles of ceramide and its related molecules in the different steps of the viral life cycle. We will also discuss how novel strategies could exploit these for therapeutic benefit.
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8
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Singh MV, Suwunnakorn S, Simpson SR, Weber EA, Singh VB, Kalinski P, Maggirwar SB. Monocytes complexed to platelets differentiate into functionally deficient dendritic cells. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 109:807-820. [PMID: 32663904 PMCID: PMC7854860 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3a0620-460rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to their role in hemostasis, platelets store numerous immunoregulatory molecules such as CD40L, TGFβ, β2-microglobulin, and IL-1β and release them upon activation. Previous studies indicate that activated platelets form transient complexes with monocytes, especially in HIV infected individuals and induce a proinflammatory monocyte phenotype. Because monocytes can act as precursors of dendritic cells (DCs) during infection/inflammation as well as for generation of DC-based vaccine therapies, we evaluated the impact of activated platelets on monocyte differentiation into DCs. We observed that in vitro cultured DCs derived from platelet-monocyte complexes (PMCs) exhibit reduced levels of molecules critical to DC function (CD206, dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin, CD80, CD86, CCR7) and reduced antigen uptake capacity. DCs derived from PMCs also showed reduced ability to activate naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and secrete IL-12p70 in response to CD40L stimulation, resulting in decreased ability to promote type-1 immune responses to HIV antigens. Our results indicate that formation of complexes with activated platelets can suppress the development of functional DCs from such monocytes. Disruption of PMCs in vivo via antiplatelet drugs such as Clopidogrel/Prasugrel or the application of platelet-free monocytes for DCs generation in vitro, may be used to enhance immunization and augment the immune control of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera V Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sumanun Suwunnakorn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sydney R Simpson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Emily A Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Vir B Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Pawel Kalinski
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sanjay B Maggirwar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Rey-Jurado E, Bohmwald K, Gálvez NMS, Becerra D, Porcelli SA, Carreño LJ, Kalergis AM. Contribution of NKT cells to the immune response and pathogenesis triggered by respiratory viruses. Virulence 2021; 11:580-593. [PMID: 32463330 PMCID: PMC7549913 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1770492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cause acute respiratory tract infections in children worldwide. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are unconventional T lymphocytes, and their TCRs recognize glycolipids bound to the MHC-I-like molecule, CD1d. These cells modulate the inflammatory response in viral infections. Here, we evaluated the contribution of NKT cells in both hRSV and hMPV infections. A significant decrease in the number of neutrophils, eosinophils, and CD103+DCs infiltrating to the lungs, as well as an increased production of IFN-γ, were observed upon hRSV-infection in CD1d-deficient BALB/c mice, as compared to wild-type control mice. However, this effect was not observed in the CD1d-deficient BALB/c group, upon infection with hMPV. Importantly, reduced expression of CD1d in CD11b+ DCs and epithelial cells was found in hRSV -but not hMPV-infected mice. Besides, a reduction in the expression of CD1d in alveolar macrophages of lungs from hRSV- and hMPV-infected mice was found. Such reduction of CD1d expression interfered with NKT cells activation, and consequently IL-2 secretion, as characterized by in vitro experiments for both hRSV and hMPV infections. Furthermore, increased numbers of NKT cells recruited to the lungs in response to hRSV- but not hMPV-infection was detected, resulting in a reduction in the expression of IFN-γ and IL-2 by these cells. In conclusion, both hRSV and hMPV might be differently impairing NKT cells function and contributing to the immune response triggered by these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Rey-Jurado
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Karen Bohmwald
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolás M S Gálvez
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Becerra
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Steven A Porcelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Leandro J Carreño
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago, Chile
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Abstract
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first reported more than 30 years ago among homosexuals in the United States. The epidemiology of this disease indicates that there are three modes of transmission: Blood, mother-to-child, and sexual contact transmission. The pathogen of AIDS is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), primarily HIV-1. HIV-1 could not break through the structurally and functionally integral skin, and primarily invades the human body through the mucosa irrespective of their integrity. Therefore, the mucosae are the natural transmission routes for HIV-1. The mucosae involved in HIV-1 transmission include the mucosae of the gastrointestinal tract and the urogenital tract. The risks of HIV-1 transmission vary significantly between mucosal sites and individuals, and are associated with mucosal integrity, abundance of target cells, immune status of the host, commensal microbes, and host genetic background. Many factors are closely related to the barrier function of the mucosa, and studies on their roles in HIV-1 invasion could promote the prevention and control of mucosal transmission of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Bo Yang
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
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11
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To analyze the possible role that the 'unconventional' T-cell populations mucosal-associated invariant T cell (MAIT) and iNKT cells play during HIV infection and following antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment. RECENT FINDINGS A substantial body of evidence now demonstrates that both MAIT and iNKT cells are depleted in blood during HIV infection. The depletion and dysfunction of MAIT and iNKT cells are only partially restored by suppressive ART, potentially contributing to HIV-related comorbidities. SUMMARY The deficiency and dysfunction of MAIT and iNKT T-cell subsets likely impact on immunity to important coinfections including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This underscores the importance of research on restoring these unconventional T cells during HIV infection. Future studies in this field should address the challenge of studying tissue-resident cells, particularly in the gut, and better defining the determinants of MAIT/iNKT cell dysfunction. Such studies could have a significant impact on improving the immune function of HIV-infected individuals.
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12
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Zhou X, Devescovi V, Liu Y, Dent JE, Nardini C. Host-Microbiome Synergistic Control on Sphingolipid Metabolism by Mechanotransduction in Model Arthritis. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9040144. [PMID: 30970641 PMCID: PMC6523851 DOI: 10.3390/biom9040144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorders are systemic diseases with increasing incidence and still lack a cure. More recently, attention has been placed in understanding gastrointestinal (GI) dysbiosis and, although important progress has been made in this area, it is currently unclear to what extent microbiome manipulation can be used in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Via the use of appropriate models, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a well-known exemplar of such pathologies, can be exploited to shed light on the currently overlooked effects of existing therapies on the GI microbiome. In this direction, we here explore the crosstalk between the GI microbiome and the host immunity in model arthritis (collagen induced arthritis, CIA). By exploiting omics from samples of limited invasiveness (blood and stools), we assess the host-microbiome responses to standard therapy (methotrexate, MTX) combined with mechanical subcutaneous stimulation (MS) and to mechanical stimulation alone. When MS is involved, results reveal the sphingolipid metabolism as the trait d’union among known hallmarks of (model) RA, namely: Imbalance in the S1P-S1PR1 axis, expansion of Prevotella sp., and invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT)-penia, thus offering the base of a rationale to mechanically modulate this pathway as a therapeutic target in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyuan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
- CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Valentina Devescovi
- CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Yuanhua Liu
- CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
- Bioinformatics Platform, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Jennifer E Dent
- NORSAS Consultancy Ltd., Hoveton, Norwich, Norfolk, NR128QP, UK.
| | - Christine Nardini
- CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Chemistry Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Scientific and Medical Direction, SOL Group S.r.l, 20900 Monza, Italy.
- CNR IAC "Mauro Picone", 00185 Roma, Italy.
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13
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Singh D, Ghate M, Godbole S, Kulkarni S, Thakar M. Functional Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Secreting Cytokines Are Associated With Non-Progressive Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection but Not With Suppressive Anti-Retroviral Treatment. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1152. [PMID: 29881390 PMCID: PMC5976739 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CD1d restricted invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are important in the activation and regulation of immune responses. Limited information is available regarding the functional role of iNKT cells in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression. Methodology α-GalCer stimulated iNKT cells were characterized for their functionality in terms of cytokine production (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-21) and CD107a expression in HIV-1 infected [23 long-term non progressors (LTNPs), 28 progressors, 18 patients before and after suppressive anti-retroviral treatment (ART)] along with 25 HIV-1 negative subjects using multicolor flow cytometry. Results The functional profile of α-GalCer stimulated iNKT cells was similar in LTNPs and healthy controls. The number of LTNPs showing functional response in terms of secretion of cytokines (IFN-γ/IL2/TNF-α) and CD107a expression was significantly higher than seen in the progressors. The cytokine secretion by the stimulated iNKT cells was predominantly Th1 type. The frequencies of iNKT cells showing secretion of IFN-γ or IL2 or TNF-α or expression of CD107a were higher in LTNPs (p < 0.05 for all) and also significantly associated with lower plasma viral load (p value ranged from 0.04 to 0.003) and higher CD4 count (p value ranged from 0.02 to <0.0001). The functional profile of the iNKT cells before and after ART did not differ significantly indicating absence of restoration of iNKT cells functionality after suppressive ART. The IL-4 and IL-21 secreting iNKT cells were rare in all study populations. Conclusion The presence of functional iNKT cells secreting number of cytokines in non-progressive HIV infection could be one of the multiple factors required to achieve HIV control and hence have relevance in understanding the immunity in HIV infection. The failure of restoration of the iNKT functionality after ART should be potential area of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendra Singh
- Department of Immunology, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Manisha Ghate
- Department of Clinical Sciences, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Sheela Godbole
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Smita Kulkarni
- Department of Virology, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - Madhuri Thakar
- Department of Immunology, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
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14
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Brutkiewicz RR, Yunes-Medina L, Liu J. Immune evasion of the CD1d/NKT cell axis. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 52:87-92. [PMID: 29734045 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Many reviews on the CD1d/NKT cell axis focus on the ability of CD1d-restricted NKT cells to serve as effector cells in a variety of disorders, be they infectious diseases, cancer or autoimmunity. In contrast, here, we discuss the ways that viruses, bacteria and tumor cells can evade the CD1d/NKT cell axis. As a result, these disease states have a better chance to establish a foothold and potentially cause problems for the subsequent adaptive immune response, as the host tries to rid itself of infections or tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy R Brutkiewicz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5181, United States.
| | - Laura Yunes-Medina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5181, United States
| | - Jianyun Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5181, United States
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15
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Buggert M, Nguyen S, McLane LM, Steblyanko M, Anikeeva N, Paquin-Proulx D, Del Rio Estrada PM, Ablanedo-Terrazas Y, Noyan K, Reuter MA, Demers K, Sandberg JK, Eller MA, Streeck H, Jansson M, Nowak P, Sönnerborg A, Canaday DH, Naji A, Wherry EJ, Robb ML, Deeks SG, Reyes-Teran G, Sykulev Y, Karlsson AC, Betts MR. Limited immune surveillance in lymphoid tissue by cytolytic CD4+ T cells during health and HIV disease. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1006973. [PMID: 29652923 PMCID: PMC5919077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells subsets have a wide range of important helper and regulatory functions in the immune system. Several studies have specifically suggested that circulating effector CD4+ T cells may play a direct role in control of HIV replication through cytolytic activity or autocrine β-chemokine production. However, it remains unclear whether effector CD4+ T cells expressing cytolytic molecules and β-chemokines are present within lymph nodes (LNs), a major site of HIV replication. Here, we report that expression of β-chemokines and cytolytic molecules are enriched within a CD4+ T cell population with high levels of the T-box transcription factors T-bet and eomesodermin (Eomes). This effector population is predominately found in peripheral blood and is limited in LNs regardless of HIV infection or treatment status. As a result, CD4+ T cells generally lack effector functions in LNs, including cytolytic capacity and IFNγ and β-chemokine expression, even in HIV elite controllers and during acute/early HIV infection. While we do find the presence of degranulating CD4+ T cells in LNs, these cells do not bear functional or transcriptional effector T cell properties and are inherently poor to form stable immunological synapses compared to their peripheral blood counterparts. We demonstrate that CD4+ T cell cytolytic function, phenotype, and programming in the peripheral blood is dissociated from those characteristics found in lymphoid tissues. Together, these data challenge our current models based on blood and suggest spatially and temporally dissociated mechanisms of viral control in lymphoid tissues. CD4+ T cells have classically been divided into different subsets based on their different abilities to help and regulate specific parts of the immune system. Recent work in the HIV field has demonstrated that HIV-specific CD4+ T cells with unique effector functions, such as cytolytic activity and β-chemokine production, can play a direct role in control of HIV replication. However, HIV infection is generally considered to be a disease centered in lymphoid tissues, where unique CD4+ T helper cell subsets are present to orchestrate the maturation and priming of adaptive immunity. In this study, we identify that two specific transcription factors, T-bet and Eomes, mark cytolytic and β-chemokine producing CD4+ T cells. While this effector CD4+ T cell population is part of immunosurveillance mechanisms in blood, we find that lymph nodes largely lack this effector population–independent of HIV infection or disease progression status. These results indicate that current effector CD4+ T cell mediated correlates of HIV control are limited to blood and not representative of potential correlates of control in lymphoid tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Buggert
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Center for Infection Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail: (MB); (MRB)
| | - Son Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Laura M. McLane
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Maria Steblyanko
- Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Nadia Anikeeva
- Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Dominic Paquin-Proulx
- Center for Infection Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Perla M. Del Rio Estrada
- Departamento de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yuria Ablanedo-Terrazas
- Departamento de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Kajsa Noyan
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Morgan A. Reuter
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Korey Demers
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Johan K. Sandberg
- Center for Infection Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael A. Eller
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Hendrik Streeck
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
- Institute for HIV Research, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marianne Jansson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Piotr Nowak
- Center for Infection Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Sönnerborg
- Center for Infection Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David H. Canaday
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Ali Naji
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - E. John Wherry
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Merlin L. Robb
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Steven G. Deeks
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Gustavo Reyes-Teran
- Departamento de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yuri Sykulev
- Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Annika C. Karlsson
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael R. Betts
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MB); (MRB)
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16
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Schönrich G, Raftery MJ. CD1-Restricted T Cells During Persistent Virus Infections: "Sympathy for the Devil". Front Immunol 2018; 9:545. [PMID: 29616036 PMCID: PMC5868415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Some of the clinically most important viruses persist in the human host after acute infection. In this situation, the host immune system and the viral pathogen attempt to establish an equilibrium. At best, overt disease is avoided. This attempt may fail, however, resulting in eventual loss of viral control or inadequate immune regulation. Consequently, direct virus-induced tissue damage or immunopathology may occur. The cluster of differentiation 1 (CD1) family of non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I molecules are known to present hydrophobic, primarily lipid antigens. There is ample evidence that both CD1-dependent and CD1-independent mechanisms activate CD1-restricted T cells during persistent virus infections. Sophisticated viral mechanisms subvert these immune responses and help the pathogens to avoid clearance from the host organism. CD1-restricted T cells are not only crucial for the antiviral host defense but may also contribute to tissue damage. This review highlights the two edged role of CD1-restricted T cells in persistent virus infections and summarizes the viral immune evasion mechanisms that target these fascinating immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günther Schönrich
- Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin J Raftery
- Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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17
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The Biology of Monocytes and Dendritic Cells: Contribution to HIV Pathogenesis. Viruses 2018; 10:v10020065. [PMID: 29415518 PMCID: PMC5850372 DOI: 10.3390/v10020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells such as monocytes, dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages (MΦ) are key components of the innate immune system contributing to the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and the development/resolution of immune responses to pathogens. Monocytes and DC, circulating in the blood or infiltrating various lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues, are derived from distinct bone marrow precursors and are typically short lived. Conversely, recent studies revealed that subsets of tissue resident MΦ are long-lived as they originate from embryonic/fetal precursors that have the ability to self-renew during the life of an individual. Pathogens such as the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) highjack the functions of myeloid cells for viral replication (e.g., MΦ) or distal dissemination and cell-to-cell transmission (e.g., DC). Although the long-term persistence of HIV reservoirs in CD4+ T-cells during viral suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) is well documented, the ability of myeloid cells to harbor replication competent viral reservoirs is still a matter of debate. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the biology of monocytes and DC during homeostasis and in the context of HIV-1 infection and highlights the importance of future studies on long-lived resident MΦ to HIV persistence in ART-treated patients.
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18
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Littwitz-Salomon E, Schimmer S, Dittmer U. Natural killer T cells contribute to the control of acute retroviral infection. Retrovirology 2017; 14:5. [PMID: 28122574 PMCID: PMC5267384 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-017-0327-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer T cells (NKT cells) play an important role in the immunity against viral infections. They produce cytokines or have direct cytolytic effects that can restrict virus replication. However, the exact function of NKT cells in retroviral immunity is not fully elucidated. Therefore, we analyzed the antiretroviral functions of NKT cells in mice infected with the Friend retrovirus (FV). Results After FV infection numbers of NKT cells remained unchanged but activation as well as improved effector functions of NKT cells were found. While the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines was not changed after infection, activated NKT cells revealed an elevated cytotoxic potential. Stimulation with α-Galactosylceramide significantly increased not only total NKT cell numbers and activation but also the anti-retroviral capacity of NKT cells. Conclusion We demonstrate a strong activation and a potent cytolytic function of NKT cells during acute retroviral infection. Therapeutic treatment with α-Galactosylceramide could further improve the reduction of early retroviral replication by NKT cells, which could be utilized for future treatment against viral infections. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12977-017-0327-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Littwitz-Salomon
- Institute for Virology of the University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Simone Schimmer
- Institute for Virology of the University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology of the University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
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