scholarly journals Interleukin (IL)-15Rα–deficient Natural Killer Cells Survive in Normal but Not IL-15Rα–deficient Mice

2003 ◽  
Vol 197 (8) ◽  
pp. 977-984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rima Koka ◽  
Patrick R. Burkett ◽  
Marcia Chien ◽  
Sophia Chai ◽  
Faye Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Transformed Cells ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Normal Cells ◽  
Bone Marrow Chimera ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Deficient Mice

Natural killer (NK) cells protect hosts against viral pathogens and transformed cells. IL-15 is thought to play a critical role in NK cell development, but its role in the regulation of peripheral NK cells is less well defined. We now find that adoptive transfer of normal NK cells into mice lacking the high affinity interleukin (IL)-15 receptor, IL-15Rα, surprisingly results in the abrupt loss of these cells. Moreover, IL-15Rα–deficient NK cells can differentiate successfully in radiation bone marrow chimera bearing normal cells. Finally, adoptively transferred IL-15Rα–deficient NK cells survive in normal but not IL-15Rα–deficient mice. These findings demonstrate that NK cell–independent IL-15Rα expression is critical for maintaining peripheral NK cells, while IL-15Rα expression on NK cells is not required for this function.

scholarly journals Prognostic significance of natural killer cell-associated markers in gastric cancer: quantitative analysis using multiplex immunohistochemistry

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee Young Na ◽  
Yujun Park ◽  
Soo Kyung Nam ◽  
Jiwon Koh ◽  
Yoonjin Kwak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
T Cells ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Prognostic Significance

Abstract Background Natural killer (NK) cells mediate the anti-tumoral immune response as an important component of innate immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance and functional implication of NK cell-associated surface receptors in gastric cancer (GC) by using multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC). Methods We performed an mIHC on tissue microarray slides, including 55 GC tissue samples. A total of 11 antibodies including CD57, NKG2A, CD16, HLA-E, CD3, CD20, CD45, CD68, CK, SMA, and ki-67 were used. CD45 + CD3-CD57 + cells were considered as CD57 + NK cells. Results Among CD45 + immune cells, the proportion of CD57 + NK cell was the lowest (3.8%), whereas that of CD57 + and CD57- T cells (65.5%) was the highest, followed by macrophages (25.4%), and B cells (5.3%). CD57 + NK cells constituted 20% of CD45 + CD57 + immune cells while the remaining 80% were CD57 + T cells. The expression of HLA-E in tumor cells correlated with that in tumoral T cells, B cells, and macrophages, but not CD57 + NK cells. The higher density of tumoral CD57 + NK cells and tumoral CD57 + NKG2A + NK cells was associated with inferior survival. Conclusions Although the number of CD57 + NK cells was lower than that of other immune cells, CD57 + NK cells and CD57 + NKG2A + NK cells were significantly associated with poor outcomes, suggesting that NK cell subsets play a critical role in GC progression. NK cells and their inhibitory receptor, NKG2A, may be potential targets in GC.

scholarly journals 789 Generation of a Bicycle NK-TICA™, a novel NK cell engaging molecule to enhance targeted tumor cytotoxicity

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A824-A824
Author(s):  
Fay Dufort ◽  
Christopher Leitheiser ◽  
Gemma Mudd ◽  
Julia Kristensson ◽  
Alexandra Rezvaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phage Display ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Tumor Antigen ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Tumor Cytotoxicity ◽  
Immune Oncology

BackgroundNatural killer (NK) cells are immune cells that can detect and eliminate tumor cells and bridge innate to adaptive immune responses. Tumor specific activation of NK cells is thus an area of active investigation in immune oncology, but to date has relied on complex biologic modalities (e.g., antibodies, fusion proteins, or cell therapies), each of which has inherent disadvantages in this application. Thus, alternative approaches are warranted. Bicycle® are small (ca. 1.5 kDa), chemically synthetic, structurally constrained peptides discovered via phage display and optimized using structure-driven design and medicinal chemistry approaches. We have now applied this technology to identify Bicycles that bind specifically to the key activating receptors, NKp46 and CD16a. When chemically coupled to tumor antigen binding Bicycles this results in highly potent, antigen-dependent receptor activation and NK cell activation. We term this new class of fully synthetic molecules Bicycle® natural killer- tumor-targeted immune cell agonists (NK-TICAs™) and we will describe their discovery and evaluation in this presentation.MethodsUsing our unique phage display screening platform, we have identified high affinity, selective binders to NKp46 and CD16a. By conjugating the Bicycle® NK cell-engaging binders to a model tumor antigen EphA2-binding Bicycle®, we have developed a bifunctional Bicycle NK-TICA™ molecule. In in vitro functional assays, we evaluated the ability of the Bicycle NK-TICAs™ to induce NK cell activation as well as cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine production in NK-tumor co-culture assays.ResultsWe have developed a novel modular compound with high affinity and selectivity to NK cell receptors with specific tumor targeting capability. We demonstrate potent, selective binding of our Bicycles to receptor-expressing cells and the capability of the bifunctional molecule to induce NK cell function. With Bicycle's novel NK-TICA™ compound, we demonstrate engagement of NK cells, specific activation and function of NK cells, and enhanced EphA2-expressing tumor cytotoxicity, in a dose dependent manner.ConclusionsBicycle NK-TICAs™ are novel therapeutic agents capable of enhancing the landscape of immune oncology. We hypothesize that utilization of Bicycle NK-TICA™ as a multifunctional immune cell engager will promote modulation of NK cells, and infiltration and anti-tumor activity of NK cells in solid tumors. The data presented here provide initial proof of concept for application of the Bicycle technology to drive NK cell-mediated tumor immunity.

scholarly journals Mature natural killer cells reset their responsiveness when exposed to an altered MHC environment

2010 ◽  
Vol 207 (10) ◽  
pp. 2065-2072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie T. Joncker ◽  
Nataliya Shifrin ◽  
Frédéric Delebecque ◽  
David H. Raulet
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Mhc I ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Histocompatibility Complex ◽  
Activating Receptors ◽  
Nk Cell Differentiation ◽  
Deficient Mice

Some mature natural killer (NK) cells cannot be inhibited by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I molecules, either because they lack corresponding inhibitory receptors or because the host lacks the corresponding MHC I ligands for the receptors. Such NK cells nevertheless remain self-tolerant and exhibit a generalized hyporesponsiveness to stimulation through activating receptors. To address whether NK cell responsiveness is set only during the NK cell differentiation process, we transferred mature NK cells from wild-type (WT) to MHC I–deficient hosts or vice versa. Remarkably, mature responsive NK cells from WT mice became hyporesponsive after transfer to MHC I–deficient mice, whereas mature hyporesponsive NK cells from MHC I–deficient mice became responsive after transfer to WT mice. Altered responsiveness was evident among mature NK cells that had not divided in the recipient animals, indicating that the cells were mature before transfer and that alterations in activity did not require cell division. Furthermore, the percentages of NK cells expressing KLRG1, CD11b, CD27, and Ly49 receptors specific for H-2b were not markedly altered after transfer. Thus, the functional activity of mature NK cells can be reset when the cells are exposed to a changed MHC environment. These findings have important implications for how NK cell functions may be curtailed or enhanced in the context of disease.

scholarly journals An Essential Role for Tumor Necrosis Factor in Natural Killer Cell–mediated Tumor Rejection in the Peritoneum

1998 ◽  
Vol 188 (9) ◽  
pp. 1611-1619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark J. Smyth ◽  
Janice M. Kelly ◽  
Alan G. Baxter ◽  
Heinrich Körner ◽  
Jonathon D. Sedgwick
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Necrosis Factor ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Mhc Class I ◽  
Tumor Necrosis ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Tumor Rejection ◽  
Class I ◽  
Deficient Mice ◽  
Necrosis Factor

Natural killer (NK) cells are thought to provide the first line of defence against tumors, particularly major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I− variants. We have confirmed in C57BL/6 (B6) mice lacking perforin that peritoneal growth of MHC class I− RMA-S tumor cells in unprimed mice is controlled by perforin-dependent cytotoxicity mediated by CD3− NK1.1+ cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that B6 mice lacking tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are also significantly defective in their rejection of RMA-S, despite the fact that RMA-S is insensitive to TNF in vitro and that spleen NK cells from B6 and TNF-deficient mice are equally lytic towards RMA-S. NK cell recruitment into the peritoneum was abrogated in TNF-deficient mice challenged with RMA-S or RM-1, a B6 MHC class I− prostate carcinoma, compared with B6 or perforin-deficient mice. The reduced NK cell migration to the peritoneum of TNF-deficient mice correlated with the defective NK cell response to tumor in these mice. By contrast, a lack of TNF did not affect peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte–mediated rejection of tumor from the peritoneum of preimmunized mice. Overall, these data show that NK cells delivering perforin are the major effectors of class I− tumor rejection in the peritoneum, and that TNF is specifically critical for their recruitment to the peritoneum.

scholarly journals IL-17 constrains natural killer cell activity by restraining IL-15–driven cell maturation via SOCS3

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (35) ◽  
pp. 17409-17418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuefu Wang ◽  
Rui Sun ◽  
Xiaolei Hao ◽  
Zhe-Xiong Lian ◽  
Haiming Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Natural Killer Cell Activity ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Cell Maturation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Deficient Mice

Increasing evidence demonstrates that IL-17A promotes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and viral infection. Natural killer (NK) cells are critical for defending against tumors and infections. However, the roles and mechanisms of IL-17A in regulating NK cell activity remain elusive. Herein, our study demonstrated that IL-17A constrained NK cell antitumor and antiviral activity by restraining NK cell maturation. It was observed that the development and metastasis of tumors were suppressed in IL-17A–deficient mice in the NK cell-dependent manner. In addition, the antiviral activity of NK cells was also improved in IL-17A–deficient mice. Mechanistically, ablation of IL-17A signaling promoted generation of terminally mature CD27−CD11b+ NK cells, whereas constitutive IL-17A signaling reduced terminally mature NK cells. Parabiosis or mixed bone marrow chimeras from Il17a−/−and wild-type (WT) mice could inhibit excessive generation of terminally mature NK cells induced by IL-17A deficiency. Furthermore, IL-17A desensitized NK cell responses to IL-15 and suppressed IL-15–induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) via up-regulation of SOCS3, leading to down-regulation of Blimp-1. Therefore, IL-17A acts as the checkpoint during NK cell terminal maturation, which highlights potential interventions to defend against tumors and viral infections.

scholarly journals Combined Stimulation with Interleukin-18 and Interleukin-12 Potently Induces Interleukin-8 Production by Natural Killer Cells

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 511-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie M. Poznanski ◽  
Amanda J. Lee ◽  
Tina Nham ◽  
Evan Lusty ◽  
Margaret J. Larché ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Interleukin 12 ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

The combination of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-12 (IL-18+IL-12) potently stimulates natural killer (NK) cells, triggering an innate immune response to infections and cancers. Strategies exploiting the effects of IL-18+IL-12 have shown promise for cancer immunotherapy. However, studies have primarily characterized the NK cell response to IL-18+IL-12 in terms of interferon (IFN)-γ production, with little focus on other cytokines produced. IL-8 plays a critical role in activating and recruiting immune cells, but it also has tumor-promoting functions. IL-8 is classically produced by regulatory NK cells; however, cytotoxic NK cells do not typically produce IL-8. In this study, we uncover that stimulation with IL-18+IL-12 induces high levels of IL-8 production by ex vivo expanded and freshly isolated NK cells and NK cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We further report that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, produced by NK cells following IL-18+IL-12 stimulation, regulates IL-8 production. The IL-8 produced is in turn required for maximal IFN-γ and TNF-α production. These findings may have important implications for the immune response to infections and cancer immunotherapies. This study broadens our understanding of NK cell function and IL-18+IL-12 synergy by uncovering an unprecedented ability of IL-18+IL-12-activated peripheral blood NK cells to produce elevated levels of IL-8 and identifying the requirement for intermediates induced by IL-18+IL-12 for maximal cytokine production following stimulation.

scholarly journals Phospho-proteomics reveals that RSK signaling is required for proliferation of natural killer cells stimulated with IL-2 or IL-15

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie A MacMullan ◽  
Pin Wang ◽  
Nicholas Alexander Graham
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cytokine Signaling ◽  
Cytotoxic Lymphocytes ◽  
Signaling Events ◽  
Bioinformatic Approaches ◽  
Ribosomal S6 Kinase

Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that play a critical role in the innate immune system. Although cytokine signaling is crucial for the development, expansion, and cytotoxicity of NK cells, the signaling pathways stimulated by cytokines are not well understood. Here, we sought to compare the early signaling dynamics induced by the cytokines interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-15 using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based phospho-proteomics. Following stimulation of the immortalized NK cell line NK-92 with IL-2 or IL-15 for 5, 10, 15, or 30 minutes, we identified 8,692 phospho-peptides from 3,023 proteins. Comparing the kinetic profiles of 3,619 fully quantified phospho-peptides, we found that IL-2 and IL-15 induced highly similar signaling in NK-92 cells. Among the IL-2/IL-15-regulated phospho-sites were both well-known signaling events like the JAK/STAT pathway and novel signaling events with potential functional significance including LCP1 Ser5, PAK2 Ser141, and STK17B Ser12. Using bioinformatic approaches, we sought to identify kinases regulated by IL-2/IL-15 stimulation and found that the p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) family was activated by both cytokines. Using pharmacological inhibitors, we then discovered that RSK signaling is required for IL-2 and IL-15-induced proliferation in NK-92 cells. Taken together, our analysis represents the first phospho-proteomic characterization of cytokine signaling in NK cells and increases our understanding of how cytokine signaling regulates NK cell function.

scholarly journals TXNIP Regulates Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Innate Immunity by Inhibiting IFN-γ Production during Bacterial Infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 9499
Author(s):  
Dong Oh Kim ◽  
Jae-Eun Byun ◽  
Won Sam Kim ◽  
Mi Jeong Kim ◽  
Jung Ha Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infection ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Primary Mouse ◽  
Ifn Γ

The function of natural killer (NK) cell-derived interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expands to remove pathogens by increasing the ability of innate immune cells. Here, we identified the critical role of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) in the production of IFN-γ in NK cells during bacterial infection. TXNIP inhibited the production of IFN-γ and the activation of transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) activity in primary mouse and human NK cells. TXNIP directly interacted with TAK1 and inhibited TAK1 activity by interfering with the complex formation between TAK1 and TAK1 binding protein 1 (TAB1). Txnip−/− (KO) NK cells enhanced the activation of macrophages by inducing IFN-γ production during Pam3CSK4 stimulation or Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection and contributed to expedite the bacterial clearance. Our findings suggest that NK cell-derived IFN-γ is critical for host defense and that TXNIP plays an important role as an inhibitor of NK cell-mediated macrophage activation by inhibiting the production of IFN-γ during bacterial infection.

scholarly journals T-bet–dependent S1P5 expression in NK cells promotes egress from lymph nodes and bone marrow

2009 ◽  
Vol 206 (11) ◽  
pp. 2469-2481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig N. Jenne ◽  
Anselm Enders ◽  
Richard Rivera ◽  
Susan R. Watson ◽  
Alexander J. Bankovich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Lymph Nodes ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Induced Mutations ◽  
Transcript Levels ◽  
Sphingosine 1 Phosphate ◽  
Deficient Mice

During a screen for ethylnitrosourea-induced mutations in mice affecting blood natural killer (NK) cells, we identified a strain, designated Duane, in which NK cells were reduced in blood and spleen but increased in lymph nodes (LNs) and bone marrow (BM). The accumulation of NK cells in LNs reflected a decreased ability to exit into lymph. This strain carries a point mutation within Tbx21 (T-bet), which generates a defective protein. Duane NK cells have a 30-fold deficiency in sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 5 (S1P5) transcript levels, and S1P5-deficient mice exhibit an egress defect similar to Duane. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirms binding of T-bet to the S1pr5 locus. S1P-deficient mice exhibit a more severe NK cell egress block, and the FTY720-sensitive S1P1 also plays a role in NK cell egress from LNs. S1P5 is not inhibited by CD69, a property that may facilitate trafficking of activated NK cells to effector sites. Finally, the accumulation of NK cells within BM of S1P-deficient mice was associated with reduced numbers in BM sinusoids, suggesting a role for S1P in BM egress. In summary, these findings identify S1P5 as a T-bet–induced gene that is required for NK cell egress from LNs and BM.

The Krüppel-Like Factor 4 (KLF4) Modulates Survival and Tissue Distribution of Natural Killer Cells.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 282-282
Author(s):  
Chun Shik Park ◽  
Ping-Hsien Lee ◽  
Takeshi Yamada ◽  
Maksim Mamonkin ◽  
H. Daniel Lacorazza
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Lymph Nodes ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Tissue Distribution ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Deficient Mice

Abstract Abstract 282 Natural Killer (NK) cells are important mediators of the innate immune system that could be targeted therapeutically to treat hematologic malignancies and to prevent graft-versus-host disease. Hence, a better understanding of NK cell survival and tissue trafficking at steady state is vital to develop cell-based therapies. Genes that control proliferation are often involved in tissue distribution of lymphocytes, such as KLF2 in T cells. KLF4, another member of the Krüppel-like factor family, can activate and repress genes involved in diverse cellular processes. We recently reported that KLF4 is part of a novel inhibitory pathway that prevents proliferation of naïve T cells during homeostasis and retain memory T cells in lymph nodes (Yamada et al., Nature Immunology, 2009). In this work, we studied the role of KLF4 in the development and maintenance of NK cells by deleting Klf4-floxed gene (fl/fl) using the Mx1-Cre system. The percentage of NK1.1+TCR- cells is significantly reduced in peripheral blood of Klf4-deficient (▪/▪) mice (fl/fl: 3.4±1.1 versus ▪/▪: 1.2±0.1, n=9) and also absolute numbers in spleen (▪/▪: 1.1±1.3 ×106, n=6) due to increased percentage of Annexin V positive cells (fl/fl: 9.2±3.2 versus ▪/▪: 22.9±15.5, n=15). The number of CD49d+TCR- cells was also significantly reduced in peripheral blood and spleen of Klf4-deficient mice. In contrast, the number of NK cells in bone marrow and lymph nodes of Klf4-deficient mice was similar to controls. Deletion of Klf4 gene led to reduced numbers of NK1.1+TCR-CD27+CD11b+ and NK1.1+TCR-CD27-CD11b+ cells, which correlated with increasing apoptosis of these subsets. Yet, the percentages of these NK cell subsets were normal in bone marrow ruling out a developmental defect in this tissue. Transplant of wild type and Klf4-deficient bone marrow cells into wild type mice suggested environmental rather than cell intrinsic defects. NK cells (NK1.1+TCR-) isolated from spleen of Klf4-deficient mice showed to be functional in a cytotoxicity assay using a mixture of differentially CFSE-labeled RMA-S (target) and EL4 (control). In summary, KLF4 plays a key role in the maintenance of mature NK cells in peripheral blood and spleen. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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