scholarly journals The transcription factor Bcl11b promotes both canonical and adaptive NK cell differentiation

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (57) ◽  
pp. eabc9801
Author(s):  
Tim D. Holmes ◽  
Ram Vinay Pandey ◽  
Eric Y. Helm ◽  
Heinrich Schlums ◽  
Hongya Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Murine Cytomegalovirus ◽  
Nk Cell Differentiation ◽  
And Function

Epigenetic landscapes can provide insight into regulation of gene expression and cellular diversity. Here, we examined the transcriptional and epigenetic profiles of seven human blood natural killer (NK) cell populations, including adaptive NK cells. The BCL11B gene, encoding a transcription factor (TF) essential for T cell development and function, was the most extensively regulated, with expression increasing throughout NK cell differentiation. Several Bcl11b-regulated genes associated with T cell signaling were specifically expressed in adaptive NK cell subsets. Regulatory networks revealed reciprocal regulation at distinct stages of NK cell differentiation, with Bcl11b repressing RUNX2 and ZBTB16 in canonical and adaptive NK cells, respectively. A critical role for Bcl11b in driving NK cell differentiation was corroborated in BCL11B-mutated patients and by ectopic Bcl11b expression. Moreover, Bcl11b was required for adaptive NK cell responses in a murine cytomegalovirus model, supporting expansion of these cells. Together, we define the TF regulatory circuitry of human NK cells and uncover a critical role for Bcl11b in promoting NK cell differentiation and function.

A Novel Human CD34(+) Subset That Constitutively Expresses the High Affinity Interleukin-2 Receptor Traffics to Lymph Nodes and Differentiates into CD56Bright Natural Killer Cells.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 314-314
Author(s):  
Aharon G. Freud ◽  
Brian Becknell ◽  
Sameek Roychowdhury ◽  
Hsiaoyin C. Mao ◽  
Amy K. Ferketich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Lymph Nodes ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Constitutive Expression ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Nk Cell Differentiation

Abstract In adult humans, T cells differentiate in the thymus and B cells develop in the bone marrow, but the site(s) of natural killer (NK) cell differentiation are unclear. Here we describe, for the first time, a unique CD34(+) population found in human lymph nodes (LN) that differentiates into NK cells. CD56bright NK cells represent <10% of NK cells in peripheral blood (PB) yet predominate in LN where they can compete for endogenous T cell-derived IL-2 during immune activation due to their unique expression of functional high affinity (HA) interleukin (IL)-2 receptors (IL-2R). We hypothesized that a subset of CD34(+) hematopoietic precursor cells (HPC) might also express functional HA IL-2R and potentially differentiate into CD56bright NK cells via activation with low dose IL-2. We first identified a novel human CD34dimCD45RA(+) HPC in PB with constitutive expression of the HA IL-2R. When cultured in picomolar concentrations of IL-2 that selectively saturate the HA IL-2R, these cells give rise to CD56bright NK cells, and this effect is blocked when IL-2 cannot bind to its HA receptor. This unique CD34(+) population expresses IL-2Rα, CD2, CD7, c-kit, L-selectin, and NKR-P1A, all of which are also expressed by CD56bright NK cells. Unique among total PB CD34(+) cells, this novel population displays high integrin α4β7 expression. This attribute, in addition to its high L-selectin expression, suggested that these cells may traffic to LN where their progeny, CD56bright NK cells, represent the major NK subset. Indeed we found a distinct CD34dimCD45RA(+)α4β7bright population that resides in the T cell rich regions of human LN, and when stimulated in vitro with 10 pM IL-2, this cell gives rise to CD56bright NK cells. This novel population represents only ~6% of all PB CD34(+) HPC yet is the major if not exclusive CD34(+) subset in LN. While murine studies strongly support the notion that most if not all NK cells require IL-15 for their development, these new human data suggest a model for development of a minor human NK subset, the CD56bright NK cells, whereby CD34dimCD45RA(+)α4β7bright HPC constitutively expressing the HA IL-2R traffic to peripheral LN where endogenous T cell-derived IL-2 can drive CD56bright NK cell differentiation in vivo.

scholarly journals Single-Cell Sequencing Reveals the Novel Role of Ezh2 in NK Cell Maturation and Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minghang Yu ◽  
Ziyang Su ◽  
Xuefeng Huang ◽  
Xi Wang
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Cell Maturation ◽  
Transcriptional Signature ◽  
Nk Cell Differentiation ◽  
Cell Arrest ◽  
And Function

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes primarily involved in innate immunity and exhibit important functional properties in antimicrobial and antitumoral responses. Our previous work indicated that the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2) is a negative regulator of early NK cell differentiation and function through trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Here, we deleted Ezh2 from immature NK cells and downstream progeny to explore its role in NK cell maturation by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). We identified six distinct NK stages based on the transcriptional signature during NK cell maturation. Conditional deletion of Ezh2 in NK cells resulted in a maturation trajectory toward NK cell arrest in CD11b SP stage 5, which was clustered with genes related to the activating function of NK cells. Mechanistically, we speculated that Ezh2 plays a critical role in NK development by activating AP-1 family gene expression independent of PRC2 function. Our results implied a novel role for the Ezh2-AP-1-Klrg1 axis in altering the NK cell maturation trajectory and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

scholarly journals The Effect of Telomerase Inhibition on NK Cell Activity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khadijeh Dizaji Asl ◽  
Ali Rafat ◽  
Ali Akbar Movassaghpour ◽  
Hojjatollah Nozad Charoudeh ◽  
Hamid Tayefi Nasrabadi
Keyword(s):  
Acute Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Telomerase Inhibition ◽  
Nk Cell Differentiation ◽  
Acute Myeloid

Purpose: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is known to be an invasive and highly lethal hematological malignancy in adults and children. Resistance to the present treatments, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy with their side effects and telomere length shortening are the main cause of the mortality in AML patients. Telomeres sequence which are located at the end of eukaryotic chromosome play pivotal role in genomic stability. Recent studies have shown that apoptosis process is blocked in AML patient by the excessive telomerase activity in cancerous blasts. Therefore, the find of effective ways to prevent disease progression has been considered by the researchers. Natural killer (NK) cells as granular effector cells play a critical role in elimination of abnormal and tumor cells. Given that the cytotoxic function of NK cells is disrupted in the AML patients, we investigated the effect of telomerase inhibitors on NK cell differentiation. Methods: To evaluate telomerase inhibition on NK cell differentiation, the expression of CD105, CD56, CD57, and KIRs was evaluated in CD34+ derived NK cells after incubation of them with BIBR1532. Results: The results showed that the expression of CD105, CD56, CD57, and KIRs receptors reduces after telomerase inhibition. According to these findings, BIBR1532 affected the final differentiation of NK cells. Conclusion: The results revealed that telomerase inhibitor drugs suppress cancer cell progression in a NK cells-independent process.

scholarly journals Ex Vivo Production of Large Numbers of Genetically Modified NK Cells from Cord Blood or Mobilized Peripheral Blood CD34 + Cells Using Notch Ligand Delta-like 4 Culture System

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2778-2778
Author(s):  
Akshay Joshi ◽  
Isabelle Andre ◽  
Pierre Gaudeaux ◽  
Ranjita Devi Moirangthem ◽  
Tayebeh Shabi Soheili ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Culture System ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
K562 Cells ◽  
Leukemia Cell Line ◽  
Cd34 Cells ◽  
Nk Cell Differentiation

Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells are an essential component of human innate immune, with a remarkable ability to provide protection against cancer and viral infections. NK-based immune therapy has several advantages over T cell immunotherapy: NK cells do not cause graft-versus-host disease and do not induce T-cell driven inflammatory cytokine storm. Moreover, unlike T cell, NK cells do not need prior sensitization, specific antigen recognition and clonal expansion for their cytotoxic effector functions and they can rapidly trigger cytotoxicity against their targets. NK cells can be expanded from multiple sources including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), umbilical cord blood (UCB), or mobilized peripheral blood (mPB) CD34 + cells. Yet the lack of efficient methods for in-vitro NK cell expansion, purification and genetic modification limits the clinical use of NK cell therapy. We aimed at developing a simple, scalable and clinically feasible technique for therapeutic NK cell production based on our recently published culture system that can produce large numbers of unmodified or genetically modified CD7 + T lymphoid progenitors from UCB and mPB CD34 + cells in 7 days on immobilized Notch-ligand delta-like 4 recombinant protein DLL4. Since T cells and NK cells share a common T/NK cell progenitor, we are interested to investigate the NK cell potential of DLL4 culture-generated T lymphoid progenitors. Firstly, we tested the NK cell potential of the transduced or non- transduced UCB or mPB CD34 +-derived progenitors from DLL4 culture by subjecting them to a feeder free NK cell differentiation for 3 weeks. HSPC-derived progenitors can be efficiently transduced with lentiviral vectors (average transduction efficacy: 50%). The transduced/ non-transduced progenitors were able to efficiently differentiate into NK (CD3 -CD56 +) cells beginning from one week of differentiation, reaching a frequencies of NK cells of &gt;90% without any detectable T cell contamination at week 2. The phenotypic characterization of the NK cells demonstrates the presence of activation receptors such as NKG2D, DNAM-1, NKp30, NKp44 and NKp46 while lacking the inhibitory receptors like KLRG1, KIR2DL2/DL3 and KIR3DL1/DL2. Interestingly, these cells express the transcription factors known to be essential for NK cell differentiation and functions such as Eomes, T-bet and ID2. Additionally, the CB or mPB HSPC-derived NK cells (both transduced/ non-transduced) express perforin and granzyme B reflecting their ability to show cytotoxic potential. Further, the stimulation of UCB or mPB derived NK cells with myelogenous leukemia cell line K562 cells showed high level of degranulation, which is the key step for Interferon gamma (IFNg) induction. An analysis cytotoxic activity of the CB or mPB derived NK cells against K562 cells and monocytic leukemia cell line THP1 cells showed their ability to efficiently kill K562 cells compared to THP1 cells, however the UCB derived NK cells were highly cytotoxic compared to mPB derived NK cells. These data suggests that our DLL4 culture system, along with feeder-free NK cell differentiation is a unique combination that is able to give rise to high number of pure NK cell population with high cytotoxic potential. These results lay a foundation towards an easier approach to NK cell therapy for effective treatment of cancers and viral infections, which will be developed in collaboration with Smart Immune Inc. Disclosures Cavazzana: Smart Immune: Other: co-founder.

scholarly journals Coordinated acquisition of inhibitory and activating receptors and functional properties by developing human natural killer cells

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (12) ◽  
pp. 3824-3833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bartosz Grzywacz ◽  
Nandini Kataria ◽  
Magdalena Sikora ◽  
Robert A. Oostendorp ◽  
Elaine A. Dzierzak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Fetal Liver ◽  
Interferon Γ ◽  
Intermediate Phenotype ◽  
Interleukin 7 ◽  
Nk Cell Differentiation ◽  
And Function

AbstractThe stages of human natural killer (NK) cell differentiation are not well established. Culturing CD34+ progenitors with interleukin 7 (IL-7), IL-15, stem cell factor (SCF), FLT-3L, and murine fetal liver cell line (EL08.1D2), we identified 2 nonoverlapping subsets of differentiating CD56+ cells based on CD117 and CD94 (CD117highCD94– and CD117low/–CD94+ cells). Both populations expressed CD161 and NKp44, but differed with respect to NKp30, NKp46, NKG2A, NKG2C, NKG2D, CD8, CD16, and KIR. Only the CD117low/– CD94+ population displayed cytotoxicity and interferon-γ production. Both populations arose from a single CD34+CD38– Lin– cell and their percentages changed over time in a reciprocal fashion, with CD117highCD94– cells predominating early and decreasing due to an increase of the CD117low/–CD94+ population. These 2 subsets represent distinct stages of NKcell differentiation, since purified CD117high CD94– cells give rise to CD117low/–CD94+ cells. The stromal cell line (EL08.1D2) facilitated the transition from CD117highCD94– to CD117low/–CD94+ via an intermediate phenotype (CD117lowCD94low/–). EL08.1D2 also maintained the mature phenotype, preventing the reversion of CD117low/–CD94+ cells to the intermediate (CD117lowCD94low/–) phenotype. An analogous population of CD56+CD117highCD94– cells was found in cord blood. The identified stages of NK-cell differentiation provide evidence for coordinated acquisition of HLA-specific inhibitory receptors (ie, CD94/NKG2A) and function in developing human NK cells.

scholarly journals The transcription factor ETS1 is an important regulator of human NK cell development and terminal differentiation

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvie Taveirne ◽  
Sigrid Wahlen ◽  
Wouter Van Loocke ◽  
Laura Kiekens ◽  
Eva Persyn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Terminal Differentiation ◽  
Cell Development ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Nk Cell Differentiation ◽  
Important Regulator

Natural killer (NK) cells are important in the immune defense against tumor cells and pathogens, and regulate other immune cells by cytokine secretion. Whereas murine NK cell biology has been extensively studied, knowledge about transcriptional circuitries controlling human NK cell development and maturation is limited. By generating ETS1-deficient human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and by expressing the dominant-negative ETS1 p27 isoform in cord blood (CB) hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), we show that the transcription factor ETS1 is critically required for human NK cell differentiation. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis determined by RNA-sequencing combined with chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis reveals that human ETS1 directly induces expression of key transcription factors that control NK cell differentiation, i.e. E4BP4, TXNIP, TBET, GATA3, HOBIT and BLIMP1. In addition, ETS1 regulates expression of genes involved in apoptosis and NK cell activation. Our study provides important molecular insights into the role of ETS1 as an important regulator of human NK cell development and terminal differentiation.

Expression patterns of NKG2A, KIR, and CD57 define a process of CD56dim NK-cell differentiation uncoupled from NK-cell education

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (19) ◽  
pp. 3853-3864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niklas K. Björkström ◽  
Peggy Riese ◽  
Frank Heuts ◽  
Sandra Andersson ◽  
Cyril Fauriat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Human Leukocyte ◽  
Phenotypic Properties ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Nk Cell Differentiation

Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that, following differentiation from CD56bright to CD56dim cells, have been thought to retain fixed functional and phenotypic properties throughout their lifespan. In contrast to this notion, we here show that CD56dim NK cells continue to differentiate. During this process, they lose expression of NKG2A, sequentially acquire inhibitory killer cell inhibitory immunoglobulin-like receptors and CD57, change their expression patterns of homing molecules, and display a gradual decline in proliferative capacity. All cellular intermediates of this process are represented in varying proportions at steady state and appear, over time, during the reconstitution of the immune system, as demonstrated in humanized mice and in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. CD56dim NK-cell differentiation, and the associated functional imprint, occurs independently of NK-cell education by interactions with self–human leukocyte antigen class I ligands and is an essential part of the formation of human NK-cell repertoires.

scholarly journals Cytomegalovirus-Driven Adaption of Natural Killer Cells in NKG2Cnull Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Individuals

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilie M. Comeau ◽  
Kayla A. Holder ◽  
Neva J. Fudge ◽  
Michael D. Grant
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Cytokine Production ◽  
Zinc Finger Protein ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Nk Cell Differentiation

Expansion of natural killer (NK) cells expressing NKG2C occurs following human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection and is amplified by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection. These NKG2C-expressing NK cells demonstrate enhanced CD16-dependent cytokine production and downregulate FcεRIγ and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF). Lacking NKG2C diminishes resistance to HIV infection, but whether this affects NK cell acquisition of superior antibody-dependent function is unclear. Therefore, our objective was to investigate whether HCMV-driven NK cell differentiation is impaired in NKG2Cnull HIV-infected individuals. Phenotypic (CD2, CD16, CD57, NKG2A, FcεRIγ, and PLZF expression) and functional (cytokine induction and cytotoxicity) properties were compared between HIV–infected NKG2Cnull and NKG2C-expressing groups. Cytokine production was compared following stimulation through natural cytotoxicity receptors or through CD16. Cytotoxicity was measured by anti-CD16-redirected lysis and by classical antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against anti-class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody-coated cells. Our data indicate highly similar HCMV-driven NK cell differentiation in HIV infection with or without NKG2C. While the fraction of mature (CD57pos) NK cells expressing CD2 (p = 0.009) or co-expressing CD2 and CD16 (p = 0.03) was significantly higher in NKG2Cnull HIV-infected individuals, there were no significant differences in NKG2A, FcεRIγ, or PLZF expression. The general phenotypic and functional equivalency observed suggests NKG2C-independent routes of HCMV-driven NK cell differentiation, which may involve increased CD2 expression.

Cytokine-activated NK cells inhibit PMN apoptosis and preserve their functional capacity

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (8) ◽  
pp. 1308-1316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nupur Bhatnagar ◽  
Henoch S. Hong ◽  
Jayendra K. Krishnaswamy ◽  
Arash Haghikia ◽  
Georg M. Behrens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
Polymorphonuclear Cells ◽  
Soluble Factors ◽  
And Function

Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) play a critical role in the first line of defense against microorganisms. Upon host infection, PMNs phagocytose invading pathogens with subsequent killing by oxidative or nonoxidative mechanisms. NK cells are known to have immunoregulatory effects on T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and monocytes through secretion of various soluble products and cell-cell contact. However, their impact on PMN survival and function is not well known. We found that soluble factors derived from cytokine-activated NK cells delay PMN apoptosis and preserve their ability to perform phagocytosis and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression patterns of CD11b and CD62L on PMNs differed according to the cytokine combination used for NK-cell stimulation. Irrespective of the NK-cell treatment, however, PMN survival was prolonged with sustained functional capacity. We found that interferon γ, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor α produced by NK cells upon stimulation with cytokines played a crucial role in NK cell–mediated effects on PMNs. Our study demonstrates that soluble factors derived from cytokine-activated NK cells send survival signals to PMNs, which would promote their accumulation and function at the site of inflammation in vivo.

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