Single-cell analysis of the human NK cell response to missing self and its inhibition by HLA class I

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 105 (5) ◽  
pp. 2028-2035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monia Draghi ◽  
Nobuyo Yawata ◽  
Michael Gleimer ◽  
Makoto Yawata ◽  
Nicholas M. Valiante ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Mhc Class I ◽  
Cell Response ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Intracellular Cytokine Staining ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Hla Class I ◽  
Inhibitory Response ◽  
Class I

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells activate quickly in response to pathogens, tumors, and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants. Modulating the NK cell response are clonally distributed NK cell receptors that survey cells for change in the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and structurally related ligands. Here the enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay, intracellular cytokine staining (ICS), and short-term culture were used to quantify the response of bulk NK cell populations from human donors to HLA class I–deficient 221 cells and to 221 cells transfected with single HLA class I allotypes. NK cells in cultures containing interleukin-2 (IL-2) or IL-12 exhibited specificities of HLA class I–mediated inhibition that correlated well with those previously defined using NK cell clones in long-term culture and with the frequencies of cells expressing particular inhibitory HLA class I receptors. Culture with IL-12, but not IL-2, gave an increased frequency of cells expressing CD94: NKG2A but no change in killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) expression. For some heterozygote combinations of KIR3DL1 alleles, ICS can be used to compare the functional properties of the 2 allotypes. Thus, both the low-expressing KIR3DL1*005 and the high-expressing KIR3DL1*002 gave similar inhibitory response on challenge with an HLA-B*5801 ligand. The single-cell assays developed here should facilitate future population study and clinical analysis of human NK cell regulation by MHC class I.

scholarly journals Specificity of HLA class I antigen recognition by human NK clones: evidence for clonal heterogeneity, protection by self and non-self alleles, and influence of the target cell type.

1993 ◽  
Vol 178 (4) ◽  
pp. 1321-1336 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Litwin ◽  
J Gumperz ◽  
P Parham ◽  
J H Phillips ◽  
L L Lanier
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Mhc Class I ◽  
Target Cell ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Hla Class I ◽  
Class I ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Clonal Heterogeneity ◽  
Multiple Alleles ◽  
Wide Range

Prior studies using polyclonal populations of natural killer (NK) cells have revealed that expression of certain major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on the membrane of normal and transformed hematopoietic target cells can prevent NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. However, the extent of clonal heterogeneity within the NK cell population and the effect of self versus non-self MHC alleles has not been clearly established. In the present study, we have generated more than 200 independently derived human NK cell clones from four individuals of known human histocompatibility leukocyte antigens (HLA) type. NK clones were analyzed for cytolytic activity against MHC class I-deficient Epstein Barr virus (EBV) transformed B lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCL) stably transfected with several HLA-A, -B, or -C genes representing either self or non-self alleles. All NK clones killed the prototypic HLA-negative erythroleukemia K562 and most lysed the MHC class I-deficient C1R and 721.221 B-LCL. Analysis of the panel of HLA-A, -B, and -C transfectants supported the following general conclusions. (a) Whereas recent studies have suggested that HLA-C antigens may be preferentially recognized by NK cells, our findings indicate that 70% or more of all NK clones are able to recognize certain HLA-B alleles and many also recognize HLA-A alleles. Moreover, a single NK clone has the potential to recognize multiple alleles of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C antigens. Thus, HLA-C is not unique in conferring protection against NK lysis. (b) No simple patterns of HLA specificity emerged. Examination of a large number of NK clones from a single donor revealed overlapping, yet distinct, patterns of reactivity when a sufficiently broad panel of HLA transfectants was examined. (c) Both autologous and allogeneic HLA antigens were recognized by NK clones. There was neither evidence for deletion of NK clones reactive with self alleles nor any indication for an increased frequency of NK clones recognizing self alleles. (d) With only a few exceptions, protection conferred by transfection of HLA alleles into B-LCL was usually not absolute. Rather a continuum from essentially no protection for certain alleles (HLA-A*0201) to very striking protection for other alleles (HLA-B*5801), with a wide range of intermediate effects, was observed. (e) Whereas most NK clones retained a relatively stable HLA specificity, some NK clones demonstrated variable and heterogeneous activity over time. (f) NK cell recognition and specificity cannot be explained entirely by the presence or absence of HLA class I antigens on the target cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

scholarly journals HLA upregulation during dengue virus infection suppresses the natural killer cell response

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia L. McKechnie ◽  
Davis Beltran ◽  
Arcelys Pitti ◽  
Lisseth Saenz ◽  
Ana B. Araúz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Cell Response ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Hla Class I ◽  
Denv Infection ◽  
Class I ◽  
Hla Class I Molecules

AbstractDengue virus (DENV) is the most prevalent mosquito-borne virus in the world and a major cause of morbidity in the tropics and subtropics. Upregulation of HLA class I molecules has long been considered a feature of DENV infection, yet this has not been evaluated in the setting of natural infection. Natural killer (NK) cells, an innate immune cell subset critical for mounting an early response to viral infection, are inhibited by self HLA class I, suggesting that upregulation of HLA class I during DENV infection could dampen the NK cell response. Here we addressed whether upregulation of HLA class I molecules occurs during in vivo DENV infection and, if so, whether this suppresses the NK cell response. We found that HLA class I expression was indeed upregulated during acute DENV infection across multiple cell lineages in vivo. To better understand the role of HLA class I upregulation, we infected primary human monocytes, a major target of DENV infection, in vitro. Upregulation of total HLA class I is dependent on active viral replication and is mediated in part by cytokines and other soluble factors induced by infection, while upregulation of HLA-E occurs in the presence of replication-incompetent virus. Importantly, blocking DENV-infected monocytes with a pan-HLA class I Fab nearly doubles the frequency of degranulating NK cells, while blocking HLA-E does not significantly improve the NK cell response. These findings demonstrate that upregulation of HLA class I during DENV infection suppresses the NK cell response, potentially contributing to disease pathogenesis.

scholarly journals Evolution and Immunogenetics of Natural Killer Cell Receptors in Health and Disease

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. SCI-25-SCI-25
Author(s):  
Peter Parham
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Natural Killer ◽  
Mhc Class I ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Hla Class I ◽  
Class I ◽  
Mhc Class I Molecules ◽  
Kir Gene ◽  
Kir Haplotypes

Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells are phenotypically diverse lymphocytes that contribute to innate immunity, adaptive immunity and placental reproduction. Unlike B and T cells, NK cells do not use rearranging genes to make diverse antigen receptors that are clonally expressed. Instead, NK cells express diverse combinations of a variety of receptors that are encoded by conventional non-rearranging genes. Several of these receptors are specific for conserved and variable determinants of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. In humans, the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are a diverse and polymorphic family of NK-cell receptors that recognize determinants of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A, B and C, the polymorphic human MHC class I molecules. HLA-A, B and C are the most polymorphic of human genes, and they correlate with susceptibility to a wide range of diseases and clinical outcomes, including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). During NK-cell development, interactions between epitopes of HLA class I and KIR educate the NK cells to recognize the normal expression of these epitopes on healthy cells, and to respond to unhealthy cells in which that expression is perturbed. In the context of HCT, certain types of HLA class I mismatch enable donor-derived NK cells to make an alloreactive and beneficial graft-versus-leukemia response. Although it is likely that all placental mammals have NK cells, only a small minority of these species has a diverse KIR family like that in humans. These comprise the simian primates: New World monkeys, Old World monkeys and the great apes. Under pressure from diverse and rapidly evolving pathogens, both the MHC class I and KIR gene families have been driven to evolve rapidly. Consequently, much of their character is species-specific. This is especially true for the human KIR gene family, which is qualitatively different from that of our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Whereas chimpanzee KIR haplotype diversity represents variations on a theme of genes encoding robust MHC class I receptors, humans have an even balance between group A KIR haplotypes encoding robust HLA class I receptors and group B KIR haplotypes encoding receptors that, to varying degree, have been subject to natural selection for reduced functional recognition of HLA class I. A balance of A and B is present in all human populations and thus appears essential for the long-term survival and competitiveness of human communities. Whereas the A KIR haplotypes correlate with successful defense against viral infection, maternal B KIR haplotypes correlate with reproductive success and donor B KIR haplotypes improve the outcome of allogeneic HCT as therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

KIR3DL1 and HLA-Bw4 Allotypes Predict The Extent Of NK Cell Licensing

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 1043-1043
Author(s):  
Jeanette E Boudreau ◽  
Jean-Benoit Le Luduec ◽  
Katharine C. Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Hla Class I ◽  
Inhibitory Response ◽  
Class I ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Negative Target

Abstract Members of the killer immunoglobulin family (KIR) and their HLA class I ligands contribute to establishing natural killer cell reactive potential. NK cells bearing inhibitory KIR that bind self-HLA are termed “licensed” and are highly responsive to targets lacking self HLA, but tolerant to autologous, healthy cells. Among KIR:HLA partnerships, KIR3DL1 and HLA-Bw4 alleles demonstrate the greatest polymorphism. Allelic subgroups of KIR3DL1 are distinguished by their density on the surface of NK cells and demonstrate different sensitivity to inhibition by HLA-Bw4 allotypes. Specifically, KIR3DL1 alleles expressed with high surface density (3DL1high) are more potently inhibited by HLA-Bw4 epitopes possessing isoleucine (80I) compared with threonine (80T) at position 80. It is not currently known whether the same KIR-HLA interactions that mediate higher inhibitory response also endow higher effector capacity. Retrospective analyses of patients with HIV have demonstrated that the same allelic combinations of HLA-B and KIR3DL1 predictive of high inhibition are associated with delayed progression to AIDS. Indeed, a potential target for NK cells is created by the HIV nef protein, which mediates downregulation of HLA-B expression. Taken together, these finding have led us to hypothesize that the sensitivity of NK cells for inhibition by HLA predicts the extent to which they may be licensed for functional responsiveness. We undertook functional analyses of NK cells exclusively expressing KIR3DL1 from healthy HLA-Bw4+ or Bw4-/- donors, using HLA-negative 721.221 target cells to examine licensing function. First, we developed and validated a multiplex PCR array allowing identification of allelic groups of KIR3DL1 that correspond to expression densities. This genomic analysis informed the division of 59 subjects into groups stratified by the inhibitory potential conveyed by self HLA-B and KIR3DL1+ alleles. As expected and consistent with NK education or “licensing” by self-specific inhibitory KIR with cognate HLA ligand, KIR3DL1+Bw4+ NK cells demonstrated greater responsiveness 721.221 cells compared with KIR3DL1+ cells obtained from Bw4-/- donors, as assessed by CD107α externalization. The proportion of KIR3DL1+ NK cells degranulating in response to HLA class I-negative target cells was highly variable and not reflective of either HLA-Bw4 nor KIR3DL1 allele groups alone; however, when both KIR3DL1 and Bw4 allele groups were considered, highly inhibitory allotype pairs were indeed associated with higher NK effector function (p=0.0065). This finding was particularly pronounced among partnerships involving high-density KIR3DL1 alleles: compared with 80T, 80I conditioned 3DL1high NK cells for superior 721-221-stimulated degranulation (p=0.0035). We further investigated whether NK cell licensing could be mediated and/or maintained by HLA intrinsic to NK cells. We found that diminution of HLA expression in licensed KIR3DL1+ by shRNA-mediated knockdown reduced responsiveness to HLA class I-negative target cells, demonstrating that HLA is required on NK cells to maintain their licensed potential. Collectively, these findings reveal that an NK cell’s capacity for effector response is not only determined by the presence of a self-specific receptor, but that functional hierarchies exist among NK cells bearing different allotypes of one KIR for its ligand in a manner correlated with inhibitory capacity. Finally, cis-interactions between KIR and HLA contribute to NK licensing, indicating that human NK education is at least partly determined by molecules intrinsic to the cell itself. These findings of differential NK licensing among KIR3DL1-Bw4 allotype combinations now provide the biological basis for the clinical findings of variable HIV control among patients with different KIR3DL1-Bw4 allotype combinations. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals ERAP1 Controls the Interaction of the Inhibitory Receptor KIR3DL1 With HLA-B51:01 by Affecting Natural Killer Cell Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia D’Amico ◽  
Valerio D’Alicandro ◽  
Mirco Compagnone ◽  
Patrizia Tempora ◽  
Giusy Guida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mhc Class I ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Cell Subset ◽  
Human Tumor ◽  
Hla Class I ◽  
Class I ◽  
Pharmacological Inhibition ◽  
Mhc Class I Molecules

The endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase ERAP1 regulates innate and adaptive immune responses by trimming peptides for presentation by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Previously, we have shown that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of ERAP1 on murine and human tumor cell lines perturbs the engagement of NK cell inhibitory receptors Ly49C/I and Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), respectively, by their specific ligands (MHC class I molecules), thus leading to NK cell killing. However, the effect of ERAP1 inhibition in tumor cells was highly variable, suggesting that its efficacy may depend on several factors, including MHC class I typing. To identify MHC class I alleles and KIRs that are more sensitive to ERAP1 depletion, we stably silenced ERAP1 expression in human HLA class I-negative B lymphoblastoid cell line 721.221 (referred to as 221) transfected with a panel of KIR ligands (i.e. HLA-B*51:01, -Cw3, -Cw4 and -Cw7), or HLA-A2 which does not bind any KIR, and tested their ability to induce NK cell degranulation and cytotoxicity. No change in HLA class I surface expression was detected in all 221 transfectant cells after ERAP1 depletion. In contrast, CD107a expression levels were significantly increased on NK cells stimulated with 221-B*51:01 cells lacking ERAP1, particularly in the KIR3DL1-positive NK cell subset. Consistently, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of ERAP1 impaired the recognition of HLA-B*51:01 by the YTS NK cell overexpressing KIR3DL1*001, suggesting that ERAP1 inhibition renders HLA-B*51:01 molecules less eligible for binding to KIR3DL1. Overall, these results identify HLA-B*51:01/KIR3DL1 as one of the most susceptible combinations for ERAP1 inhibition, suggesting that individuals carrying HLA-B*51:01-like antigens may be candidates for immunotherapy based on pharmacological inhibition of ERAP1.

scholarly journals A New Mechanism of NK Cell Cytotoxicity Activation: The CD40–CD40 Ligand Interaction

1997 ◽  
Vol 185 (12) ◽  
pp. 2053-2060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ennio Carbone ◽  
Giuseppina Ruggiero ◽  
Giuseppe Terrazzano ◽  
Carmen Palomba ◽  
Ciro Manzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Mhc Class I ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Cd40 Ligand ◽  
Class I ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Ligand Interaction ◽  
Effector Functions ◽  
Nk Cell Cytotoxicity ◽  
Dependent Pathway

NK recognition is regulated by a delicate balance between positive signals initiating their effector functions, and inhibitory signals preventing them from proceeding to cytolysis. Knowledge of the molecules responsible for positive signaling in NK cells is currently limited. We demonstrate that IL-2–activated human NK cells can express CD40 ligand (CD40L) and that recognition of CD40 on target cells can provide an activation pathway for such human NK cells. CD40-transfected P815 cells were killed by NK cell lines expressing CD40L, clones and PBLderived NK cells cultured for 18 h in the presence of IL-2, but not by CD40L-negative fresh NK cells. Cross-linking of CD40L on IL-2–activated NK cells induced redirected cytolysis of CD40-negative but Fc receptor-expressing P815 cells. The sensitivity of human TAP-deficient T2 cells could be blocked by anti-CD40 antibodies as well as by reconstitution of TAP/MHC class I expression, indicating that the CD40-dependent pathway for NK activation can be downregulated, at least in part, by MHC class I molecules on the target cells. NK cell recognition of CD40 may be important in immunoregulation as well as in immune responses against B cell malignancies.

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 Cell Surface Organization of Stress-inducible Proteins ULBP and MICA That Stimulate Human NK Cells and T Cells via NKG2D

2004 ◽  
Vol 199 (7) ◽  
pp. 1005-1010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantina Eleme ◽  
Sabrina B. Taner ◽  
Björn Önfelt ◽  
Lucy M. Collinson ◽  
Fiona E. McCann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Lipid Rafts ◽  
Mhc Class I ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Class I ◽  
Immune Synapse ◽  
Green Fluorescent

Cell surface proteins major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I–related chain A (MICA) and UL16-binding proteins (ULBP) 1, 2, and 3 are up-regulated upon infection or tumor transformation and can activate human natural killer (NK) cells. Patches of cross-linked raft resident ganglioside GM1 colocalized with ULBP1, 2, 3, or MICA, but not CD45. Thus, ULBPs and MICA are expressed in lipid rafts at the cell surface. Western blotting revealed that glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored ULBP3 but not transmembrane MICA, MHC class I protein, or transferrin receptor, accumulated in detergent-resistant membranes containing GM1. Thus, MICA may have a weaker association with lipid rafts than ULBP3, yet both proteins accumulate at an activating human NK cell immune synapse. Target cell lipid rafts marked by green fluorescent protein–tagged GPI also accumulate with ULBP3 at some synapses. Electron microscopy reveals constitutive clusters of ULBP at the cell surface. Regarding a specific molecular basis for the organization of these proteins, ULBP1, 2, and 3 and MICA are lipid modified. ULBP1, 2, and 3 are GPI anchored, and we demonstrate here that MICA is S-acylated. Finally, expression of a truncated form of MICA that lacks the putative site for S-acylation and the cytoplasmic tail can be expressed at the cell surface, but is unable to activate NK cells.

Anti-Leukemia Activity of Alloreactive NK Cells in Haploidentical HSCT in Pediatric Patients: Re-Defining the Role of Activating and Inhibitory KIR

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3002-3002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Pende ◽  
Stefania Marcenaro ◽  
Michela Falco ◽  
Stefania Martini ◽  
Maria Ester Bernardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Cell Subset ◽  
Hla Class I ◽  
Class I ◽  
Leukemia Cells ◽  
Hla Alleles ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract T-cell depleted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from haploidentical donors (haplo-HSCT) has been reported to benefit from the graft-versus-leukemia effect mediated by natural killer (NK) cells when donor displays NK alloreactivity versus the recipient. NK alloreactivity is mediated by NK receptors, namely Killer Ig-like receptors (KIR) which are specific for allotypic determinants that are shared by different HLA-class I alleles (referred to as KIR ligands). It is known that KIR2DL1 recognizes HLA-C alleles characterized by Lys at position 80 (C2 group), KIR2DL2/3 recognize HLA-C alleles characterized by Asn at position 80 (C1 group), KIR3DL1 recognizes HLA-B alleles sharing the Bw4 supertypic specificity (Bw4 group) and KIR3DL2 recognizes HLA-A3 and –A11 alleles. KIR2D/3DL are inhibitory receptors that, upon engagement with the cognate ligand, inhibit lysis. Activating KIRs, highly homologous in the extracellular domain to the inhibitory counterparts, are KIR2DS1, KIR2DS2 and KIR3DS1, but only KIR2DS1 has been shown to specifically recognize C2 group of alleles expressed on B-EBV cells. We analyzed 21 children with leukemia receiving haplo-HSCT from a relative after a myeloablative conditioning regimen; in all pairs, the expression of a given KIR ligand (HLA class I allele) of the donor was missing in the patient (i.e. KIR ligand-mismatched haplo-HSCT). T-cell depletion was performed through positive selection of CD34+ cells; no pharmacological immune suppression was employed after HSCT. KIR genotype of all donors was evaluated to detect the presence of the various inhibitory and activating KIR genes. Phenotypic analyses were performed on NK cells derived from the donor and the patient at different time points after HSCT. Thanks to the availability of new mAbs able to discriminate between the inhibitory and the activating forms of a certain KIR, we could identify the alloreactive NK cell subset at the population level. These alloreactive NK cells express the KIR specific for the KIR ligand-mismatch (permissive inhibitory KIR) and the activating KIR (if present), while they do not express all inhibitory KIR specific for the patient HLA alleles and NKG2A. Thus, in most instances, we could precisely identify the size of the alloreactive NK cell subset in the donor and in the reconstituted repertoire of the recipient. Functional assays were performed to assess alloreactivity, using appropriate B-EBV cell lines and, if available, patient’s leukemia blasts. In some cases, also NK cell clones were extensively studied, for phenotype and receptor involvement in killing activity. We found that, in most transplanted patients, variable proportions of donor-derived alloreactive NK cells displaying anti-leukemia activity were generated and maintained even at late time-points after transplantation. Donor-derived KIR2DL1+ NK cells isolated from the recipient displayed the expected capability of selectively killing C1/C1 target cells, including patient leukemia blasts. Differently, KIR2DL2/3+ NK cells displayed poor alloreactivity against leukemia cells carrying HLA alleles belonging to the C2 specificity. Unexpectedly, this was due to recognition of C2 by KIR2DL2/3, as revealed by receptor blocking experiments and by binding assays of soluble KIR to HLA-C transfectants. Remarkably, however, C2/C2 leukemia blasts were killed by KIR2DL2/3+ (or by NKG2A+) NK cells that co-expressed KIR2DS1. This could be explained by the ability of KIR2DS1 to directly recognize C2 on leukemia cells. A role for the KIR2DS2 activating receptor in leukemia cell lysis could not be established. Taken together, these findings provide new information on NK alloreactivity in haplo-HSCT that may greatly impact on the selection of the optimal donor.

HLA Influence on NK Cell Expansion

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 4924-4924
Author(s):  
Jennifer Schellekens ◽  
Anna Stserbakova ◽  
Madis Tõns ◽  
Hele Everaus ◽  
Marcel GJ Tilanus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cell Expansion ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Hla Class I ◽  
Class I ◽  
Haematopoietic Stem Cell ◽  
Specific Priming

Abstract Natural Killer (NK) cells are effector cells in the innate immune system. The anti-leukaemic capacities of NK cells in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation make these cells a potential treatment modality to improve clinical outcome. Immunotherapy with NK cells requires transfusion of large quantities, which obviates the need for an in vitro culture system for NK cells. The killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) on NK cells recognise defined groups of HLA class I alleles. To elucidate the influence of these interactions on proliferation, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 29 patients and donors were cultured in CellGro SCGM with IL-2 and OKT3 antibody to expand the NK cell fraction. The killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and HLA repertoire were determined by sequence specific priming and sequence based typing respectively. The percentage of NK cell expansion from the total PBMC fraction varied between 5.4% and 71.6%. A significantly better NK cell expansion was observed for individuals homozygous for HLA-C epitope group 2 (p<0.05). For evaluation of cytolytic competence of the cultured NK cells, specific killing of an HLA class I expression deficient LCL 721.221 cell line and three 721.221 cell lines transfected with different HLA-C alleles was determined. A significantly better NK cell-induced specific cytotoxicity was observed towards the untransfected 721.221 cells compared to the HLA-C transfected 721.221 cells. No significant differences were observed between killing of the three HLA-C transfected 721.221 cell lines. We have shown that cytolytic capacities of the cultured NK cells are maintained and in vitro expansion of NK cells is dependant on the presence of HLA-C alleles.

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