scholarly journals Overview of Memory NK Cells in Viral Infections: Possible Role in SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Immuno ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-67
Author(s):  
Juan Bautista De Sanctis ◽  
Jenny Valentina Garmendia ◽  
Marián Hajdúch

NK cells have usually been defined as cells of the innate immune system, although they are also involved in adaptative responses. These cells belong to the innate lymphocyte cells (ILC) family. They remove unwanted cells, tumoral cells and pathogens. NK cells are essential for viral infection clearance and are involved in tolerogenic responses depending on the dynamic balance of the repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors. NK plasticity is crucial for tissue function and vigilant immune responses. They directly eliminate virus-infected cells by recognising viral protein antigens using a non-MHC dependent mechanism, recognising viral glycan structures and antigens by NCR family receptors, inducing apoptosis by Fas-Fas ligand interaction, and killing cells by antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity via the FcγIII receptor. Activating receptors are responsible for the clearance of virally infected cells, while inhibitory KIR receptor activation impairs NK responses and facilitates virus escape. Effective NK memory cells have been described and characterised by a low NKG2A and high NKG2C or NKG2D expression. NK cells have also been used in cell therapy. In SARS-CoV-2 infection, several contradicting reports about the role of NK cells have been published. A careful analysis of the current data and possible implications will be discussed.

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 557
Author(s):  
Xuewen Deng ◽  
Hiroshi Terunuma ◽  
Mie Nieda

Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic immune cells with an innate capacity for eliminating cancer cells and virus- infected cells. NK cells are critical effector cells in the immunosurveillance of cancer and viral infections. Patients with low NK cell activity or NK cell deficiencies are predisposed to increased risks of cancer and severe viral infections. However, functional alterations of human NK cells are associated with lifestyles and aging. Personal lifestyles, such as cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, obesity, and aging are correlated with NK cell dysfunction, whereas adequate sleep, moderate exercise, forest bathing, and listening to music are associated with functional healthy NK cells. Therefore, adherence to a healthy lifestyle is essential and will be favorable for immunosurveillance of cancer and viral infections with healthy NK cells.


2009 ◽  
Vol 206 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Kielczewska ◽  
Michal Pyzik ◽  
Tianhe Sun ◽  
Astrid Krmpotic ◽  
Melissa B. Lodoen ◽  
...  

Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial in resistance to certain viral infections, but the mechanisms used to recognize infected cells remain largely unknown. Here, we show that the activating Ly49P receptor recognizes cells infected with mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) by a process that requires the presence of H2-Dk and the MCMV m04 protein. Using H2 chimeras between H2-Db and -Dk, we demonstrate that the H2-Dk peptide-binding platform is required for Ly49P recognition. We identified m04 as a viral component necessary for recognition using a panel of MCMV-deletion mutant viruses and complementation of m04-deletion mutant (Δm04) virus infection. MA/My mice, which express Ly49P and H2-Dk, are resistant to MCMV; however, infection with Δm04 MCMV abrogates resistance. Depletion of NK cells in MA/My mice abrogates their resistance to wild-type MCMV infection, but does not significantly affect viral titers in mice infected with Δm04 virus, implicating NK cells in host protection through m04-dependent recognition. These findings reveal a novel mechanism of major histocompatability complex class I–restricted recognition of virally infected cells by an activating NK cell receptor.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawei Zhou ◽  
Jun-Gyu Park ◽  
Zhenyu Wu ◽  
Huachao Huang ◽  
Guillaume N Fiches ◽  
...  

FACT (FAcilitates Chromatin Transcription) is a heterodimeric protein complex composed of SUPT16H and SSRP1, and a histone chaperone participating in chromatin remodeling during gene transcription. FACT complex is profoundly regulated, and contributes to both gene activation and suppression. Here we reported that SUPT16H, a subunit of FACT, is acetylated at lysine 674 (K674) of middle domain (MD), which involves TIP60 histone acetyltransferase. Such acetylation of SUPT16H is recognized by bromodomain protein BRD4, which promotes protein stability of SUPT16H. We further demonstrated that SUPT16H-BRD4 associates with histone modification enzymes (EZH2, HDAC1) and affects histone marks (H3K9me3, H3K27me3 and H3ac). BRD4 is known to profoundly regulate interferon (IFN) signaling, while such function of SUPT16H has never been explored. Surprisingly, our results revealed that SUPT16H genetic knockdown via RNAi or pharmacological inhibition by using its inhibitor, curaxin 137 (CBL0137), results in the induction of IFNs and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Through this mechanism, CBL0137 is shown to efficiently inhibit infection of multiple viruses, including Zika, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CBL0137 also causes the remarkable activation of IFN signaling in natural killer (NK) cells, which promotes the NK-mediated killing of virus-infected cells in a co-culture system using human primary NK cells. Overall, our studies unraveled the previously un-appreciated role of FACT complex in regulating IFN signaling in both epithelial and NK cells, and also proposed the novel application of CBL0137 to treat viral infections.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 741-741
Author(s):  
Rehan Mujeeb Faridi ◽  
Taylor J Kemp ◽  
Poonam Dharmani ◽  
Victor A. Lewis ◽  
Noureddine Berka ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Recipientsof allogeneic HCT remain vulnerable to a heightened risk of reactivation of otherwise latent viral infections owing to a compromised immune system early after transplantation. Uncontrolled reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) leading to post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is one of such major complications after T-cell depleted HCT. Recovering within weeks after transplantation and being first in line of defense against viral infections, natural killer (NK) cells are deemed important in the immunopathogenesis of EBV complications. Their role however remains elusive. NK cell responses are regulated by a series of activating and inhibitory cell surface receptors, central to which are the Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR). Through these receptors NK cells discriminate healthy cells from 'altered' self-cells by scaling the perturbations in HLA expression after viral transformation of the target cell. Here, we set out to determine whether and how KIR gene and motifs' content of HCT donors and/or recipients influences the development of PTLD after allo-HCT. STUDY DESIGN: Hypothesizing that diverse NK cell receptor repertoires can titrate NK cell functional responses to EBV infections/reactivation and can potentially modify the risk of developing PTLD, we determined the KIR gene repertoires of 356 HLA-matched donor-recipient pairs of first allo-HCT and 50 healthy donors through Next Generation Sequencing of the KIR locus on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Based on the presence/absence and number of copies of individual genes, the KIR genotypes were determined and classified into four common centromeric (cA01, cB01, cB02 and cB03) and two telomeric (tA01 and tB01) motifs along with their variants. PBMNCs from KIR typed healthy volunteers were stimulated with EBV-transformed target cells to enumerate NK cell response to EBV (degranulation and/or IFNγ production) as a function of KIR gene content and motifs' distribution using a multicolor flow cytometry-based assay. Effect of KIR gene profile on development of PTLD was analyzed using binomial competing risks regression statistics. Distribution of NK cell functional response across various KIR characterized groups was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U statistics. RESULTS: Donor telomeric A motifs (tA01, KIR3DL1+ve KIR2DS4+ve; KIR3DS1/2DS1+/-ve), strongly protected against PTLD (p=0.0001, SHR=0.17; Figure 1). An increased protection against PTLD with increasing number of tA01 was noted with at least one copy required for a significant protective effect (Figure 1B). Copy number analysis of tA01 gene contents yielded similar associations. Further, the number of EBV induced functional NK cell subsets were significantly higher in individuals with than without KIR genotypes containing tA01 motifs (Figure 2 A-C) and was found to be increasing with an increasing number of tA01 copies (Figure 2 A'-C'). There was no influence of recipients' KIR repertoire on the risk of developing PTLD CONCLUSIONS: NK cell responsiveness, a function of KIR gene repertoire has a profound effect on the development of PTLD. Appropriately characterized KIR gene profile based identification of HCT recipients at high risk of developing PTLD will enable closer monitoring of EBV DNAemia and facilitate prompt therapy. Figure 1. Donor KIR telomeric A motif (tA01) protects against the risk of developing PTLD (A). Presence of at least one copy of donor KIR tA01 motif confers significant protection from PTLD (B) Figure 1. Donor KIR telomeric A motif (tA01) protects against the risk of developing PTLD (A). Presence of at least one copy of donor KIR tA01 motif confers significant protection from PTLD (B) Figure 2. KIR telomeric A motifs (tA01) titrate NK cells' functional response to Epstein-Barr virus infected cells (A-C), with and increasing %functional NK cells and subsets (measures as expressing CD107a, IFN-γ, or both) are observed with increasing tA01 motifs' copies (A'-C') Figure 2. KIR telomeric A motifs (tA01) titrate NK cells' functional response to Epstein-Barr virus infected cells (A-C), with and increasing %functional NK cells and subsets (measures as expressing CD107a, IFN-γ, or both) are observed with increasing tA01 motifs' copies (A'-C') Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


1998 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 8061-8072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laure Moutouh ◽  
Jérôme Estaquier ◽  
Douglas D. Richman ◽  
Jacques Corbeil

ABSTRACT We have previously shown that the presence of the CD4 cytoplasmic tail is critical for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced apoptosis (J. Corbeil, M. Tremblay, and D. D. Richman, J. Exp. Med. 183:39–48, 1996). We have pursued our investigation of the role of the CD4 transduction pathway in HIV-induced apoptosis. To do this, wild-type and mutant forms of the CD4 cytoplasmic tail were stably expressed in the lymphoblastoid T-cell line A2.01. Apoptosis was prevented when CD4 truncated at residue 402 was expressed; however, cells expressing mutated receptors that do not associate with p56 lck (mutated at the dicysteine motif and truncated at residue 418) but which conserved proximal domains of the cytoplasmic tail underwent apoptosis like wild-type CD4. The differences between wild-type and mutated receptors in the induction of apoptosis were not related to levels of p56 lck or NF-κB activation. Initial signaling through the CD4 receptor played a major role in the sensitization of HIV-infected T cells to undergo apoptosis. Incubation of HIV-infected cells with monoclonal antibody (MAb) 13B8-2, which binds to CD4 in a region critical for dimerization of the receptor, prevented apoptosis without inhibiting HIV replication. Moreover, the apoptotic process was not related to Fas-Fas ligand interaction; however, an antagonistic anti-Fas MAb (ZB-4) enhanced apoptosis in HIV-infected cells without inducing apoptosis in uninfected cells. These observations demonstrate that CD4 signaling mediates HIV-induced apoptosis by a mechanism independent of Fas-Fas ligand interaction, does not require p56 lck signaling, and may involve a critical region for CD4 dimerization.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-232
Author(s):  
Ifrah Anwar ◽  
Usman A. Ashfaq ◽  
Zeeshan Shokat

The liver is a vital organ for life and the only internal organ that is capable of natural regeneration. Although the liver has high regeneration capacity, excessive hepatocyte death can lead to liver failure. Various factors can lead to liver damage including drug abuse, some natural products, alcohol, hepatitis, and autoimmunity. Some models for studying liver injury are APAP-based model, Fas ligand (FasL), D-galactosamine/endotoxin (Gal/ET), Concanavalin A, and carbon tetrachloride-based models. The regeneration of the liver can be carried out using umbilical cord blood stem cells which have various advantages over other stem cell types used in liver transplantation. UCB-derived stem cells lack tumorigenicity, have karyotype stability and high immunomodulatory, low risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD), low risk of transmitting somatic mutations or viral infections, and low immunogenicity. They are readily available and their collection is safe and painless. This review focuses on recent development and modern trends in the use of umbilical cord stem cells for the regeneration of liver fibrosis.


Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Chathura D. Suraweera ◽  
Mark G. Hinds ◽  
Marc Kvansakul

Apoptosis is a form of cellular suicide initiated either via extracellular (extrinsic apoptosis) or intracellular (intrinsic apoptosis) cues. This form of programmed cell death plays a crucial role in development and tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms and its dysregulation is an underlying cause for many diseases. Intrinsic apoptosis is regulated by members of the evolutionarily conserved B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family, a family that consists of pro- and anti-apoptotic members. Bcl-2 genes have also been assimilated by numerous viruses including pox viruses, in particular the sub-family of chordopoxviridae, a group of viruses known to infect almost all vertebrates. The viral Bcl-2 proteins are virulence factors and aid the evasion of host immune defenses by mimicking the activity of their cellular counterparts. Viral Bcl-2 genes have proved essential for the survival of virus infected cells and structural studies have shown that though they often share very little sequence identity with their cellular counterparts, they have near-identical 3D structures. However, their mechanisms of action are varied. In this review, we examine the structural biology, molecular interactions, and detailed mechanism of action of poxvirus encoded apoptosis inhibitors and how they impact on host–virus interactions to ultimately enable successful infection and propagation of viral infections.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 3732
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Dabrowska ◽  
Aleksandra Milewska ◽  
Joanna Ner-Kluza ◽  
Piotr Suder ◽  
Krzysztof Pyrc

Mass spectrometry (MS) used in proteomic approaches is able to detect hundreds of proteins in a single assay. Although undeniable high analytical power of MS, data acquired sometimes lead to confusing results, especially during a search of very selective, unique interactions in complex biological matrices. Here, we would like to show an example of such confusing data, providing an extensive discussion on the observed phenomenon. Our investigations focus on the interaction between the Zika virus NS3 protease, which is essential for virus replication. This enzyme is known for helping to remodel the microenvironment of the infected cells. Several reports show that this protease can process cellular substrates and thereby modify cellular pathways that are important for the virus. Herein, we explored some of the targets of NS3, clearly shown by proteomic techniques, as processed during infection. Unfortunately, we could not confirm the biological relevance of protein targets for viral infections detected by MS. Thus, although mass spectrometry is highly sensitive and useful in many instances, also being able to show directions where cell/virus interaction occurs, we believe that deep recognition of their biological role is essential to receive complete insight into the investigated process.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S326-S327
Author(s):  
Simone A Thair ◽  
Yudong He ◽  
Yehudit Hasin-Brumshtein ◽  
Suraj Sakaram ◽  
Rushika R Pandya ◽  
...  

Abstract Background COVID-19 is a pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that shares and differs in clinical characteristics of known viral infections. Methods We obtained RNAseq profiles of 62 prospectively enrolled COVID-19 patients and 24 healthy controls (HC). We collected 23 independent studies profiling 1,855 blood samples from patients covering six viruses (influenza, RSV, HRV, Ebola, Dengue and SARS-CoV-1). We studied host whole-blood transcriptomic responses in COVID-19 compared to non-COVID-19 viral infections to understand similarities and differences in host response. Gene signature threshold was absolute effect size ≥1, FDR ≤ 0.05%. Results Differential gene expression of COVID-19 vs HC are highly correlated with non-COVID-19 vs HC (r=0.74, p< 0.001). We discovered two gene signatures: COVID-19 vs HC (2002 genes) (COVIDsig) and non-COVID-19 vs HC (635 genes) (nonCOVIDsig). Pathway analysis of over-expressed signature genes in COVIDsig or nonCOVIDsig identified similar pathways including neutrophil activation, innate immune response, immune response to viral infection and cytokine production. Conversely, for under-expressed genes, pathways indicated repression of lymphocyte differentiation and activation (Fig1). Intersecting the two gene signatures found two genes significantly oppositely regulated (ACO1, ATL3). We derived a third gene signature using COCONUT to compare COVID-19 to non-COVID-19 viral infections (416 genes) (Fig2). Pathway analysis did not result in significant enrichment, suggesting identification of novel biology (Fig1). Statistical deconvolution of bulk transcriptomic data found M1 macrophages, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, CD14+ monocytes, CD4+ T cells and total B cells changed in the same direction across COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 infections. Cell types that increased in COVID-19 relative to non-COVID-19 were CD56bright NK cells, M2 macrophages and total NK cells. Those that decreased in non-COVID-19 relative to COVID-19 were CD56dim NK cells & memory B cells and eosinophils (Fig3). Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Conclusion The concordant and discordant responses mapped here provide a window to explore the pathophysiology of COVID-19 vs other viral infections and show clear differences in signaling pathways and cellularity as part of the host response to SARS-CoV-2. Disclosures Simone A. Thair, PhD, Inflammatix, Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Yudong He, PhD, Inflammatix Inc. (Employee) Yehudit Hasin-Brumshtein, PhD, Inflammatix (Employee, Shareholder) Suraj Sakaram, MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inflammatix (Employee, Other Financial or Material Support, stock options) Rushika R. Pandya, MS, Inflammatix Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) David C. Rawling, PhD, Inflammatix Inc. (Employee, Shareholder) Purvesh Khatri, PhD, Inflammatix Inc. (Shareholder) Timothy Sweeney, MD, PHD, Inflammatix, Inc. (Employee, Shareholder)


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