AIM To characterize peripheral blood natural killer(NK) cells phenotypes by flow cytometry as potential biomarker of liver fibrosis in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)/hepatitis C virus(HCV) coinfected patients.METHO...AIM To characterize peripheral blood natural killer(NK) cells phenotypes by flow cytometry as potential biomarker of liver fibrosis in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)/hepatitis C virus(HCV) coinfected patients.METHODS Peripheral mononuclear cells from 24 HIV/HCV(HBVnegative) coinfected and 5 HIV/HCV/HBV seronegative individuals were evaluated. HIV/HCV coinfected patients were divided in to groups: G1, patients with METAVIR F0-F2 and G2, patients with METAVIR F3-F4. NK surface cell staining was performed with: AntiCD3(APC/Cy7), anti-CD56(PE/Cy5), anti-CD57(APC), anti-CD25(PE), anti-CD69(FITC), anti-NKp30(PE), antiNKp46(PE/Cy7), anti-NKG2D(APC), anti-DNAM(FITC); anti-CD62L(PE/Cy7), anti-CCR7(PE), anti-TRAIL(PE), anti-Fas L(PE), anti CD94(FITC). Flow cytometry data acquisition was performed on BD FACSCanto, analyzed using Flow Jo software. Frequency of fluorescence was analyzed for all single markers. Clinical records were reviewed, and epidemiological and clinical data were obtained.RESULTS Samples from 11 patients were included in G1 and from 13 in G2. All patients were on ARV, with undetectable HIV viral load. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by transient elastography in 90% of the patients and with biopsy in 10% of the patients. Mean HCV viral load was(6.18 ± 0.7 log10). Even though, no major significant differences were observed between G1 and G2 regarding NK surface markers, it was found that patients with higher liver fibrosis presented statistically lower percentage of NK cells than individual with low to mild fibrosis and healthy controls(G2: 5.4% ± 2.3%, G1: 12.6% ± 8.2%, P = 0.002 and healthy controls 12.2% ± 2.7%, P = 0.008). It was also found that individuals with higher liver fibrosis presented lower CD4 LT count than those from G1(G2: 521 ± 312 cells/μL, G1: 770 ± 205 cells/μL; P = 0.035).CONCLUSION Higher levels of liver fibrosis were associated with lower percentage of NK cells and LTCD4+ count; and they may serve as noninvasive biomarkers of liver damage.展开更多
Natural killer T cells(NKT cells) are innate-like T cells that acquire effector functions while developing in the thymus, polarize into three distinct functional subsets viz. NKT1, NKT2 and NKT17 cells that produce in...Natural killer T cells(NKT cells) are innate-like T cells that acquire effector functions while developing in the thymus, polarize into three distinct functional subsets viz. NKT1, NKT2 and NKT17 cells that produce interferon(IFN)-γ, interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-17, respectively. However, there has been no unique surface markers that define each subsets, forcing investigators to use intracellular staining of transcription factors and cytokines in combination of surface markers to distinguish among these subsets. Intracellular staining, however, causes apoptosis and prevents subsequent utilization of NKT cells in functional in vitro and in vivo assays that require viable cells. This limitation has significantly impeded understanding the specific properties of each subset and their interactions with each other. Therefore, there has been fervent efforts to find a specific markers for each NKT cell subset. We have recently identified that syndecan-1(SDC-1; CD138) as a specific surface marker of NKT17 cells. This discovery now allows visualization of NKT17 in situ and study of their peripheral tissue distribution, characteristics of their TCR and viable sorting for in vitro and in vivo analysis. In addition, it lays the ground working for investigating significance of SDC-1 expression on this particular subset in regulating their roles in host defense and glucose metabolism.展开更多
Background:CD8 positive T lymphocytes and natural killer(NK)cells in the peripheral blood of cervical cancer patients exhibit varying sensitivities to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Methods:A total of 50 healthy people...Background:CD8 positive T lymphocytes and natural killer(NK)cells in the peripheral blood of cervical cancer patients exhibit varying sensitivities to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Methods:A total of 50 healthy peoples and 60 cervical cancer patients were recruited.The patients with cervical cancer were separated into two groups:radiation and chemotherapy,and blood sample were collected before and after treatment.Data on the proportion of CD8 positive T lymphocytes and NK cells were gathered for analytical evaluation.Results:Compared to healthy individuals,patients with cervical cancer exhibit a reduced proportion of CD8 positive T cells within their peripheral blood.And for patients with cervical cancer,radiation therapy has been found to be more effective than chemotherapy in increasing the proportion of CD8 positive T lymphocytes and NK cells.Conclusions:These results suggest that radiation therapy increases the levels of CD8 positive T lymphocytes and NK cells within the peripheral blood of patients with cervical cancer.The study hypothesis that the changes in the percentage of CD8 positive T lymphocytes may serve as a potential indicator for predicting treatment efficacy.展开更多
Summary: The role of hepatic CD69+ natural killer (NK) cells in virus-induced severe liver injury and subsequent hepatic failure is not well defined. In this study, a mouse model of fulminant liver failure (FHF)...Summary: The role of hepatic CD69+ natural killer (NK) cells in virus-induced severe liver injury and subsequent hepatic failure is not well defined. In this study, a mouse model of fulminant liver failure (FHF) induced by murine hepatitis virus strain 3 (MHV-3) was used to study the role of hepatic CD69+NK cells in the development of FHF. The CD69 expression in NK cells in the liver, spleen, bone marrow and peripheral blood was detected by using flow cytometry. The correlation between the CD69 level in hepatic NK cells and liver injury was studied. The functional marker (CD107a), and activating and inhibitory receptor (NKG2D and NKG2A) expressed on CD69+NK cells and CD69-NK cells were detected by using flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-9, IFN-y and TNF-a) were also examined by using intracellular staining. After MHV-3 infection, the number of CD69+NK cells in the liver of BALB/cJ mice was increased markedly and peaked at 72 h post-infection. Similar changes were also observed in the spleen, bone marrow and peripheral blood. Meanwhile, the CD69 expression in hepatic NK cells was highly correlated with the serum level of ALT and AST. The expression of CD107a and NKG2D, as well as the production of TNF-a, IFN-7 and IL-9 in hepatic CD69+NK cells was all significantly up-regulated during 48-72 h post-infection. In contrast, the NKG2A expression was increased in hepatic CD69-NK cells but not in CD69+NK cells. These results suggested that hepatic CD69+NK cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of FHF by enhancing degranulation and cytotoxic ability of NK cells and increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.展开更多
Natural killer(NK)cells act as a first line of defense in innate immune system against new malignant transformed cells without prior exposure to tumor antigens.The activity of NK cells is tightly controlled by a balan...Natural killer(NK)cells act as a first line of defense in innate immune system against new malignant transformed cells without prior exposure to tumor antigens.The activity of NK cells is tightly controlled by a balance between inhibitory receptors and activating receptors,and when activation signals outweigh inhibitory signals,NK cells can mediate a response to eliminate the targeted cells.As a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune responses to enhance destruction of tumors,NK cells kill their tumor targets through a variety of mechanisms,including receptor-mediated cytotoxicity,antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity(ADCC),death receptor Fas/FasL signaling pathway-mediated cancer apoptosis.However,the efficacy of using NK cells for tumor immunotherapy has been limited by a lack of antigen specificity.To overcome this limitation,Vallera and colleagues developed a bispecific killer cell engager(BiKE),which is comprised of a first ScFv that recognizes a tumor antigen and a second ScFv against CD16(expressed on NK cells)to trigger ADCC.To overcome the poor expansion of NK cells in vivo,a novel trispecific killer cell engager(TriKE)was evolved from the BiKE by the same team.In this molecule,IL-15 was integrated to promote NK cell expansion,thereby eliciting superior NK cytotoxicity and NK cell persistence in vivo compared to BiKE.In order to simultaneously target drug-refractory cancer stem cells(CSC)and cancer cells,a novel tetraspecific killer engager(TetraKE)comprising anti-CD133,EpCAM,CD16 ScFvs and a sustaining IL-15 signal cross-linker was recently developed.Compared to BiKE or TriKE,TetraKE1615EpCAM133 was highly specific against EpCAM-and CD133-bearing cells,leading to enhanced NK cell proliferation,prolonged survival and a limited cytokine response.This TetraKE represents a promising new modality for immunotherapy.展开更多
AIM To assess the levels of different immune modulators in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),in relation to other hepatic diseases.METHODS Eighty-eight patients were included in the current study and represe...AIM To assess the levels of different immune modulators in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),in relation to other hepatic diseases.METHODS Eighty-eight patients were included in the current study and represented patients with HCC(20),liver cirrhosis(28) and chronic hepatitis(CH;25),and normal controls(NC;15).Peripheral blood was isolated for immunophenotyping of active myeloid dendritic cells(m DCs;CD1 c and CD40),mature inactive myeloid cells(CD1 c and HLA),active plasmacytoid cells(p DCs;CD303 and CD40),mature inactive p DCs(CD30 and HLA),active natural killer(NK) cells(CD56 and CD161),active NK cells(CD56 and CD314) and inactive NK cells(CD56 and CD158) was done by flow cytometry.Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-2,IL-10,IL-12,IL-1β,interferon(IFN)-α,IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αR2 were assessed by ELISA.RESULTS Active m DCs(CD1 C+/CD40+) and inactive m DCs(CD1 c+/HLA+) were significantly decreased in HCC patients in relation to NC(P < 0.001).CD40+ expression on active p DCs was decreased in HCC patients(P < 0.001),and its level was not significantly changed among other groups.Inactive p DCs(CD303+/HLA+),inactive NKs(CD56+/CD158+) and active NKs(CD56+/CD161+) were not statistically changed among the four groups studied;however,the latter was increased in CH(P < 0.05).NKG2 D was statistically decreased in HCC,CH and cirrhosis(P < 0.001),and it was not expressed in 63%(12/20) of HCC patients.There was significant decrease of IL-2,IFN-α and IFN-γ(P < 0.001),and a significant increase in IL-10,IL-1β,and TNF-αR2(P <0.01,P < 0.001 and P < 0.001;respectively) in HCC patients.There was inverted correlation between IL-12 and IL-1β in HCC(r =-0.565,P < 0.01),with a strong correlation between p DCs(CD303+/CD40+) and NKs(CD56+/CD161+;r = 0.512,P < 0.05) as well as inactive m DCs(CD1 c+/HLA+) and inactive NK cells(CD56+/CD158+;r = 0.945,P < 0.001).CONCLUSION NKG2 D,CD40,IL-2 and IL-10 are important modulators in the development and progression of HCC.展开更多
Natural killer (NK) cell plays an important role in an innate immune response against viral infection. The kinetics regulation and functional consequences of NK cells in the pathogeneses of diseases are uncertain. We ...Natural killer (NK) cell plays an important role in an innate immune response against viral infection. The kinetics regulation and functional consequences of NK cells in the pathogeneses of diseases are uncertain. We analyzed NK cell distribution and function of successfully combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)-treated HIV-1 infected individuals in Khon Kaen Regional Hospital, Thailand. The results demonstrated that increased percentage and the total number of NK cell in cART-treated HIV-1 infected patients with preferential high levels of CD56dimCD16+ and CD56-CD16+ subsets when compared with a control group even in undetectable viral load (<40 copies per milliliter). Concomitantly, decreased cytotoxic activity measured by CD107asurface expression with maintained IFN-γ production implied the impairment of cytolytic activity was not recovered after cART treatment. Thus, altered NK cell frequency and function by HIV-1 infection are not completely recovered with cART, which may contribute to impaired cellular immune response and persistence of HIV-1.展开更多
Breast and prostate cancer are the leading causes of death in females and males, respectively. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) does not express the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or human epidermal gro...Breast and prostate cancer are the leading causes of death in females and males, respectively. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) does not express the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, resulting in limited treatment options. Androgen deprivation therapy is the standard care for prostate cancer patients;however, metastasis and recurrence are seen in androgen-independent prostate cancer. Both prostate and breast cancer show higher resistance after recurrence and metastasis, which increases the difficulty of treatment. Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role during innate immunity and tumor recognition and elimination. NK cell function is determined by a delicate balance of inhibitory signals and activation signals received through cell surface receptors. Lectin-like transcript 1 (LLT1, CLEC2D, OCIL) is a ligand of NK cell inhibitory receptor NKRP1A (CD161). Several studies have that reported higher expression of LLT1 is associated with the development of various tumors. Our studies revealed that TNBC and prostate cancer cells express higher levels of LLT1. In the presence of a monoclonal antibody against LLT1, NK cell-mediated killing of TNBC and prostate cancer cells were greatly enhanced. This review highlights the potential that using monoclonal antibodies to block LLT1 - NKRP1A interactions could be an effective immunotherapeutic approach to treat triple negative breast cancer and prostate cancer.展开更多
Objective: To study the clinical and pathological features of primary NK/T cell lymphoma of testis and to investigate the effective diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods: The surgical specimens of a patie...Objective: To study the clinical and pathological features of primary NK/T cell lymphoma of testis and to investigate the effective diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods: The surgical specimens of a patient with primary NK/T cell lymphoma of the testis were observed by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement, and the literature were reviewed. Results: The patient presented with left-sided painless testicular enlargement and the lymphoma had a propensity to spread to the contralateral testis, spleen, central nervous system, and so on. The neoplastic cells were positive for CD56, CD45R0 and CD3ε, while the expressions of CD20, CD79α, CD5, Bcl-2 and PLAP were negative. In addition, the EBV DNA was detected in the lymphoma by PCR. And the results of gene rearrangement studies for the y chain of the T-cell receptor were negative. The pathological diagnosis was NK/T cell lymphoma of the left testis. Conclusion: Primary NK/T cell lymphoma of the testis is a rare entity and progressed rapidly. The histopathological, immunohistochemical, EBV examination and TCR gene rearrangement studies should be carried out as soon as possible in order to get the defined diagnosis. Currently, the therapeutic efficacy is poor and the new measures should be investigated to improve the survival rate.展开更多
Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major cause of chronic liver diseases that may progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Host immune responses are important factors that determine whether HBV infec...Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major cause of chronic liver diseases that may progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Host immune responses are important factors that determine whether HBV infection is cleared or persists.After infection,viral replication occurs inside hepatocytes,and the secretion of infectious virions can take place at high rates for decades.Consequently,HBV DNA and viral proteins,like HBV early antigen(HBeAg)and HBV surface antigen(HBsAg),can be easily detected in serum.Chronic infection with HBV is the result of an ineffective antiviral immune response towards the virus.In this review,we discuss the role of immune cells in chronic HBV infection.展开更多
PURPOSE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture therapy on T cells and activity of NK cell in the patient of Chemotherapy. METHOD: Electro-acupuncture therapy was simultaneously applied during chemotherapy, T ce...PURPOSE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture therapy on T cells and activity of NK cell in the patient of Chemotherapy. METHOD: Electro-acupuncture therapy was simultaneously applied during chemotherapy, T cells and activity of NK cell of patients were determined before electroacupuncture treatment (before chemotherapy) and after 4-course electro-acupuncture treatments. RESULTS: Before chemotherapy, CD3 was low within the normal range, CD4 was much lower than the normal range, and CD8, CD4/CD8 and activity of NK cell were within the normal range. After one month of chemotherapy combined with electro-acupuncture, no decline of all the indices was found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Electro-acupuncture can really increase the immune function of patients of chemotherapy.展开更多
Hepatitis C virus(HCV)frequently elicits only mild immune responses so that it can often establish chronic infection.In this case HCV antigens persist and continue to stimulate the immune system.Antigen persistence th...Hepatitis C virus(HCV)frequently elicits only mild immune responses so that it can often establish chronic infection.In this case HCV antigens persist and continue to stimulate the immune system.Antigen persistence then leads to profound changes in the infected host’s immune responsiveness,and eventually contributes to the pathology of chronic hepatitis.This topic highlight summarizes changes associated with chronic hepatitis C concerning innate immunity(interferons,natural killer cells),adaptive immune responses(immunoglobulins,T cells,and mechanisms of immune regulation(regulatory T cells).Our overview clarifies that a strong anti-HCV immune response is frequently associated with acute severe tissue damage.In chronic hepatitis C,however,the effector arms of the immune system either become refractory to activation or take over regulatory functions.Taken together these changes in immunity may lead to persistent liver damage and cirrhosis.Consequently,effector arms of the immune system will not only be considered with respect to antiviral defence but also as pivotal mechanisms of inflammation,necrosis and progression to cirrhosis.Thus,avoiding Scylla-a strong,sustained antiviral immune response with inital tissue damage-takes the infected host to virus-triggered immunopathology,which ultimately leads to cirrhosis and liver cancerthe realm of Charybdis.展开更多
Background:Previous studies have examined the bulk transcriptome of peripheral blood immune cells in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients experiencing immunological non-responsiveness.This study aimed to invest...Background:Previous studies have examined the bulk transcriptome of peripheral blood immune cells in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients experiencing immunological non-responsiveness.This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of specific immune cell subtypes in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients who exhibit immunological non-responsiveness.Methods:A single-cell transcriptome sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from both immunological responders(IRs)(CD4^(+)T-cell count>500)and immunological non-responders(INRs)(CD4^(+)T-cell count<300)was conducted.The transcriptomic profiles were used to identify distinct cell subpopulations,marker genes,and differentially expressed genes aiming to uncover potential genetic factors associated with immunological non-responsiveness.Results:Among the cellular subpopulations analyzed,the ratios of monocytes,CD16^(+)monocytes,and exhausted B cells demonstrated the most substantial differences between INRs and IRs,with fold changes of 39.79,11.08,and 2.71,respectively.In contrast,the CD4^(+)T cell ratio was significantly decreased(0.39-fold change)in INRs compared with that in IRs.Similarly,the ratios of natural killer cells and terminal effector CD8^(+)T cells were also lower(0.37-fold and 0.27-fold,respectively)in the INRs group.In addition to several well-characterized immune cell-specific markers,we identified a set of 181 marker genes that were enriched in biological pathways associated with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)replication.Notably,ISG15,IFITM3,PLSCR1,HLA-DQB1,CCL3L1,and DDX5,which have been demonstrated to influence HIV replication through their interaction with viral proteins,emerged as significant monocyte marker genes.Furthermore,the differentially expressed genes in natural killer cells were also enriched in biological pathways associated with HIV replication.Conclusions:We generated an atlas of immune cell transcriptomes in HIV-infected IRs and INRs.Host genes associated with HIV replication were identified as markers of,and were found to be differentially expressed in,different types of immune cells.展开更多
文摘AIM To characterize peripheral blood natural killer(NK) cells phenotypes by flow cytometry as potential biomarker of liver fibrosis in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)/hepatitis C virus(HCV) coinfected patients.METHODS Peripheral mononuclear cells from 24 HIV/HCV(HBVnegative) coinfected and 5 HIV/HCV/HBV seronegative individuals were evaluated. HIV/HCV coinfected patients were divided in to groups: G1, patients with METAVIR F0-F2 and G2, patients with METAVIR F3-F4. NK surface cell staining was performed with: AntiCD3(APC/Cy7), anti-CD56(PE/Cy5), anti-CD57(APC), anti-CD25(PE), anti-CD69(FITC), anti-NKp30(PE), antiNKp46(PE/Cy7), anti-NKG2D(APC), anti-DNAM(FITC); anti-CD62L(PE/Cy7), anti-CCR7(PE), anti-TRAIL(PE), anti-Fas L(PE), anti CD94(FITC). Flow cytometry data acquisition was performed on BD FACSCanto, analyzed using Flow Jo software. Frequency of fluorescence was analyzed for all single markers. Clinical records were reviewed, and epidemiological and clinical data were obtained.RESULTS Samples from 11 patients were included in G1 and from 13 in G2. All patients were on ARV, with undetectable HIV viral load. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by transient elastography in 90% of the patients and with biopsy in 10% of the patients. Mean HCV viral load was(6.18 ± 0.7 log10). Even though, no major significant differences were observed between G1 and G2 regarding NK surface markers, it was found that patients with higher liver fibrosis presented statistically lower percentage of NK cells than individual with low to mild fibrosis and healthy controls(G2: 5.4% ± 2.3%, G1: 12.6% ± 8.2%, P = 0.002 and healthy controls 12.2% ± 2.7%, P = 0.008). It was also found that individuals with higher liver fibrosis presented lower CD4 LT count than those from G1(G2: 521 ± 312 cells/μL, G1: 770 ± 205 cells/μL; P = 0.035).CONCLUSION Higher levels of liver fibrosis were associated with lower percentage of NK cells and LTCD4+ count; and they may serve as noninvasive biomarkers of liver damage.
文摘Natural killer T cells(NKT cells) are innate-like T cells that acquire effector functions while developing in the thymus, polarize into three distinct functional subsets viz. NKT1, NKT2 and NKT17 cells that produce interferon(IFN)-γ, interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-17, respectively. However, there has been no unique surface markers that define each subsets, forcing investigators to use intracellular staining of transcription factors and cytokines in combination of surface markers to distinguish among these subsets. Intracellular staining, however, causes apoptosis and prevents subsequent utilization of NKT cells in functional in vitro and in vivo assays that require viable cells. This limitation has significantly impeded understanding the specific properties of each subset and their interactions with each other. Therefore, there has been fervent efforts to find a specific markers for each NKT cell subset. We have recently identified that syndecan-1(SDC-1; CD138) as a specific surface marker of NKT17 cells. This discovery now allows visualization of NKT17 in situ and study of their peripheral tissue distribution, characteristics of their TCR and viable sorting for in vitro and in vivo analysis. In addition, it lays the ground working for investigating significance of SDC-1 expression on this particular subset in regulating their roles in host defense and glucose metabolism.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81602020).
文摘Background:CD8 positive T lymphocytes and natural killer(NK)cells in the peripheral blood of cervical cancer patients exhibit varying sensitivities to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Methods:A total of 50 healthy peoples and 60 cervical cancer patients were recruited.The patients with cervical cancer were separated into two groups:radiation and chemotherapy,and blood sample were collected before and after treatment.Data on the proportion of CD8 positive T lymphocytes and NK cells were gathered for analytical evaluation.Results:Compared to healthy individuals,patients with cervical cancer exhibit a reduced proportion of CD8 positive T cells within their peripheral blood.And for patients with cervical cancer,radiation therapy has been found to be more effective than chemotherapy in increasing the proportion of CD8 positive T lymphocytes and NK cells.Conclusions:These results suggest that radiation therapy increases the levels of CD8 positive T lymphocytes and NK cells within the peripheral blood of patients with cervical cancer.The study hypothesis that the changes in the percentage of CD8 positive T lymphocytes may serve as a potential indicator for predicting treatment efficacy.
基金supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Funds for Young Scholar(No.81100308)the National Science Foundation of China Advanced Program(No.NSFC 81030007,and No.NSFC81171558)
文摘Summary: The role of hepatic CD69+ natural killer (NK) cells in virus-induced severe liver injury and subsequent hepatic failure is not well defined. In this study, a mouse model of fulminant liver failure (FHF) induced by murine hepatitis virus strain 3 (MHV-3) was used to study the role of hepatic CD69+NK cells in the development of FHF. The CD69 expression in NK cells in the liver, spleen, bone marrow and peripheral blood was detected by using flow cytometry. The correlation between the CD69 level in hepatic NK cells and liver injury was studied. The functional marker (CD107a), and activating and inhibitory receptor (NKG2D and NKG2A) expressed on CD69+NK cells and CD69-NK cells were detected by using flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-9, IFN-y and TNF-a) were also examined by using intracellular staining. After MHV-3 infection, the number of CD69+NK cells in the liver of BALB/cJ mice was increased markedly and peaked at 72 h post-infection. Similar changes were also observed in the spleen, bone marrow and peripheral blood. Meanwhile, the CD69 expression in hepatic NK cells was highly correlated with the serum level of ALT and AST. The expression of CD107a and NKG2D, as well as the production of TNF-a, IFN-7 and IL-9 in hepatic CD69+NK cells was all significantly up-regulated during 48-72 h post-infection. In contrast, the NKG2A expression was increased in hepatic CD69-NK cells but not in CD69+NK cells. These results suggested that hepatic CD69+NK cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of FHF by enhancing degranulation and cytotoxic ability of NK cells and increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
文摘Natural killer(NK)cells act as a first line of defense in innate immune system against new malignant transformed cells without prior exposure to tumor antigens.The activity of NK cells is tightly controlled by a balance between inhibitory receptors and activating receptors,and when activation signals outweigh inhibitory signals,NK cells can mediate a response to eliminate the targeted cells.As a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune responses to enhance destruction of tumors,NK cells kill their tumor targets through a variety of mechanisms,including receptor-mediated cytotoxicity,antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity(ADCC),death receptor Fas/FasL signaling pathway-mediated cancer apoptosis.However,the efficacy of using NK cells for tumor immunotherapy has been limited by a lack of antigen specificity.To overcome this limitation,Vallera and colleagues developed a bispecific killer cell engager(BiKE),which is comprised of a first ScFv that recognizes a tumor antigen and a second ScFv against CD16(expressed on NK cells)to trigger ADCC.To overcome the poor expansion of NK cells in vivo,a novel trispecific killer cell engager(TriKE)was evolved from the BiKE by the same team.In this molecule,IL-15 was integrated to promote NK cell expansion,thereby eliciting superior NK cytotoxicity and NK cell persistence in vivo compared to BiKE.In order to simultaneously target drug-refractory cancer stem cells(CSC)and cancer cells,a novel tetraspecific killer engager(TetraKE)comprising anti-CD133,EpCAM,CD16 ScFvs and a sustaining IL-15 signal cross-linker was recently developed.Compared to BiKE or TriKE,TetraKE1615EpCAM133 was highly specific against EpCAM-and CD133-bearing cells,leading to enhanced NK cell proliferation,prolonged survival and a limited cytokine response.This TetraKE represents a promising new modality for immunotherapy.
文摘AIM To assess the levels of different immune modulators in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),in relation to other hepatic diseases.METHODS Eighty-eight patients were included in the current study and represented patients with HCC(20),liver cirrhosis(28) and chronic hepatitis(CH;25),and normal controls(NC;15).Peripheral blood was isolated for immunophenotyping of active myeloid dendritic cells(m DCs;CD1 c and CD40),mature inactive myeloid cells(CD1 c and HLA),active plasmacytoid cells(p DCs;CD303 and CD40),mature inactive p DCs(CD30 and HLA),active natural killer(NK) cells(CD56 and CD161),active NK cells(CD56 and CD314) and inactive NK cells(CD56 and CD158) was done by flow cytometry.Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-2,IL-10,IL-12,IL-1β,interferon(IFN)-α,IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αR2 were assessed by ELISA.RESULTS Active m DCs(CD1 C+/CD40+) and inactive m DCs(CD1 c+/HLA+) were significantly decreased in HCC patients in relation to NC(P < 0.001).CD40+ expression on active p DCs was decreased in HCC patients(P < 0.001),and its level was not significantly changed among other groups.Inactive p DCs(CD303+/HLA+),inactive NKs(CD56+/CD158+) and active NKs(CD56+/CD161+) were not statistically changed among the four groups studied;however,the latter was increased in CH(P < 0.05).NKG2 D was statistically decreased in HCC,CH and cirrhosis(P < 0.001),and it was not expressed in 63%(12/20) of HCC patients.There was significant decrease of IL-2,IFN-α and IFN-γ(P < 0.001),and a significant increase in IL-10,IL-1β,and TNF-αR2(P <0.01,P < 0.001 and P < 0.001;respectively) in HCC patients.There was inverted correlation between IL-12 and IL-1β in HCC(r =-0.565,P < 0.01),with a strong correlation between p DCs(CD303+/CD40+) and NKs(CD56+/CD161+;r = 0.512,P < 0.05) as well as inactive m DCs(CD1 c+/HLA+) and inactive NK cells(CD56+/CD158+;r = 0.945,P < 0.001).CONCLUSION NKG2 D,CD40,IL-2 and IL-10 are important modulators in the development and progression of HCC.
文摘Natural killer (NK) cell plays an important role in an innate immune response against viral infection. The kinetics regulation and functional consequences of NK cells in the pathogeneses of diseases are uncertain. We analyzed NK cell distribution and function of successfully combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)-treated HIV-1 infected individuals in Khon Kaen Regional Hospital, Thailand. The results demonstrated that increased percentage and the total number of NK cell in cART-treated HIV-1 infected patients with preferential high levels of CD56dimCD16+ and CD56-CD16+ subsets when compared with a control group even in undetectable viral load (<40 copies per milliliter). Concomitantly, decreased cytotoxic activity measured by CD107asurface expression with maintained IFN-γ production implied the impairment of cytolytic activity was not recovered after cART treatment. Thus, altered NK cell frequency and function by HIV-1 infection are not completely recovered with cART, which may contribute to impaired cellular immune response and persistence of HIV-1.
文摘Breast and prostate cancer are the leading causes of death in females and males, respectively. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) does not express the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, resulting in limited treatment options. Androgen deprivation therapy is the standard care for prostate cancer patients;however, metastasis and recurrence are seen in androgen-independent prostate cancer. Both prostate and breast cancer show higher resistance after recurrence and metastasis, which increases the difficulty of treatment. Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role during innate immunity and tumor recognition and elimination. NK cell function is determined by a delicate balance of inhibitory signals and activation signals received through cell surface receptors. Lectin-like transcript 1 (LLT1, CLEC2D, OCIL) is a ligand of NK cell inhibitory receptor NKRP1A (CD161). Several studies have that reported higher expression of LLT1 is associated with the development of various tumors. Our studies revealed that TNBC and prostate cancer cells express higher levels of LLT1. In the presence of a monoclonal antibody against LLT1, NK cell-mediated killing of TNBC and prostate cancer cells were greatly enhanced. This review highlights the potential that using monoclonal antibodies to block LLT1 - NKRP1A interactions could be an effective immunotherapeutic approach to treat triple negative breast cancer and prostate cancer.
基金Supported by YMC Youth Team of Science & Technology Innovation Funding (No. 2005CXG 02).
文摘Objective: To study the clinical and pathological features of primary NK/T cell lymphoma of testis and to investigate the effective diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods: The surgical specimens of a patient with primary NK/T cell lymphoma of the testis were observed by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement, and the literature were reviewed. Results: The patient presented with left-sided painless testicular enlargement and the lymphoma had a propensity to spread to the contralateral testis, spleen, central nervous system, and so on. The neoplastic cells were positive for CD56, CD45R0 and CD3ε, while the expressions of CD20, CD79α, CD5, Bcl-2 and PLAP were negative. In addition, the EBV DNA was detected in the lymphoma by PCR. And the results of gene rearrangement studies for the y chain of the T-cell receptor were negative. The pathological diagnosis was NK/T cell lymphoma of the left testis. Conclusion: Primary NK/T cell lymphoma of the testis is a rare entity and progressed rapidly. The histopathological, immunohistochemical, EBV examination and TCR gene rearrangement studies should be carried out as soon as possible in order to get the defined diagnosis. Currently, the therapeutic efficacy is poor and the new measures should be investigated to improve the survival rate.
基金This paper was supported in part by a grant from Jilin Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(20140520014JH)The 4th young scientist fund of Jilin University(2013068)
文摘Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major cause of chronic liver diseases that may progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Host immune responses are important factors that determine whether HBV infection is cleared or persists.After infection,viral replication occurs inside hepatocytes,and the secretion of infectious virions can take place at high rates for decades.Consequently,HBV DNA and viral proteins,like HBV early antigen(HBeAg)and HBV surface antigen(HBsAg),can be easily detected in serum.Chronic infection with HBV is the result of an ineffective antiviral immune response towards the virus.In this review,we discuss the role of immune cells in chronic HBV infection.
文摘PURPOSE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture therapy on T cells and activity of NK cell in the patient of Chemotherapy. METHOD: Electro-acupuncture therapy was simultaneously applied during chemotherapy, T cells and activity of NK cell of patients were determined before electroacupuncture treatment (before chemotherapy) and after 4-course electro-acupuncture treatments. RESULTS: Before chemotherapy, CD3 was low within the normal range, CD4 was much lower than the normal range, and CD8, CD4/CD8 and activity of NK cell were within the normal range. After one month of chemotherapy combined with electro-acupuncture, no decline of all the indices was found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Electro-acupuncture can really increase the immune function of patients of chemotherapy.
文摘Hepatitis C virus(HCV)frequently elicits only mild immune responses so that it can often establish chronic infection.In this case HCV antigens persist and continue to stimulate the immune system.Antigen persistence then leads to profound changes in the infected host’s immune responsiveness,and eventually contributes to the pathology of chronic hepatitis.This topic highlight summarizes changes associated with chronic hepatitis C concerning innate immunity(interferons,natural killer cells),adaptive immune responses(immunoglobulins,T cells,and mechanisms of immune regulation(regulatory T cells).Our overview clarifies that a strong anti-HCV immune response is frequently associated with acute severe tissue damage.In chronic hepatitis C,however,the effector arms of the immune system either become refractory to activation or take over regulatory functions.Taken together these changes in immunity may lead to persistent liver damage and cirrhosis.Consequently,effector arms of the immune system will not only be considered with respect to antiviral defence but also as pivotal mechanisms of inflammation,necrosis and progression to cirrhosis.Thus,avoiding Scylla-a strong,sustained antiviral immune response with inital tissue damage-takes the infected host to virus-triggered immunopathology,which ultimately leads to cirrhosis and liver cancerthe realm of Charybdis.
基金supported by the Joint Research Project of Health and Education in Fujian Province(No.2019-WJ-15)Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(Nos.2021J011295 and 2020J011165)Fujian Chinese Traditional Medicine University research funding(No.XB2020147)
文摘Background:Previous studies have examined the bulk transcriptome of peripheral blood immune cells in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients experiencing immunological non-responsiveness.This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of specific immune cell subtypes in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients who exhibit immunological non-responsiveness.Methods:A single-cell transcriptome sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from both immunological responders(IRs)(CD4^(+)T-cell count>500)and immunological non-responders(INRs)(CD4^(+)T-cell count<300)was conducted.The transcriptomic profiles were used to identify distinct cell subpopulations,marker genes,and differentially expressed genes aiming to uncover potential genetic factors associated with immunological non-responsiveness.Results:Among the cellular subpopulations analyzed,the ratios of monocytes,CD16^(+)monocytes,and exhausted B cells demonstrated the most substantial differences between INRs and IRs,with fold changes of 39.79,11.08,and 2.71,respectively.In contrast,the CD4^(+)T cell ratio was significantly decreased(0.39-fold change)in INRs compared with that in IRs.Similarly,the ratios of natural killer cells and terminal effector CD8^(+)T cells were also lower(0.37-fold and 0.27-fold,respectively)in the INRs group.In addition to several well-characterized immune cell-specific markers,we identified a set of 181 marker genes that were enriched in biological pathways associated with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)replication.Notably,ISG15,IFITM3,PLSCR1,HLA-DQB1,CCL3L1,and DDX5,which have been demonstrated to influence HIV replication through their interaction with viral proteins,emerged as significant monocyte marker genes.Furthermore,the differentially expressed genes in natural killer cells were also enriched in biological pathways associated with HIV replication.Conclusions:We generated an atlas of immune cell transcriptomes in HIV-infected IRs and INRs.Host genes associated with HIV replication were identified as markers of,and were found to be differentially expressed in,different types of immune cells.