Human Cytomegalovirus-Induced NKG2Chi CD57hi Natural Killer Cells Are Effectors Dependent on Humoral Antiviral Immunity

Z Wu, C Sinzger, G Frascaroli, J Reichel… - Journal of …, 2013 - Am Soc Microbiol
Z Wu, C Sinzger, G Frascaroli, J Reichel, C Bayer, L Wang, R Schirmbeck, T Mertens
Journal of virology, 2013Am Soc Microbiol
Recent studies indicate that expansion of NKG2C-positive natural killer (NK) cells is
associated with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV); however, their activity in response to
HCMV-infected cells remains unclear. We show that NKG2Chi CD57hi NK cells gated on
CD3neg CD56dim cells can be phenotypically identified as HCMV-induced NK cells that
can be activated by HCMV-infected cells. Using HCMV-infected autologous macrophages
as targets, we were able to show that these NKG2Chi CD57hi NK cells are highly …
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that expansion of NKG2C-positive natural killer (NK) cells is associated with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV); however, their activity in response to HCMV-infected cells remains unclear. We show that NKG2Chi CD57hi NK cells gated on CD3neg CD56dim cells can be phenotypically identified as HCMV-induced NK cells that can be activated by HCMV-infected cells. Using HCMV-infected autologous macrophages as targets, we were able to show that these NKG2Chi CD57hi NK cells are highly responsive to HCMV-infected macrophages only in the presence of HCMV-specific antibodies, whereas they are functionally poor effectors of natural cytotoxicity. We further demonstrate that NKG2Chi CD57hi NK cells are intrinsically responsive to signaling through CD16 cross-linking. Our findings show that the activity of pathogen-induced innate immune cells can be enhanced by adaptive humoral immunity. Understanding the activity of NKG2Chi CD57hi NK cells against HCMV-infected cells will be of relevance for the further development of adoptive immunotherapy.
American Society for Microbiology