Number Of Natural Killer T Cells Research Articles

Feasibility Trial Exploring Immune-Related Biomarkers Pertaining to Rapid Immune Surveillance and Cytokine Changes after Consuming a Nutraceutical Supplement Containing Colostrum- and Egg-Based Low-Molecular-Weight Peptides.

Immune protection associated with consuming colostrum-based peptides is effective against bacterial and viral insults. The goal for this study was to document acute changes to immune surveillance and cytokine levels after consuming a single dose of a nutraceutical blend in the absence of an immune challenge. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study involved healthy participants attending two clinic visits. Blood draws were performed pre-consumption and at 1, 2, and 24 h after consuming a blend of bovine colostrum- and hen's egg-based low-molecular-weight peptides (CELMPs) versus a placebo. Immunophenotyping was performed by flow cytometry, and serum cytokines were measured by multiplex cytokine arrays. Consumption of CELMPs triggered increased immune surveillance after 1 h, involving monocytes (p < 0.1), natural killer (NK) cells (p < 0.1), and natural killer T (NKT) cells (p < 0.05). The number of NKT cells expressing the CD25 immunoregulatory marker increased at 1 and 2 h (p < 0.1). Increased serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was observed at 2 and 24 h (24 h: p < 0.05). Selective reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines was seen at 1, 2, and 24 h, where the 2-h reduction was highly significant for IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-13. The rapid, transient increase in immune surveillance, in conjunction with the reduced levels of inflammatory markers, suggests that the CELMP blend of natural peptides provides immune benefits of use in preventive medicine. Further studies are warranted in chronic inflammatory conditions.

Abstract CT242: Phase 2b study of alloHSCT patients receiving RGI-2001, an NKT cell activator, demonstrates safety and protection from acute GVHD, correlating with increased NKT cell number in patient blood

Abstract Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) has potentially curative outcomes for patients with certain hematologic malignancies but also has toxicity due to graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), where donor-derived T cells attack the immune suppressed recipient, leading to significant mortality and morbidity. Natural killer T (NKT) and T-regulatory (Treg) cell levels in the donor product or in the recipient associate with protection from acute GVHD (aGVHD) and thus may represent therapeutic targets. RGI-2001 is a liposomal formulation of an NKT cell agonist, expanding both NKT and Tregs in animal models, resulting in prevention of aGVHD without compromising general immune function. Phase 1/2a studies of RGI-2001 demonstrated safety and potential efficacy in reducing aGVHD in alloHSCT using single doses. In this Phase 2b study, RGI-2001 was given weekly x 6 doses (100 ug/kg) in combination with standard GVHD prophylaxis. Results: RGI-2001 was given to 48 subjects undergoing matched (8/8) alloHSCT. Control data from the CIBMTR (n=207) was obtained and used as comparison. Patients receiving RGI-2001 did not have any serious infusion reactions, related serious adverse events, cases of cytomegalovirus disease, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, or graft failure. Compared to the CIBMTR group, the RGI-2001 group demonstrated lower grade II-IV aGVHD (day 180) and higher aGHVD-free survival (GFS) and overall survival. Relapse and cGVHD rates were similar between the groups. In addition, the number of NKT cells in the blood of the RGI-2001 group correlated with specific outcomes within this group. Grade II-IV at day 100 or d180 or GFS d180 occurred in &amp;gt;8 patients, and the mean NKT numbers at day 28 for these patients is lower than patients without occurrence. The number and percentages of Tregs, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and NK cells did not correlate with any clinical endpoints. Conclusions: RGI-2001 given weekly x 6 doses is safe and well tolerated. Compared to matched cohort, the RGI-2001 cohort had decreased aGVHD and increased overall survival, suggesting that RGI-2001 could be added to alloHSCT regimens to reduce aGVHD while not affecting overall immune responses against infection and tumor relapse. Future studies will focus on optimizing dosage based on blood levels of NKT cells, elucidating the mechanisms of actions of RGI-2001, and identifying potential biomarkers of response. Citation Format: Jack D. Bui, Calvin Lee, Christine Caron, Dana Lee, Zachariah DeFilipp, Yi-Bin Chen. Phase 2b study of alloHSCT patients receiving RGI-2001, an NKT cell activator, demonstrates safety and protection from acute GVHD, correlating with increased NKT cell number in patient blood [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr CT242.

API-192, an Allogeneic CD19/20 CAR-NKT Cell Product Derived from Cord Blood CD34+ HSPCs for the Treatment of B-Cell Malignancies

Autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies induce durable remissions and improve survival in patients with advanced B cell malignancies. However, challenges such as manufacturing variability, cost, and time to treatment highlight the need for an allogeneic, off-the-shelf approach that preserves the efficacy of autologous CAR-T. Additionally, antigen escape is one of the established mechanisms of resistance to current CAR-T therapies which target a single antigen. Classical natural killer T (NKT) cells express an invariant T cell receptor (iTCR) that is restricted to the conserved CD1d protein, making it a promising cell type for allogeneic therapies as they do not require TCR gene editing to avoid graft-vs-host (GvH) disease. Furthermore, NKT cells mediate dendritic cell cross-priming, target immunosuppressive myeloid cells/macrophages in the tumor microenvironment, and directly kill CD1d + tumor cells through the iTCR. Endogenous NKT cells are an extremely rare population in the blood (&amp;lt;1% of lymphocytes), posing manufacturing challenges. API-192 is a human cord blood CD34 + hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell-derived NKT cell product engineered to express dual CARs targeting CD19 and CD20 and armored with soluble IL-15 for improved expansion and persistence. The Appia Cells Utilized for Allogeneic (ACUA) platform enables the production of large numbers of product NKT cells co-expressing multiple transgenes at high purity (&amp;gt;90% iTCR + 19CAR + 20CAR +) with no purification step or gene editing. Phenotypically, API-192 cells are predominantly CD4 -CD8 - or CD4 -CD8 +, express major activating NK receptors, and harbor intracellular stores of cytotoxic molecules, resembling endogenous NKT cells. API-192 kills Raji and Nalm6 tumor cells in a CAR-specific and dose-dependent manner and can control multiple rounds of tumor challenge in vitro. API-192 secretes pro-inflammatory cytokines and proliferates in response to tumor antigen . In human tumor xenograft models in immunocompromised mice, API-192 robustly expands, suppresses tumor growth, and exhibits prolonged persistence, enabling control of a tumor rechallenge 70 days after initial dosing. API-192 expresses lower levels of MHC I and MHC II molecules relative to conventional CAR-T cells and elicits less IFN-γ release by NK and T cells in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays, indicative of a more favorable immunogenic profile. Compared to conventional CAR-T cells, API-192 also secretes minimal levels of IFN-γ in response to co-culture with healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells, consistent with the expression of a non-HLA restricted TCR and low GvH risk. These results demonstrate the feasibility, potency, and potential safety of API-192, warranting further development as a novel allogeneic therapy.

CD1d-Dependent Natural Killer T Cells Mediate Hypertension and Vascular Injury Through Interleukin-17A.

Background Different T-lymphocyte subsets, including CD1d-dependent natural killer T (NKT) cells, play distinct roles in hypertension, highlighting the importance of identifying key immune cells for its treatment. This study aimed to determine the unknown effects of CD1d-dependent NKT cells on hypertension and vascular injury. Methods and Results Hypertension models were induced in male CD1d knockout (CD1dko), wild-type, and adoptive bone marrow transfer mice by angiotensin II (Ang II) or deoxycorticosterone acetate salt. Blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff system and radiotelemetry. Vascular injury was assessed by histologic studies or aortic ring assay. Inflammation was detected by flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, or ELISA. Results showed that Ang II infusion significantly reduced CD1d expression and NKT cell numbers in the aorta of mice. CD1dko mice exhibited worsened blood pressure elevation, vascular injury, and inflammatory response induced by Ang II or deoxycorticosterone acetate salt. However, these effects were markedly reversed in wild-type mice treated with NKT cell-specific activator. Adoptive transfer of CD1dko bone marrow cells to wild-type mice also significantly worsened Ang II-induced responses. Mechanistically, CD1dko increased Ang II-induced interleukin-6 production and activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and orphan nuclear receptor γ, subsequently inducing interleukin-17A production. Neutralizing interleukin-17A partially reversed Ang II-induced hypertension and vascular injury in CD1dko mice. In addition, levels of NKT cells were lower in the blood of patients with hypertension (n=57) compared with normotensive individuals (n=87). Conclusions These findings reveal a previously unknown role for CD1d-dependent NKT cells in hypertension and vascular injury, indicating that NKT cell activation could be a promising therapeutic target for hypertension.

Upregulated complement receptors correlate with Fc gamma receptor 3A-positive natural killer cells (NK) and natural killer-T cells (NKT) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. (S50.003)

Upregulated complement receptors correlate with Fc gamma receptor 3A-positive natural killer cells (NK) and natural killer-T cells (NKT) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. (S50.003)

Upregulated complement receptors correlate with Fc gamma receptor 3A-positive natural killer and natural killer-T cells in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Background and objectivesInhibition of terminal complement in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) using eculizumab helps prevent relapses, but the exact mechanism of action of the drug remains unclear. Similarly, genetic variants in the Fc Gamma receptor 3A (FCGR3A), also known as CD16, are correlated with outcomes in NMOSD, but the immune cells expressing those CD16 are unknown. We compared CD16 expression on immune cells modulated by complement activity in natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer-T (NKT) cells in NMOSD to disease and normal-healthy controls.MethodsPeripheral blood cell (PBMC) samples from 45 patients with NMOSD with aquaporin 4 (AQP4)-IgG, 18 disease controls, and 19 normal controls were analyzed for CD16 expression and complement receptors in vitro.ResultsAt baseline, the number of NKT cells was increased in NMOSD (p < 0.001), but the proportion that was CD16 positive was lower compared to normal and disease controls (p = 0.0012). NK cell count was normal, but the ratio that was CD16 positive was also significantly lower (p < 0.001). In both NK cells and NKT cells from NMOSD, C5 complement receptor expression was much higher than normal and disease controls (p < 0.001 for both). We also evaluated activation markers CD69 and CD83, which were also significantly higher in NK and NKT cells from NMOSD patients. FCGR3A p158 V/V genotype group in NMOSD patients showed decreased NK cell proportion with activation, and fewer CD16-expressing NKT cells than the F/F genotype group.DiscussionOur results support an immunopathogenesis model in which complement pathway activation in NK/NKT cells upregulates CD16 expression that binds to antibody/antigen complexes. In the context of NMOSD, these complement-sensitive cells may be responsible for the escalating autoimmune activity.

Impairment of the NKT-STAT1-CXCL9 Axis Contributes to Vessel Fibrosis in Pulmonary Hypertension Caused by Lung Fibrosis.

Rationale: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common, severe comorbidity in interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and it has limited treatment options. Excessive vascular fibrosis and inflammation are often present in PH, but the underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. Objectives: To identify a novel functional link between natural killer T (NKT) cell activation and vascular fibrosis in PF-PH. Methods: Multicolor flow cytometry, secretome, and immunohistological analyses were complemented by pharmacological NKT cell activation invivo, invitro, and ex vivo. Measurements and Main Results: In pulmonary vessels of patients with PF-PH, increased collagen deposition was linked to a local NKT cell deficiency and decreased IL-15 concentrations. In a mouse model of PH caused by lung fibrosis, pharmacological NKT cell activation using a synthetic α-galactosylceramide analog (KRN7000) restored local NKT cell numbers and ameliorated vascular remodeling and right ventricular systolic pressure. Supplementation with activated NKT cells reduced collagen deposition in isolated human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) and in ex vivo precision-cut lung slices of patients with end-stage PF-PH. Coculture with activated NKT cells induced STAT1 signaling in hPASMCs. Secretome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells identified CXCL9 and CXCL10 as indicators of NKT cell activation. Pharmacologically, CXCL9, but not CXCL10, potently inhibited collagen deposition in hPASMCs via the chemokine receptor CXCR3. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the absence of NKT cells impairs the STAT1-CXCL9-CXCR3 axis in PF-PH and that restoration of this axis by NKT cell activation may unravel a novel therapeutic strategy to target vascular fibrosis in interstitial lung disease.

NK1.1- natural killer T cells upregulate interleukin-17 expression in experimental lupus nephritis.

Interleukin (IL)-17-secreting invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells are involved in several inflammatory diseases. However, their role in lupus nephritis (LN) has not been fully characterized. Samples from patients with LN or glomerulonephritis and healthy controls were obtained, and elevated IL-17+ NKT cell numbers and IL-17 expression were observed in blood cells and kidneys, respectively, in patients with LN. Comparison of a mouse model of experimental autoimmune LN with the parental strain (NKT-deficient B6.CD1d-/- mice) revealed improved proteinuria, disease severity, and histopathology and decreased levels of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 16 and T cell receptor-α variable 14 expression. Spleens and kidneys of B6.CD1d-/- mice also showed downregulation of inflammatory markers and IL-17. In coculture with renal mesangial and NKT cells, inflammatory markers and IL-17 were upregulated following α-galactosylceramide treatment and downregulated after treatment with IL-17-blocking antibodies. This was most prominent with killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily B member 1 C (NK1.1)- NKT cells. Thus, IL-17 is upregulated in LN. Activation of NKT cells regulates IL-17-related immune responses systemically and in the kidneys, primarily via NK1.1- NKT cells. IL-17-secreting NK1.1- NKT cells could serve as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for LN.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because our results indicate that IL-17 is upregulated in lupus nephritis and that natural killer T (NKT) cells are involved in its pathogenesis. Activation of NKT cells regulates IL-17-related immune responses, both systemically and in the kidney, and this mainly involves NK1.1- NKT cells. Furthermore, IL-17-secreting NK1.1- NKT cells could serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for lupus nephritis.

Lipopolysaccharide preconditioning reduces liver metastasis of Colon26 cells by enhancing antitumor activity of natural killer cells and natural killer T cells in murine liver.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) preconditioning drastically augments bactericidal activity but reduces the host inflammatory response. Therefore, it may be beneficial to prevent postoperative infectious complications and mitigate host damage by surgical stress. Considering its clinical application, how LPS preconditioning influences the antitumor effect in the liver is an important issue. We then investigated the effect of LPS preconditioning on antitumor activity against Colon26 tumor cells in mice. Lipopolysaccharide preconditioning was induced in mice by the intraperitoneal injection of 5μg/kg LPS for three consecutive days. Intraportal inoculation of Colon26 cells, which express luminescent protein called Nano-lantern, was performed to evaluate the effect of LPS preconditioning on tumor liver metastasis. The antitumor activities of cytotoxic liver lymphocytes, especially natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells, against Colon26 cells were also examined in LPS preconditioned mice. Lipopolysaccharide preconditioning remarkably prevented liver metastasis of Colon26 cells, as observed by IVIS imaging system, and prolonged survival after tumor inoculation. LPS preconditioning increased the proportions and number of liver NK cells and NKT cells and augmented their intracellular perforin and granzyme B expression, while reducing their intracellular expression of IFN-γ. An in vitro antitumor cytotoxicity assay revealed that LPS preconditioning significantly augmented antitumor cytotoxicities of the liver NK cells and NKT cells, especially NKT cells, against Colon26 cells. Lipopolysaccharide preconditioning potently augmented antitumor cytotoxicity of liver NK cells and NKT cells, thereby improving mouse survival after intraportal inoculation of Colon26 tumor cells. It may be useful for perioperative care in oncological patients.

Contribution of NKT cells to the immune response and pathogenesis triggered by respiratory viruses

ABSTRACT Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cause acute respiratory tract infections in children worldwide. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are unconventional T lymphocytes, and their TCRs recognize glycolipids bound to the MHC-I-like molecule, CD1d. These cells modulate the inflammatory response in viral infections. Here, we evaluated the contribution of NKT cells in both hRSV and hMPV infections. A significant decrease in the number of neutrophils, eosinophils, and CD103+DCs infiltrating to the lungs, as well as an increased production of IFN-γ, were observed upon hRSV-infection in CD1d-deficient BALB/c mice, as compared to wild-type control mice. However, this effect was not observed in the CD1d-deficient BALB/c group, upon infection with hMPV. Importantly, reduced expression of CD1d in CD11b+ DCs and epithelial cells was found in hRSV -but not hMPV-infected mice. Besides, a reduction in the expression of CD1d in alveolar macrophages of lungs from hRSV- and hMPV-infected mice was found. Such reduction of CD1d expression interfered with NKT cells activation, and consequently IL-2 secretion, as characterized by in vitro experiments for both hRSV and hMPV infections. Furthermore, increased numbers of NKT cells recruited to the lungs in response to hRSV- but not hMPV-infection was detected, resulting in a reduction in the expression of IFN-γ and IL-2 by these cells. In conclusion, both hRSV and hMPV might be differently impairing NKT cells function and contributing to the immune response triggered by these viruses.

NKT cells - New players in CAR cell immunotherapy?

Low levels of peripheral blood natural killer T (NKT) cells in cancer patients and a favorable outcome associated with a high number of tumor-infiltrating NKT cells demonstrated in several studies indicated the important role of these immune cells in the antitumor response. With effective antitumor immunity via direct tumor lysis, cytokine modulation of effector cells and regulation of immunosuppressive cells, type I NKT cells display interesting features/properties for the rapidly developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology. Due to their restriction to the monomorphic HLA-like molecule CD1d, but not to the polymorphic human leukocyte antigen (HLA), NKT CAR cells show potential for enabling autologous and allogeneic/off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy. Promising results were obtained in preclinical NKT CAR cell studies, but clinical trials have not yet been conducted. In this review, we summarize the biological features of NKT cells, their role in antitumor immunity and recent advances in the development of NKT CAR cells.

CELL THERAPY OF EPILEPSIA. CLINICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS

The aim is to develop and implement a method for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy using autologous mesenchymal stem cells and the neuroimaging, immunological and neurophysiological predictors of the brain function. Material and Methods . Twenty patients (12 males and 8 females) with symptomatic drug-resistant epilepsy participated in the study. The patient age varied from 23 to 46 years; and the duration of epilepsy was 7-29 years. Autologous mesenchymal stem cells of the bone marrow were characterized using cultural, morphological, immunological, molecular-genetic, clinical-functional, laboratory, pathopsychological, and neurophysiological methods. The standard parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were used to evaluate the results. Results . The study resulted in producing of cultured autologous mesenchymal stem cells of the bone marrow (AMSCBM) sufficient to conduct 20 courses of cell therapy. In total, 40 transplantation procedures using AMSCBM were performed (20 intravenous and 20 endolumbar injections). Cellularity index in the intravenous inoculate ranged from 39.5 to 110.0 million and that for the endolumbar injection – from 5.1 to 10.0 million with viability not less than 95%. The distribution of AMSCBM by key surface markers (CD105+, CD90+, CD45-, CD34-) matched the criteria of the International Association for cell therapy (ISCT). The cell injections were well tolerated and did not cause any severe adverse effects. To monitor the process of neurogenic differentiation, the expression of the surface markers was determined. In most samples with confirmed neural differentiation, a significant increase in the expression of neuron-specific enolase, nestin and MAR-2 was detected. In patients with symptomatic epilepsy, the most significant deviations from normal values were found for the numbers of cytotoxic and activated cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and T-cells with the NK activity. After a course of cell therapy, a significant decrease in CD4+CD8+, CD3+CD8+, CD3+CD95+, and CD8+CD25+ cells was noted. Also decreased were the numbers of NK cells and T-cells with the NK activity, however, their levels remained relatively high as compared with the control group. Following the treatment, we continued to monitor the patients for 3, 6, and 12 months after the cell administration as well as the patients from the group of comparison. Conclusion . For the first time in the Republic of Belarus, cell therapy in patients with epilepsy was conducted. An intravenous injection of AMSCBM and endolumbar administration of neuro-induced AMSCBM can serve an effective additional therapy of choice in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

A natural killer T-cell subset that protects against airway hyperreactivity

Infection of suckling mice with influenza virus expands a CD4-CD8- double-negative (DN) natural killer T(NKT) cell subpopulation that protects the mice as adults against allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity (AHR). However, this NKT cell subset has not been characterized, and the underlying mechanisms of protection remain unknown. We characterized this specific NKT cell subpopulation that developed during influenza infection in neonatal mice and that suppressed the subsequent development of AHR. A cell-surface marker was identified by comparing the mRNA expression profile of wild-type CD4+ NKT cells with that of suppressive Vα14 DN NKT cells. The marker-enriched NKT cell subset was then analyzed for its cytokine profile and its suppressive invitro and invivo abilities. We showed that DN NKT cells with high CD38 expression produced IFN-γ, but not IL-17, IL-4, or IL-13, and inhibited development of AHR through contact-dependent suppression of helper CD4 T-cell proliferation. The NKT subset expanded in the lungs of neonatal mice after infection with influenza and also after treatment of neonatal mice with Nu-α-GalCer, which effectively increased DN CD38hi NKT cell numbers. These results suggest that early/neonatal exposure to infection or antigen challenge affects subsequent lung immunity by altering the cellular composition of cells in the lung and that some subsets of NKT cells suppress AHR. These results provide a possible mechanism by which prior infections can protect against the development of allergic asthma and might be further explored as a protective measure for young children.

Prehospital immune responses and development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome following traumatic injury: A prospective cohort study.

BackgroundAlmost all studies that have investigated the immune response to trauma have analysed blood samples acquired post-hospital admission. Thus, we know little of the immune status of patients in the immediate postinjury phase and how this might influence patient outcomes. The objective of this study was therefore to comprehensively assess the ultra-early, within 1-hour, immune response to trauma and perform an exploratory analysis of its relationship with the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).Methods and findingsThe immune and inflammatory response to trauma was analysed in 89 adult trauma patients (mean age 41 years, range 18–90 years, 75 males) with a mean injury severity score (ISS) of 24 (range 9–66), from whom blood samples were acquired within 1 hour of injury (mean time to sample 42 minutes, range 17–60 minutes). Within minutes of trauma, a comprehensive leukocytosis, elevated serum pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and evidence of innate cell activation that included neutrophil extracellular trap generation and elevated surface expression of toll-like receptor 2 and CD11b on monocytes and neutrophils, respectively, were observed. Features consistent with immune compromise were also detected, notably elevated numbers of immune suppressive CD16BRIGHT CD62LDIM neutrophils (82.07 x 106/l ± 18.94 control versus 1,092 x 106/l ± 165 trauma, p < 0.0005) and CD14+HLA-DRlow/− monocytes (34.96 x 106/l ± 4.48 control versus 95.72 x 106/l ± 8.0 trauma, p < 0.05) and reduced leukocyte cytokine secretion in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Exploratory analysis via binary logistic regression found a potential association between absolute natural killer T (NKT) cell numbers and the subsequent development of MODS. Study limitations include the relatively small sample size and the absence of data relating to adaptive immune cell function.ConclusionsOur study highlighted the dynamic and complex nature of the immune response to trauma, with immune alterations consistent with both activation and suppression evident within 1 hour of injury. The relationship of these changes, especially in NKT cell numbers, to patient outcomes such as MODS warrants further investigation.

Identification of novel immune biomarkers in lymphoma

Abstract The diagnosis and treatment options for lymphoma patients have changed significantly over the past few decades as new immunophenotypic markers and novel biomarkers have emerged. Natural killer T (NKT) cells play a critical role in anti-tumor immunity. However, NKT cells are approximately 50% lower in cancer patients compared to healthy donors of the same age and gender. Thus, prior to initiating immunotherapy, a specific and highly sensitive assessment of NKT cell function should occur; yet, no such assay is currently available. Thus, we have developed a qPCR-based diagnostic assay that can be used to rapidly assess natural killer T (NKT) and total T cell function. In this study we assessed NKT cell number and function in healthy donors (n=30) and lymphoma patients (n=50) by flow cytometry, ELISA, and qPCR. We detected NKT cell function in 82% of healthy donors, compared to 44% of lymphoma patients. To investigate the mechanisms by which NKT cells were functionally impaired in lymphoma patients, we examined circulating levels of cytokines, such as Semaphorin 4D, IL-10, and IL-6. It was found that lymphoma patients have significantly higher levels of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, compared to healthy donors. These data implicate an immunoregulatory role for NKT cells in lymphoma.

Deficiencies of Circulating Mucosal-associated Invariant T Cells and Natural Killer T Cells in Patients with Multiple Trauma.

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells are known to play important roles in autoimmunity, infectious diseases and cancers. However, little is known about the roles of these invariant T cells in multiple trauma. The purposes of this study were to examine MAIT and NKT cell levels in patients with multiple trauma and to investigate potential relationships between these cell levels and clinical parameters. The study cohort was composed of 14 patients with multiple trauma and 22 non-injured healthy controls (HCs). Circulating MAIT and NKT cell levels in the peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry. The severity of injury was categorised according to the scoring systems, such as Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, and Injury Severity Score (ISS). Circulating MAIT and NKT cell numbers were significantly lower in multiple trauma patients than in HCs. Linear regression analysis showed that circulating MAIT cell numbers were significantly correlated with age, APACHE II, SAPS II, ISS category, hemoglobin, and platelet count. NKT cell numbers in the peripheral blood were found to be significantly correlated with APACHE II, SAPS II, and ISS category. This study shows numerical deficiencies of circulating MAIT cells and NKT cells in multiple trauma. In addition, these invariant T cell deficiencies were found to be associated with disease severity. These findings provide important information for predicting the prognosis of multiple trauma.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor modulates immune reaction in mice with peripheral nerve xenotransplantation.

BackgroundBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been demonstrated to play an important role in survival, differentiation, and neurite outgrowth for many types of neurons. This study was designed to identify the role of BDNF during peripheral nerve xenotransplantation.Materials and methodsA peripheral nerve xenotransplantation from rats to mice was performed. Intracellular cytokines were stained for natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, T cells, and B cells and analyzed by flow cytometry in the spleen of the recipient mouse. Serum levels of related cytokines were quantified by cytometric bead array.ResultsSplenic NK cells significantly increased in the xenotransplanted mice (8.47±0.88×107 cells/mL) compared to that in the control mice (4.66±0.78×107 cells/mL, P=0.0003), which significantly reduced in the presence of BDNF (4.85±0.87×107 cells/mL, P=0.0004). In contrast, splenic NKT cell number was significantly increased in the mice with xenotransplantation plus BDNF (XT + BDNF) compared to that of control group or of mice receiving xenotransplantation only (XT only). Furthermore, the number of CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells, CD3+CD4− T cells, interferon-γ-producing CD3+CD4+ T cells, and interleukin (IL)-17-producing CD3+CD4+ T cells, as well as CD3−CD19+ B cells, was significantly higher in the spleen of XT only mice compared to the control mice (P<0.05), which was significantly reduced by BDNF (P<0.05). The number of IL-4-producing CD3+CD4+ T cells and CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells was significantly higher in the spleen of XT + BDNF mice than that in the spleen of XT only mice (P<0.05). Serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, interferon-γ, and IL-17 were decreased, while IL-4 and IL-10 were stimulated by BDNF following xenotransplantation.ConclusionBDNF reduced NK cells but increased NKT cell accumulation in the spleen of xenotransplanted mice. BDNF modulated the number of splenic T cells and its subtype cells in the mice following xenotransplantation. These findings suggest that BDNF inhibits rejection of peripheral nerve following xenotransplantation by regulating innate as well as adaptive immune reaction.

Differential alterations of tissue T-cell subsets after sepsis

Among immune cells in responding to sepsis, macrophages and neutrophils have been extensively studied, while the contribution of T lymphocytes and natural killer T (NKT) cells is less well characterized. Here we monitored tissue specific changes of T cell subsets in male C57BL/6 mice subjected to sham operation or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce polymicrobial sepsis. Thymus, spleen, liver, lungs and blood were processed and analyzed 20h later. Total lymphocyte count showed a significant reduction in septic thymus, spleen and blood but not in lungs and liver. The septic thymi were hypocellular with severe reduction in cell numbers of immature CD4+CD8+ subset. CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocyte numbers in septic spleens were also significantly reduced, but the frequency of CD4+CD25+ Tregs was significantly increased. In addition, naïve and Tcm CD4+ T cell numbers were significantly reduced in the septic spleens. By contrast, in septic liver the CD8+ T cell numbers were significantly increased, whereas NKT cell numbers were reduced, but more activated with increased CD69 and CD25 expression. In the septic lungs, the CD4+ T and CD8+ T cell numbers showed no significant change, whereas they were severely reduced in the septic blood. Overall, this study provides important information on the alterations of different T-cell subsets in various tissues after sepsis.

Reconstitution models to evaluate natural killer T cell function in tumor control.

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are glycolipid-reactive T lymphocytes that function in immunosurveillance and immune regulation. However, reduced tumor control in NKT cell-deficient Jα18(-/-) mice may be confounded by an overall reduction in T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire diversity in these animals. Mechanistic studies are also hindered by a lack of tools to target molecules specifically in NKT cells. To address these issues, we developed protocols to expand functional NKT cells and stably reconstitute them in Jα18(-/-) mice. In vivo delivery of α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)-loaded dendritic cells expanded NKT cells in wild-type mice without skewing CD4 or TCR Vβ expression profiles. Expanded NKT cells exhibited enhanced cytokine responses upon re-stimulation with glycolipid or CD3 ligation. Adoptive transfer of recently expanded wild-type or interferon (IFN)-γ(-/-) NKT cells protected recipient Jα18(-/-) mice from B16 melanoma metastasis without the need for additional glycolipid stimulation. However, NKT cell reconstitution in recipient Jα18(-/-) mice was short lived. Long-term reconstitution was only achieved when expanded NKT cells were transferred into sublethally irradiated recipients. Thirty days after transfer, NKT cell numbers, phenotype and α-GalCer-induced cytokine responses were equivalent to naive wild-type mice. Jα18(-/-) recipients reconstituted with wild-type or IFN-γ(-/-) NKT cells were both protected from B16 melanoma metastasis following α-GalCer treatment, and NK cell transactivation was intact in mice reconstituted with IFN-γ(-/-) NKT cells. These studies validate the use of reconstitution protocols to investigate the mechanisms of NKT cell immune function, demonstrating that NKT cell-derived IFN-γ and the altered TCR repertoire in Jα18(-/-) mice do not impact NKT cell-mediated antitumor responses.

Mantle cell lymphoma associated sphingosine-1 phosphate inhibits natural killer T cell mediated antitumor responses (TUM2P.1042)

Abstract The incidence of lymphoma in the US is rising. While chemoimmunotherapy causes remissions in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), responses are not durable and most patients relapse. New strategies that focus on eliminating tumor-associated immunosuppressive factors are needed to improve patient outcomes. One of the earliest pathways to be activated during an immune response is CD1d-mediated presentation of lipid antigens to natural killer T (NKT) cells. We have found that MCL patients have a significant reduction in circulating NKT cell number and function. We hypothesized that MCL-associated sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) can down regulate CD1d-dependent NKT cell responses to MCL. We found that inhibition of S1P signaling in MCL cell lines led to increased CD1d-mediated NKT cell activation, as assessed by cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Furthermore, knockdown of sphingosine kinase 1 in MCL cell lines resulted in the presentation of an activating endogenous antigen. These results demonstrate that S1P regulates CD1d-mediated antigen processing and presentation to NKT cells by altering the endogenous repertoire of lipid antigens and suggest that targeting this pathway could be an important immunotherapeutic strategy.