Twelve-week treadmill endurance training in mice is associated with upregulation of interleukin-15 and natural killer cell activation and increases apoptosis rate in Hepa1-6 cell-derived mouse hepatomas

Regular exercise reduces the risk of malignancy and decreases the recurrence of cancer. However, the mechanisms behind this protection remain to be elucidated. Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system, which play essential roles in immune defense and effectively prevent cancer metastasis. Physical exercise can increase the activity of NK cells. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is the best-studied cytokine activator of NK cells, and it was shown to have many positive functional effects on NK cells to improve antitumor responses. The aim of this study was to clarify the possible important mechanisms behind endurance exercise-induced changes in NK cell function, which may be highly correlated with IL-15. An animal model was used to study IL-15 expression level, tumor volume, cancer cell apoptosis, and NK cell infiltration after treadmill exercise. Although IL-15 was highly expressed in skeletal muscle, treadmill exercise further elevated IL-15 levels in plasma and muscle (P<0.05). In addition, tumor weight and volume of tumor-bearing mice were decreased (P<0.05), and liver tumor cell apoptosis was increased after 12 weeks of treadmill exercise (P<0.05). NK cell infiltration was upregulated in tumors from treadmill exercise mice, and the level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and IL-15 were higher than in sedentary mice (P<0.05). The study indicated that regular endurance training can reduce cancer risk, which was related to increased IL-15 expression, activation of the immune killing effect of NK cells, and promotion of tumor cell apoptosis, which can ultimately control tumor growth.

Research Progress of NK Cells in Immunotherapy of Glioma / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

Natural Killer （NK） cells are another type of anti-tumor immune cells with promising clinical application in addition to T cells. NK cell activity is mainly regulated by its surface receptors and immune microenvironment. The strong immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioma results in low efficiency of NK cell immunotherapy. This article reviews NK cells in the immunotherapy for glioma from the interaction of glioma-NK cell， and the latest research progress of targeted NK cells compounds， monoclonal antibody， and cytokine therapy， focusing on the genetic modification of NK cells in the present situation and trend of glioma immunotherapy， and molecular mechanism of glioma cells related to immune escape. We hope this article will provide theoretical basis and new ideas for NK cell-based immunotherapy of glioma.

Effect of Echinococcus multilocularis infection on Tim3 expression in spleen natural killer cells of mice / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of Echinococcus multilocularis infection on Tim3 expression and its co-expression with immune checkpoint molecules 2B4 and LAG3 in spleen natural killer (NK) cells of mice. Methods C57BL/6 mice, each weighing (20 ± 2) g, were randomly divided into a high-dose infection group (15 mice), a low-dose infection group (13 mice), and a control group (11 mice). Mice in the high- and low-dose infection groups were inoculated with 2 000 and 50 Echinococcus multilocularis protoscolices via the hepatic portal vein, while animals in the control group was injected with an equivalent amount of physiological saline via the hepatic portal vein. Mouse spleen cells were harvested 12 and 24 weeks post-infection, and Tim3 expression and its co-expression with 2B4 and LAG3 in NK cells were detected using flow cytometry. Results There were significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 expression (F = 13.559, P < 0.001) and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression (F = 12.465, P < 0.001) in mouse spleen NK cells among groups 12 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis, and the proportion of Tim3 expression was significantly higher in mouse spleen NK cells in the low-dose infection group [(23.84 ± 2.28)%] than in the high-dose infection group [(15.72 ± 3.67)%] and the control group [(16.14 ± 3.83)%] (both P values < 0.01), while the proportion of Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression was significantly higher in mouse spleen NK cells in the low-dose infection group [(22.20 ± 2.13)%] than in the high-dose infection group [(14.17 ± 3.81)%] and the control group [(15.20 ± 3.77)%] (both P values < 0.01). There were significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 expression (F = 5.243, P < 0.05) and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression (F = 4.659, P < 0.05) in mouse spleen NK cells among groups 24 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis infection, and the proportions of Tim3 expression and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression were significantly lower in mouse spleen NK cells in the high-dose infection group [(20.55 ± 7.04)% and (20.98 ± 7.12)%] than in the control group [(31.38 ± 3.19)% and (31.25 ± 3.06)%] (both P values < 0.05), and there were no significantly difference between the proportions of Tim3 expression and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression in splenic NK cells in the low-dose infection group [(26.80 ± 6.47)% and (26.48 ± 6.48)%] and the control group (both P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 and LAG3 co-expression in mouse spleen NK cells among groups 12 (F = 2.283, P > 0.05) and 24 weeks post-infection (F = 0.375, P > 0.05). In the low-dose infection group, there were no significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 expression or Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression in mouse spleen NK cells 12 (t = −1.137, P > 0.05) or 24 weeks post-infection (t = −1.658, P > 0.05), and the proportion of Tim3 and LAG3 co-expression increased in mouse spleen NK cells 24 weeks post-infection relative to 12 weeks post-infection (t = −5.261, P < 0.01). In the highdose infection group, there was no significant difference in the proportion of Tim3 expression in mouse spleen NK cells 12 and 24 weeks post-infection (t = −1.546, P > 0.05); however, the proportions of Tim3 co-expression with 2B4 and LAG3 increased in mouse splenic NK cells 24 weeks post-infection relative to 12 weeks post-infection (t = −2.425 and −4.745, both P values < 0.05). Conclusions The Tim3 expression and Tim3 co-expression with LAG3 and 2B4 on spleen NK cells is affected by doses of E. multilocularis infection and disease stages, and present different phenotypes during the course of alveolar echinococcosis. NK cells tend to form an immunosuppressive phenotype with the progression of E. multilocularis infection, which facilitates immune escape and chronic parasitism of E. multilocularis.

Preliminary study of the role of IL-18/IL-18BP in mediating cytotoxic ability of NK-92MI cells against endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the role and potential mechanism of interleukin (IL)-18/IL-18 binding protein (BP) in mediating the killing effect of natural killer (NK)-92MI cells upon endothelial cells from α-1, 3- galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GTKO) porcine models. Methods NK-92MI cells were divided into the NK, NK+IL-18, NK+GTKO, IL-18+NK+GTKO and IL-18+IL-18BP+NK+GTKO groups. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of inflammation-related genes in NK-92MI cells were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The killing effect of NK-92MI cells on endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. The apoptosis of endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression levels of proteins with killing effect and apoptosis-related proteins were determined by Western blot. Results Compared with the NK, NK+IL-18 and NK+GTKO groups, the expression levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-8, IL-3, IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) mRNA were up-regulated in NK-92MI cells in the IL-18+NK+GTKO group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Compared with the IL-18+NK+GTKO group, the expression levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-3, IL-6 and GM-CSF mRNA were down-regulated in NK-92MI cells in the IL-18+IL-18BP+NK+GTKO group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Compared with the NK+GTKO group, the expression levels of perforin, granzyme B and IFN-γ proteins in NK-92MI cells were up-regulated, the killing rate of NK-92MI cells against endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was enhanced, the apoptosis rate of endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was increased, and the ratios of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 in endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models were elevated in the IL-18+NK+GTKO group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Compared with the IL-18+NK+GTKO group, the expression levels of perforin, granzyme B and IFN-γ proteins were down-regulated, the killing rate of NK-92MI cells against endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was decreased, the apoptosis rate of endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was decreased, and the ratios of Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 in endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models were declined in the IL-18+IL-18BP+NK+GTKO group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Conclusions IL-18BP may block the expression of inflammation-related genes in NK-92MI cells induced by IL-18 and the killing effect of NK-92MI cells on endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models.

Lack of association of the KIR and HLA class I ligands with ZIKV infection in south and southeast of Brazil

BACKGROUND Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arbovirus associated with foetal malformations and neurological complications. The infection is usually associated with mild symptoms. The comparison between the allelic frequency of polymorphic genes in symptomatic infected individuals in the population can clarify the pathogenic mechanisms of ZIKV. During ZIKV infection, cytokines are produced and natural killer (NK) cells are recruited, whose activation depends on signaling pathways activated by specific receptors, such as killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). These molecules interact with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands and are encoded by polymorphic genes. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of allelic variants of the genes encoding the KIR receptors and their HLA class I ligands in 139 symptomatic ZIKV-patients and 170 controls negative for the virus, and to evaluate the role of these variants for ZIKV susceptibility. METHODS KIR and HLA class I genes were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) technique. FINDINGS No significant differences in the frequency distribution of KIRs and KIR-HLA in patients compared to controls were observed. MAIN CONCLUSIONS KIR and its HLA ligands might play a minor role in ZIKV infection in the south and southeast Brazilian individuals.

Research advances on antitumor mechanism of NK cells and its application in cancer targeted therapy / 药学学报

Natural killer (NK) cells, as an essential part of innate immunity, can directly identify and kill tumor cells after being activated by the synergistic action of surface inhibitory receptors and activated receptors. It can secrete cytokines to recruit dendritic cells (DCs), induce DCs maturation and enhance adaptive immune response. It can target cancer stem cells (CSCs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to inhibit cancer metastasis. NK cells have a unique inflammatory tendency, which can respond to cytokines and chemokines released from tumor sites and migrate to tumor sites, making them occupy an important advantage in cancer targeted therapy. The research on cancer targeted therapy of NK cells as drug delivery carriers, NK cell membrane-coated biomimetic nanoparticles, and NK cell extracellular vesicles (NKEVs) has attracted more and more attention. The article will focus on the mechanism of NK cells inhibiting cancer, and summarize the research progress of cancer targeted therapy of NK cells.

Value of dynamic monitoring of absolute value and function of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in predicting the risk of early viral infection after kidney transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the predictive and diagnostic value of absolute value and function of different lymphocyte subsets in evaluating the risk of early viral infection after kidney transplantation. Methods Ninety-five kidney transplant recipients were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study, and divided into the stable group (n=77) and infection group (n=18) according to postoperative immune status. Peripheral blood samples were collected for flow cytometry before operation, and 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months and 6 months after operation. The dynamic changes of the absolute values of CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells and natural killer (NK) cells were compared between two groups. The function of lymphocyte subsets in two groups was evaluated by detecting the proportion of interferon (IFN)-γ+CD4+T cells, IFN-γ+CD8+T cells and IFN-γ+NK cells. The value of the absolute values and function of lymphocyte subsets in predicting and diagnosing viral infection in the early stage after kidney transplantation was evaluated. Results During viral infection, the absolute values of CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells and NK cells in the infection group were at a relatively low level. At 2 months after operation, the absolute values of CD4+T cells and NK cells in the infection group were lower than those in the stable group. At 6 months after operation, the absolute values of CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells in the infection group were significantly lower compared with those in the stable group (all P < 0.05). During viral infection, the proportion of IFN-γ+CD4+T cells, IFN-γ+CD8+T cells and IFN-γ+NK cells in the infection group were all at a relatively low level, especially that of IFN-γ+CD8+T cells decreased most significantly. At postoperative 2 months, the proportion of IFN-γ+CD8+T cells and IFN-γ+NK cells in the infection group was significantly higher than those in the stable group. At 6 months after operation, the proportion of IFN-γ+CD4+T cells and IFN-γ+CD8+T cells in the infection group was significantly higher than those in the stable group (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the increasing proportion of IFN-γ+CD8+T cells and IFN-γ+NK cells was correlated with the increasing risk of viral infection at 2 months after operation (both P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that the diagnostic value of absolute values of lymphocyte subsets combined with IFN-γ secretion function for viral infection in the immunocompromised recipients was significantly higher than that of absolute values of lymphocyte subsets alone (P < 0.05). Conclusions Dynamic monitoring of the changes of absolute values and function of lymphocyte subsets provides critical reference value for the prediction, diagnosis and medication guidance of viral infection.

Changes and significance of lymphocyte subsets in recipients with acute rejection after liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the changes and significance of lymphocyte subsets in the recipients with acute rejection after liver transplantation. Methods The recipients presenting with acute rejection after liver transplantation were assigned into the rejection group (n=17), and their counterparts with stable liver function were allocated into the control group (n=17) according to the ratio of 1∶1 by propensity score matching method. The incidence of acute rejection after liver transplantation was analyzed, and the concentration of tacrolimus in the recipients was compared between two groups. The absolute value and proportion of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood were compared between two groups. The diagnostic value of lymphocyte subsets for acute rejection after liver transplantation was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The absolute value and proportion of lymphocyte subsets in the rejection group were compared before and after treatment. Results Among 17 recipients in the rejection group, 4 cases developed acute rejection within postoperative 28 d, and 13 cases had acute rejection within postoperative 29-180 d. No significant difference was noted in the tacrolimus concentration between two groups (P=0.295). Compared with the control group, the proportions of peripheral blood T cells, CD4+T cells, B cells and natural killer (NK) T cells were significantly increased in the rejection group (all P < 0.05). The elevated proportion of NKT cells in the early stage after liver transplantation was an independent risk factor for acute rejection following liver transplantation[odds ratio (OR) 1.774, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.059-2.971, P=0.029]. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC) of CD4+T cells, B cells and NKT cells was 0.76, 0.73 and 0.77, respectively. The AUC of combined use of CD4+T cells, B cells and NKT cells was 0.89, with a cut-off value of 0.69, sensitivity of 0.706 and specificity of 0.941. After corresponding treatment, all recipients were gradually recovered, and liver functions were eventually restored to normal in the rejection group. After treatment, the proportion of T cells, CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells and NK cells was significantly decreased (all P < 0.05). Conclusions The elevated proportion of NKT cells indicates an increased risk of acute rejection after liver transplantation. Combined use of CD4+T cells, B cells and NKT cells may deliver early detection and diagnosis of acute rejection after liver transplantation.

The Expression and Function of NK Cells in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the expression characteristics of antigens and functional markers of natural killer (NK) cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).@*METHODS@#Multi-parameter flow cytometry was used to detect NK cell surface markers and their functional indicators in 56 newly diagnosed AML patients and 24 healthy controls, including activating receptors NKG2D, NKP46, DNAM-1, and killing indicators granzyme B, perforin.@*RESULTS@#Referring to the WHO hematopoiesis and lymph tissue tumor classification criteria, 56 cases were roughly divided into three types: AML M1, M2, and M4/M5. However, there was no differences about NK cells among the three types, so it was no longer subdivided. NK cells were divided into two groups: CD3-CD56hiCD16- (CD56hiNK) and CD3-CD56dimCD16+ (CD56dimNK). Compared with CD56dimNK cell population, except for NKP46, the positive expression levels of NKG2D and other receptors of CD56hiNK cells in AML patients decreased (P<0.001). Compared with healthy controls, the proportion of CD56hiNK cells in AML patients increased, while the number and proportion of NK cells and proportion of CD56dimNK cells significantly decreased (P<0.05). The proportion of perforin in CD56hiNK cells significantly increased (P<0.05). The expression of DNAM-1 in CD56hiNK cells, NKG2D, DNAM-1, and perforin in CD56dimNK cells decreased significantly (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in expression of other functional indexes in AML patients compared with corresponding indexes of healthy controls. In addition, the proportion of CD56hiNK cells was positively correlated with the expression of CD34+ in AML (r=0.303).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with CD56dimNK, the ratio of CD56hiNK and the expression of functional markers in AML patients are lower. Compared with healthy controls, the number and expression ratio of NK cells in AML patients decrease and the expression of functional markers is abnormal, indicating that its function is impaired.

Correlation of Tim-3 expression on T lymphocytes and natural killer cells with hepatic inflammation and hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients / 中华临床感染病杂志

Objective:To explore the correlation of the expression of lymphocyte immunoglobulin-mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) on T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells with hepatic inflammation and hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.Methods:A total of 320 patients of chronic HBV infection who visited the Infectious Diseases Department in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from June 2016 to June 2018 were enrolled. The patients were divided into four groups: immune tolerant group (IT, n=31), immune active group (IA, n=184), inactive carriers group (IC, n=48), and gray zone group (GZ, n=57). And 17 healthy controls (HC group) were included at the same time. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated and the frequency and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of Tim-3 on T cells (CD3 + , CD4 + and CD8 + T cells) and NK cells (NK, NK-bright and NK-dim cells) were detected by flow cytometry. The clinical data of patients were collected and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) score was calculated. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparing the data of non-normal distribution among groups, and Mann Whitney U test was used for the comparison between two groups. Enumeration data were expressed as cases (percentage) and compared by the Chi-square test. Spearman rank correlation was used for correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the predictive value of Tim-3 expression on T cells and NK cells in evaluating liver fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:Significant differences were found in the age, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), albumin (Alb), total bilirubin (TBil) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) among IT, IA, IC, GZ and HC groups ( H=12.40, 169.70, 210.70, 25.17, 24.21 and 86.5, all P<0.05). And the differences in APRI score, proportion of HBeAg-positive patients, HBsAg and HBV-DNA among the IT group, IA group, IC group, GZ group were also significant ( H=89.45, 118.00 and 14.81, χ2=148.20, all P<0.05). The frequency and MFI of Tim-3 on CD3 + , CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, NK cells, NK-bright and NK-dim cells among the IT group, IA group, IC group, GZ group and the HC group were significantly different( H=13.57, 51.55, 8.58, 44.25, 20.32, 47.96 and 12.45, 33.69, 4.96, 32.47, 10.63, 30.46, all P<0.05). Both of the frequency and MFI of Tim-3 on CD3 + , CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were positively correlated with ALT and AST levels in patients with chronic HBV infection ( r=0.2134, 0.4733, 0.2090, 0.4333, 0.1771, 0.4417, 0.1780, 0.3956, 0.2618, 0.4671, 0.2614 and 0.4326, all P<0.05). While the frequency and MFI of Tim-3 on CD8 + T cells and MFI on CD3 + and CD4 + T cells were also positively correlated with TBil levels ( r=0.1342, 0.2635, 0.2739 and 0.2526, all P< 0.05). The frequency and MFI of Tim-3 on NK and NK-dim cells were negatively correlated with the levels of ALT, AST and TBil ( r=-0.2671, -0.4093, -0.2451, -0.4099, -0.1807, -0.1823, -0.2733, -0.4224, -0.2576, -0.4206, -0.1798 and -0.1946, all P<0.05). The MFI of Tim-3 on NK-bright cells was also negatively correlated with ALT, AST and TBil ( r=-0.3775, -0.3562 and -0.1633, all P<0.05). Both of the frequency and MFI of Tim-3 on CD3 + , CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were positively correlated with liver fibrosis( r=0.1789, 0.3896, 0.1518, 0.3521, 0.2117 and 0.3579, all P<0.05). Both of the frequency and MFI of Tim-3 on CD4 + and CD8 + T cells and the MFI of Tim-3 on CD3 + T cells were positively correlated with APRI score ( r=0.1487, 0.2604, 0.2296, 0.4858 and 0.2853, all P<0.05). The expression frequency and MFI of Tim-3 on NK and NK-dim cells and MFI of Tim-3 on NK-bright cells were negatively correlated with LSM ( r=-0.2686, -0.3975, -0.2852, -0.3991 and -0.3531, all P<0.05). The expression frequency and MFI of Tim-3 on NK and NK-dim cells and MFI of Tim-3 on NK-bright were negatively correlated with APRI score ( r=-0.3589, -0.4158, -0.3591, -0.4108 and -0.3966, all P<0.05). The ratio of Tim-3 expression on CD3 + T cells to that on NK cells was shown to be able to predict liver fibrosis in chronic HBV infected patients and the area under the ROC curve was 0.783 (95% CI: 0.723~0.843, P< 0.05), and when the cut-off value was 0.612, the sensitivity was 61.9%, and the specificity was 99.3%. Conclusion:The relationship of Tim-3 expression on T cells with liver inflammation and fibrosis is opposite to that on NK cells in patients with chronic HBV infection, indicating that the ratio of Tim-3 expression on T cells to that on NK cells may be valuable in evaluating liver fibrosis in patients.

Progress of immune checkpoint inhibitors for natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy / 中国肿瘤临床

In recent years, many studies have demonstrated the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of multiple types of cancers. Natural killer (NK) cells are an important part of the innate immune system and play an essential role in tumor immune surveillance. Their effects depend on their binding to inhibitory receptors, activating receptors, or both and the fact that they do not require major histocompatibility complex molecules to kill tumor cells. NK cells have shown great potential against both solid and hematologic tumors and have been increasingly identified as a promising therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. Some newly emerging checkpoint receptors and molecules have been revealed to mediate NK cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment, making them ideal targets for tumor immunotherapy. Thus, this paper will focus on the roles of these newly emerging immune checkpoint receptors in the regulation of NK cells and their potential application in tumor immunotherapy.

Research progress on natural killer cells in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia / 中国肿瘤临床

Natural killer (NK) cells are a component of the innate immune system. They have the ability to lyse tumor and viral infected cells, and play an important role in innate immunity and acquired immunity. As the characteristics and functions of NK cells have become more widely recognized, NK cells have been implemented as a clinical anti-tumor treatment, especially in the treatment of hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and lymphoma. NK cell-based immunotherapy currently includes autologous NK cell infusion, allogeneic NK cell infusion, and chimeric antigen modified NK (CAR-NK) cell infusion. NK cell-based immunotherapy aims to enhance the anti-tumor ability of NK cells and overcome tumor immune escape. With further research and development, NK cell therapy will become a powerful weapon for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

Preliminary study of cytomegalovirus infection and its correlation with NK cell subsets after renal transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To explore the variation trend of natural killer (NK) cell subsets in the recipients infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV) after renal transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 92 renal transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. All recipients were divided into the CMV infection group (n=43), CMV infection recovery group (n=13), stable renal function group (n=15), rejection group (n=11) and other infection group (n=10). In addition, healthy adult volunteers were enrolled in the healthy control group (n=15). The proportion of NK cells in peripheral blood, the expression proportion and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD226 and CD16 in NK cells were observed and statistically compared among different groups. Results The proportion of NK cells was 4.9% (2.2%, 11.5%) in the CMV infection group and 3.7% (2.3%, 6.5%) in the CMV infection recovery group, which were significantly lower than those in the other groups (all P < 0.05). The expression proportion of CD226 and CD16 in NK cells in the CMV infection group was significantly lower compared with those in the healthy control group and stable renal function group(all P < 0.05). The expression proportion of CD226 and CD16 in NK cells in the CMV infection recovery group was remarkably higher than those in the CMV infection group (both P < 0.05). The MFI of CD226 and CD16 in the CMV infection group was significantly lower than those in the healthy control group (both P < 0.05). The MFI of CD226 and CD16 in the CMV infection recovery group was significantly higher than those in the CMV infection group (both P < 0.05). Conclusions The expression proportion and MFI of CD226 and CD16 in NK cells are down-regulated in CMV infection period, whereas up-regulated during the CMV infection recovery period, prompting that CD226 and CD16 expressed by NK cells are intimately correlated with the course of CMV infection.

Short-term treatment efficacy of NK cells for ovarian cancer ascites / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[Abstract] Objective: To investigate the short-term clinical efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal perfusion of natural killer (NK) cells in the treatment of ovarian cancer with ascites. Methods: The clinical data of 15 ovarian cancer patients with ascites effusion, who received NK cell perfusion in the Qinhuai Medical District of the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from November 2016 to January 2019, were analyzed. The peripheral blood was collected to isolate the peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and to further obtain the NK cells after culture. NK cell suspension was intraperitoneally perfused into the abdominal cavity (no less than 2×109 cells/ time). The volume of peritoneal effusion, the level of serum tumor marker CA-125, the level of serum cytokines IL-2, INF-γ and TNF-α as well as the changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were detected before and after the treatment; Moreover, the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were observed. Results: The effective rate of intraperitoneal perfusion of NK cells was 66.7%, and there were no obvious treatment-related adverse reactions. Compared with before treatment, the serum tumor marker CA-125 level significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-15, IFN-γ and TNF-α increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while there was no significant changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Intraperitoneal infusion of NK cells in the treatment of ovarian cancer associated peritoneal effusion has a good short-term clinical efficacy with little adverse reactions, which is a promising method for the treatment of cancerous peritoneal effusion.

Research advances in the mechanism of acupuncture in regulating tumor immunosuppression / 针刺研究

As a characteristic therapy in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has shown potential advantages in anti-tumor therapy, and one of the therapeutic effects of acupuncture is to improve the immunosuppressive conditions in patients with tumor. Based on the immunoregulatory effect of acupuncture, this article summarized the mechanism of acupuncture in regulating tumor immune status from the following aspects: stimulating the activation of natural killer cells, increasing the number of CD8+ T cells, and adjusting the balance between T helper 1 cells and T helper 2 cells and between regulatory T cells and T helper 17 cells. With reference to existing evidence, we believe that acupuncture can regulate the body's immunosuppressive conditions through a variety of targets, but further clinical and basic studies are needed to clarify its regulatory effect on tumor immune microenvironment and related mechanism of action.

Dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets and their correlation with renal function in recipients with stable graft status after renal transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and their correlation with renal function in recipients with stable graft status after renal transplantation. Methods Forty-five recipients who underwent renal transplantation for the first time and had stable graft function within postoperative 6 months were selected. The proportion and absolute value of lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry (FCM) in 180 peripheral blood samples from recipients at 15 d, 1, 3 and 6 months after renal transplantation. The dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets with the extension of postoperative time and their correlation with serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were analyzed. Results The Scr levels did not significantly differ at 4 time points after renal transplantation (all P > 0.05). The BUN levels significantly differed between 15 d and 1 month after renal transplantation, and between 1 and 3 months after renal transplantation (P=0.002, P=0.001). The proportion of CD3+CD8+T cells, CD3+CD4+T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and CD4/CD8 ratio at postoperative 15 d significantly differed from those at 1 month after operation (P=0.009, P=0.004, P < 0.001, P=0.004). The proportion of B cells significantly differed between 15 d and 1 month, and between 1 and 3 months after renal transplantation (both P < 0.001). The absolute values of CD3+T cells, CD3+CD8+T cells, CD3+CD4+T cells and NK cells at postoperative 15 d significantly differed from those at 1 month after renal transplantation (P=0.001, P=0.002, P=0.003, P < 0.001). The absolute values of CD3+CD8+T cells significantly differed between 3 and 6 months after operation (P=0.015). The absolute value of B cells at 1 month after renal transplantation significantly differed from that at 3 months after renal transplantation (P=0.001). The proportion and absolute value of lymphocyte subsets were not significantly correlated with the Scr level (both P > 0.05). The proportion and absolute value of CD3+CD8+T cells and NK cells were negatively correlated with BUN (P < 0.001-0.05), whereas the proportion of CD3+CD4+T cells and B cells was positively correlated with the BUN level (P < 0.001-0.05). The absolute value of CD3+T cells was negatively associated with the BUN level (P < 0.05). Conclusions T cells and NK cells in the lymphocyte subsets of stable recipients raise to the stable state within 1 month after renal transplantation, whereas B cells decrease to stable state within 3 months renal transplantation. The dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets are correlated with the BUN level.

JL1 Antigen Expression on Bone Marrow Lymphoma Cells from Patients With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

BACKGROUND: JL1, a CD43 epitope and mucin family cell surface glycoprotein, is expressed on leukemic cells. An anti-JL1 antibody combined with a toxic substance can have targeted therapeutic effects against JL1-positive leukemia; however, JL1 expression on bone marrow (BM) lymphoma cells has not been assessed using flow cytometry. We investigated JL1 expression on BM lymphoma cells from patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) to assess the potential of JL1 as a therapeutic target. METHODS: Patients with BM involvement of mature B-cell (N=44) or T- and natural killer (NK)-cell (N=4) lymphomas were enrolled from May 2015 to September 2016. JL1 expression on BM lymphoma cells was investigated using flow cytometry. Clinical, pathological, and cytogenetic characteristics, and treatment responses were compared according to JL1 expression status. RESULTS: Of the patients with NHL and BM involvement, 37.5% (18/48) were JL1-positive. Among mature B-cell lymphomas, 100%, 38.9%, 33.3%, 100%, and 25.0% of Burkitt lymphomas, diffuse large B-cell leukemias, mantle cell leukemias, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and other B-cell lymphomas, respectively, were JL1-positive. Three mature T- and NK-cell NHLs were JL1-positive. JL1 expression was associated with age (P=0.045), complete response (P=0.004), and BM involvement at follow-up (P=0.017), but not with sex, performance status, the B symptoms, packed marrow pattern, cytogenetic abnormalities, or survival. CONCLUSIONS: JL1 positivity was associated with superior complete response and less BM involvement in NHL following chemotherapy.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-antagonist up-regulate the proportion of uterine natural killer cells and enhance their toxicity during the implantation window period of mice / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective: To investigate the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hor-mone-antagonist (GnRH-ant) on the proportion and toxicity of mice uterine nature killer (uNK) cells during implantation window. Methods: Sixteen C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into GnRH-ant group and control group, with 8 mice in each group. From the 3rd day of the estrous cycle, GnRH-ant (1.5 μg/100 g) was injected intraperitoneally into the mice of the GnRH-ant group for 7 days continuously, and the control group was injected with the same volume of normal saline at the same time point. On the 7th day, the mice of the two groups were injected with human menopausal gonadotropin (40 U/100 g). The next day, they were injected with human chorionic gonadotropin (100 U/100 g) and sacrificed after 48 h. The uterus tissues were taken out for primary digestion to obtain single-cell suspension. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportion of uNK cells and the expression levels of toxicity molecules perforin (Pf) and granzyme B (Gz-B). Results: Compared with the control group, the proportion of uNK cells in GnRH-ant group increased (P=0.000), the proliferation level increased (P=0.000), the apoptosis level decreased (P=0.004), and the expression of toxicity molecules Pf (P=0.000) and Gz-B (P=0.034) were up-regulated. Conclusion: GnRH-ant may up-regulate the proportion of uNK cells and enhance their toxicity in the implantation window period of mice.

Expresión génica de ligandos mica, micb y ulbp (1-6) del receptor NKG2D de células natural killer y metaloproteinasas adam10, adam17 y mmp14 en lineas celulares de cáncer de cervical / Gene expression of mica, micb and ulbp (1-6) ligands of the NKG2D receptor of natural killer cells and metalloproteinases adam10, adam17 and mmp14 in cells lines of cervical cancer

RESUMEN El CCU es la segunda causa de muerte en mujeres de nuestro país. Dentro de los primeros mecanismos de defensa del hospedero se encuentra la respuesta inmune de las células NK y su función lítica a expensas de su receptor activador NKG2D, el cual posee como ligandos mica, micb y ulbp (1-6), los cuales se expresan en células transformadas y/o infectadas por virus. Uno de los mecanismos de evasión por parte de la célula tumoral es el clivaje de estas proteínas a través de metaloproteinasas como adam10, adam17 y mmp14. Se analizó la expresión de estos ligandos y metaloproteinasas mediante PCR tiempo real, en lineas celulares de referencia para cáncer cervical como HeLa (positiva para VPH-18) y C33A (negativa para VPH). Se obtuvieron valores representativos de expresion relativa genica con diferencias significativas asi: mmp14 en linea HeLa (p= 0.006); y mica y ulbp-3 en la linea C33A (p= 0.020 y p=0.003 respectivamente). Por lo tanto, se podría sugerir que la expresión de mmp14 se encuentra posiblemente involucrados con la presencia de VPH causante del cancer cervical y la respuesta inmunne innata desarrollada.

ABSTRACT Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death in women in our country. Within the first host defense mechanisms is the immune response of NK cells and their lytic function at the expense of its NKG2D receptor activator which has as ligands mica, micb and ulbp (1-6), which are expressed in transformed cells and / or virally infected. One of the mechanisms of evasion by the tumor cell is the cleavage of these proteins through metalloproteinases as adam10, adam17 and mmp14. We analyzed the expression of these ligands and metalloproteinases by real time PCR, in reference to cell lines HeLa cervical cancer (positive for HPV-18) and C33A (negative for HPV). We obtained representing relative gene expression with significant differences from the other lines of study as follows: mmp14 in HeLa (p = 0.006); and mica and ulbp-3 in C33A (p = 0.020 and p = 0.003 respectively). Thus one might suggest that the expression of mmp14 is possible involved with HPV presence causing high risk of cervical cancer and innate inmunne response developed.

Expression of Tim-3 on natural killer cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and its clinical significance / 中华血液学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the expression characteristics of Tim-3 on natural killer (NK) cells of peripheral blood in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its clinical significance.@*Methods@#Peripheral blood was obtained from 39 patients with newly diagnosed AML before intervention, with peripheral blood from 28 cases of healthy volunteers collected as normal control. Using CD3, CD56 and Tim-3 as markers, expression levels of Tim-3 on the peripheral blood NK cells were detected by immune fluorescence labeling and flow cytometry.@*Results@#The ratio of the peripheral blood CD3-CD56+ NK cells in newly diagnosed AML patients (5.74±5.31) %decreased significantly, compared with the normal control (12.55±6.33) % (t=4.596, P<0.001) . Tim-3 expression on the peripheral blood NK cells in newly diagnosed AML patients (42.67±19.08) % decreased significantly, compared with the normal control group (60.99±20.69) % (t=3.781, P<0.001) . CD3-CD56+NK cell ratio of peripheral blood in AML patients was significantly correlated with Chromosome karyotype (t=2.915, P<0.005) . Expression level of Tim-3 on NK cells in the peripheral blood of AML patients had significant correlation with ratio of CR and NCCN high risk group (P<0.05) .@*Conclusion@#The rate of NK cells in peripheral blood and the expression level of Tim-3 on NK cells in AML patients decreased significantly.The lower expression level of Tim-3 on NK cells correlate with prognosis of AML.