Resident CD49a⁺CD103⁺NKG2C⁺ NK cells restrict HIV infection in human lymphoid tissue explants.

ABSTRACT: Natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal effectors in antiviral immunity, yet their tissue-specific roles during acute HIV infection remain poorly defined. Using an ex vivo human tonsillar tissue model, we profile NK cell responses to early HIV infection and uncover distinct subsets with specialized functions. We identify a previously uncharacterized memory-like NK population (CD16^+/-CD69⁺CD49a⁺CD103⁺NKG2C⁺) associated with reduced viral burden and enriched in cytotoxic mediators (GNLY, PRF1, and GZMB), apoptotic ligands (FASLG and TRAIL), cytokine receptors (IL2RA, IL2RB, IL2RG, IL12RB2, and IL18R1) and trafficking molecules (CCL3-5, CCR7, and SELL). Although functionally capable of clearing HIV-infected CD4⁺ T cells in a tiss

SUBMITTER: Perea D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12829570 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature