Project description:We analyzed gene expression profiles of IL-18 generated murine NK cells in comparison to unstimulated, freshly isolated splenic NK cells. We identified a set of 1414 Affymetrix probe sets showing significant misregulation (Welch's T-test, p<0.05; Benjamini-Hochberg FDR corrected). IL-18 generated as well as unstimulated NK cells were isolated in three independent preparations and used for RNA extraction and hybridization on Affymetrix microarrays.
Project description:We analyzed gene expression profiles of IL-18 generated murine NK cells in comparison to unstimulated, freshly isolated splenic NK cells. We identified a set of 1414 Affymetrix probe sets showing significant misregulation (Welch's T-test, p<0.05; Benjamini-Hochberg FDR corrected).
Project description:NK cells are an emerging cancer cellular therapy and potent mediators of anti-tumor immunity. Cytokine-induced memory-like (ML) NK cellular therapy is safe and induces remissions in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. However, the dynamic molecular changes that occur after memory-like differentiation in vitro are unclear. Here, control or ML NK cells purified from normal donor PBMC were generated in vitro. Briefly, RosetteSep-purified NK cells were incubated in IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18, or low-dose IL-15 as a control for 16-18 hours. Control or cytokine-activated NK cells were washed three times and cultured for 6 days in low-dose IL-15, which is required for NK cell survival. After 6 days, RNA was isolated from control and memory-like (ML) NK cells (IL12/15/18 activation) and RNA-sequencing performed. Because the transcription factor GATA-3 was increased specifically in ML NK cells, we hypothesized ML NK cells would exhibit a GATA-3 gene signature compared to control NK cells. Indeed, using GSEA, a significant gene signature was associated with ML NK cell differentiation. These data support the role for GATA-3 in regulating the ML NK cell molecular program.
Project description:We collected whole genome testis expression data from hybrid zone mice. We integrated GWAS mapping of testis expression traits and low testis weight to gain insight into the genetic basis of hybrid male sterility.
Project description:Cancer-induced tolerance mostly involves myeloid suppressor cells, regulatory T cells and immunosuppressive cytokines, which all subvert adaptive immune responses against tumor cells. Here, we show that a subset of innate effectors, c-kit expressing NK cells (Kit+ NK), can participate in tumor-induced tolerance by compromising the NK cell arm of tumor immunosurveillance. IL-18 produced by tumor cells can convert Kit- into Kit+ NK cells that overexpress B7-H1/PD-L1 molecules. Upon tumor inoculation, Kit+ NK cells rapidly develop in lymphoid organs in a IL-18R/MyD88 dependent manner and directly kill Kit- NK cells in a B7-H1/PD-1-dependent manner, thereby promoting the progression of NK-controlled cancers. Our data suggest that, in a tumoral context, IL-18 subverts antitumor NK cell functions. Systemic neutralization of IL-18 by IL-18-binding protein may improve the NK-mediated immunosurveillance. Keywords: cell type comparison
Project description:Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that are key to intrinsic cancer immunosurveillance and an important target for cancer immunotherapy. Understanding fundamental human NK cell metabolism provides opportunities for optimising NK cell therapies. Little is known about how glutamine, an important cell nutrient and carbon source, is utilised by human NK cells. To address this, we performed U13C-glutamine tracing experiments by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of human NK cells stimulated with IL-2 for 18 hours to provide a global overview of glutamine usage by these cells. Our results show that glutamine is taken up by resting NK cells and that this increases further upon IL-2 stimulation. Metabolite labelling analysis identified that IL-2 results in greater conversion of glutamine to glutamate, allowing for anaplerotic flux into the TCA cycle. The fate of the glutamine-derived carbons diverged at oxaloacetate (OAA) allowing both bioenergetic and biosynthetic outcomes - some carbons continued around the TCA cycle while others were exported, converted to aspartate and subsequently used for pyrimidine synthesis. Nucleotide synthesis by IL-2 activated NK cells was found to be essential for expression of the activation marker CD69. The data indicate that glutamine is a key nutrient taken up by human NK cells, and that IL-2 drives glutaminolysis. Subsequent glutamate is used to support the TCA cycle, generating energy and providing intermediates for de novo pyrimidine synthesis.