The development of a bi-specific anti-CD161A x anti-tumor antibody for rat NK cell targeting

In order to improve the therapeutic efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy of cancer using IL-2-activated NK (A-NK) cells, we developed a bi-specific monoclonal antibody (BimAb) 3.2.3xCC52. One specificity of the BimAb (mAb 3.2.3) was directed against rat CD161A (NKR-P1A) which has been shown to be an activation structure on rat NK cells involved in lysis of target cells and cytokine secretion. The other specificity (mAb CC52) was directed against a tumor associated antigen on the rat colon adenocarcinoma cell line CC531. The hybridomas producing 3.2.3 and CC52 were fused, resulting in a quadroma producing the desired 3.2.3xCC52 BimAb. The hybridomas produced antibodies of different isotypes (IgG2b and IgG1 respectively) which enabled us to pre-select quadromas with a high likelihood for production of BimAb, through testing for the production of bi-isotypic antibodies. Production of functional BimAb by the selected quadromas was demonstrated in an assay showing enhanced conjugate formation between CD161A+ cells and CC531 tumor cells. We also tested the 3.2.3xCC52 BimAb for its capacity to enhance NK cell-mediated lysis of CC531 tumor cells in 4 h and 19 h 51Cr release assays; in a prolonged (2 day) tumor neutralization assay using a tetrazolium salt (MTT)-based assay; and in tests for apoptosis using Annexin V-FITC. Although this BimAb was not demonstrated to cause enhanced lysis of CC531 cells by CD161A+ effector cells in vitro, it might be a useful tool to enhance the number of NK cells at the tumor site and/or prolong contact between tumor cells and NK cells in vivo, thereby probably enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of NK cells.     

Administration of BiMAb-retargeted T cells in a rat hepatic metastases colon tumour model results in T-cell tumour infiltration independent of the route of administration

In this study, cultured T cells, pre-incubated with the bispecific monoclonal antibody (BiMAb) R73IgG1 x CC52IgG1 were adoptively transferred, via systemic and regional routes, to rats bearing day 10 hepatic metastases of the CC531 adenocarcinoma of the colon to investigate the role of the route of administration in tumour infiltration by these BiMAb-retargeted effector cells. The BiMAb, directed against the T-cell receptor and the tumour-associated antigen CC52, were used to crosslink CC531 tumour cells and T cells to induce tumour cell lysis. Retargeted T cells were administered via the jugular vein, hepatic artery or the portal vein. The number of BiMAb-retargeted T cells that reached the liver tumours was independent of the route of administration. There was also no difference between the number of T cells that reached the portal tracts, central veins of parenchyma of the liver, after loco-regional or systemic administration. These findings are in contrast to the interleukin (IL)-2 activated NK (A-NK) cells biodistribution studies earlier performed in the same animal model in our laboratory. Compared with A-NK cells, a lower number of BiMAb-retargeted T cells reached the tumours, irrespective of their route of administration while for A-NK cells, there was an advantage of administration via the hepatic artery.     

TRAIL/Apo-2-ligand-induced apoptosis in human T cells

Members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family such as CD95 (APO-1/Fas) ligand (L) trigger apoptosis in lymphoid cells. Recently, a new member of apoptosis-inducing ligands, TRAIL (TNF-related-apoptosis-inducing-ligand)/Apo-2 ligand, was identified that might act in a similar way. We compared TRAIL and CD95L-induced apoptosis in human lymphoid cells. Expression of TRAIL was found in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells following activation, suggesting that TRAIL participates in T cell-mediated induction of apoptosis. Similar to CD95L, TRAIL-induced apoptosis in target cells is mediated by activation of caspases (ICE/Ced-3 proteases). However, different human lymphoid cell lines and peripheral T cells differ in sensitivity towards induction of apoptosis by TRAIL and CD95L. In addition, T cells are highly sensitive towards CD95L-induced apoptosis after prolonged activation in vitro, but remain completely resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In contrast, T cells from HIV-1-infected patients previously shown to exhibit increased CD95 sensitivity are even more susceptible towards TRAIL-induced cell death. These data suggest that TRAIL might participate in CD95-independent apoptosis of lymphoid cells and might be involved in deregulated apoptosis in diseases such as leukemias and HIV-1 infection.     

Cleavage of FLICE (caspase-8) by granzyme B during cytotoxic T lymphocyte-induced apoptosis

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes induce apoptosis in target cells through the CD95(APO-1/Fas) and the perforin/granzyme B (GrB) pathway. The exact substrate of GrB in vivo is still unknown, but to induce apoptosis GrB requires the activity of caspases in target cells. We show here that in HeLa target cells induction of apoptosis through the perforin/GrB pathway resulted in minor direct cleavage of CPP32 (caspase-3) by GrB. Most caspase-3 cleavage resulted from activation of an upstream caspase. Moreover, target cells derived from caspase-3^?/? mice displayed GrB-induced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage with only partially reduced efficiency compared to wild-type target cells. This indicates that other PARP-cleaving caspases can be activated during perforin/GrB-induced cell death. In contrast to caspase-3, FLICE (caspase-8) was directly cleaved by GrB in HeLa cells. We therefore conclude that FLICE not only plays a central role in CD95(APO-1/Fas)-induced apoptosis but can also be directly activated during perforin/GrB-induced apoptosis.     

Surface expression of TRAIL/Apo-2 ligand in activated mouse T and B cells

Like other members of the TNF family, TRAIL/Apo-2 ligand induces apoptosis in sensitive target cells in a caspase-dependent fashion. We recently found that TRAIL may be constitutively expressed on the surface of mouse and human tumor cells of T and B origin. To define the pattern of TRAIL expression in normal immune cells, freshly isolated splenocytes, Concanavalin A/IL-2-activated T cells and lipopolysaccharide-activated B cells were analyzed by surface staining with or without secondary stimulation. Activated, but not resting, CD3⁺ cells expressed TRAIL in an activation-dependent fashion. Conversely, freshly isolated B220⁺ cells displayed surface TRAIL and CD95L that were retained following activation. Restimulation with the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and the calcium ionophore ionomycin or an agonistic anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody induced significant up-regulation of surface TRAIL and CD95L in CD3⁺ , TCRα β cells with CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ phenotype. Similarly to CD95L, TRAIL up-regulation was protein synthesis dependent and cyclosporin A sensitive. These results indicate that both TRAIL and CD95L are displayed on the cell surface of activated immune cells and may thus represent complementary effector pathways in the regulatory functions of T and B cells.     

Rat colon carcinoma cells that survived systemic immune surveillance are less sensitive to NK-cell mediated apoptosis

In order to form distant metastases, cells from the primary tumor have to detach, enter the blood- or lymph-compartment and escape immune surveillance. Here, we describe the selection of rat colon carcinoma cell lines (CC531s-m1 and CC531s-m2) that escaped from systemic immune surveillance; CC531s cells were injected into the v. jugularis of Wag/Rij rats, after three weeks the lung tumors were isolated, the tumor cells were cultured, characterized and injected again. The m1- and m2-cell lines were less susceptible for killing by syngeneic NK cells. Further characterization of this cell line showed a decreased sensitivity towards TRAIL- and CD95L-, but not to granzyme B-mediated apoptosis. In the m1- and m2-cells log-phase growth started earlier as compared to the parental cell line, whereas no changes were found in anchorage-dependent or anchorage-independent growth. After subcapsular injection of the m2-cell line into the liver of rats much more lung metastases were formed in comparison to injection of the parental cell line. In conclusion, the results suggest that the resistance of the m1- and m2-cells to NK cell-mediated apoptosis was associated with their capability to survive systemic immune surveillance and form metastases in vivo.     

Differential regulation of TRAIL and CD95 ligand in transformed cells of the T and B lymphocyte lineage

TRAIL (APO-2 ligand) and CD95L (CD95/APO-1/Fas ligand) share the highest homology among the TNF family members and the ability to induce apoptosis. These similarities raise the issue of a potential functional redundancy between the two ligands. We have previously shown that CD95L-resistant cells may be sensitive to TRAIL, even though apoptosis induced by both ligands is blocked by caspase inhibitors. Here we investigated TRAIL protein expression in cells of T and B origin and compared its regulation of expression with that of CD95L. A rabbit antibody (Ab) to a peptide sequence in the extracellular region of TRAIL identified recombinant TRAIL (rTRAIL) produced by Sf9 cells as a protein of approximately 32 – 33 kDa and soluble rTRAIL as a 19 – 20-kDa protein. In human and mouse cells, the Ab identified a 33 – 34-kDa and an additional 19 – 20-kDa protein only in human cells. Both transformed cells of the T and B lymphocyte lineage were found to react with the anti-TRAIL Ab by immunoblot analysis and surface staining. The majority of the cells analyzed co-expressed TRAIL and CD95L. Two cell lines showed a mirror-pattern, one being TRAIL^high CD95L^low and the other TRAIL^low CD95L^high, thus suggesting the existence of a cell type-specific regulation of expression of the two ligands. Differently from CD95L, surface TRAIL was not up-regulated by any of the metalloprotease inhibitors tested, independently of the cell type analyzed. Conversely, reactivity with the anti-TRAIL but not with the anti-CD95L Ab was enhanced by cysteine protease inhibitors. An in vitro cleavage assay showed that generation of soluble rTRAIL was dependent on the functional activity of cysteine proteases, as it was blocked by leupeptin and E64 but not by the metalloprotease inhibitor 1,10-phenanthroline. Thus, even though TRAIL and CD95L share structural and functional properties, they have unique properties as they differ in their regulatory pathways, i. e. cell-type-dependent expression and sensitivity to protease inhibitors.     

Differential expression of human granzymes A, B, and K in natural killer cells and during CD8+ T cell differentiation in peripheral blood

NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes can induce apoptosis in virus-infected and transformed target cells via the granule exocytosis pathway. The key components of the cytolytic granules are perforin and several serine esterases, termed granzymes. While the cellular distribution of human granzymes A (GrA) and B (GrB) has been well characterized much less is known about the expression pattern of human granzyme K (GrK). In this study GrA, GrB, and GrK expression was analyzed in human peripheral blood lymphocytes using flow cytometry. There was a distinct population of GrK expressing CD8+ T cells with a CD27+/CD28+/CCR5high/CCR7-/perforin-/low/IFN-gamma+ memory-like phenotype, while all CD56bright NK cells were also positive for GrK. In addition, GrK was also expressed in subpopulations of CD56+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and TCRgammadelta+ T cells. In contrast, GrB was primarily expressed in CD56dim NK cells and differentiated memory CD8+ T cells with the CD27-/low/CD28-/low/CCR5-/low/CCR7-/CD11b+/perforinhigh phenotype. Only few CD8+ T cells expressed both GrB and GrK. GrA was found to be co-expressed in all GrB- and GrK-expressing T cells. Our findings suggest that granzyme expression during the differentiation process of memory CD8+ T cells might be as follows: GrA+/GrB-/GrK+ --> GrA+/GrB+/GrK+ --> GrA+/GrB+/GrK-.     

IL-23与IL-12诱导NK细胞功能的异同及机制初探

目的探讨细胞因子IL-23与IL-12对NK细胞功能的影响及可能的机制。方法密度梯度离心法分离人外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs)或磁珠纯化NK细胞,不刺激或用IL-23或IL-12刺激,用流式细胞术和ELISA法检测NK细胞产生IFN-γ的情况;以K562或Jurkat细胞作为靶细胞,用流式细胞术检测NK细胞的杀伤功能并分析NK细胞在不同的刺激条件下杀伤相关分子的表达情况及pSTAT的表达情况。结果与未刺激组相比,IL-23和IL-12均可以诱导NK细胞呈剂量和时间依赖方式产生IFN-γ;但IL-12而非IL-23可以增强NK细胞对靶细胞K562或Jurkat细胞的杀伤功能。进一步研究表明,IL-12而非IL-23可以诱导杀伤相关分子TRAIL及CD107a/b的表达。此外,IL-12诱导NK细胞表达更高水平的pSTAT4,而IL-23诱导NK细胞表达更高水平的pSTAT3。结论与IL-12相比,IL-23亦可以诱导NK细胞产生细胞因子但不能增强NK细胞的杀伤功能,IL-23不能诱导杀伤相关分子TRAIL及CD107a/b的表达,IL-23可以诱导低水平的pSTAT4但高水平的pSTAT3的表达。     

A phenotypic and functional characterization of NK cells in adenoids

Adenoids are part of the MALT. In the present study, we analyzed cell surface markers and cytolytic activity of adenoidal NK (A-NK) cells and compared them with NK cells derived from blood of the same donors (B-NK). NK cells comprised 0.67% (0.4-1.2%) of the total lymphoid population isolated from adenoids. The majority (median=92%) of the A-NK cells was CD56(bright)CD16(-). A-NK cells were characterized by the increased expression of activation-induced receptors. NKp44 was detected on >60%, CD25 on >40%, and HLA-DR on >50% of freshly isolated A-NK cells. Functional assays indicated that the cytotoxic machinery of A-NK is intact, and sensitive target cells are killed via natural cytotoxicity receptors, such as NKG2D. Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1; CD66) expression was up-regulated in 23% (median) of the A-NK cells by IL-2 activation but unchanged in B-NK cells. CEACAM1 inhibited the A-NK killing of target cells. CXCR4 was expressed on more than 40% A-NK cells prior to activation. Its ligand, CXCL12, was found in endothelial cells of the capillaries within the adenoid and in cells of the epithelial lining. In addition, A-NK cells migrated in vitro toward a gradient of CXCL12 in a dose-responsive manner, suggesting a role for this chemokine in A-NK cell recruitment and trafficking. We conclude that the A-NK cells are unique in that they display an activated-like phenotype and are different from their CD16(-) B-NK cell counterparts. This phenotype presumably reflects the chronic interaction of A-NK cells with antigens penetrating the body through the nasal route.     

NK cells from HCV-infected patients effectively induce apoptosis of activated primary human hepatic stellate cells in a TRAIL-, FasL- and NKG2D-dependent manner

In mouse models it has been shown that natural killer (NK) cells can attenuate liver fibrosis via killing of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in a NKG2D- and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-dependent manner. However, only little data exist regarding interactions of human NK cells with HSCs and their potential role in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated fibrogenesis. Therefore, purified NK cells from untreated HCV RNA(+) patients (n=33), interferon-α (IFN-α)-treated patients (n=17) and healthy controls (n=18) were coincubated with activated primary HSCs, and were tested for degranulation (CD107a expression) and secretion of IFN-γ and TNF-α, respectively. Induction of HSC apoptosis was analyzed using an active caspase-3 assay. We found that following coincubation with HSCs a significant increase in CD107a expression could be observed in both NK cells from HCV(+) patients and healthy controls, whereas only negligible secretion of IFN-γ and TNF-α could be detected. More importantly, NK cells from untreated HCV RNA(+) patients were significantly more effective in induction of HSC apoptosis (17.8 ± 9.2%) than NK cells from healthy controls (6.2 ± 2.1%; P<0.0001). Additionally, we observed an inverse correlation of liver fibrosis stage and the ability of NK cells to induce HSC apoptosis. Induction of HSC apoptosis was contact dependent and could partly be blocked by antibodies specific for TRAIL, NKG2D and FasL, respectively. It is noteworthy that NK cells from IFN-α-treated HCV(+) patients displayed the highest capability to kill HSCs (27.6 ± 10.5%). Accordingly, pre-stimulation of NK cells with recombinant IFN-α significantly increased the ability of NK cells to induce cell death in primary HSCs and was dependent on upregulated expression of TRAIL. Here we demonstrate that NK cells from HCV-infected patients are highly efficient in inducing apoptosis of activated HSCs. Thus, NK cells may have an important anti-fibrotic role in chronic hepatitis C.     

Death-inducing receptors and apoptotic changes in lymphocytes of patients with heart transplant vasculopathy

The specific role of lymphocyte apoptosis and transplant-associated atherosclerosis is not well understood. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of T cell apoptotic pathways in patients with heart transplant vasculopathy. Amongst 40 patients with cardiac heart failure class IV who have undergone heart transplantation, 20 recipients with transplant-associated coronary artery disease (TACAD) and 20 with non-TACAD were investigated one year postoperative. Expression of CD95 and CD45RO, and annexin V binding were measured by FACS. Soluble CD95, sCD95 ligand (sCD95L), tumour necrosis factor receptor type 1 (sTNFR1), and histones were measured in the sera by ELISA. The percentage of cells expressing CD3 and CD4 was significantly reduced in TACAD as well as in non-TACAD patients as compared with control volunteers. Interestingly, the proportion of CD19+ (B cells) and CD56+ (NK) cells was increased in TACAD groups (versus non-TACAD; P < 0.01, and P < 0.001, respectively). In contrast to sCD95, the expression of CD95 (APO-1/Fas) and CD45RO (memory T cells), and sCD95L were significantly increased in non-TACAD and TACAD patients. T cell activation via CD95 with consecutive apoptosis was increased in both groups. The concentration of sTNFR1, IL-10 and histones was significantly elevated in sera from TACAD than non-TACAD patients, and in both groups than in healthy controls. These observations indicate that the allograft may induce a pronounced susceptibility of CD4+ T cells to undergo apoptosis and antibody-driven activation-induced cell death. This data may suggest a paradox immune response similar to that seen in patients with autoimmune diseases.     

Circulating cytokines in primary Sjögren's syndrome determined by a multiplex cytokine array system

Modulation of cytotoxic responses by viral immunoevasins plays an important role in the establishment of latent and persistent viral infections. Together with MHC class-I-restricted CD8T-lymphocytes, non-MHC-restricted natural killer (NK) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells participate in this anti-viral control. The Us3 protein kinase of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) inhibits CD8T-cell cytotoxicity, which correlates with the inhibition of granzyme-B (GrB)-induced activation of pro-apoptotic Bid. We have investigated the effect of Us3 on NK and LAK cytotoxicity, because these effectors are believed to share common mechanisms for inducing cell death. We show that, in contrast to their lower sensitivity to CD8T-cell lysis, HSV-1-infected cells are lysed by NK cells or LAK cells as efficiently as the uninfected controls. Both CD8T and NK/LAK effectors were dependent on the activity of GrB and were efficiently blocked by means of treatment with a GrB inhibitor. However, unlike CD8T cells, LAK cells and NK cells failed to induce Bid cleavage, suggesting that various GrB downstream targets be involved in the induction of cell lysis. This finding explains their various sensitivities to viral modulation, which is likely to be important for the respective role of MHC-restricted and non-restricted effectors in the control of HSV-1 infection.     

TRAIL联合长春新碱对HL-60细胞生长及凋亡的影响

目的研究肿瘤坏死因子相关的凋亡诱导配体（TRAIL）联合长春新碱（VCR）诱导急性早幼粒白血病细胞株HL-60细胞凋亡,探讨其应用于临床的可行性。方法在对数生长期的HL-60细胞中分别加入不同浓度的TRAIL和0.1mg/L的VCR,采用MTT比色法测定TRAIL和VCR单独和联合应用时对细胞的生长抑制率,并用流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡。结果TRAIL联合VCR可协同降低HL-60细胞活力,抑制细胞增殖,诱导细胞凋亡。且24h内当TRAIL浓度〈100g/L时促调亡作用随TRAIL浓度增加及培养时间延长而增强（P〈0.05）,而24h内当TRAIL浓度≥100μg/L时以及24h后虽抑制率和调亡率较高,但随浓度增高作用无显著差别（P〉0.05）。结论TRAIL与VCR具有协同作用,能高效杀灭白血病细胞。TRAIL是一种有望应用于白血病临床治疗的新型生物制剂。     

The role of activation-induced cell death in the differentiation of T-helper-cell subsets

Activation-induced cell death (AICD) has been demonstrated in T-cell hybridomas, immature thymocytes, and activated mature T cells. However, the molecular mechanisms of AICD and its physiological role in T-helper-cell differentiation remain uncertain. Recently, we have shown that Th1 and Th2 cells have distinct mechanisms of AICD. Our findings suggest that signaling from cytokines initiates the differentiation program, but that the selective action of death effectors determines the fate of differentiating T-helper cells, and thus, the ultimate balance between T-helper subpopulations. Among T cells, activation-induced expression of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is observed exclusively in Th2 clones and primary T-helper cells differentiated under Th2 conditions, while the expression of CD95L (Fas ligand) occurs mainly in Th1 cells. Furthermore, Th1 cells are more susceptible than Th2 cells to apoptosis induced through either TRAIL or CD95L, and radiolabeled Th1 cells can be induced into apoptosis via fratricide by both Th1 and Th2 cells, while Th2 cells are spared. The pan-caspase inhibitor, z-VAD, prevents AICD in Th1 cells, but not Th2 cells, indicating different mechanisms of AICD in each T-helper subtype. Antibody blockade of TRAIL and CD95L significantly boosts interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in vitro. Also, young mice with mutant CD95 (MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr) have a stronger Th1 response to ovalbumin immunization than do controls. We conclude that apoptosis mediated by CD95L and TRAIL is critical in the selective removal of differentiating T helper cells.     

CD95 Ligand: Lethal Weapon Against Malignant Glioma?

CD95 (Fas/APO-1) and its ligand (CD95L) belong to a growing cytokine and cytokine receptor family that includes nerve growth factor (NGF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and their corresponding receptors. CD95 expression increases during malignant progression from low-grade to anaplastic astrocytoma and is most prominent in perinecrotic areas of glioblastoma. There is, however, no evidence that CD95 expression in malignant gliomas is triggered by hypoxia or ischemia. Agonistic antibodies to CD95, or the natural ligand, CD95L, induce apoptosis in human malignant glioma cells in vitro. Glioma cell sensitivity to CD95-mediated apoptosis is regulated by CD95 expression at the cell surface and by the levels of intracellular apoptosis-regulatory proteins, including bcl-2 family members. Several cytotoxic drugs synergize with CD95L to kill glioma cells. For as yet unknown reasons, glioma cells may co-express CD95 and CD95L in vitro without undergoing suicide or fratricide. Yet, they kill T cells via CD95/CD95L interactions and are sensitive to exogenously added CD95L. Since CD95L is expressed in gliomas in vivo , too, forced induction of CD95 expression might promote therapeutic apoptosis in these tumors. That glioma cells differ from non-transformed T cells in their sensitivity to CD95 antibodies or recombinant ligand, may allow the development of selective CD95 agonists with high antitumor activity that spare normal brain tissue. A family of death ligand/receptor pairs related to CD95L/CD95, including APO2L (TRAIL) and its multiple receptors is beginning to emerge. Although several issues regarding glioma cell sensitivity to CD95L/CD95-mediated apoptosis await elucidation, CD95 is a promising target for the treatment of malignant glioma.     

A novel epitope of N-CAM defines precursors of human adherent NK cells

Activated, adherent natural killer (A-NK) cells represent a distinct subpopulation of interleukin (IL)-2-stimulated NK cells, which are selectively endowed with the increased expression of integrins and ability to adhere to solid surfaces, migrate into, infiltrate, and destroy cancerous tissues. The present study defines the phenotype and functions of precursors of A-NK (pre-A-NK) cells in humans. Peripheral blood pre-A-NK cells, in contrast to the rest of NK cells, express a novel epitope of CD56 neuronal cell adhesion molecule, termed ANK-1, and increased cell-surface levels of integrins. Pre-A-NK cells also express low levels of CD56 and CD161, and some express CD162 receptor, do not express CD25 or activation markers, and are effective mediators of NK cytotoxicity. Thus, pre-A-NK cells are generally similar to CD56(dim) NK cells. However, pre-A-NK cells differ from the main NK cell subpopulation by having a lower expression level of CD16 and a lower ability to mediate redirected antibody-dependent, cell-mediated cytotoxicity. More importantly, pre-A-NK cells are preferentially endowed with the ability to rapidly respond to IL-2 by integrin-mediated adherence to endothelial cells, extracellular matrix, and plastic. This early, specific response of pre-A-NK cells to IL-2 is followed by their activation, vigorous proliferation, and differentiation into phenotypically and functionally similar A-NK cells. Pre-A-NK cells represent only approximately 26% of peripheral blood NK cells but encompass the majority of NK cells in normal and cancerous, solid tissues. We conclude that pre-A-NK cells represent a distinct subset of resting, mature NK cells with the characteristics indicative of their ability to migrate and reside in solid tissues.     

Interleukin-2-activated natural killer cells may have a direct role in the control of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis promastigote and macrophage infection

To study the role of Natural Killer (NK) cells in Leishmania infection, peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice were infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis promastigotes and incubated with interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated NK (A-NK) cells at different ratios of A-NK cells to infected macrophages (5:1, 1:1, 0.2:1). The A-NK cells were added either together with the parasites (0-h group) or 24 h later (24-h group). Morphological studies of the cultures revealed predominance of parasitic debris within macrophages that were in close contact with A-NK cells and the decrease in parasite recovery was directly proportional to the A-NK cell concentration used. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and IL-12 were detected in the supernatant at levels proportional to the A-NK cell concentration used. No significant difference was observed between the groups with respect to NO levels in the culture supernatant. When A-NK cells were added directly to the L. (L.) amazonensis promastigote cultures, the parasite recovery decreased proportional to the number of A-NK cells added. In vivo studies demonstrated smaller lesion sizes in animals inoculated with both parasites and A-NK cells compared with parasites alone. Histopathology of the skin lesions from animals receiving A-NK cells together with the parasites showed moderate parasitism and a nodular inflammatory infiltrate formed by mononuclear cells and a few vacuolized macrophages. In contrast, animals inoculated only with the parasites showed a highly parasitized dermis with infiltration of intensely vacuolized macrophages. These results demonstrate the role of A-NK cells in parasite lysis and in resistance of macrophages to L. (L.) amazonensis in the early phase of infection.     

Following TRAIL's path in the immune system

The members of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily of cytokines play important roles in the regulation of various immune-cell functions. Likewise, induction of cell death by apoptosis is indispensable for the normal functioning of the immune system. There are two major pathways of apoptosis induction. The intrinsic, or mitochondrial, pathway is regulated by the activation and interaction of members of the Bcl-2 family. The extrinsic, or death receptor, pathway is triggered by certain TNF family members when they engage their respective cognate receptors on the surface of the target cell. Hence, cell-to-cell-mediated death signals are induced by activation of these death receptor–ligand systems. Besides TNF itself and the CD95 (Fas/APO-1) ligand (FasL/Apo1L), the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo2L) belongs to the subfamily of ligands that is responsible for extrinsic induction of cell death. Depending on their status of stimulation, TRAIL can be expressed by various cells of the immune system, amongst them natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, natural killer T cells (NKT cells), dendritic cells and macrophages. TRAIL has been implicated in immunosuppressive, immunoregulatory and immune-effector functions. With respect to pathological challenges, TRAIL and its receptors have been shown to play important roles in the immune response to viral infections and in immune surveillance of tumours and metastases. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the role of TRAIL and its receptors in the immune system and, based on this, we discuss future directions of research into the diverse functions of this fascinating receptor–ligand system.