NKG2C+CD57+ Natural Killer Cell Expansion Parallels Cytomegalovirus-Specific CD8+ T Cell Evolution towards Senescence. (29th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heath, John; Newhook, Nicholas; Comeau, Emilie; Gallant, Maureen; Fudge, Neva; Grant, Michael
• Other Names: Della Chiesa Mariella Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of immunology research. Volume 2016(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-05-29
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.07905
• DOI: 10.1155/2016/7470124
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-8861

Abstract

Abstract : Objective . Measuring NKG2C + CD57 + natural killer (NK) cell expansion to investigate NK responses against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and assessing relationships with adaptive immunity against HCMV. Methods . Expansion of NKG2C + CD57 + NK was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from groups distinguished by HCMV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection status. Anti-HCMV antibody levels against HCMV-infected MRC-5 cell lysate were assessed by ELISA and HCMV-specific CD8 + T cell responses characterized by intracellular flow cytometry following PBMC stimulation with immunodominant HCMV peptides. Results . Median NK, antibody, and CD8 + T cell responses against HCMV were significantly greater in the HCMV/ HIV coinfected group than the group infected with CMV alone. The fraction of CMV-specific CD8 + T cells expressing CD28 correlated inversely with NKG2C + CD57 + NK expansion in HIV infection. Conclusion . Our data reveal no significant direct relationships between NK and adaptive immunity against HCMV. However, stronger NK and adaptive immune responses against HCMV and an inverse correlation between NKG2C + CD57 + NK expansion and proliferative reserve of HCMV-specific CD8 + T cells, as signified by CD28 expression, indicate parallel evolution of NK and T cell responses against HCMV in HIV infection. Similar aspects of chronic HCMV infection may drive both NK and CD8 + T cell memory inflation.