Identification and function of a novel human memory-like NK cell population expressing CD160 in melioidosis
Anucha Preechanukul1, Barbara Kronsteiner2,3, Natnaree Saiprom1
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract:
NK cells are endowed with immunological memory to a range of pathogens but the development of NK cell memory in bacterial infections remains elusive. Here, we establish an assay inducing memory-like NK cell response to Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of the severe bacterial disease called melioidosis, and explore NK cell memory in a melioidosis patient cohort. We show that NK cells require bacteria-primed monocytes to acquire memory-like properties, demonstrated by bacteria-specific responses, features that strongly associate with CD160 expression. Induction of this memory-like NK cell is partly dependent on CD160 and IL-12R. Importantly, CD160 expression identifies memory-like NK cells in a cohort of recovered melioidosis patients with heightened responses maintained at least 3 months post hospital admission and reduced numbers of this cell population independently correlate with recurrent melioidosis. These newly identified memory-like NK cells are a promising target for future vaccine design and for monitoring protection against infection.
Insights
Natural killer (NK) cells develop memory-like responses to Burkholderia pseudomallei, crucial for melioidosis immunity. CD160 expression identifies these memory-like NK cells in patients, aiding vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells possess immunological memory against various pathogens.
- The development of NK cell memory in bacterial infections, particularly melioidosis, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an assay for inducing memory-like NK cell responses to Burkholderia pseudomallei.
- To explore NK cell memory in melioidosis patients and identify key molecular markers.
Main Methods:
- Developed an assay to induce memory-like NK cell responses.
- Analyzed NK cell memory in a cohort of melioidosis patients.
- Assessed the role of CD160 and IL-12R in NK cell memory induction.
Main Results:
- NK cells require bacteria-primed monocytes to develop memory-like properties.
- CD160 expression is a key marker for these bacteria-specific memory-like NK cells.
- In recovered patients, CD160+ memory-like NK cells showed heightened responses for at least 3 months and correlated with reduced recurrent melioidosis.
Conclusions:
- Newly identified memory-like NK cells, marked by CD160, are crucial for melioidosis immunity.
- These cells represent a promising target for future vaccine design and infection monitoring.
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