Article
Hematology
Madeline P. Lauener, Shima AzadPour, Sayeh Abdossamadi, Vaishnavi Parthasarathy, Bernard Ng, Elena Ostroumov, Geoffrey D. E. Cuvelier, Megan K. Levings, Katherine N. MacDonald, Amina Kariminia, Kirk R. Schultz
Summary: This study found that CD56bright natural killer (NK) cells are strongly associated with a lack of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) and may function to suppress cGvHD. Phenotypic and transcriptome analysis revealed the characteristics of regulatory NK (NKreg) cells associated with the suppression of cGvHD. These NKreg cells can suppress allogeneic CD4+ T cells through a non-cytolytic, cell-cell contact dependent mechanism.
Article
Oncology
Marta Gascon-Ruiz, Ariel Ramirez-Labrada, Rodrigo Lastra, Luis Martinez-Lostao, J. Ramon Pano-Pardo, Andrea Sesma, Maria Zapata-Garcia, Alba Moratiel, Elisa Quilez, Irene Torres-Ramon, Alfonso Yubero, Maria Pilar Domingo, Patricia Esteban, Eva M. Galvez, Julian Pardo, Dolores Isla
Summary: Despite the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in lung cancer, there is a lack of knowledge about predictive biomarkers. This study aimed to analyze different subsets of T-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells as predictive biomarkers in a cohort of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with ICI. The results showed that a subset of circulating CD56+CD16-PD-1+ NK cells have a good predictive ability, providing valuable information for precision medicine protocols.
Review
Cell Biology
Milad Moloudizargari, Ali Govahi, Marjan Fallah, Mohammad A. Rezvanfar, Mohammad H. Asghari, Mohammad Abdollahi
Summary: Understanding the interaction between MSCs and NK cells is crucial for developing therapeutic approaches, though the current knowledge in this area is still in its early stages and further well-defined studies are warranted.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Xiaoqi Wei, Xiuhua Yang
Summary: Preeclampsia (PE) is a unique pregnancy-related disease that can cause maternal and perinatal mortality. Research suggests that natural killer (NK) cells play a central role in immune communication between the fetus and mother, and changes in their count or function may be the cause of PE. This review provides obstetricians with an updated report on the immunological roles of NK cells in PE and suggests that therapeutic measures targeting NK cells are necessary to maintain immune equilibrium.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ratna S. Wijaya, Scott A. Read, Stephen Schibeci, Shuanglin Han, Mahmoud K. Azardaryany, David van der Poorten, Rita Lin, Lawrence Yuen, Vincent Lam, Mark W. Douglas, Jacob George, Golo Ahlenstiel
Summary: This study investigated the phenotype and function of CD56- NK cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). CHB patients had a higher frequency of CD56- NK cells, which exhibited functional impairments and were positively correlated with serum HBV DNA levels.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Michelle Wantoch, Erica B. Wilson, Alastair P. Droop, Sarah L. Phillips, Matt Coffey, Yasser M. El-Sherbiny, Tim D. Holmes, Alan A. Melcher, Laura F. Wetherill, Graham P. Cook
Summary: This study analyzed the mechanism by which reovirus modulates human NK cell activity. It was found that reovirus activates NK cells through the dependent manner of type I interferon, inducing STAT1 and STAT4 signaling, and producing different responses in CD56(dim) and CD56(bright) subsets. Moreover, reovirus treatment inhibits IL-15-induced NK cell proliferation and reduces AKT signaling. In vivo experiments also showed that CD56(bright) NK cells are transiently lost from the peripheral circulation at the peak of the IFN-I response, indicating their redistribution to secondary lymphoid tissue. The activation of both CD56(dim) and CD56(bright) NK cells by antiviral pathways induces a spectrum of activity that includes the NK cell-mediated killing of tumor cells and modulation of adaptive responses via the trafficking of IFN-gamma expressing CD56(bright) NK cells to lymph nodes.
Article
Oncology
Stine Emilie Weis-Banke, Thomas Landkildehus Lisle, Maria Perez-Penco, Aimilia Schina, Mie Linder Hubbe, Majken Siersbaek, Morten Orebo Holmstrom, Mia Aaboe Jorgensen, Inge Marie Svane, Ozcan Met, Niels Odum, Daniel Hargbol Madsen, Marco Donia, Lars Grontved, Mads Hald Andersen
Summary: This study identified the presence of ARG2-specific CD8(+) T cells in both healthy donors and patients with cancer. These T cells are capable of recognizing and responding to cancer cells and activated Tregs with high ARG2 expression. Furthermore, vaccination with ARG2-derived epitopes in a mouse tumor model resulted in tumor growth suppression and antitumorigenic immunomodulation.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Immunology
David A. Clark, Amir Reihani, Jorge L. Arredondo, Kjetil Ask, Warren G. Foster
Summary: The eutopic secretory phase endometrium in endometriosis overproduces and releases a soluble immunosuppressive CD200 molecule (CD200L) and is populated by stromal cells that contain a truncated CD200 (CD200S) that promotes a proinflammatory environment. The CD200S+ cell population may affect embryo survival in early pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Gentili, Daria Bortolotti, Luca Morandi, Sabrina Rizzo, Giovanna Schiuma, Silvia Beltrami, Fabio Casciano, Alberto Papi, Marco Contoli, Giorgio Zauli, Roberta Rizzo
Summary: This study observed that the third dose of Comirnaty vaccine can activate and induce memory-like phenotype in natural killer (NK) cells, providing efficient protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
FRONTIERS IN BIOSCIENCE-LANDMARK
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tatiana N. Sharapova, Elena A. Romanova, Olga K. Ivanova, Denis V. Yashin, Lidia P. Sashchenko
Summary: The study demonstrates that the major heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) can bind to and activate the innate immunity receptor TREM-1, leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines in monocytes and enhanced cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes against tumor cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Huan Wang, Zhao Wang, Qianqian Wu, Yujia Yuan, Wen Cao, Xiangjian Zhang
Summary: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in the inflammatory response and neuroplasticity process of ischemic stroke through various mechanisms. However, it remains unclear whether Tregs have a beneficial or deleterious effect in ischemic stroke and their specific roles in different stages are not well understood.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Yao-Yao Fu, Chun-E. Ren, Peng-Yun Qiao, Yu-Han Meng
Summary: RSA, defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses, poses a significant challenge for women of childbearing age, with evidence suggesting an immune background to the condition. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, as part of the innate immune system, play a crucial role in pregnancy by accounting for around 70% of total lymphocytes. Understanding the phenotype, origin, receptor, and function of uNK cells can shed light on their relationship with RSA.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Yu Tao, Yan-Hong Li, Di Zhang, Ling Xu, Jia-Jia Chen, Yi-Fei Sang, Hai-Lan Piao, Xue-Ling Jing, Min Yu, Qiang Fu, Sheng-Tao Zhou, Da-Jin Li, Mei-Rong Du
Summary: The CXCR4(+)CD56(bright)dNK subset plays an important immunomodulatory role during early pregnancy, promoting Th2 shift and assisting in the establishment of immune-tolerance. This new dNK cell subset may provide important insights into NK cell mechanisms in early pregnancy, and offer potential prognostic factors for the diagnosis and therapy of recurrent miscarriage.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Joao Canto-Gomes, Carolina S. Silva, Rita Rb-Silva, Daniela Boleixa, Ana Martins da Silva, Remi Cheynier, Patricio Costa, Ines Gonzalez-Suarez, Margarida Correia-Neves, Joao J. Cerqueira, Claudia Nobrega
Summary: The aim of this study is to assess the peripheral immune system of newly diagnosed patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and identify immune features associated with clinical onset.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Chiara Focaccetti, Monica Benvenuto, Chiara Pighi, Alessandra Vitelli, Federico Napolitano, Nicola Cotugno, Doriana Fruci, Paolo Palma, Paolo Rossi, Roberto Bei, Loredana Cifaldi
Summary: Adoptive transfer of engineered NK cells has become an important clinical approach for cancer treatment. This study aimed to improve the clinical efficacy and safety of NK cell-based immunotherapy through the development of new strategies. Human NK cells expressing DNAM-1 or DNAM-1-based chimeric receptors were generated, and their functionality was evaluated. The results showed that DNAM-1-CD3 zeta-engineered NK cells exhibited the strongest response, and the combination with Nutlin-3a could enhance the therapeutic effect for solid tumors carrying dysfunctional p53.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Simona Perga, Francesca Montarolo, Serena Martire, Brigitta Bonaldo, Gabriele Bono, Jessica Bertolo, Roberta Magliozzi, Antonio Bertolotto
Summary: Recent evidence suggests that A20, an anti-inflammatory enzyme, is highly expressed in brain tissues of MS patients, especially in active lesions, indicating its crucial role in chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis pathology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Serena Martire, Francesca Montarolo, Michela Spadaro, Simona Perga, Maria Ludovica Sforza, Luca Marozio, Federica Frezet, Stefania Bruno, Giulia Chiabotto, Maria Chiara Deregibus, Giovanni Camussi, Giovanni Botta, Chiara Benedetto, Antonio Bertolotto
Summary: This study provides the first phenotypic and functional characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from placental cells of women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), showing their immunomodulatory potential in reducing inflammation and T cell proliferation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marco Capobianco, Antonio Bertolotto, Simona Malucchi
Summary: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis can have devastating effects on the physical and cognitive functioning of a child, emphasizing the importance of timely and effective treatment. There is ongoing debate on the optimal treatment strategy, whether to escalate treatment or start highly active therapy, but this case demonstrates that early treatment with first-line fingolimod was able to slow disease progression.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberta Parolisi, Francesca Montarolo, Alessandro Pini, Sabrina Rovelli, Andrea Cattaneo, Antonio Bertolotto, Annalisa Buffo, Valentina Bollati, Enrica Boda
Summary: Studies suggest that exposure to fine PM may disrupt the CNS tissue's endogenous regenerative capability, potentially contributing to demyelinating pathologies such as Multiple Sclerosis.
NEUROCHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Ilaria Balbo, Francesca Montarolo, Enrica Boda, Filippo Tempia, Eriola Hoxha
Summary: The ELOVL5 gene encodes an enzyme that plays a crucial role in elongating long chain fatty acids, with a preference for polyunsaturated molecules. Mutations in ELOVL5 can lead to a rare neurological disease known as spino-cerebellar ataxia type 38, characterized by gait abnormalities and other neurological symptoms. Research using mouse models and immunofluorescence analysis has revealed the specific expression patterns of ELOVL5 in the central nervous system, providing valuable insights into its physiological functions.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Eriola Hoxha, Ilaria Balbo, Roberta Parolisi, Matteo Audano, Francesca Montarolo, Francesco Ravera, Michela Guglielmotto, Luisa Muratori, Stefania Raimondo, Eleonora DiGregorio, Annalisa Buffo, Alfredo Brusco, Barbara Borroni, Nico Mitro, Donatella Caruso, Filippo Tempia
Summary: The lack of Elovl5 may cause alterations in myelin structure and affect action potential conduction; Elovl5 plays an essential role in maintaining the structure of myelin, which is crucial for the proper functioning of myelinated nerves.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miriam Zuccala, Nadia Barizzone, Elena Boggio, Luca Gigliotti, Melissa Sorosina, Chiara Basagni, Roberta Bordoni, Ferdinando Clarelli, Santosh Anand, Eleonora Mangano, Domizia Vecchio, Elena Corsetti, Serena Martire, Simona Perga, Daniela Ferrante, Alberto Gajofatto, Andrei Ivashynka, Claudio Solaro, Roberto Cantello, Vittorio Martinelli, Giancarlo Comi, Massimo Filippi, Federica Esposito, Maurizio Leone, Gianluca De Bellis, Umberto Dianzani, Filippo Martinelli-Boneschi, Sandra D'Alfonso
Summary: In a study conducted with a large Italian dataset, the intronic variant rs1077667 of the TNFSF14 gene was identified as the primarily MS-associated variant, with the MS risk allele being significantly associated with reduced TNFSF14 mRNA levels in blood cells. Furthermore, patients with MS were found to have lower expression of TNFSF14 compared to healthy controls, and individuals homozygous for the MS risk allele displayed increased percentage of LIGHT-positive peripheral blood myeloid DCs. These findings suggest that the intronic variant rs1077667 alters the expression of TNFSF14 in immune cells, potentially playing a role in MS pathogenesis.
JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND GENOMICS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Claudia Desole, Simona Gallo, Annapia Vitacolonna, Francesca Montarolo, Antonio Bertolotto, Denis Vivien, Paolo Comoglio, Tiziana Crepaldi
Summary: HGF and its receptor MET play crucial roles in the nervous system, not only involved in neuronal growth and survival, but also in synaptogenesis during brain development. Furthermore, HGF exerts neuroprotective effects in adulthood, aiding in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Furlan, Francesca Montarolo, Enza Di Gregorio, Roberta Parolisi, Sandra Atlante, Annalisa Buffo, Antonio Bertolotto, Silvio Aime, Eliana Gianolio
Summary: This study quantitatively investigated the retention of Gd in the CNS and peripheral organs of immune-mediated murine models of Multiple Sclerosis, finding a transient accumulation of Gd in the spinal cord and a potential association of Gd retention in the brain with inflammation rather than demyelination.
JOURNAL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Serena Martire, Paola Valentino, Fabiana Marnetto, Luca Mirabile, Marco Capobianco, Antonio Bertolotto
Summary: This study evaluated the influence of storage time and temperature on RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The results showed that time and temperature had minimal impact on RNA yield, quality, and integrity. B2M was the most stable housekeeping gene, while other target genes were more influenced by storing time, especially at low temperature. Pre-analytical processing of blood collected in EDTA tubes has a significant impact on transcript expression, particularly for genes related to inflammation. Standardized procedures for blood handling are necessary for obtaining reliable results.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Montarolo, Serena Martire, Fabiana Marnetto, Paola Valentino, Sabdi Valverde, Marco Alfonso Capobianco, Antonio Bertolotto
Summary: Fingolimod and siponimod are drugs used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis by activating sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. BAF312 has pro-myelination and neuro-protective effects on CNS cells, and this effect may be related to the regulation of NR4A genes.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Neurosciences
D. Marangon, E. Boda, C. Negri, R. Parolisi, F. Montarolo, S. Perga, C. Giorgi, A. Bertolotto, A. Buffo, M. Abbracchio, D. Lecca
Meeting Abstract
Neurosciences
R. Parolisi, F. Montarolo, A. Pini, S. Rovelli, A. Cattaneo, A. Bertolotto, A. Buffo, V. Bollati, E. Boda
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Roberto Gnavi, Roberta Picariello, Paolo Emilio Alboini, Paola Cavalla, Maria Federica Grasso, Paola Richiardi, Antonio Bertolotto, Nadia Barizzone, Roberto Cantello, Maurizio Angelo Leone, Sandra D'Alfonso, Natalia Golini
Summary: This study validated an algorithm based on EHAs to identify MS patients and estimated MS prevalence in Piedmont, Italy. The results showed that the prevalence of MS was among the highest in Italy and was higher in highly urbanized areas. Prevalence increased with age and peaked in the 45-54 age group.