Increased Chemokine Production is a Hallmark of Rhesus Macaque Natural Killer Cells Mediating Robust Anti-HIV Envelope-Specific Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxic (ADCC) response mediated by natural killer (NK) cells correlates with decreased infection risk in studies involving simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)/simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine candidates. Currently, the heterogeneities of the functional subset of rhesus macaque natural killer (RMNK) cells are under-characterized. METHOD: We engaged the RMNK cells with ADCC-mediating anti-HIV-1 monoclonal antibodies (ADCCAbs) or anti-CD16 antibodies and used CD107a expression as the surrogate marker for RMNK cells actively involved in ADCC. CD107a+ and CD107a- populations were analyzed individually using single-cell RNA sequencing. RESULTS: Subsets of CD107a+ RMNK cells produced more chemokines than the others, suggesting that these cells not only eliminate infected cells but also provide immunoregulatory signals and potentially curb HIV-1 replication. Crosslinking of Fc gamma receptor IIIa via anti-CD16 antibodies resulted in a significantly higher percentage of degranulating cells than via ADCCAbs. However, the magnitude of degranulation and chemokine production was reduced by 6- to 30-fold. CONCLUSION: The quality and quantity of receptor engagement are important determinants of achieving an optimal level of the RMNK response.

Duke Scholars

Author Guido Ferrari Surgery, Surgical Sciences

Author Georgia Doris Tomaras Surgery, Surgical Sciences

Author Justin Joseph Pollara Surgery, Surgical Sciences

Author Kevin J Wiehe Medicine, Duke Human Vaccine Institute