T and B lymphocytes exert distinct effects on the homeostasis of NK cells.
There is growing evidence that lymphocytes impact the development and/or function of other lymphocyte populations. Based on such observations we have tested whether the NK cell compartment was phenotypically and functionally altered in the absence of B and/or T cells. Here we show that T cell deficiency significantly accelerates BM NK cell production and the subsequent seeding of splenic and liver NK cell compartments. In contrast, B cell deficiency reduces splenic NK cell survival. In the absence of T and B cells, the size of the NK cell compartments is determined by the combination of these positive and negative effects. Even though NK cell homeostasis is significantly altered, NK cells from T and/or B cell-deficient mice show a normal capacity to kill a susceptible target cell line and to produce IFN. Nevertheless, we noted that the usage of MHC class I-specific Ly49 family receptors was significantly altered in the absence of T and/or B cells. In general, B cell deficiency expanded Ly49 receptor usage, while T cell deficiency exerted both positive and negative effects. These findings show that B and T cells significantly and differentially influence the homeostasis and the phenotype of NK cells.
Jeannet
Grégoire
G
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.
Coudert
Jérôme D
JD
Held
Werner
W
D019264:Adoptive Transfer; D000818:Animals; D000950:Antigens, Ly / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D010641:Phenotype; D055630:Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000950:Antigens, Ly; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D055630:Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like