Two complementary rat NK cell subsets, Ly49s3+ and NKR-P1B+, differ in phenotypic characteristics and responsiveness to cytokines.
Two major subsets of rat NK cells can be distinguished based on their expression of the Ly49s3 or the NKR-P1B lectin-like receptor. Ly49s3(+) NK cells, but not NKR-P1B(+) NK cells, express a wide range of Ly49 receptors. Here, we have examined differences between these two subsets in their expression of certain NK cell-associated molecules as well as their responses to cytokines. A microarray analysis suggested several differentially expressed genes, including preferential expression of NKG2A/C receptors by NKR-P1B(+) NK cells. This was confirmed by staining with tetramers of RT.BM1, the putative ligand of CD94/NKG2, indicating that Ly49 and CD94/NKG2 receptors separate into distinct NK cell compartments. Further, expression of CD25 by Ly49s3(+) NK cells was associated with more rapid proliferation in response to IL-2 as compared with NKR-P1B(+) NK cells. Thus, certain inflammatory situations may preferentially expand the Ly49s3(+) NK cells. Moreover, freshly isolated Ly49s3(+) and NKR-P1B(+) NK cells produce similar amounts of cytokines, and a minor Ly49s3(-)NKR-P1B(-) double-negative NK subset appears to be hyporesponsive based on its significantly lower IFN-gamma production. Collectively, our data demonstrate divergent profiles of NKR-P1B(+) and Ly49s3(+) NK cells, indicating distinct tasks in vivo.
Kveberg
Lise
L
Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Jiménez-Royo
Pilar
P
Naper
Christian
C
Rolstad
Bent
B
Butcher
Geoffrey W
GW
Vaage
John T
JT
Inngjerdingen
Marit
M
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D055650:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily A / Q000032:analysis*; D051920:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000032:analysis*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets
D016207:Cytokines; D007376:Interleukin-2; C479632:Klrb1b protein, rat; D055650:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily A; D051920:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic