Cutting edge: antibody-dependent memory-like NK cells distinguished by FcRγ deficiency.
Because NK cells lack gene-recombination machinery and are thought to be relatively short-lived, it is unclear whether NK cells can mount long-term effective recall responses to reinfections by diverse pathogens. In this article, we report that FcRγ-deficient NK cells, which we recently identified and termed g(-)NK cells, possess distinct memory features directed by FcR-mediated Ab-dependent target recognition. The presence of g(-)NK cells was associated with prior human CMV (HMCV) infection, yet g(-)NK cell responses were not restricted to HCMV-infected target cells. In the presence of virus-specific Abs, g(-)NK cells had greatly enhanced functional capabilities, superior to conventional NK cells, and were highly responsive to cells infected with either HCMV or HSV-1. Remarkably, the g(-)NK cell subset persisted long-term at nearly constant levels in healthy individuals. Therefore, FcRγ deficiency distinguishes an Ab-dependent memory-like NK cell subset with enhanced potential for broad antiviral responses.
Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Tianxiang
T
Zhang
Jeannine M
JM
Scott
Ilwoong
I
Hwang
Sungjin
S
Kim
D000920:Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity / Q000276:immunology*; D002460:Cell Line; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology; D018390:Gene Targeting; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000235:genetics; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000821:virology; D017452:Receptors, IgG / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D017452:Receptors, IgG