Identification of a NCR+/NKG2D+/LFA-1(low)/CD94(-) immature human NK cell subset

Cytometry A. 2009 Nov;75(11):893-901. doi: 10.1002/cyto.a.20789.

Abstract

CD56(bright) natural killer (NK) cells, generated in vitro from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells, were characterized after a 30-day culture with flt3 ligand plus IL-15. Virtually, all CD56(bright) cells expressed CD117, CD25, natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), NKG2D, CD161, and CD244, while only a subset expressed CD18-CD11a (LFA-1), and CD94 molecule, defining an immature CD56(bright)/NCRs+/NKG2D+/LFA-1(-)/CD94(-) subset. Another small subset of cells expressing CD94 but not LFA-1 integrin was also identified, suggesting that during NK differentiation LFA-1 might be upregulated later than CD94. To verify this hypothesis in vivo, we evaluated the NK cell expression of LFA-1 in both peripheral and umbilical cord blood samples. Interestingly, in these blood fluids, we have identified a lineage negative CD34(-)/LFA-1(low)/NKp46(dim)/NKG2D(dim)/CD94(-) subset that resembled an immature stage of NK cells present in lymph nodes. Altogether, the results indicate that CD18-CD11a integrin, as well as CD11b in mice, may be a useful marker to identify immature stages of NK cell differentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / biosynthesis*
  • CD11a Antigen / biosynthesis
  • CD11b Antigen / biosynthesis
  • CD18 Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-15 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / biosynthesis
  • Killer Cells, Natural / cytology*
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 / biosynthesis*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D / biosynthesis*
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K / biosynthesis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Immunologic / biosynthesis*
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD11a Antigen
  • CD11b Antigen
  • CD18 Antigens
  • CD244 protein, human
  • Interleukin-15
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1
  • Membrane Proteins
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family
  • flt3 ligand protein
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit