Differential Integrin Adhesome Expression Defines Human NK Cell Residency and Developmental Stage

Abstract

NK cells are innate immune cells that reside within tissue and circulate in peripheral blood. They interact with a variety of microenvironments, yet how NK cells engage with these varied microenvironments is not well documented. The adhesome represents a molecular network of defined and predicted integrin-mediated signaling interactions. In this study, we define the integrin adhesome expression profile of NK cells from human tonsil, peripheral blood, and those derived from human hematopoietic precursors through stromal cell coculture systems. We report that the site of cell isolation and NK cell developmental stage dictate differences in expression of adhesome associated genes and proteins. Furthermore, we define differences in cortical actin content associated with differential expression of actin regulating proteins, suggesting that differences in adhesome expression are associated with differences in cortical actin homeostasis. These data provide understanding of the diversity of human NK cell populations and how they engage with their microenvironment.