DNAM-1 expression marks an alternative program of NK cell maturation

Ludovic Martinet, Lucas Ferrari De Andrade, Camille Guillerey, Jason S. Lee, Jing Liu, Fernando Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Dana S. Hutchinson, Tatiana B. Kolesnik, Sandra E. Nicholson, Nicholas D. Huntington, Mark J. Smyth

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

95 Scopus citations

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells comprise a heterogeneous population of cells important for pathogen defense and cancer surveillance. However, the functional significance of this diversity is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate through transcriptional profiling andfunctional studies that the activating receptor DNAM-1 (CD226) identifies two distinct NK cell functional subsets: DNAM-1+ and DNAM-1- NK cells. DNAM-1+ NK cells produce high levels of inflammatory cytokines, have enhanced interleukin 15 signaling, and proliferate vigorously. By contrast, DNAM-1- NK cells that differentiate from DNAM-1+ NK cells have greater expression of NK-cell-receptor-related genes and are higher producers of MIP1 chemokines. Collectively, our data reveal the existence of a functional program of NK cell maturation marked by DNAM-1 expression.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)85-97
Number of pages13
JournalCell Reports
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 7 Apr 2015
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'DNAM-1 expression marks an alternative program of NK cell maturation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this