The impact of SARS-CoV-2 peptides on activation of NK cells
- Authors: Ustiuzhanina M.O.1,2, Britanova O.V.1, Kovalenko E.I.1
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Affiliations:
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology
- Issue: Vol 22, No 2 (2022)
- Pages: 261-268
- Section: Conference proceedings
- Published: 06.11.2022
- URL: https://journals.eco-vector.com/MAJ/article/view/108517
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.17816/MAJ108517
- ID: 108517
Cite item
Abstract
BACKGROUND: NK cells, alone with T lymphocytes, have a high antiviral activity. Exploring the contribution of NK cells in fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection may promote the development of appropriate treatments for COVID-19. Previously, NK cell response was considered nonspecific, provided by a combination of signals from activating and inhibitory receptors. Currently, the existence of certain subpopulations of antigen-specific, or adaptive, NK cells has been shown.
AIM: To evaluate the functional response of NK cells induced by SARS-CoV-2 peptides.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The functional response of NK cells to SARS-CoV-2 peptides was determined by their degranulation (surface CD107a expression) and IFNγ production levels, and by the activation degree (HLA-DR expression level). Volunteers who recovered from COVID-19 participated in the study, and immune cells from a healthy volunteer without SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were used as controls.
RESULTS: NK cells from individuals who had recovered from COVID-19, in contrast to a donor who had not been infected, showed a higher level of IFNγ production in response to SARS-CoV-2 peptides, compared with control samples. The level of degranulation of NK cells from donors previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 was higher than in the corresponding control. The proportion of activated NK cells obtained from recovered donors was also higher in samples stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 peptides.
CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the activation of NK cells obtained from people who had previously recovered from COVID-19 in response to SARS-CoV-2 peptide antigens in cultures of peripheral mononuclear cells in vitro. This study reveals the possibility for further investigation of antigen-specific NK cells in COVID-19 disease. The use of such cells could help develop treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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About the authors
Maria O. Ustiuzhanina
Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences; Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology
Author for correspondence.
Email: mashaust1397@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3378-6508
Postgraduate Student, Center of Life Science; Engineer
Russian Federation, Moscow; MoscowOlga V. Britanova
Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences
Email: olbritan@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6295-1392
Cand. Sci. (Biol.), Senior Research Associate
Russian Federation, MoscowElena I. Kovalenko
Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences
Email: lenkovalen@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8119-8247
SPIN-code: 2359-7599
Scopus Author ID: 7102778244
ResearcherId: S-2086-2016
Cand. Sci. (Biol.), Senior Research Associate
Russian Federation, MoscowReferences
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