Activatory Receptor NKp30 Predicts NK Cell Activation During Controlled Human Malaria Infection

Front Immunol. 2019 Dec 10:10:2864. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02864. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells are known to be activated during malaria infection, exhibiting both cytokine production and cytotoxic functions. However, NK cells are heterogeneous in their expression of surface activatory and inhibitory receptors which may influence their response to malaria parasites. Here, we studied the surface marker profile and activation dynamics of NK cells during a Controlled Human Malaria Infection in 12 healthy volunteers. Although there was significant inter-patient variability in timing and magnitude of NK cell activation, we found a consistent and strong increase in expression of the activatory receptor NKp30. Moreover, high baseline NKp30 expression was associated with NK cell activation at lower parasite densities. Our data suggest that NKp30 expression may influence the NK cell response to P. falciparum, explaining inter-patient heterogeneity and suggesting a functional role for this receptor in malaria.

Keywords: NK cells; NKp30; Plasmodium falciparum; controlled human malaria infection; innate immunity; malaria.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / immunology*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / pathology
  • Male
  • Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 3 / immunology*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / immunology*

Substances

  • NCR3 protein, human
  • Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 3