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- Title
Uncovering NK cell sabotage in gut diseases via single cell transcriptomics.
- Authors
Lee, Hansong; Ko, Dai Sik; Heo, Hye Jin; Baek, Seung Eun; Kim, Eun Kyoung; Kwon, Eun Jung; Kang, Junho; Yu, Yeuni; Baryawno, Ninib; Kim, Kihun; Lee, Dongjun; Kim, Yun Hak
- Abstract
The identification of immune environments and cellular interactions in the colon microenvironment is essential for understanding the mechanisms of chronic inflammatory disease. Despite occurring in the same organ, there is a significant gap in understanding the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis (UC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Our study aims to address the distinct immunopathological response of UC and CRC. Using single-cell RNA sequencing datasets, we analyzed the profiles of immune cells in colorectal tissues obtained from healthy donors, UC patients, and CRC patients. The colon tissues from patients and healthy participants were visualized by immunostaining followed by laser confocal microscopy for select targets. Natural killer (NK) cells from UC patients on medication showed reduced cytotoxicity compared to those from healthy individuals. Nonetheless, a UC-specific pathway called the BAG6-NCR3 axis led to higher levels of inflammatory cytokines and increased the cytotoxicity of NCR3 NK cells, thereby contributing to the persistence of colitis. In the context of colorectal cancer (CRC), both NK cells and CD8 T cells exhibited significant changes in cytotoxicity and exhaustion. The GALECTIN-9 (LGALS9)-HAVCR2 axis was identified as one of the CRC-specific pathways. Within this pathway, NK cells solely communicated with myeloid cells under CRC conditions. HAVCR2 NK cells from CRC patients suppressed NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, indicating a reduction in immune surveillance. Overall, we elucidated the comprehensive UC and CRC immune microenvironments and NK cell-mediated immune responses. Our findings can aid in selecting therapeutic targets that increase the efficacy of immunotherapy.
- Subjects
KILLER cells; CELL-mediated cytotoxicity; MYELOID cells; CYTOTOXINS; ULCERATIVE colitis
- Publication
PLoS ONE, 2025, Vol 20, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
1932-6203
- Publication type
Academic Journal
- DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0315981