Streptococcus pneumoniae drives specific and lasting Natural Killer cell memory

McLoughlin, R. M., Camarasa, T. M.N., Torné, J., Chevalier, C., Rasid, O. and Hamon, M. A. (2023) Streptococcus pneumoniae drives specific and lasting Natural Killer cell memory. PLoS Pathogens, 19(7), e1011159. (doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011159) (PMID:37486946) (PMCID:PMC10399893)

Abstract

NK cells are important mediators of innate immunity and play an essential role for host protection against infection, although their responses to bacteria are poorly understood. Recently NK cells were shown to display memory properties, as characterized by an epigenetic signature leading to a stronger secondary response. Although NK cell memory could be a promising mechanism to fight against infection, it has not been described upon bacterial infection. Using a mouse model, we reveal that NK cells develop specific and long-term memory following sub-lethal infection with the extracellular pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Memory NK cells display intrinsic sensing and response to bacteria in vitro, in a manner that is enhanced post-bacterial infection. In addition, their transfer into naïve mice confers protection from lethal infection for at least 12 weeks. Interestingly, NK cells display enhanced cytotoxic molecule production upon secondary stimulation and their protective role is dependent on Perforin and independent of IFNγ. Thus, our study identifies a new role for NK cells during bacterial infection, opening the possibility to harness innate immune memory for therapeutic purposes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Rasid, Dr Orhan
• Authors: McLoughlin, R. M., Camarasa, T. M.N., Torné, J., Chevalier, C., Rasid, O., and Hamon, M. A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: PLoS Pathogens
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• ISSN: 1553-7366
• ISSN (Online): 1553-7374
• Published Online: 24 July 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 Camarasa et al.
• First Published: First published in PLoS Pathogens 19(7):e1011159
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence