Mg2+ regulates cytotoxic functions of NK and CD8 T cells in chronic EBV infection through NKG2D.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 23846901.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1126/science.1240094 and PMC identifier 3894782.
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Abstract
The magnesium transporter 1 (MAGT1) is a critical regulator of basal intracellular free magnesium (Mg(2+)) concentrations. Individuals with genetic deficiencies in MAGT1 have high levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and a predisposition to lymphoma. We show that decreased intracellular free Mg(2+) causes defective expression of the natural killer activating receptor NKG2D in natural killer (NK) and CD8(+) T cells and impairs cytolytic responses against EBV. Notably, magnesium supplementation in MAGT1-deficient patients restores intracellular free Mg(2+) and NKG2D while concurrently reducing EBV-infected cells in vivo, demonstrating a link between NKG2D cytolytic activity and EBV antiviral immunity in humans. Moreover, these findings reveal a specific molecular function of free basal intracellular Mg(2+) in eukaryotic cells.
Medical subject headings
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections
- Killer Cells, Natural
- Magnesium
- Magnesium Deficiency
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K