Striking a balance: the Goldilocks effect of CD8α expression on NK cells.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 39087476.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1172/JCI182905 and PMC identifier 11290960.
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Abstract
NK cells are cytotoxic innate immune cells involved in antitumor immunity, and they provide a treatment option for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this issue of the JCI, Cubitt et al. investigated the role of CD8α, a coreceptor present on approximately 40% of human NK cells. IL-15 stimulation of CD8α- NK cells induced CD8α expression via the RUNX3 transcription factor, driving formation of a unique induced CD8α (iCD8α+) population. iCD8α+ NK cells displayed higher proliferation, metabolic activity, and antitumor cytotoxic function compared with preexisting CD8α+ and CD8α- subsets. Therefore, CD8α expression can be used to define a potential dynamic spectrum of NK cell expansion and function. Because these cells exhibit enhanced tumor control, they may be used to improve in NK cell therapies for patients with AML.
Medical subject headings
- CD8 Antigens
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit
- Interleukin-15
- Killer Cells, Natural
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute