NK cells from COVID-19 positive patients exhibit enhanced cytotoxic activity upon NKG2A and KIR2DL1 blockade

• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1022890
• Publication Date: 2023-07-07T08:55:02Z
• Authors: Grace Lee; Robert Schauner; Juanita Burke; Jade Borocz; Smitha Vasana; Lukasz Sobieraj; Maria Giraudo; Zachary Jackson; Qasim Ansari; Maria Navas; Hany Sakr; David Wald
• Keywords: NK; SARS-CoV-2; Immunology; SARS CoV-2; COVID-19; Antineoplastic Agents; RC581-607; NK cell immunophenotype; Immunity, Innate; 3. Good health; Killer Cells, Natural; Receptors, KIR2DL1; Immunology and Allergy; Humans; Immunologic diseases. Allergy; KIRs

SARS CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic leading to significant morbidity and mortality. There is need elucidate further understand the implications of COVID-19 disease on immune system develop improved therapeutic strategies. In particular, Natural Killer (NK) cells play an essential role in mediating innate response against viral infections. To better immunity COVID-19, we characterized phenotype circulating NK from 74 patients 25 controls. Through evaluating protein expression activating inhibitory cell surface molecules using dimension reduction analysis clustering, identified 4 specific clusters state (COVID-19 positive or negative) as: NGK2A+KIR2DL1+NKG2C-. Utilizing blocking antibodies for receptors NKG2A KIR2DL1, found that both KIR2DL1 blockade markedly enhances ability lyse SARS-Cov-2 infected cells. Overall, this study reveals new insights into phenotypes during SARS-CoV-2 infection suggests approach worthy investigation enhance cell-mediated responses virus.