HLA and KIR genetic association and NK cells in anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
Front Immunol
; 15: 1423149, 2024.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39050850
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Genetic predisposition to autoimmune encephalitis with antibodies against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is poorly understood. Given the diversity of associated environmental factors (tumors, infections), we hypothesized that human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), two extremely polymorphic gene complexes key to the immune system, might be relevant for the genetic predisposition to anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Notably, KIR are chiefly expressed by Natural Killer (NK) cells, recognize distinct HLA class I allotypes and play a major role in anti-tumor and anti-infection responses.Methods:
We conducted a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) with subsequent control-matching using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and HLA imputation, in a multi-ethnic cohort of anti-NMDAR encephalitis (n=479); KIR and HLA were further sequenced in a large subsample (n=323). PCA-controlled logistic regression was then conducted for carrier frequencies (HLA and KIR) and copy number variation (KIR). HLA-KIR interaction associations were also modeled. Additionally, single cell sequencing was conducted in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 16 cases and 16 controls, NK cells were sorted and phenotyped.Results:
Anti-NMDAR encephalitis showed a weak HLA association with DRB1*0101~DQA1*0101~DQB1*0501 (OR=1.57, 1.51, 1.45; respectively), and DRB1*1101 (OR=1.60); these effects were stronger in European descendants and in patients without an underlying ovarian teratoma. More interestingly, we found increased copy number variation of KIR2DL5B (OR=1.72), principally due to an overrepresentation of KIR2DL5B*00201. Further, we identified two allele associations in framework genes, KIR2DL4*00103 (25.4% vs. 12.5% in controls, OR=1.98) and KIR3DL3*00302 (5.3% vs. 1.3%, OR=4.44). Notably, the ligands of these KIR2DL4 and KIR3DL3, respectively, HLA-G and HHLA2, are known to act as immune checkpoint with immunosuppressive functions. However, we did not find differences in specific KIR-HLA ligand interactions or HLA-G polymorphisms between cases and controls. Similarly, gene expression of CD56dim or CD56bright NK cells did not differ between cases and controls.Discussion:
Our observations for the first time suggest that the HLA-KIR axis might be involved in anti-NMDAR encephalitis. While the genetic risk conferred by the identified polymorphisms appears small, a role of this axis in the pathophysiology of this disease appears highly plausible and should be analyzed in future studies.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Células Matadoras Naturais
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Predisposição Genética para Doença
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Receptores KIR
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Estudo de Associação Genômica Ampla
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Encefalite Antirreceptor de N-Metil-D-Aspartato
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Antígenos HLA
Limite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Front Immunol
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos
País de publicação:
Suíça