Effect of cytomegalovirus infection and leukocyte immunoglobulin like receptor B1 polymorphisms on receptor expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Abstract

Leukocyte immunoglobulin like receptor B1 (LILRB1) plays a significant role in a number of infectious, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and oncologic disorders. LILRB1 expression varies between individuals and may be associated with polymorphisms on the regulatory region of the LILRB1 gene, as well as to previous cytomegalovirus infection. In this study, the contribution of these two factors to LILRB1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy young adults was analyzed. LILRB1 expression in NK cells, T cells, B cells and monocytes was significantly stronger in individuals who had had cytomegalovirus infection than in those who had not (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, and P < 0.001, respectively). Overall, no differences in LILRB1 expression were observed between individuals with and without GAA haplotypes of the LILRB1 regulatory region. However, when analyzed according to cytomegalovirus infection status, significant differences in LILRB1+ NK cells were observed. A higher proportion of LILRB1+ cells was found in GAA+ than in GAA− individuals who had not been infected (P < 0.01), whereas GAA− individuals had a larger proportion of LILRB1+ cells than GAA+ individuals who were cytomegalovirus positive (P < 0.01). In conclusion, cytomegalovirus infection has a major effect on LILRB1 expression in NK and other mononuclear cells and polymorphisms in the LILRB1 regulatory region appear to have a modulatory influence over this effect.

Incidence of congenital and postnatal cytomegalovirus infection during the first year of life in Mexican preterm infants

“…UL18 is a CMV‐encoded protein homologous to class I major histocompatibility complex molecules. Leukocyte immunoglobulin‐like receptor B1 (LILRB1), an inhibitory NK cell receptor also expressed by T cells, has a high affinity for UL18, and previous CMV infection is associated with LILRB1 expression on NK cells, T cells, B lymphocytes, and monocytes 21 . Of interest, LILRB1 expression by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) is preferentially expressed on CMV‐specific CTLs compared with CTLs specific for other viruses 44 .…”

“…Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B1 (LILRB1), an inhibitory NK cell receptor also expressed by T cells, has a high affinity for UL18, and previous CMV infection is associated with LILRB1 expression on NK cells, T cells, B lymphocytes, and monocytes. 21 Of interest, LILRB1 expression by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) is preferentially expressed on CMV-specific CTLs compared with CTLs specific for other viruses. 44 In addition, UL18 polymorphisms might result in variations in cell surface expression of this protein and have been described to affect the affinity between UL18 and LILRB1.…”

Prospective Study of Long Noncoding RNA, MGAT3-AS1, and Viremia of BK Polyomavirus and Cytomegalovirus in Living Donor Renal Transplant Recipients

“…The response to opportunistic infections including BK polyomavirus and cytomegalovirus is largely mediated by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. [22][23][24] Samples from patients with cytomegalovirus infection show higher expression of immunoglobulin-like receptor B1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells compared with those who do 22 ; therefore, cytomegalovirus may cause modulation of patients' innate and adaptive immune systems. 22 Kumar et al 23 quantified interferon gamma production from peripheral blood cells after cytomegalovirus-specific stimulation to demonstrate the feasibility of early discontinuation of antivirals.…”

“…[22][23][24] Samples from patients with cytomegalovirus infection show higher expression of immunoglobulin-like receptor B1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells compared with those who do 22 ; therefore, cytomegalovirus may cause modulation of patients' innate and adaptive immune systems. 22 Kumar et al 23 quantified interferon gamma production from peripheral blood cells after cytomegalovirus-specific stimulation to demonstrate the feasibility of early discontinuation of antivirals. 23 Leboeuf et al 24 measured the release of interferon gamma after stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with virus-specific peptides to predict clearance of BK polyomavirus in renal transplant recipients.…”

The MHC class I‐LILRB1 signalling axis as a promising target in cancer therapy

“…Ligands of LILRB1, except HLA class I, are expressed on HIV‐infected monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) . LILRB1 expression in NK cells, T cells, B cells and monocytes is higher in individuals who have experienced cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection than in those who have not . The number of LILRB1 + NK cells is increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and LILRB1 expression on NK cells correlates to carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) .…”