Uncovering NK cell sabotage in gut diseases via single cell transcriptomics

PLoS One. 2025 Jan 3;20(1):e0315981. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315981. eCollection 2025.

Abstract

The identification of immune environments and cellular interactions in the colon microenvironment is essential for understanding the mechanisms of chronic inflammatory disease. Despite occurring in the same organ, there is a significant gap in understanding the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis (UC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Our study aims to address the distinct immunopathological response of UC and CRC. Using single-cell RNA sequencing datasets, we analyzed the profiles of immune cells in colorectal tissues obtained from healthy donors, UC patients, and CRC patients. The colon tissues from patients and healthy participants were visualized by immunostaining followed by laser confocal microscopy for select targets. Natural killer (NK) cells from UC patients on medication showed reduced cytotoxicity compared to those from healthy individuals. Nonetheless, a UC-specific pathway called the BAG6-NCR3 axis led to higher levels of inflammatory cytokines and increased the cytotoxicity of NCR3+ NK cells, thereby contributing to the persistence of colitis. In the context of colorectal cancer (CRC), both NK cells and CD8+ T cells exhibited significant changes in cytotoxicity and exhaustion. The GALECTIN-9 (LGALS9)-HAVCR2 axis was identified as one of the CRC-specific pathways. Within this pathway, NK cells solely communicated with myeloid cells under CRC conditions. HAVCR2+ NK cells from CRC patients suppressed NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, indicating a reduction in immune surveillance. Overall, we elucidated the comprehensive UC and CRC immune microenvironments and NK cell-mediated immune responses. Our findings can aid in selecting therapeutic targets that increase the efficacy of immunotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / genetics
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / immunology
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / pathology
  • Colon / immunology
  • Colon / metabolism
  • Colon / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Female
  • Galectins / genetics
  • Galectins / metabolism
  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 / genetics
  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2 / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural* / immunology
  • Killer Cells, Natural* / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Single-Cell Analysis*
  • Transcriptome

Substances

  • Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2
  • HAVCR2 protein, human
  • Galectins

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the BK21 FOUR Program by Pusan National University Research Grant, 2021, and the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health & Welfare [grant number RS-2023-00207946, RS-2023-00273667, 2022R1A5A2027161, RS-2023-00223764, and RS-2024-00333287]. This research was supported by grants from the Korean Cell-Based Artificial Blood Project funded by the Korean government (Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) (grant number: RS-2023-KH140743). Additionally, the authors are thankful for the great support of the Asan Social Welfare Foundation.