This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. NK cells in rhesus macaques have been variably defined as CD3-CD16+ or CD3-CD8+, although only limited efforts have been made to rigorously validate these definitions. To better understand the role of NK cells in macaque disease models, we undertook a multiparameter analysis of macaque NK cells employing four color flow cytometry and a panel of lineage-specific and non-lineage specific lymphocyte markers. Using this approach, we identified two distinct populations of candidate NK cells: a major CD8brightCD16+ population and a minor CD8brightCD16- population. Further analysis of the major and minor NK cell populations revealed the expression of multiple markers characteristic of NK cells, including CD2, CD7, CD16, CD161, NKG2A and granzyme B. In addition, a CD56+ subset of cells within the minor rhesus NK population was identified that expressed chemokine and lymph node homing receptors similar to those expressed by the CD56bright NK cell population identified in humans. Cytolytic assays confirmed that the phenotypically defined rhesus NK cells lysed NK susceptible target cells. Our observations support the existence of several distinct subpopulations of rhesus macaque NK cells, which have significant phenotypic and functional similarities to their human counterparts. These improved immunophenotypic definitions of macaque NK cells should facilitate future analysis of innate immune responses in rhesus macaques and the role of NK cells in AIDS pathogenesis in SIV-infected macaques.
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