Molecular-scale spatio-chemical control of the activating-inhibitory signal integration in NK cells
Open Access
- 11 June 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Science Advances
- Vol. 7 (24), eabc1640
- https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abc1640
Abstract
The role of juxtaposition of activating and inhibitory receptors in signal inhibition of cytotoxic lymphocytes remains strongly debated. The challenge lies in the lack of tools that allow simultaneous spatial manipulation of signaling molecules. To circumvent this, we produced a nanoengineered multifunctional platform with molecular-scale spatial control of ligands, which was applied to elucidate KIR2DL1-mediated inhibition of NKG2D signaling—receptors of natural killer cells. This platform was conceived by bimetallic nanodot patterning with molecular-scale registry, followed by a ternary functionalization with distinct moieties. We found that a 40-nm gap between activating and inhibitory ligands provided optimal inhibitory conditions. Supported by theoretical modeling, we interpret these findings as a consequence of the size mismatch and conformational flexibility of ligands in their spatial interaction. This highly versatile approach provides an important insight into the spatial mechanism of inhibitory immune checkpoints, which is essential for the rational design of future immunotherapies.Keywords
Funding Information
- Society for Pediatric Radiology (652939)
- Society for Pediatric Radiology
- European Cooperation in Science and Technology (CA15126)
- Israel Science Foundation (2058/18)
- China Steel Corporation (201806185038)
- Negev Israel Science Foundation Individual (1401/15)
- Israel Science Foundations Individual (2058/18)
- Biophysical and Structural Chemistry (CNRS UMS3033)
- Biophysical and Structural Chemistry (US001)
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