Activated Natural Killer Cell Promotes Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Through Mediating JAK/STAT Pathway.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatic immune microenvironment plays a pivotal role in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the role of natural killer (NK) cells, accounting for 10%-20% of liver lymphocytes, in NASH is still unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the functional significance of NK cells in NASH evolution.

METHODS

NASH was induced in mice fed methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCD), choline-deficient high-fat diet (CD-HFD), or high-fat diet with streptozotocin injection (STAM model). NK cell deficient mice (Nfil3) and neutralization antibody (PK136) were used in this study.

RESULTS

Activated liver NK cells were identified with increased expression of NKG2D, CD107a, and interferon-γ but decreased inhibitory NKG2A. With NK cell deficiency Nfil3 mice, the absence of NK cells ameliorated both MCD- and CDHF- induced NASH development with significantly decreased hepatic triglycerides, peroxides, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase compared with Nfil3 mice. Further molecular analysis unveiled suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and associated signaling. Mechanistically, NK cells isolated from NASH liver secreted higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interferon-γ, interleukin 1β, interleukin 12, CCL4, CCL5, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor), which could activate hepatic JAK-STAT1/3 and nuclear factor kappa B signaling and induce hepatocyte damage evidenced by elevated reactive oxygen species and apoptosis rate. Moreover, neutralization antibody PK136-dependent NK cell depletion can significantly alleviate MCD-induced steatohepatitis with suppressed cytokine levels and JAK-STAT1/3 activity.

CONCLUSIONS

NK cells in NASH liver are activated with a more pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu and promote NASH development via cytokine-JAK-STAT1/3 axis. Modulation of NK cells provides a potential therapeutic strategy for NASH.