BCG Vaccination Induces Long-Term Functional Reprogramming of Human Neutrophils

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Simone J.C.F.M. Moorlag - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Yessica Alina Rodriguez-Rosales - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Joshua Gillard - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Stephanie Fanucchi - , University of Cape Town (Author)
  • Kate Theunissen - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Boris Novakovic - , University of Melbourne (Author)
  • Cynthia M. de Bont - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Yutaka Negishi - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Ezio T. Fok - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Lydia Kalafati - , Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Academy of Athens (Author)
  • Panayotis Verginis - , Academy of Athens (Author)
  • Vera P. Mourits - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Valerie A.C.M. Koeken - , Radboud University Nijmegen, TWINCORE Zentrum für Experimentelle und Klinische Infektionsforschung GmbH (Author)
  • L. Charlotte J. de Bree - , Radboud University Nijmegen, Statens Serum Institut, University of Southern Denmark (Author)
  • Ger J.M. Pruijn - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Craig Fenwick - , University of Lausanne (Author)
  • Reinout van Crevel - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Leo A.B. Joosten - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Irma Joosten - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Hans Koenen - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Musa M. Mhlanga - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Dimitri A. Diavatopoulos - , Radboud University Nijmegen (Author)
  • Triantafyllos Chavakis - , Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (Author)
  • Mihai G. Netea - , Radboud University Nijmegen, University of Bonn (Author)

Abstract

The tuberculosis vaccine bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) protects against some heterologous infections, probably via induction of non-specific innate immune memory in monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, a process known as trained immunity. Recent studies have revealed that the induction of trained immunity is associated with a bias toward granulopoiesis in bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells, but it is unknown whether BCG vaccination also leads to functional reprogramming of mature neutrophils. Here, we show that BCG vaccination of healthy humans induces long-lasting changes in neutrophil phenotype, characterized by increased expression of activation markers and antimicrobial function. The enhanced function of human neutrophils persists for at least 3 months after vaccination and is associated with genome-wide epigenetic modifications in trimethylation at histone 3 lysine 4. Functional reprogramming of neutrophils by the induction of trained immunity might offer novel therapeutic strategies in clinical conditions that could benefit from modulation of neutrophil effector function.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number108387
JournalCell reports
Volume33
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - 17 Nov 2020
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 33207187

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • BCG, epigenetics, innate immune memory, neutrophil, nonspecific effects of vaccines, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, trained immunity

Library keywords