Influence of the Chemerin signaling pathway on NK cell function and migration

Introduction: Chemerin, encoded by the gene Rarres2, is a secreted, proinflammatory adipokine which is highly expressed in the liver. Its cognate receptor ChemR is expressed on NK cells and has been shown to play a role in NK cell migration and co-localization with dendritic cells. We aim to investigate the Chemerin-ChemR axis to elucidate its impact on NK cell function and localization at steady state and in inflammation.

Methods: Using in vivo and in vitro approaches, we analyze Chemerin expression across different tissues as well as the effects of ChemR downstream signaling on NK cells on a phenotypic, transcriptional and functional level.

Results: We find highly organ-specific chemerin expression patterns in mouse and human. On NK cells, ChemR is exclusively expressed on mature subsets and is discretely regulated by cytokines and microenvironmental influences. Finally, inflammatory signals leading to chemerin induction result in tissue-specific NK cell accumulation.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the Chemerin-ChemR axis plays a crucial role in regulating organ-specific NK cell migration and function. Further work will show deeper mechanistic insights, potentially revealing novel therapeutic targets aimed at manipulating NK cell migration.

Publication History

Article published online:
20 January 2025