Biology subjects

Vick, S. C.

Publications and source records attributed to Vick, S. C..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Genital herpes shedding episodes associate with alterations in the spatial organization and activation of mucosal immune cells

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) infection results in variable rates of local viral shedding in anogenital skin. The impact of episodic viral exposures on immune cells in adjacent mucosal tissues, including the genital tract, is unknown. However, any immune responses at this site could impact protective mucosal immunity, tissue homeostasis, and adverse health outcomes. To investigate the impact of HSV-2 on cervicovaginal tract immunity, we applied flow cytometry, immunofluorescent imaging, analysis of soluble immune factors, and spatial transcriptomics to cervicovaginal tissue and blood samples provided by a total of 232 HSV-2 seropositive and seronegative participants, with genital HSV-2 shedding evaluated at the time of biopsy. This unique dataset was used to define and spatially map immune cell subsets and localized gene expression via spatial transcriptomics. HSV-2 seropositivity alone was associated with minimal differences in cervicovaginal and circulating T cell phenotypes. However, the vaginal mucosa during active HSV-2 shedding was associated with alterations in T cell, macrophage, and dendritic cell localization and gene expression consistent with increased immune surveillance, with immune activating and suppressing signals potentially reinforcing mucosal tissue homeostasis. SummaryIn context of episodic HSV-2 shedding, immune cells mobilize and co-localize in the vaginal epithelium, expressing cytotoxic and inflammatory genes and immunoregulatory genes that collectively may promote tissue homeostasis in settings of episodic viral shedding to limit damage.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2025

Mucosal tissue NK cells tune their function between optimal anti-pathogen activity and tissue protection

Preserving barrier integrity while mounting effective immunity is essential at mucosal surfaces. In examining the immune cells that mediate both inflammation and tissue homeostasis, we uncovered a dual role for natural killer (NK) cells in barrier immunity. While NK cells are known to control viral infections, here we identify a previously unrecognized reparative function for NK cells in mucosal tissues. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and high-dimensional flow cytometry, we reveal a distinct population of human mucosal NK cells marked by tissue residency, immunoregulatory profiles, and limited cytotoxic potential at homeostasis, yet highly responsive to inflammatory cues. In a mouse model of acute HSV-2 infection, NK cells are required for limiting infection-associated tissue damage. Mucosal NK cells express the epithelial growth factor amphiregulin (Areg), and their depletion leads to increased tissue barrier damage despite preserved viral clearance, suggesting a novel role in tissue protection. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the barrier-derived cytokines IL-18 and IL-33 induce Areg expression by both human and mouse NK cells, linking local inflammatory cues to reparative NK cell programming that is able to potentiate wound healing. Together, our findings reveal a context-dependent, dual function of mucosal NK cells in immune defense and mucosal tissue protection, expanding current models of NK cell biology.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2024

Bacterial vaginosis-driven changes in vaginal T cell phenotypes and their implications for HIV susceptibility

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiome that is prevalent among reproductive-age females worldwide. Adverse health outcomes associated with BV include an increased risk of sexually-acquired HIV, yet the immunological mechanisms underlying this association are not well understood. To investigate BV-driven changes to cervicovaginal tract (CVT) and circulating T cell phenotypes, participants with or without BV provided vaginal tract (VT) and ectocervical (CX) tissue biopsies and PBMC samples. High-parameter flow cytometry revealed an increased frequency of cervical conventional CD4+ T cells (Tconv) expressing CCR5. However, we found no difference in number of CD3+CD4+CCR5+ cells in the CX or VT of BV+ vs BV- individuals, suggesting that BV-driven increased HIV susceptibility may not be solely attributed to increased CVT HIV target cell abundance. Flow cytometry also revealed that individuals with BV have an increased frequency of dysfunctional CX and VT CD39+ Tconv and CX tissue-resident CD69+CD103+ Tconv, reported to be implicated in HIV acquisition risk and replication. Many soluble immune factor differences in the CVT further support that BV elicits diverse and complex CVT immune alterations. Our comprehensive analysis expands on potential immunological mechanisms that may underlie the adverse health outcomes associated with BV including increased HIV susceptibility.

immunology↗