Single-cell analyses identify dysfunctional CD16+ CD8 T cells in smokers

Cell Rep Med. 2020 Jul 21;1(4):100054. doi: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2020.100054.

Abstract

Tobacco smoke exposure contributes to the global burden of communicable and chronic diseases. To identify immune cells affected by smoking, we use single-cell RNA sequencing on peripheral blood from smokers and nonsmokers. Transcriptomes reveal a subpopulation of FCGR3A (CD16)-expressing Natural Killer (NK)-like CD8 T lymphocytes that increase in smokers. Mass cytometry confirms elevated CD16+ CD8 T cells in smokers. Inferred as highly differentiated by pseudotime analysis, NK-like CD8 T cells express markers characteristic of effector memory re-expressing CD45RA T (TEMRA) cells. Indicative of immune aging, smokers' CD8 T cells are biased toward differentiated cells and smokers have fewer naïve cells than nonsmokers. DNA methylation-based models show that smoking dose is associated with accelerated aging and decreased telomere length, a biomarker of T cell senescence. Immune aging accompanies T cell senescence, which can ultimately lead to impaired immune function. This suggests a role for smoking-induced, senescence-associated immune dysregulation in smoking-mediated pathologies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cigarette Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Cigarette Smoking / immunology
  • Female
  • GPI-Linked Proteins / drug effects
  • GPI-Linked Proteins / immunology
  • GPI-Linked Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, IgG / drug effects
  • Receptors, IgG / immunology
  • Receptors, IgG / metabolism*
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods
  • Smokers
  • Smoking / blood

Substances

  • FCGR3A protein, human
  • FCGR3B protein, human
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Receptors, IgG
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens