Induction of CD8 T cells against a novel epitope in TB10.4: correlation with mycobacterial virulence and the presence of a functional region of difference-1

CD4+ T cell-dependent IFN-γ production by CD8+ effector T cells in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells contribute to immunity to tuberculosis, and both can produce the essential effector cytokine IFN-γ. However, the precise role and relative contribution of each cell type to in vivo IFN-γ production are incompletely understood. To identify and quantitate the cells that produce IFN-γ at the site of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mice, we used direct intracellular cytokine staining ex vivo without restimulation. We found that CD4+ and CD8+ cells were predominantly responsible for production of this cytokine in vivo, and we observed a remarkable linear correlation between the fraction of CD4+ cells and the fraction of CD8+ cells producing IFN-γ in the lungs. In the absence of CD4+ cells, a reduced fraction of CD8+ cells was actively producing IFN-γ in vivo, suggesting that CD4+ effector cells are continually required for optimal IFN-γ production by CD8+ effector cells. Accordingly, when infected mice were treated i.v. with an MHC-II-restricted M. tuberculosis epitope peptide to stimulate CD4+ cells in vivo, we observed rapid activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the lungs. Indirect activation of CD8+ cells was dependent on the presence of CD4+ cells but independent of IFN-g responsiveness of the CD8+ cells. These data provide evidence that CD4+ cell deficiency impairs IFN-γ production by CD8+ effector cells and that ongoing cross-talk between distinct effector T cell types in the lungs may contribute to a protective immune response against M. tuberculosis. Conversely, defects in these interactions may contribute to susceptibility to tuberculosis and other infections.

The HyVac4 subunit vaccine efficiently boosts BCG-primed anti-mycobacterial protective immunity

BACKGROUND

The current vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), BCG, has failed to control TB worldwide and the protective efficacy is moreover limited to 10-15 years. A vaccine that could efficiently boost a BCG-induced immune response and thus prolong protective immunity would therefore have a significant impact on the global TB-burden.

METHODS/FINDINGS

In the present study we show that the fusion protein HyVac4 (H4), consisting of the mycobacterial antigens Ag85B and TB10.4, given in the adjuvant IC31® or DDA/MPL effectively boosted and prolonged immunity induced by BCG, leading to improved protection against infection with virulent M. tuberculosis (M.tb). Increased protection correlated with an increased percentage of TB10.4 specific IFNγ/TNFα/IL-2 or TNFα/IL-2 producing CD4 T cells at the site of infection. Moreover, this vaccine strategy did not compromise the use of ESAT-6 as an accurate correlate of disease development/vaccine efficacy. Indeed both CD4 and CD8 ESAT-6 specific T cells showed significant correlation with bacterial levels.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

H4-IC31® can efficiently boost BCG-primed immunity leading to an increased protective anti-M.tb immune response dominated by IFNγ/TNFα/IL-2 or TNFα/IL2 producing CD4 T cells. H4 in the CD4 T cell inducing adjuvant IC31® is presently in clinical trials.

Escape from the Phagosome: The Explanation for MHC-I Processing of Mycobacterial Antigens?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is thought to live in an altered phagosomal environment. In this setting, the mechanisms by which mycobacterial antigens access the major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) processing machinery remain incompletely understood. There is evidence that Mtb antigens can be processed in both endocytic and cytosolic environments, with different mechanisms being proposed for how Mtb antigens can access the cytosol. Recently, electron microscopy was used to demonstrate that Mtb has the potential to escape the phagosome and reside in the cytosol. This was postulated as the primary mechanism by which Mtb antigens enter the MHC-I processing and presentation pathway. In this commentary, we will review data on the escape of Mtb from the cytosol and whether this escape is required for antigen presentation to CD8⁺ T cells.

CD8+ T cells provide an immunologic signature of tuberculosis in young children

RATIONALE

The immunologic events surrounding primary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and development of tuberculosis remain controversial. Young children who develop tuberculosis do so quickly after first exposure, thus permitting study of immune response to primary infection and disease. We hypothesized that M. tuberculosis-specific CD8(+) T cells are generated in response to high bacillary loads occurring during tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if M. tuberculosis-specific T cells are generated among healthy children exposed to M. tuberculosis and children with tuberculosis.

METHODS

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assays were used to measure IFN-γ production in response to M. tuberculosis-specific proteins ESAT-6/CFP-10 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and CD8(+) T cells isolated from Ugandan children hospitalized with tuberculosis (n = 96) or healthy tuberculosis contacts (n = 62).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The proportion of positive CD8(+) T-cell assays and magnitude of CD8(+) T-cell responses were significantly greater among young (<5 yr) tuberculosis cases compared with young contacts (P = 0.02, Fisher exact test, P = 0.01, Wilcoxon rank-sum, respectively). M. tuberculosis-specific T-cell responses measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were equivalent between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among young children, M. tuberculosis-specific CD8(+) T cells develop in response to high bacillary loads, as occurs during tuberculosis, and are unlikely to be found after M. tuberculosis exposure. T-cell responses measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells are generated after M. tuberculosis exposure alone, and thus cannot distinguish exposure from disease. In young children, IFN-γ-producing M. tuberculosis-specific CD8(+) T cells provide an immunologic signature of primary M. tuberculosis infection resulting in disease.

ML1419c peptide immunization induces Mycobacterium leprae-specific HLA-A*0201-restricted CTL in vivo with potential to kill live mycobacteria

MHC class I-restricted CD8(+) T cells play an important role in protective immunity against mycobacteria. Previously, we showed that p113-121, derived from Mycobacterium leprae protein ML1419c, induced significant IFN-γ production by CD8(+) T cells in 90% of paucibacillary leprosy patients and in 80% of multibacillary patients' contacts, demonstrating induction of M. leprae-specific CD8(+) T cell immunity. In this work, we studied the in vivo role and functional profile of ML1419c p113-121-induced T cells in HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice. Immunization with 9mer or 30mer covering the p113-121 sequence combined with TLR9 agonist CpG induced HLA-A*0201-restricted, M. leprae-specific CD8(+) T cells as visualized by p113-121/HLA-A*0201 tetramers. Most CD8(+) T cells produced IFN-γ, but distinct IFN-γ(+)/TNF-α(+) populations were detected simultaneously with significant secretion of CXCL10/IFN-γ-induced protein 10, CXCL9/MIG, and VEGF. Strikingly, peptide immunization also induced high ML1419c-specific IgG levels, strongly suggesting that peptide-specific CD8(+) T cells provide help to B cells in vivo, as CD4(+) T cells were undetectable. An additional important characteristic of p113-121-specific CD8(+) T cells was their capacity for in vivo killing of p113-121-labeled, HLA-A*0201(+) splenocytes. The cytotoxic function of p113-121/HLA-A*0201-specific CD8(+) T cells extended into direct killing of splenocytes infected with live Mycobacterium smegmatis expressing ML1419c: both 9mer and 30mer induced CD8(+) T cells that reduced the number of ML1419c-expressing mycobacteria by 95%, whereas no reduction occurred using wild-type M. smegmatis. These data, combined with previous observations in Brazilian cohorts, show that ML1419c p113-121 induces potent CD8(+) T cells that provide protective immunity against M. leprae and B cell help for induction of specific IgG, suggesting its potential use in diagnostics and as a subunit (vaccine) for M. leprae infection.

Secreted immunodominant Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens are processed by the cytosolic pathway

Exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis can result in lifelong but asymptomatic infection in most individuals. Although CD8(+) T cells are elicited at high frequencies over the course of infection in both humans and mice, how phagosomal M. tuberculosis Ags are processed and presented by MHC class I molecules is poorly understood. Broadly, both cytosolic and noncytosolic pathways have been described. We have previously characterized the presentation of three HLA-I epitopes from M. tuberculosis and shown that these Ags are processed in the cytosol, whereas others have demonstrated noncytosolic presentation of the 19-kDa lipoprotein as well as apoptotic bodies from M. tuberculosis-infected cells. In this paper, we now characterize the processing pathway in an additional six M. tuberculosis epitopes from four proteins in human dendritic cells. Addition of the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi trafficking inhibitor, brefeldin A, resulted in complete abrogation of Ag processing consistent with cytosolic presentation. However, although addition of the proteasome inhibitor epoxomicin blocked the presentation of two epitopes, presentation of four epitopes was enhanced. To further examine the requirement for proteasomal processing of an epoxomicin-enhanced epitope, an in vitro proteasome digestion assay was established. We find that the proteasome does indeed generate the epitope and that epitope generation is enhanced in the presence of epoxomicin. To further confirm that both the epoxomicin-inhibited and epoxomicin-enhanced epitopes are processed cytosolically, we demonstrate that TAP transport and new protein synthesis are required for presentation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that immunodominant M. tuberculosis CD8(+) Ags are processed and presented using a cytosolic pathway.

Production of TNF-alpha, IL-12(p40) and IL-17 can discriminate between active TB disease and latent infection in a West African cohort

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb) infects approximately 2 billion people world-wide resulting in almost 2 million deaths per year. Determining biomarkers that distinguish different stages of tuberculosis (TB) infection and disease will provide tools for more effective diagnosis and ultimately aid in the development of new vaccine candidates. The current diagnostic kits utilising production of IFN-γ in response to TB antigens can detect MTb infection but are unable to distinguish between infection and disease. The aim of this study was to assess if the use of a longer term assay and the analysis of multiple cytokines would enhance diagnosis of active TB in a TB-endemic population.

Methods

We compared production of multiple cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12(p40), IL-13, IL-17 and IL-18) following long-term (7 days) stimulation of whole-blood with TB antigens (ESAT-6/CFP-10 (EC), PPD or TB10.4) from TB cases (n = 36) and their Mycobacterium-infected (TST+; n = 20) or uninfected (TST−; n = 19) household contacts (HHC).

Results and Conclusions

We found that TNF-α production following EC stimulation and TNF-α and IL-12(p40) following TB10.4 stimulation were significantly higher from TB cases compared to TST+ HHC, while production of IFN-γ and IL-13 were significantly higher from TST+ compared to TST- HHC following PPD or EC stimulation. Combined analysis of TNF-α, IL-12(p40) and IL-17 following TB10.4 stimulation resulted in 85% correct classification into TB cases or TST+ HHC. 74% correct classification into TST+ or TST− HHC was achieved with IFN-γ alone following TB10.4 stimulation (69% following EC) and little enhancement was seen with additional cytokines. We also saw a tendency for TB cases infected with M. africanum to have increased TNF-α and IL-10 production compared to those infected with M. tuberculosis. Our results provide further insight into the pathogenesis of tuberculosis and may enhance the specificity of the currently available diagnostic tests, particularly for diagnosis of active TB.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and TLR2 agonists inhibit induction of type I IFN and class I MHC antigen cross processing by TLR9

Dendritic cells (DCs) cross process exogenous Ags and present them by class I MHC (MHC-I) molecules to CD8(+) T cells specific for Ags from viruses and bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Unmethylated CpG DNA signals through TLR9 to induce type I IFN (IFN-alpha/beta), which enhances MHC-I Ag cross processing, but lipoproteins that signal through TLR2 do not induce IFN-alpha/beta. In these studies we observed that M. tuberculosis, which expresses agonists of both TLR9 and TLR2, did not induce production of IFN-alpha/beta or cross processing by murine DCs. Furthermore, M. tuberculosis and TLR2 agonists inhibited induction of IFN-alpha/beta and DC cross processing by CpG DNA. Exogenous IFN-alpha/beta effectively enhanced cross processing of M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin expressing OVA, bypassing the inhibition of induction of endogenous IFN-alpha/beta. In addition, inhibition of TLR9-induced cross processing of M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin expressing OVA could be circumvented by pretreating cells with CpG DNA to induce IFN-alpha/beta and MHC-I cross processing before inhibitory mycobacterial TLR2 agonists were present. Inhibition of the response to one TLR by another may affect the ultimate response to pathogens like M. tuberculosis that express agonists of multiple TLRs, including TLR2 and TLR9. This mechanism may contribute to immune evasion and explain why IFN-alpha/beta provides little contribution to host immunity to M. tuberculosis. However, downregulation of certain TLR responses may benefit the host by preventing detrimental excessive inflammation that may occur in the presence of persistent infection.

Difference in TB10.4 T-cell epitope recognition following immunization with recombinant TB10.4, BCG or infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Most novel vaccines against infectious diseases are based on recombinant Ag; however, only few studies have compared Ag-specific immune responses induced by natural infection with that induced by the same Ag in a recombinant form. Here, we studied the epitope recognition pattern of the tuberculosis vaccine Ag, TB10.4, in a recombinant form, or when expressed by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), or by the current anti-tuberculosis vaccine, Mycobacterium bovis BCG. We showed that BCG and M.tb induced a similar CD4+ T-cell specific TB10.4 epitope-pattern, which differed completely from that induced by recombinant TB10.4. This difference was not due to post-translational modifications of TB10.4 or because TB10.4 is secreted from BCG and M.tb as a complex with Rv0287. In addition, BCG and TB10.4/CAF01 were both taken up by DC and macrophages in vivo, and in vitro uptake experiments revealed that both TB10.4 and BCG were transported to Lamp+-compartments. BCG and TB10.4 however, were directed to different types of Lamp+-compartments in the same APC, which may lead to different epitope recognition patterns. In conclusion, we show that different vectors can induce completely different recognition of the same protein.

CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses to mycobacterial antigens in African children

RATIONALE

The current tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), does not provide adequate protection against TB disease in children. Furthermore, more efficacious TB vaccines are needed for children with immunodeficiencies such as HIV infection, who are at highest risk of disease.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize mycobacteria-specific T cells in children who might benefit from vaccination against TB, focusing on responses to antigens contained in novel TB vaccines.

METHODS

Whole blood was collected from three groups of BCG-vaccinated children: HIV-seronegative children receiving TB treatment (n = 30), HIV-infected children (n = 30), and HIV-unexposed healthy children (n = 30). Blood was stimulated with Ag85B and TB10.4, or purified protein derivative, and T-cell cytokine production by CD4 and CD8 was determined by flow cytometry. The memory phenotype of antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells was also determined.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Mycobacteria-specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses were detectable in all three groups of children. Children receiving TB treatment had significantly higher frequencies of antigen-specific CD4 T cells compared with HIV-infected children (P = 0.0176). No significant differences in magnitude, function, or phenotype of specific T cells were observed in HIV-infected children compared with healthy control subjects. CD4 T cells expressing IFN-gamma, IL-2, or both expressed a CD45RA(-)CCR7(-)CD27(+/-) effector memory phenotype. Mycobacteria-specific CD8 T cells expressed mostly IFN-gamma in all groups of children; these cells expressed CD45RA(-)CCR7(-)CD27(+/-) or CD45RA(+)CCR7(-)CD27(+/-) effector memory phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Mycobacteria-specific T-cell responses could be demonstrated in all groups of children, suggesting that the responses could be boosted by new TB vaccines currently in clinical trials.

Immunological memory transferred with CD4 T cells specific for tuberculosis antigens Ag85B-TB10.4: persisting antigen enhances protection

Background

High levels of death and morbidity worldwide caused by tuberculosis has stimulated efforts to develop a new vaccine to replace BCG. A number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-specific antigens have been synthesised as recombinant subunit vaccines for clinical evaluation. Recently a fusion protein of TB antigen Ag85B combined with a second immunodominant TB antigen TB10.4 was emulsified with a novel non-phospholipid-based liposomal adjuvant to produce a new subunit vaccine, investigated here. Currently, there is no consensus as to whether or not long-term T cell memory depends on a source of persisting antigen. To explore this and questions regarding lifespan, phenotype and cytokine patterns of CD4 memory T cells, we developed an animal model in which vaccine-induced CD4 memory T cells could transfer immunity to irradiated recipients.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The transfer of protective immunity using Ag85B-TB10.4-specific, CD45RB^low CD62L^low CD4 T cells was assessed in sub-lethally irradiated recipients following challenge with live BCG, used here as a surrogate for virulent Mtb. Donor T cells also carried an allotype marker allowing us to monitor numbers of antigen-specific, cytokine-producing CD4 T cells in recipients. The results showed that both Ag85B-TB10.4 and BCG vaccination induced immunity that could be transferred with a single injection of 3×10⁶ CD4 T cells. Ten times fewer numbers of CD4 T cells (0.3×10⁶) from donors immunised with Ag85B-TB10.4 vaccine alone, transferred equivalent protection. CD4 T cells from donors primed by BCG and boosted with the vaccine similarly transferred protective immunity. When BCG challenge was delayed for 1 or 2 months after transfer (a test of memory T cell survival) recipients remained protected. Importantly, recipients that contained persisting antigen, either live BCG or inert vaccine, showed significantly higher levels of protection (p<0.01). Overall the numbers of IFN-γ-producing CD4 T cells were poorly correlated with levels of protection.

Conclusions/Significance

The Ag85B-TB10.4 vaccine, with or without BCG-priming, generated TB-specific CD4 T cells that transferred protective immunity in mice challenged with BCG. The level of protection was enhanced in recipients containing a residual source of specific antigen that could be either viable or inert.

How do mycobacteria activate CD8+ T cells?

CD8(+) T cells are activated upon presentation of antigens from the cytosol. Therefore, it was unclear how pathogenic mycobacteria could prime this type of lymphocyte, given that these microbes were thought to remain in phagosomes and, hence, be shielded from the host cytosol. Recently, it was shown that some mycobacteria can enter the cytosol through translocation from phagolysosomes, providing a direct mechanism for CD8(+) T cell priming. However, this mechanism might not apply to other mycobacteria, which do not appear to be able to enter the cytosol. Here, we discuss the different hypotheses to explain the induction of CD8(+) T cell responses in mycobacterial infections.

Extensive major histocompatibility complex class I binding promiscuity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis TB10.4 peptides and immune dominance of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B*0702 and HLA-B*0801 alleles in TB10.4 CD8 T-cell responses

The molecular definition of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-presented CD8(+) T-cell epitopes from clinically relevant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) target proteins will aid in the rational design of T-cell-based diagnostics of tuberculosis (TB) and the measurement of TB vaccine-take. We used an epitope discovery system, based on recombinant MHC class I molecules that cover the most frequent Caucasian alleles [human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A*0101, A*0201, A*0301, A*1101, A*2402, B*0702, B*0801 and B*1501], to identify MHC class I-binding peptides from overlapping 9-mer peptides representing the Mtb protein TB10.4. A total of 33 MHC class I-binding epitopes were identified, spread across the entire amino acid sequence, with some clustering at the N- and C-termini of the protein. Binding of individual peptides or closely related peptide species to different MHC class I alleles was frequently observed. For instance, the common motif of xIMYNYPAMx bound to six of eight alleles. Affinity (50% effective dose) and off-rate (half life) analysis of candidate Mtb peptides will help to define the conditions for CD8(+) T-cell interaction with their nominal MHC class I-peptide ligands. Subsequent construction of tetramers allowed us to confirm the recognition of some of the epitopes by CD8(+) T cells from patients with active pulmonary TB. HLA-B alleles served as the dominant MHC class I restricting molecules for anti-Mtb TB10.4-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses measured in CD8(+) T cells from patients with pulmonary TB.

CAF01 liposomes as a mucosal vaccine adjuvant: In vitro and in vivo investigations

Mucosal administration of vaccines has many advantages compared to parenteral vaccination. Needle-free mucosal vaccination would be easily applicable, target the vaccine to the entry point of many pathogens, and reduce the risk of infection with other pathogens during vaccination as compared to invasive methods. CAF01 is a novel liposome-based vaccine adjuvant with remarkable immunostimulatory activity. The potential of CAF01 liposomes as adjuvant for mucosal vaccines was investigated using the Calu-3 epithelial cell culture in vitro model. Thus, the mucosal permeability of the antigen as well as the epithelial integrity and the metabolic activity of the well-differentiated cells were investigated after exposure to CAF01. Finally, the adjuvant was tested for nasal administration in mice, combined with an influenza vaccine. The results suggest that CAF01 enhanced transport of antigen through the mucus layer on Calu-3 cells, increasing the concentration of antigen in the cell layer, as well as the transport across the epithelial cells. Furthermore CAF01 was well tolerated by the Calu-3 cells and the in vivo studies demonstrated increased cell-mediated immunity (CMI) as well as humoral immune responses in mice after nasal application of the influenza vaccine when combined with CAF01. CAF01 is thus a promising adjuvant for mucosal delivery.

Cytotoxicity and secretion of gamma interferon are carried out by distinct CD8 T cells during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

The host immune response is generally sufficient to contain Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. It does not, however, efficiently prevent subsequent infection with M. tuberculosis or provide sterilizing immunity. While the understanding of the immune response generated against this pathogen is incomplete, improvements have been achieved due to advances in immunological tools. In this study, we analyzed the multifunctional nature of primary and memory CD8 T-cell responses generated during murine M. tuberculosis infection. We generated a recombinant M. tuberculosis strain expressing ovalbumin (OVA) epitopes in order to expand the peptides for the detection of CD8 T cells during M. tuberculosis infection and enable us to use OVA-specific reagents. Our results indicate that the majority of M. tuberculosis-specific CD8 T cells are limited to either cytotoxicity or the secretion of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), with cytotoxicity being far more prevalent than IFN-gamma secretion. Memory CD8 T cells responded earlier and reached higher levels in the lungs than naïve CD8 T cells, as was expected. They were, however, less cytotoxic and secreted less IFN-gamma than newly primed CD8 T cells, suggesting that one factor contributing to bacterial persistence and lack of sterilizing immunity may be the low quality of memory cells that are generated.

Incorporation of NKT cell-activating glycolipids enhances immunogenicity and vaccine efficacy of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin

The attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis known as bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been widely used as a vaccine for prevention of disease by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but with relatively little evidence of success. Recent studies suggest that the failure of BCG may be due to its retention of immune evasion mechanisms that delay or prevent the priming of robust protective cell-mediated immunity. In this study, we describe an approach to enhance the immunogenicity of BCG by incorporating glycolipid activators of CD1d-restricted NKT cells, a conserved T cell subset with the potential to augment many types of immune responses. A method was developed for stably incorporating two forms of the NKT cell activator alpha-galactosylceramide into live BCG organisms, and the impact of this on stimulation of T cell responses and protective antimycobacterial immunity was evaluated. We found that live BCG containing relatively small amounts of incorporated alpha-galactosylceramide retained the ability to robustly activate NKT cells. Compared with immunization with unmodified BCG, the glycolipid-modified BCG stimulated increased maturation of dendritic cells and markedly augmented the priming of Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells responses. These effects were correlated with improved protective effects of vaccination in mice challenged with virulent M. tuberculosis. These results support the view that mycobacteria possess mechanisms to avoid stimulation of CD8(+) T cell responses and that such responses contribute significantly to protective immunity against these pathogens. Our findings raise the possibility of a simple modification of BCG that could yield a more effective vaccine for control of tuberculosis.

T cells in mycobacterial infection and disease

There has been an increase in our understanding of the complexity of the T cell response to mycobacterial infection recently. Improved tools have allowed the determination of the location and kinetics of naïve T cell activation in the mouse as well the variety of function of mycobacteria-specific cells in humans. There is also an increased appreciation of the balance required during mycobacterial infection between anti-bacterial activity and control of the immunopathologic response. The integration of the T cell functional data with the consequences of infection should improve rational vaccine design.

Analysis of predicted CD8+ T cell epitopes from proteins encoded by the specific RD regions of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for vaccine development and specific diagnosis

A number of regions designated as RD1-RD16 (region of difference) and encompassing 129 open reading frames have been identified between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis on the one hand and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin on the other. Identification of T cell epitopes from this set of proteins may serve to define candidate antigens with potentials in specific diagnosis and development of new vaccines against TB. All possible nonameric peptide sequences from proteins of these M. tuberculosis specific regions were analyzed in silico for the ability to bind to 33 alleles of class I HLA. These results reveal that of all RD proteins, a significant number of these peptides are predicted to be high-affinity HLA binders (T (1/2) >or= 100 min), irrespective of the length of the protein, and 67% of the peptides predicted to bind are mono-allelic in their binding. Pathogen peptides that could behave as self- or partially self-peptides in the host were eliminated using a comparative study with the human proteome, thus the number of peptides for analysis was reduced. The predicted epitopes can be tested experimentally for their inclusion in a potential vaccine against tuberculosis and specific diagnosis.

Assessment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis OmpATb as a novel antigen for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis

In the search for better tools to control bovine tuberculosis, the development of diagnostic tests with improved specificity and sensitivity has a high priority. We chose to search for novel immunodiagnostic reagents. In this study, Rv0899 (outer membrane protein A of Mycobacterium tuberculosis [OmpATb]) was evaluated as a stimulation antigen in a gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) release assay to diagnose bovine tuberculosis. OmpATb induced IFN-gamma responses in cattle experimentally infected with M. bovis as early and as persistently as ESAT-6 and CFP-10, the current lead diagnostic antigens. In naturally infected cattle, OmpATb stimulated IFN-gamma production in 22 of 26 animals (85%). Importantly, OmpATb detected a portion of M. bovis-infected cattle which did not respond to ESAT-6 and CFP-10 (five of six cattle). The combined diagnostic sensitivity of OmpATb, ESAT-6, and CFP-10 for a preselected group consisting of naturally infected cattle with an overrepresentation of ESAT-6/CFP-10 nonresponders was 96% (25 of 26 animals). The specificity of OmpATb for uninfected cattle was 100% (27 cattle were tested; 12 of them gave false-positive results with tuberculins). In summary, our results indicate that OmpATb has the potential to enhance the sensitivity of previously described diagnostic tests based on ESAT-6 and CFP-10 and that the combined use of OmpATb, ESAT-6, CFP-10, and other proteins may achieve at least equal sensitivity to that obtained with purified protein derivative, but at a higher specificity. Further studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of OmpATb in combination with other proteins are ongoing.

Distinct differences in the expansion and phenotype of TB10.4 specific CD8 and CD4 T cells after infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Recently we and others have identified CD8 and CD4 T cell epitopes within the highly expressed M. tuberculosis protein TB10.4. This has enabled, for the first time, a comparative study of the dynamics and function of CD4 and CD8 T cells specific for epitopes within the same protein in various stages of TB infection.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We focused on T cells directed to two epitopes in TB10.4; the MHC class I restricted epitope TB10.4 (3-11) (CD8/10.4 T cells) and the MHC class II restricted epitope TB10.4 (74-88) (CD4/10.4 T cells). CD4/10.4 and CD8/10.4 T cells displayed marked differences in terms of expansion and contraction in a mouse TB model. CD4/10.4 T cells dominated in the early phase of infection whereas CD8/10.4 T cells were expanded after week 16 and reached 5-8 fold higher numbers in the late phase of infection. In the early phase of infection both CD4/10.4 and CD8/10.4 T cells were characterized by 20-25% polyfunctional cells (IL-2(+), IFN-gamma(+), TNF-alpha(+)), but whereas the majority of CD4/10.4 T cells were maintained as polyfunctional T cells throughout infection, CD8/10.4 T cells differentiated almost exclusively into effector cells (IFN-gamma(+), TNF-alpha(+)). Both CD4/10.4 and CD8/10.4 T cells exhibited cytotoxicity in vivo in the early phase of infection, but whereas CD4/10.4 cell mediated cytotoxicity waned during the infection, CD8/10.4 T cells exhibited increasing cytotoxic potential throughout the infection.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our results show that CD4 and CD8 T cells directed to epitopes in the same antigen differ both in their kinetics and functional characteristics throughout an infection with M. tuberculosis. In addition, the observed strong expansion of CD8 T cells in the late stages of infection could have implications for the development of post exposure vaccines against latent TB.

A critical role for CD8 T cells in a nonhuman primate model of tuberculosis

The role of CD8 T cells in anti-tuberculosis immunity in humans remains unknown, and studies of CD8 T cell–mediated protection against tuberculosis in mice have yielded controversial results. Unlike mice, humans and nonhuman primates share a number of important features of the immune system that relate directly to the specificity and functions of CD8 T cells, such as the expression of group 1 CD1 proteins that are capable of presenting Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipids antigens and the cytotoxic/bactericidal protein granulysin. Employing a more relevant nonhuman primate model of human tuberculosis, we examined the contribution of BCG- or M. tuberculosis-elicited CD8 T cells to vaccine-induced immunity against tuberculosis. CD8 depletion compromised BCG vaccine-induced immune control of M. tuberculosis replication in the vaccinated rhesus macaques. Depletion of CD8 T cells in BCG-vaccinated rhesus macaques led to a significant decrease in the vaccine-induced immunity against tuberculosis. Consistently, depletion of CD8 T cells in rhesus macaques that had been previously infected with M. tuberculosis and cured by antibiotic therapy also resulted in a loss of anti-tuberculosis immunity upon M. tuberculosis re-infection. The current study demonstrates a major role for CD8 T cells in anti-tuberculosis immunity, and supports the view that CD8 T cells should be included in strategies for development of new tuberculosis vaccines and immunotherapeutics.

Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria remain top killers worldwide. Cell-mediated immune responses play a crucial role in immunity against tuberculosis. While CD4 T cells are well described for their protection against tuberculosis, little is known about the role of human CD8 T cells in anti-tuberculosis immunity. Studies done to date in mice have yielded conflicting results regarding the role of mouse CD8 T cells in tuberculosis. Since there are considerable differences in CD8 T cell biology between mice and primates including humans and macaques, studies in humans or macaques are crucial for clarifying human CD8 T cell–mediated immunity against tuberculosis. Thus, we used a macaque tuberculosis model to examine the contribution of CD8 T cells to vaccine-induced immunity against tuberculosis. We found that CD8 T cells play a role in BCG vaccine-induced immune control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis replication and in the vaccine-induced immunity against tuberculosis. Consistently, memory CD8 T cells also play a crucial role in anti-tuberculosis immunity upon M. tuberculosis re-infection. The findings in the current study provide evidence that human CD8 T cells are of importance for anti-tuberculosis immunity, and support the view that CD8 T cells should be targeted for development of new tuberculosis vaccines and immunotherapeutics.

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis phagosome is a HLA-I processing competent organelle

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) resides in a long-lived phagosomal compartment that resists maturation. The manner by which Mtb antigens are processed and presented on MHC Class I molecules is poorly understood. Using human dendritic cells and IFN-γ release by CD8⁺ T cell clones, we examined the processing and presentation pathway for two Mtb–derived antigens, each presented by a distinct HLA-I allele (HLA-Ia versus HLA-Ib). Presentation of both antigens is blocked by the retrotranslocation inhibitor exotoxin A. Inhibitor studies demonstrate that, after reaching the cytosol, both antigens require proteasomal degradation and TAP transport, but differ in the requirement for ER–golgi egress and new protein synthesis. Specifically, presentation by HLA-B8 but not HLA-E requires newly synthesized HLA-I and transport through the ER–golgi. Phenotypic analysis of the Mtb phagosome by flow organellometry revealed the presence of Class I and loading accessory molecules, including TAP and PDI. Furthermore, loaded HLA-I:peptide complexes are present within the Mtb phagosome, with a pronounced bias towards HLA-E:peptide complexes. In addition, protein analysis also reveals that HLA-E is enriched within the Mtb phagosome compared to HLA-A2. Together, these data suggest that the phagosome, through acquisition of ER–localized machinery and as a site of HLA-I loading, plays a vital role in the presentation of Mtb–derived antigens, similar to that described for presentation of latex bead-associated antigens. This is, to our knowledge, the first description of this presentation pathway for an intracellular pathogen. Moreover, these data suggest that HLA-E may play a unique role in the presentation of phagosomal antigens.

Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I (MHC-I) generally serves to present peptides derived from cytosolic proteins to CD8⁺ T lymphocytes, thereby alerting the immune system that the cell is infected. The machinery required for MHC-I antigen processing and presentation is localized to the cytosol and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). After phagocytosis of bacteria, it is unclear how bacterial antigens are presented by MHC-I, as they are segregated from this machinery. In this report, we examine processing and presentation of two proteins derived from the intracellular pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). We find that Mtb proteins are able to access the cytosol where they are degraded by the proteasome. Mtb proteins reach the cytosol by retrotranslocation, a process which normally functions to transport misfolded proteins from the ER to the cytosol. Furthermore, the Mtb phagosome contains ER–derived members of the MHC-I peptide loading complex, which aid in loading peptides onto MHC-I molecules. Finally, we detect loaded HLA-I:peptide complexes in the phagosome, demonstrating that loading can occur in the Mtb phagosome. Together, these findings suggest that the Mtb phagosome, through acquisition of ER–derived MHC-I machinery and as a site of MHC-I loading, plays a vital role in presentation of Mtb–derived peptides on MHC-I.

CD4 and CD8 T cell responses to the M. tuberculosis Ag85B-TB10.4 promoted by adjuvanted subunit, adenovector or heterologous prime boost vaccination

BACKGROUND

Although CD4 T cells are crucial for defense against M.tb, it is still not clear whether the optimal response against M.tb in fact involves both CD4 and CD8 T cells. To test this, we used a new vaccine strategy that generated a strong balanced T cell response consisting of both CD4 and CD8 T cells.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

To compare CD4 and CD8 responses against Ag85B-TB10.4 (H4), H4 was delivered as a subunit vaccine in cationic liposomes (CAF01), expressed in Ad5 (Ad-H4) or as a heterologous prime boost vaccination. H4/CAF01 induced primarily CD4 T cells and Ad-H4 gave predominantly a CD8 T cell response. In contrast, the heterologous prime boost combination resulted in augmentation of both the CD4 and CD8 response. The majority (>40%) of the CD4 T cells induced by the heterologous prime boost protocol were polyfunctional, and expressed IFN-gamma(+), IL-2(+), and TNF-alpha(+), whereas most of the CD8 T cells expressed IFN-gamma(+) and TNF-alpha(+) and possessed strong cytotoxic potential. The heterologous prime boost protocol also gave an increase in protective efficacy against M.tb challenge compared to H4/CAF01 and Ad-H4. Both the H4 specific CD4 and CD8 T cells were recruited to the site of infection, at the onset of infection. However, compared to CD8 T cells, CD4 T cells showed more extensive recruitment and were the main T cell subset proliferating at the site of infection.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Heterologous prime boost based on H4, produced an additive effect on the priming of CD4 and CD8 cells and in terms of the protective capacity of the vaccine, and therefore represent an interesting new vaccine strategy against M.tb. However, CD4 and CD8 T cells respond very differently to live M.tb challenge, in a manner which supports the consensus that CD4 T cells do play the major role during the early stages of an M.tb infection.

MyBASE: a database for genome polymorphism and gene function studies of Mycobacterium

Background

Mycobacterial pathogens are a major threat to humans. With the increasing availability of functional genomic data, research on mycobacterial pathogenesis and subsequent control strategies will be greatly accelerated. It has been suggested that genome polymorphisms, namely large sequence polymorphisms, can influence the pathogenicity of different mycobacterial strains. However, there is currently no database dedicated to mycobacterial genome polymorphisms with functional interpretations.

Description

We have developed a mycobacterial database (MyBASE) housing genome polymorphism data and gene functions to provide the mycobacterial research community with a useful information resource and analysis platform. Whole genome comparison data produced by our lab and the novel genome polymorphisms identified were deposited into MyBASE. Extensive literature review of genome polymorphism data, mainly large sequence polymorphisms (LSPs), operon predictions and curated annotations of virulence and essentiality of mycobacterial genes are unique features of MyBASE. Large-scale genomic data integration from public resources makes MyBASE a comprehensive data warehouse useful for current research. All data is cross-linked and can be graphically viewed via a toolbox in MyBASE.

Conclusion

As an integrated platform focused on the collection of experimental data from our own lab and published literature, MyBASE will facilitate analysis of genome structure and polymorphisms, which will provide insight into genome evolution. Importantly, the database will also facilitate the comparison of virulence factors among various mycobacterial strains. MyBASE is freely accessible via http://mybase.psych.ac.cn.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD8+ T cells require perforin to kill target cells and provide protection in vivo

Optimal immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection requires CD8(+) T cells, and several current Mtb vaccine candidates are being engineered to elicit enhanced CD8(+) T cell responses. However, the function of these T cells and the mechanism by which they provide protection is still unknown. We have previously shown that CD8(+) T cells specific for the mycobacterial Ags CFP10 and TB10.4 accumulate in the lungs of mice following Mtb infection and have cytolytic activity in vivo. In this study, we determine which cytolytic pathways are used by these CD8(+) T cells during Mtb infection. We find that Mtb-specific CD8(+) T cells lacking perforin have reduced cytolytic capacity in vivo. In the absence of perforin, the residual cytolytic activity is CD95 and TNFR dependent. This is particularly true in Mtb-infected lung tissue where disruption of both perforin and CD95 eliminates target cell lysis. Moreover, adoptive transfer of immune CD8(+) T cells isolated from wild-type, but not perforin-deficient mice, protect recipient mice from Mtb infection. We conclude that CD8(+) T cells elicited following Mtb infection use several cytolytic pathways in a hierarchical and compensatory manner dominated by perforin-mediated cytolysis. Finally, although several cytolytic pathways are available, adoptively transferred Mtb-specific CD8(+) T cells require perforin-mediated cytolysis to protect animals from infection. These data show that CD8(+) T cell-mediated protection during Mtb infection requires more than the secretion of IFN-gamma and specifically defines the CD8(+) cytolytic mechanisms utilized and required in vivo.