Direct Stimulation of T Cells by Type I IFN Enhances the CD8+T Cell Response during Cross-Priming

Unraveling the convoluted biological roles of type I interferons in infection and immunity: a way forward for therapeutics and vaccine design

It has been well-established that type I interferons (IFN-Is) have pleiotropic effects and play an early central role in the control of many acute viral infections. However, their pleiotropic effects are not always beneficial to the host and in fact several reports suggest that the induction of IFN-Is exacerbate disease outcomes against some bacterial and chronic viral infections. In this brief review, we probe into this mystery and try to develop answers based on past and recent studies evaluating the roles of IFN-Is in infection and immunity as this is vital for developing effective IFN-Is based therapeutics and vaccines. We also discuss the biological roles of an emerging IFN-I, namely IFN-ε, and discuss its potential use as a mucosal therapeutic and/or vaccine adjuvant. Overall, we anticipate the discussions generated in this review will provide new insights for better exploiting the biological functions of IFN-Is in developing efficacious therapeutics and vaccines in the future.

Kinetic and phenotypic analysis of CD8+ T cell responses after priming with alphavirus replicons and homologous or heterologous booster immunizations

Alphavirus replicons are potent inducers of CD8(+) T cell responses and thus constitute an attractive vaccine vector platform for developing novel vaccines. However, the kinetics and memory phenotype of CD8(+) T cell responses induced by alphavirus replicons are not well characterized. Furthermore, little is known how priming with alphavirus replicons affects booster immune responses induced by other vaccine modalities. We demonstrate here that a single immunization with an alphavirus replicon, administered as viral particles or naked DNA, induced an antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell response that had a sharp peak, followed by a rapid contraction. Administering a homologous boost before contraction had occurred did not further increase the response. In contrast, boosting after contraction when CD8(+) T cells had obtained a memory phenotype (based on CD127/CD62L expression), resulted in maintenance of CD8(+) T cells with a high recall capacity (based on CD27/CD43 expression). Increasing the dose of replicon particles promoted T effector memory (Tem) and inhibited T central memory development. Moreover, infection with a replicating alphavirus induced a similar distribution of CD8(+) T cells as the replicon vector. Lastly, the distribution of T cell subpopulations induced by a DNA-launched alphavirus replicon could be altered by heterologous boosts. For instance, boosting with a poxvirus vector (MVA) favored expansion of the Tem compartment. In summary, we have characterized the antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell response induced by alphavirus replicon vectors and demonstrated how it can be altered by homologous and heterologous boost immunizations.

IMPORTANCE

Alphavirus replicons are promising vaccine candidates against a number of diseases and are by themselves developed as vaccines against, for example, Chikungunya virus infection. Replicons are also considered to be used for priming, followed by booster immunization using different vaccine modalities. In order to rationally design prime-boost immunization schedules with these vectors, characterization of the magnitude and phenotype of CD8(+) T cell responses induced by alphavirus replicons is needed. Here, we demonstrate how factors such as timing and dose affect the phenotypes of memory T cell populations induced by immunization with alphavirus replicons. These findings are important for designing future clinical trials with alphaviruses, since they can be used to tailor vaccination regimens in order to induce a CD8(+) T cell response that is optimal for control and/or clearance of a specific pathogen.

Type I interferon protects antiviral CD8+ T cells from NK cell cytotoxicity

Despite development of new antiviral drugs, viral infections are still a major health problem. The most potent antiviral defense mechanism is the innate production of type I interferon (IFN-I), which not only limits virus replication but also promotes antiviral T cell immunity through mechanisms, which remain insufficiently studied. Using the murine lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus model system, we show here that IFN-I signaling on T cells prevented their rapid elimination in vivo. Microarray analyses uncovered that IFN-I triggered the expression of selected inhibitory NK-cell-receptor ligands. Consequently, T cell immunity of IFN-I receptor (IFNAR)-deficient T cells could be restored by NK cell depletion or in NK-cell-deficient hosts (Nfil3(-/-)). The elimination of Ifnar1(-/-) T cells was dependent on NK-cell-mediated perforin expression. In summary, we identified IFN-I as a key player regulating the protection of T cells against regulatory NK cell function.

The rapid and sustained responses of dendritic cells to influenza virus infection in a non-human primate model

Dendritic cells (DCs) are readily infected by influenza viruses and play a crucial role in regulating host innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infection. The aims of this study are to characterize the dynamic changes in the numbers and maturation status of dendritic cells present in the lung and lung-associated lymph nodes (LALNs) in the model of a non-human primate (NHP) infected by influenza A virus (IAV). Cynomolgus macaques were infected with influenza A virus (H3N2) via bronchoscopy. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the DC numbers, maturation status and subsets during the time of acute infection (days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7) and the resolution phase (day 30). A dramatic increase in the numbers of influenza A virus-infected CD11c+CD14- myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and CD11c-CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) were observed from day 1 to day 4 and peak up from day 7 post-infection. In lung and lung-associated lymph nodes, the numbers and maturation status of myeloid dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells increased more slowly than those in the lung tissues. On day 30 post-infection, influenza A virus challenge increased the number of myeloid dendritic cells, but not plasmacytoid dendritic cells, compared with baseline. These findings indicate that dendritic cells are susceptible to influenza A virus infection, with the likely purpose of increasing mature myeloid dendritic cells numbers in the lung and lung and lung-associated lymph nodes, which provides important new insights into the regulation of dendritic cells in a non-human primate model.

Type I interferon signals in macrophages and dendritic cells control dengue virus infection: implications for a new mouse model to test dengue vaccines

Dengue virus (DENV) infects an estimated 400 million people every year, causing prolonged morbidity and sometimes mortality. Development of an effective vaccine has been hampered by the lack of appropriate small animal models; mice are naturally not susceptible to DENV and only become infected if highly immunocompromised. Mouse models lacking both type I and type II interferon (IFN) receptors (AG129 mice) or the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR(-/-) mice) are susceptible to infection with mouse-adapted DENV strains but are severely impaired in mounting functional immune responses to the virus and thus are of limited use for study. Here we used conditional deletion of the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) on individual immune cell subtypes to generate a minimally manipulated mouse model that is susceptible to DENV while retaining global immune competence. Mice lacking IFNAR expression on CD11c(+) dendritic cells and LysM(+) macrophages succumbed completely to DENV infection, while mice deficient in the receptor on either CD11c(+) or LysM(+) cells were susceptible to infection but often resolved viremia and recovered fully from infection. Conditional IFNAR mice responded with a swift and strong CD8(+) T-cell response to viral infection, compared to a weak response in IFNAR(-/-) mice. Furthermore, mice lacking IFNAR on either CD11c(+) or LysM(+) cells were also sufficiently immunocompetent to raise a protective immune response to a candidate subunit vaccine against DENV-2. These data demonstrate that mice with conditional deficiencies in expression of the IFNAR represent improved models for the study of DENV immunology and screening of vaccine candidates.

IMPORTANCE

Dengue virus infects 400 million people every year worldwide, causing 100 million clinically apparent infections, which can be fatal if untreated. Despite many years of research, there are no effective vaccine and no antiviral treatment available for dengue. Development of vaccines has been hampered in particular by the lack of a suitable small animal model. Mouse models used to test dengue vaccine are deficient in interferon (IFN) type I signaling and severely immunocompromised and therefore likely not ideal for the testing of vaccines. In this study, we explored alternative models lacking the IFN receptor only on certain cell types. We show that mice lacking the IFN receptor on either CD11c- or LysM-expressing cells (conditional IFNAR mice) are susceptible to dengue virus infection. Importantly, we demonstrate that conditional IFN receptor knockout mice generate a better immune response to live virus and a candidate dengue vaccine compared to IFNAR mice and are resistant to subsequent challenge.

A new adjuvant delivery system 'cyclic di-GMP/YSK05 liposome' for cancer immunotherapy

Cyclic dinucleotides are of importance in the field of microbiology and immunology. They function as second messengers and are thought to participate in the signal transduction of cytosolic DNA immune responses. One such dinucleotide, cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP), stimulates the immune system. It is thought that c-di-GMP is recognized by ATP dependent RNA helicase (DDX41) in the cytosol, forms a complex with the Stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING), triggers a signal via the tank binding kinase 1-interferon regulatory factor 3 (TBK1-IRF3) pathway and induces the production of type I interferons. Therefore c-di-GMP can be thought of as a new class of adjuvant. However, because c-di-GMP contains two phosphate groups, this prevents its use as an adjuvant because it cannot pass through the cell membrane, even though the target molecule of c-di-GMP is located in the cytoplasm. Our group has been developing a series of liposomal drug delivery systems and recently investigated YSK05 which is a synthetic, pH sensitive lipid that has a high fusogenicity. We utilized this lipid as a carrier to transport c-di-GMP into the cytosol to then use c-di-GMP as an adjuvant. Based on screening experiments, YSK05/POPE/cholesterol=40/25/35 was found to induce IFN-β in Raw264.7 cells. The induction of IFN-β from c-di-GMP liposomes was inhibited by adding BX795, a TBK1 inhibitor, indicating that the production of IFN-β caused the activation of the STING-TBK1 pathway. C-di-GMP liposomes also showed significantly higher levels of expression of CD80, CD86 and MHC class I. The c-di-GMP/YSK05 liposome facilitated antigen specific cytotoxic T cell activity and the inhibition of tumor growth in a mouse model. These findings indicate that c-di-GMP/YSK05 liposomes could be used, not only to transfer c-di-GMP to the cytosol and induce an innate immune system but also as a platform for investigating the mechanism of immune sensing with cyclic dinucleotides in vitro and in vivo.

Single cell behavior in T cell differentiation

Upon primary infection, naïve T cells that recognize their cognate antigen become activated, proliferate, and simultaneously differentiate into various subsets. A long-standing question in the field has been how this cellular diversification is achieved. Conceptually, diverse cellular output may either arise from every single cell or only from populations of naïve cells. Furthermore, such diversity may either be driven by cell-intrinsic heterogeneity or by external, niche-derived signals. In this review, we discuss how recently developed technologies have allowed the analysis of the mechanisms underlying T cell diversification at the single cell level. In addition, we outline the implications of this work on our understanding of the formation of immunological memory, and describe a number of unresolved key questions in this field.

Vaccination with the RSV fusion protein formulated with a combination adjuvant induces long-lasting protective immunity

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the primary causative agents of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in young children, in particular infants. Recently, we reported the protective efficacy of a RSV vaccine formulation consisting of a truncated version of the fusion (F) protein formulated with a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist and an immunostimulatory peptide in a carrier system (ΔF/TriAdj). To evaluate the duration of immunity induced by this vaccine candidate, we carried out long-term trials. The ΔF was formulated with triple adjuvant (TriAdj) containing either polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid (polyI : C) or cytosine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) and administered intranasally to mice. One year after the second vaccination all mice were challenged with RSV. Both ΔF/TriAdj formulations mediated the induction of high levels of IgG1, IgG2a and virus-neutralizing antibodies, and IgA in the lungs. Based on the numbers of IFN-γ- and IL-5-secreting cells in the spleen, the immune response was slightly T-helper cell type 1 (Th1)-biased. This was confirmed by the presence of F85-93-specific CD8(+) effector T cells in the lungs of both ΔF/TriAdj(polyI : C)- and ΔF/TriAdj(CpG)-immunized mice. Both ΔF/TriAdj formulations induced RSV-specific CD8(+) T cells. However, ΔF/TriAdj(polyI : C) generated significantly higher IgG affinity maturation and higher numbers of RSV-specific CD8(+) effector memory T cells in lungs and CD8(+) central memory T cells in spleen and lymph nodes than ΔF/TriAdj(CpG). After RSV challenge, no virus replication and no evidence of vaccine-induced pathology were detected in mice immunized with either of the ΔF/TriAdj formulations, demonstrating that the duration of immunity induced with these vaccines is at least one year.

Innate immunity to influenza virus: implications for future therapy

Innate immunity is critical in the early containment of influenza virus infection. The innate response is surprisingly complex. A variety of soluble innate inhibitors in respiratory secretions provide an initial barrier to infection. Dendritic cells, phagocytes and natural killer cells mediate viral clearance and promote further innate and adaptive responses. Toll-like receptors 3 and 7 and cytoplasmic RNA sensors are critical for activating these responses. In general, the innate response restricts viral replication without injuring the lung; however, the 1918 pandemic and H5N1 strains cause more profound, possibly harmful, innate responses. In this review, we discuss the implications of burgeoning knowledge of innate immunity for therapy of influenza.

Improving vaccines by incorporating immunological coadjuvants

While vaccination continues to be the most successful interventionist health policy to date, infectious disease remains a significant cause of death worldwide. A primary reason that vaccination is not able to generate effective immunity is a lack of appropriate adjuvants capable of initiating the desired immune response. Adjuvant combinations can potentially overcome this problem; however, the possible permutations to consider, which include the route and kinetics of vaccination, as well as combinations of adjuvants, are practically limitless. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of adjuvants and related immunological processes and how this knowledge can and has been applied to the strategic selection of adjuvant combinations as components of vaccines against human infectious disease.

Functional limitations of plasmacytoid dendritic cells limit type I interferon, T cell responses and virus control in early life

Infant mortality from viral infection remains a major global health concern: viruses causing acute infections in immunologically mature hosts often follow a more severe course in early life, with prolonged or persistent viral replication. Similarly, the WE strain of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV-WE) causes acute self-limiting infection in adult mice but follows a protracted course in infant animals, in which LCMV-specific CD8⁺ T cells fail to expand and control infection. By disrupting type I IFNs signaling in adult mice or providing IFN-α supplementation to infant mice, we show here that the impaired early life T cell responses and viral control result from limited early type I IFN responses. We postulated that plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), which have been identified as one major source of immediate-early IFN-I, may not exert adult-like function in vivo in the early life microenvironment. We tested this hypothesis by studying pDC functions in vivo during LCMV infection and identified a coordinated downregulation of infant pDC maturation, activation and function: despite an adult-like in vitro activation capacity of infant pDCs, the expression of the E2-2 pDC master regulator (and of critical downstream antiviral genes such as MyD88, TLR7/TLR9, NF-κB, IRF7 and IRF8) is downregulated in vivo at baseline and during LCMV infection. A similar pattern was observed in response to ssRNA polyU, a model ligand of the TLR7 viral sensor. This suggests that the limited T cell-mediated defense against early life viral infections is largely attributable to / regulated by infant pDC responses and provides incentives for novel strategies to supplement or stimulate immediate-early IFN-α responses.

Containing "The Great Houdini" of viruses: combining direct acting antivirals with the host immune response for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C

Presently the development of new therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is rapidly moving forward. Almost every week new data appear on how direct acting antivirals (DAAs) succeed or fail in clinical trials. Despite the potency of many of the DAA combinations, the effect exerted by ribavirin (RBV) is still needed for an effective therapy in many new DAA combinations. Due to the strong antiviral effect of DAAs, it is likely that a major complementary therapeutic effect exerted by RBV is immune modulation resulting in an increased barrier to development of resistance. For HCV genotype 1a infections elimination of pegylated interferon, is not possible in many DAA combinations without jeopardizing the results. The host immune response is thus likely to play a key role even during DAA-based therapies. Hence, T cells may recognize and eliminate viral variants with resistance to the DAAs. We herein show several examples where this may be the case, supporting the rationale of including the host response also in the new therapeutic regimens. This review will describe the potential benefits of combining various DAAs with means to activate the specific immune response against HCV.

Length of dsRNA (poly I:C) drives distinct innate immune responses, depending on the cell type

Poly I:C, a synthetic dsRNA analogue, has been used extensively for decades to study innate responses in vivo and in different cell types. We have found substantial variability while using poly I:C from different sources. In this study we found that poly I:C from 2 commercial sources induced sharply opposite responses in myeloid and fibroblasts, depending on the length of the poly I:C. Although short poly I:C (≈ 1-1.5 kb) induced greater amounts of TNF-α, IL-8, and IFN-β and a stronger antiviral response in myeloid cells, it was a poor inducer in fibroblasts. By contrast, long poly I:C (>5 kb) preferentially elicited higher cytokine and antiviral responses in fibroblasts and showed diminished responses in myeloid cells. Poly I:C activated NF-κB and STAT-1 signaling in a length- and cell-type-dependent fashion. Mechanistically, short poly I:C was better internalized in the myeloid cells and long poly I:C in the fibroblasts. Finally, long poly I:C required SR-A, whereas short poly I:C required RIG-I and Raftlin. We provide evidence that the length of dsRNA drives distinct innate responses in different cell lineages. These findings may augment in selecting the appropriate poly I:C type to design cell-type-specific potent adjuvants for vaccines against infectious diseases or cancers.

A single immunization with MVA expressing GnGc glycoproteins promotes epitope-specific CD8+-T cell activation and protects immune-competent mice against a lethal RVFV infection

Background

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen causing an important disease in ruminants often transmitted to humans after epizootic outbreaks in African and Arabian countries. To help combat the spread of the disease, prophylactic measures need to be developed and/or improved.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this work, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of recombinant plasmid DNA and modified vaccinia virus Ankara (rMVA) vectored vaccines against Rift Valley fever in mice. These recombinant vaccines encoded either of two components of the Rift Valley fever virus: the viral glycoproteins (Gn/Gc) or the nucleoprotein (N). Following lethal challenge with live RVFV, mice immunized with a single dose of the rMVA-Gn/Gc vaccine showed no viraemia or clinical manifestation of disease, but mounted RVFV neutralizing antibodies and glycoprotein specific CD8+ T-cell responses. Neither DNA-Gn/Gc alone nor a heterologous prime-boost immunization schedule (DNA-Gn/Gc followed by rMVAGn/Gc) was better than the single rMVA-Gn/Gc immunization schedule with regards to protective efficacy. However, the rMVA-Gn/Gc vaccine failed to protect IFNAR^−/− mice upon lethal RVFV challenge suggesting a role for innate responses in protection against RVFV. Despite induction of high titer antibodies against the RVFV nucleoprotein, the rMVA-N vaccine, whether in homologous or heterologous prime-boost schedules with the corresponding recombinant DNA vaccine, only conferred partial protection to RVFV challenge.

Conclusions/Significance

Given the excellent safety profile of rMVA based vaccines in humans and animals, our data supports further development of rMVA-Gn/Gc as a vaccine strategy that can be used for the prevention of Rift Valley fever in both humans and livestock.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an important disease of ruminants that affects most African and Arabian Peninsula countries where domestic livestock is the basis for subsistence in rural areas. The disease is caused by a bunyavirus that can be transmitted by close contact with infected animals or through the bite of infected mosquitoes thus facilitating the spread of the virus. Safer and practical methods to control virus spread are demanded in order to prevent both human and animal disease after disease outbreaks. The efficacy of a recombinant modified poxvirus vector (the vaccinia modified Ankara virus (rMVA)) and/or DNA-based vaccines in a mouse infection model has been investigated. A single immunization with a rMVA encoding the virus envelope glycoproteins provided sufficient immunity to protect mice against a lethal dose of RVFV. The immune mechanisms underlying the protection were also investigated. A number of specific immune CD8+-T cells could be activated in the presence of at least three different glycoprotein epitopes. On the other hand, the protective effect of the vaccine was found only in immune competent mice since in mice lacking IFN-type-I responses the vaccine was not efficient.

The Regulation of Immune Responses by DC Derived Type I IFN

Our immune system bears the tremendous task of mounting effective anti-microbial responses whilst maintaining immunoregulatory functions to avoid autoimmunity. In order to quickly respond to pathogens, Dendritic cells (DC) are armed with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), allowing them to recognize highly conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are uniquely expressed by invading microbes. PRR activation can trigger DCs to release the pleiotropic cytokine, Type I interferons (IFN), which facilitates various biological functions in different immune cell types. In this review, we will discuss the classical PRR-induced Type I IFN response in DCs as well as describe a novel mechanism for Type I IFN induction by the tumor-necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) members, TNFR-1 and lymphotoxin-β receptor (LTβR). While PRR activation during viral infection, produces large amounts of Type I IFN in a relative short period of time, TNFRSF-induced Type I IFN expression is modest with gradual kinetics. Type I IFN can exert pro-inflammatory effects, but in some cases it also facilitates immune-regulatory functions. Therefore, DCs are important regulators of immune responses by carefully modulating Type I IFN expression.

Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid is the most effective TLR adjuvant for SIV Gag protein-induced T cell responses in nonhuman primates

Prime-boost immunization with heterologous vaccines elicits potent cellular immunity. In this study, we assessed the influence of various TLR ligands on SIV Gag-specific T cell immunity and protection following prime-boost immunization. Rhesus macaques (RMs) were primed with SIV Gag protein emulsified in Montanide ISA51 with or without TLR3 (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly-IC]), TLR4 (monophosphoryl lipid A), TLR7/8 (3M-012), TLR9 (CpG), or TLR3 (poly-IC) combined with TLR7/8 ligands, then boosted with replication defective adenovirus 5 expressing SIV Gag (rAd5-Gag). After priming, RMs that received SIV Gag protein plus poly-IC developed significantly higher frequencies of SIV Gag-specific CD4(+) Th1 responses in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid lymphocytes compared with all other adjuvants, and low-level SIV Gag-specific CD8(+) T cell responses. After the rAd5-Gag boost, the magnitude and breadth of SIV Gag-specific CD8(+) T cell responses were significantly increased in RM primed with SIV Gag protein plus poly-IC, with or without the TLR7/8 ligand, or CpG. However, the anamnestic, SIV Gag-specific CD8(+) T cell response to SIVmac251 challenge was not significantly enhanced by SIV Gag protein priming with any of the adjuvants. In contrast, the anamnestic SIV Gag-specific CD4(+) T cell response in BAL was enhanced by SIV Gag protein priming with poly-IC or CpG, which correlated with partial control of early viral replication after SIVmac251 challenge. These results demonstrate that prime-boost vaccination with SIV Gag protein/poly-IC improves magnitude, breadth, and durability of CD4(+) T cell immune responses, which could have a role in the control of SIV viral replication.

The third signal cytokine IL-12 rescues the anti-viral function of exhausted HBV-specific CD8 T cells

Optimal immune activation of naïve CD8 T cells requires signal 1 mediated by the T cell receptor, signal 2 mediated by co-stimulation and signal 3 provided by pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the potential for signal 3 cytokines to rescue anti-viral responses in functionally exhausted T cells has not been defined. We investigated the effect of using third signal cytokines IL-12 or IFN-α to rescue the exhausted CD8 T cell response characteristic of patients persistently infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). We found that IL-12, but not IFN-α, potently augmented the capacity of HBV-specific CD8 T cells to produce effector cytokines upon stimulation by cognate antigen. Functional recovery mediated by IL-12 was accompanied by down-modulation of the hallmark inhibitory receptor PD-1 and an increase in the transcription factor T-bet. PD-1 down-regulation was observed in HBV but not CMV-specific T cells, in line with our finding that the highly functional CMV response was not further enhanced by IL-12.

IL-12 enhanced a number of characteristics of HBV-specific T cells important for viral control: cytotoxicity, polyfunctionality and multispecificity. Furthermore, IL-12 significantly decreased the pro-apoptotic molecule Bim, which is capable of mediating premature attrition of HBV-specific CD8 T cells. Combining IL-12 with blockade of the PD-1 pathway further increased CD8 functionality in the majority of patients. These data provide new insights into the distinct signalling requirements of exhausted T cells and the potential to recover responses optimised to control persistent viral infections.

Persistent viral infections continue to cause major morbidity and mortality; chronic hepatitis B virus infection alone accounts for more than a million deaths annually. Such infections are characterised by a failure of viral control perpetuated by exhaustion of the T cell response. Here we show that the cytokine IL-12 can act as a potent “third signal” to rescue antiviral function in exhausted T cells. IL-12 has previously been shown to enhance naïve T cell responses but this is the first demonstration of its capacity to boost the disabled antiviral response in a persistent viral infection. IL-12 was able to down-regulate PD-1, a key inhibitory receptor driving T cell exhaustion, resulting in the recovery of hepatitis B virus-specific responses able to mediate multiple antiviral functions. Control responses in the same patients directed against the well-controlled cytomegalovirus did not require IL-12 to function efficiently. Our findings therefore elucidate a role for IL-12 in re-programming functionally exhausted T cells in persistent viral infections.

IFN-α subtypes: distinct biological activities in anti-viral therapy

During most viral infections, the immediate host response is characterized by an induction of type I IFN. These cytokines have various biological activities, including anti-viral, anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory effects. After induction, they bind to their IFN-α/β receptor, which leads to downstream signalling resulting in the expression of numerous different IFN-stimulated genes. These genes encode anti-viral proteins that directly inhibit viral replication as well as modulate immune function. Thus, the induction of type I IFN is a very powerful tool for the host to fight virus infections. Many viruses evade this response by various strategies like the direct suppression of IFN induction or inhibition of the IFN signalling pathway. Therefore, the therapeutic application of exogenous type I IFN or molecules that induce strong IFN responses should be of great potential for future immunotherapies against viral infections. Type I IFN is currently used as a treatment in chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection, but as yet is not widely utilized for other viral infections. One reason for this restricted clinical use is that type I IFN belongs to a multigene family that includes 13 different IFN-α subtypes and IFN-β, whose individual anti-viral and immunomodulatory properties have so far not been investigated in detail to improve IFN therapy against viral infections in humans. In this review, we summarize the recent achievements in defining the distinct biological functions of type I IFN subtypes in cell culture and in animal models of viral infection as well as their clinical usage in chronic hepatitis virus infections.

Cellular immune responses in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferon-beta

We investigated cellular immune responses at baseline in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with interferon (IFN)-β and classified into responders and non-responders according to clinical response criteria. Levels for IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F, IL-10 and IL-4 were determined in activated PBMC of 10 responders, 10 non-responders and 10 healthy controls by cytometric bead arrays. Cytokine levels in cell culture supernatants were similar between responders and non-responders, and comparable to those obtained in healthy controls. These findings do not support differential cellular immune responses in PBMC at baseline between IFN-β responders and non-responders.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein-mediated actin dynamics control type-I interferon production in plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASp)–mediated actin polymerization controls intracellular trafficking and compartmentalization of TLR9 ligands in plasmacytoid dendritic cells.

Mutations in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) protein (WASp), a regulator of actin dynamics in hematopoietic cells, cause WAS, an X-linked primary immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent infections and a marked predisposition to develop autoimmune disorders. The mechanisms that link actin alterations to the autoimmune phenotype are still poorly understood. We show that chronic activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and elevated type-I interferon (IFN) levels play a role in WAS autoimmunity. WAS patients display increased expression of type-I IFN genes and their inducible targets, alteration in pDCs numbers, and hyperresponsiveness to TLR9. Importantly, ablating IFN-I signaling in WASp null mice rescued chronic activation of conventional DCs, splenomegaly, and colitis. Using WASp-deficient mice, we demonstrated that WASp null pDCs are intrinsically more responsive to multimeric agonist of TLR9 and constitutively secrete type-I IFN but become progressively tolerant to further stimulation. By acute silencing of WASp and actin inhibitors, we show that WASp-mediated actin polymerization controls intracellular trafficking and compartmentalization of TLR9 ligands in pDCs restraining exaggerated activation of the TLR9–IFN-α pathway. Together, these data highlight the role of actin dynamics in pDC innate functions and imply the pDC–IFN-α axis as a player in the onset of autoimmune phenomena in WAS disease.

Poly(I:C)/alum mixed adjuvant priming enhances HBV subunit vaccine-induced immunity in mice when combined with recombinant adenoviral-based HBV vaccine boosting

Background

Virus-specific cellular immune responses play a critical role in virus clearance during acute or chronic HBV infection. Currently, the commercially available HBV vaccine is combined with alum adjuvant, which stimulates mainly Th2 immune responses. Therefore, development of new therapeutic HBV vaccine adjuvants and immune strategies that also promote Th1 and CTL responses is urgently needed.

Methodology/Principal findings

To improve the immunity induced by the novel HBSS1 HBV vaccine, we evaluated the ability of adjuvants, including alum, CpG and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], to enhance the response when boosted with the recombinant adenoviral vector vaccine rAdSS1. The immune responses to different adjuvant combinations were assessed in C57BL/6 mice by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), ELISpot and cytokine release assays. Among the combinations tested, a HBV protein particle vaccine with CpG/alum and poly(I:C)/alum priming combinations accelerated specific seroconversion and produced high antibody (anti-PreS1, anti-S antibody) titres with a Th1 bias. After boosting with recombinant adenoviral vector vaccine rAdSS1, both groups produced a strong multi-antigen (S and PreS1)-specific cellular immune response. HBSS1 immunisation with poly(I:C)/alum priming also generated high-level CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell responses in terms of Th1 cytokines (IFN-γand IL-2).

Conclusions

The protein-vaccine HBSS1 with mixed poly(I:C)/alum adjuvant priming, followed by a rAdSS1 vaccine boost, maximises specific antibody and Th1-biased cellular immune responses. This regime might prove useful in the development of HBV therapeutic vaccines. Furthermore, this promising strategy might be applied to vaccines against other persistent infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis.

Type I interferon response and innate immune sensing of cancer

Unexpectedly, many cancers appear to induce a spontaneous adaptive T cell response. The presence of a T cell infiltrate has been linked to favorable clinical outcome in multiple cancer types. However, the innate immune pathways that bridge to an adaptive immune response under sterile conditions are poorly understood. Recent data have indicated that tumors can induce type I interferon (IFN) production by host antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which is required for a spontaneous T cell response in vivo. The innate immune sensing pathways that trigger type I IFN production are being elucidated. Host type I IFNs are also required for optimal therapeutic efficacy with radiation. This recently uncovered role for host type I IFNs for antitumor immunity has important fundamental and clinical implications.

Type I IFN-mediated regulation of IL-1 production in inflammatory disorders

Although contributing to inflammatory responses and to the development of certain autoimmune pathologies, type I interferons (IFNs) are used for the treatment of viral, malignant, and even inflammatory diseases. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a strongly pyrogenic cytokine and its importance in the development of several inflammatory diseases is clearly established. While the therapeutic use of IL-1 blocking agents is particularly successful in the treatment of innate-driven inflammatory disorders, IFN treatment has mostly been appreciated in the management of multiple sclerosis. Interestingly, type I IFNs exert multifaceted immunomodulatory effects, including the reduction of IL-1 production, an outcome that could contribute to its efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on IL-1 and IFN effects in different inflammatory disorders, the influence of IFNs on IL-1 production, and discuss possible therapeutic avenues based on these observations.

Type I IFN counteracts the induction of antigen-specific immune responses by lipid-based delivery of mRNA vaccines

The use of DNA and viral vector-based vaccines for the induction of cellular immune responses is increasingly gaining interest. However, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of these immunization strategies. Due to the lack of their genome integration, mRNA-based vaccines have emerged as a promising alternative. In this study, we evaluated the potency of antigen-encoding mRNA complexed with the cationic lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-3trimethylammonium-propane/1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOTAP/DOPE ) as a novel vaccination approach. We demonstrate that subcutaneous immunization of mice with mRNA encoding the HIV-1 antigen Gag complexed with DOTAP/DOPE elicits antigen-specific, functional T cell responses resulting in specific killing of Gag peptide-pulsed cells and the induction of humoral responses. In addition, we show that DOTAP/DOPE complexed antigen-encoding mRNA displays immune-activating properties characterized by secretion of type I interferon (IFN) and the recruitment of proinflammatory monocytes to the draining lymph nodes. Finally, we demonstrate that type I IFN inhibit the expression of DOTAP/DOPE complexed antigen-encoding mRNA and the subsequent induction of antigen-specific immune responses. These results are of high relevance as they will stimulate the design and development of improved mRNA-based vaccination approaches.

Role of interferon regulatory factor 7 in T cell responses during acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection

Type I interferons (IFNs), predominantly IFN-α and -β, play critical roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses against viral infections. Interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), a key innate immune molecule in the type I IFN signaling pathway, is essential for the type I IFN response to many viruses, including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Here, we show that although IRF7 knockout (KO) mice failed to control the replication of LCMV in the early stages of infection, they were capable of clearing LCMV infection. Despite the lack of type I IFN production, IRF7 KO mice generated normal CD4(+) T cell responses, and the expansion of naïve CD8(+) T cells into primary CD8(+) T cells specific for LCMV GP(33-41) was relatively normal. In contrast, the expansion of the LCMV NP(396)-specific CD8(+) T cells was severely impaired in IRF7 KO mice. We demonstrated that this defective CD8(+) T cell response is due neither to an impaired antigen-presenting system nor to any intrinsic role of IRF7 in CD8(+) T cells. The lack of a type I IFN response in IRF7 KO mice did not affect the formation of memory CD8(+) T cells. Thus, the present study provides new insight into the impact of the innate immune system on viral pathogenesis and demonstrates the critical contribution of innate immunity in controlling virus replication in the early stages of infection, which may shape the quality of CD8(+) T cell responses.

Mechanisms behind functional avidity maturation in T cells

During an immune response antigen-primed B-cells increase their antigen responsiveness by affinity maturation mediated by somatic hypermutation of the genes encoding the antigen-specific B-cell receptor (BCR) and by selection of higher-affinity B cell clones. Unlike the BCR, the T-cell receptor (TCR) cannot undergo affinity maturation. Nevertheless, antigen-primed T cells significantly increase their antigen responsiveness compared to antigen-inexperienced (naïve) T cells in a process called functional avidity maturation. This paper covers studies that describe differences in T-cell antigen responsiveness during T-cell differentiation along with examples of the mechanisms behind functional avidity maturation in T cells.

Modulation of T-cell function by type I interferon

Production of type I interferon (IFN-α/β) is a common cellular response to virus infection. IFN-α/β has a dual role in combating infection, triggering innate antiviral mechanisms and stimulating the generation of an adaptive immune response. This review focuses on the effects of IFN-α/β on one particular immune cell type, the T cell, and the impact of IFN-α/β-mediated signalling in T cells on the immune response. The critical role of T-cell responsiveness to IFN-α/β for the generation of productive T-cell responses after infections with certain viruses in vivo is discussed in the context of in vitro experiments investigating the mechanisms by which IFN-α/β modifies T-cell function. These studies reveal complex effects of IFN-α/β on T cells, with the consequences of exposure to IFN-α/β depending on the context of other signals received by the T cell.

LTβR and CD40: working together in dendritic cells to optimize immune responses

Generating an immune response tailored to destroy an infecting organism while limiting bystander damage involves guiding T-cell activation using a variety of cues taken from the immunogen (antigen type, dose, and persistence, accompanying danger signals) as well as the host (tissue environment, T-cell frequency, and affinity for antigen). Dendritic cells (DCs) serve as translators of much of this information and are critically required for effective pathogen and tumor clearance. Moreover, dysregulation of DC activation can lead to autoimmunity. Inhibition of the lymphotoxin (LT) and CD40 pathways has been shown to be effective at quieting inflammation in settings where DC-T-cell interactions are key instigators of disease progression. In this review, we compare and contrast the CD40 and LT pathways in the context of receptor/ligand expression, signal transduction, and DC biology. We provide evidence that these two pathways play complementary roles in DC cytokine secretion, thus indirectly shaping the nature of the CD8(+) T-cell response to foreign antigen. Given the distinct role of these pathways in the context of DC function, we propose that dual therapies targeted at both the CD40 and LTβ receptor may have therapeutic potential in silencing DC-driven autoimmunity or in promoting tumor clearance.

Effects of adjuvants on IgG subclasses elicited by virus-like particles

BACKGROUND

Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) represent an efficient strategy to present and deliver conformational antigens to the immune system, inducing both arms of the adaptive immune response. Moreover, their particulate structure surrounded by cell membrane provides an adjuvanted effect to VLP-based immunizations. In the present study, the elicitation of different patterns of IgG subclasses by VLPs, administered in CpG ODN1826 or poly(I:C) adjuvants, has been evaluated in an animal model.

RESULTS

Adjuvanted VLPs elicited a higher titer of total specific IgG compared to VLPs alone. Furthermore, while VLPs alone induced a balanced TH2 pattern, VLPs formulated with either adjuvant elicited a TH1-biased IgG subclasses (IgG2a and IgG3), with poly(I:C) more potent than CpG ODN1826.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirmed that adjuvants efficiently improve antigen immunogenicity and represent a suitable strategy to skew the adaptive immune response toward the differentiation of the desired T helper subset, also using VLPs as antigen.

Nucleic acid adjuvants: toward an educated vaccine

Two striking facts surround the practice of vaccination: It is the sole medical approach to have fully annihilated a disease, yet the development of most effective vaccines took place without considering the intricate cellular processes they wish to effectuate. While extremely potent vaccines have been developed that can protect practically a lifetime after a single dose, numerous other vaccines have utterly failed or provide only marginal protection. Here, we aim to illustrate why this difference in efficacy exists, and underline why specific cytotoxic T cell-inducing vaccines could combat persistent major diseases. Moreover, we discuss how the combinatorial use of nucleic acid adjuvants in vaccines could aid the development of the latter and move vaccine design from the empirical stage into an era of "educated design."

dsRNA sensors and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in host defense and autoimmunity

The innate immune system detects viruses through molecular sensors that trigger the production of type I interferons (IFN-I) and inflammatory cytokines. As viruses vary tremendously in size, structure, genomic composition, and tissue tropism, multiple sensors are required to detect their presence in various cell types and tissues. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the diversity, specificity, and signaling pathways downstream of viral sensors and ask whether two distinct sensors that recognize the same viral component are complementary, compensatory, or simply redundant. We also discuss why viral sensors are differentially distributed in distinct cell types and whether a particular cell type dominates the IFN-I response during viral infection. Finally, we review evidence suggesting that inappropriate signaling through viral sensors may induce autoimmunity. The picture emerging from these studies is that disparate viral sensors in different cell types form a dynamic and integrated molecular network that can be exploited for improving vaccination and therapeutic strategies for infectious and autoimmune diseases.

IFN-α enhances cross-presentation in human dendritic cells by modulating antigen survival, endocytic routing, and processing

Cross-presentation allows antigen-presenting cells to present exogenous antigens to CD8(+) T cells, playing an essential role in controlling infections and tumor development. IFN-α induces the rapid differentiation of human mono-cytes into dendritic cells, known as IFN-DCs, highly efficient in mediating cross-presentation, as well as the cross-priming of CD8(+) T cells. Here, we have investigated the mechanisms underlying the cross-presentation ability of IFN-DCs by studying the intracellular sorting of soluble ovalbumin and nonstructural-3 protein of hepatitis C virus. Our results demonstrate that, independently from the route and mechanism of antigen entry, IFN-DCs are extraordinarily competent in preserving internalized proteins from early degradation and in routing antigens toward the MHC class-I processing pathway, allowing long-lasting, cross-priming capacity. In IFN-DCs, both early and recycling endosomes function as key compartments for the storage of both antigens and MHC-class I molecules and for proteasome- and transporter-associated with Ag processing-dependent auxiliary cross-presentation pathways. Because IFN-DCs closely resemble human DCs naturally occurring in vivo in response to infections and other danger signals, these findings may have important implications for the design of vaccination strategies in neoplastic or chronic infectious diseases.

Evolutionary genetic dissection of human interferons

As revealed by population genetic analyses, different human interferon genes evolved under distinct selective constraints and signatures of positive selection vary according to geographic region, suggesting that some sequence changes may have conferred an advantage by increasing resistance to viral infection.

Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines that play a key role in innate and adaptive immune responses. Despite the large number of immunological studies of these molecules, the relative contributions of the numerous IFNs to human survival remain largely unknown. Here, we evaluated the extent to which natural selection has targeted the human IFNs and their receptors, to provide insight into the mechanisms that govern host defense in the natural setting. We found that some IFN-α subtypes, such as IFN-α6, IFN-α8, IFN-α13, and IFN-α14, as well as the type II IFN-γ, have evolved under strong purifying selection, attesting to their essential and nonredundant function in immunity to infection. Conversely, selective constraints have been relaxed for other type I IFNs, particularly for IFN-α10 and IFN-ε, which have accumulated missense or nonsense mutations at high frequencies within the population, suggesting redundancy in host defense. Finally, type III IFNs display geographically restricted signatures of positive selection in European and Asian populations, indicating that genetic variation at these genes has conferred a selective advantage to the host, most likely by increasing resistance to viral infection. Our population genetic analyses show that IFNs differ widely in their biological relevance, and highlight evolutionarily important determinants of host immune responsiveness.

Type I IFN-dependent T cell activation is mediated by IFN-dependent dendritic cell OX40 ligand expression and is independent of T cell IFNR expression

Type I IFNs are important for direct control of viral infection and generation of adaptive immune responses. Recently, direct stimulation of CD4(+) T cells via type I IFNR has been shown to be necessary for the formation of functional CD4(+) T cell responses. In contrast, we find that CD4(+) T cells do not require intrinsic type I IFN signals in response to combined TLR/anti-CD40 vaccination. Rather, the CD4 response is dependent on the expression of type I IFNR (IFNαR) on innate cells. Further, we find that dendritic cell (DC) expression of the TNF superfamily member OX40 ligand was dependent on type I IFN signaling in the DC, resulting in a reduced CD4(+) T cell response that could be substantially rescued by an agonistic Ab to the receptor OX40. Taken together, we show that the IFNαR dependence of the CD4(+) T cell response is accounted for exclusively by defects in DC activation.

A temporal role of type I interferon signaling in CD8+ T cell maturation during acute West Nile virus infection

A genetic absence of the common IFN-α/β signaling receptor (IFNAR) in mice is associated with enhanced viral replication and altered adaptive immune responses. However, analysis of IFNAR(-/-) mice is limited for studying the functions of type I IFN at discrete stages of viral infection. To define the temporal functions of type I IFN signaling in the context of infection by West Nile virus (WNV), we treated mice with MAR1-5A3, a neutralizing, non cell-depleting anti-IFNAR antibody. Inhibition of type I IFN signaling at or before day 2 after infection was associated with markedly enhanced viral burden, whereas treatment at day 4 had substantially less effect on WNV dissemination. While antibody treatment prior to infection resulted in massive expansion of virus-specific CD8(+) T cells, blockade of type I IFN signaling starting at day 4 induced dysfunctional CD8(+) T cells with depressed cytokine responses and expression of phenotypic markers suggesting exhaustion. Thus, only the later maturation phase of anti-WNV CD8(+) T cell development requires type I IFN signaling. WNV infection experiments in BATF3(-/-) mice, which lack CD8-α dendritic cells and have impaired priming due to inefficient antigen cross-presentation, revealed a similar effect of blocking IFN signaling on CD8(+) T cell maturation. Collectively, our results suggest that cell non-autonomous type I IFN signaling shapes maturation of antiviral CD8(+) T cell response at a stage distinct from the initial priming event.

Synthetic double-stranded RNA induces innate immune responses similar to a live viral vaccine in humans

As shown by transcriptional analysis of blood samples from human volunteers, injection with synthetic dsRNA (an agonist of the TLR3 and MDA5 pattern recognition receptors) triggered up-regulation of genes involved in innate immune pathways, similar to those induced by vaccination with the efficacious yellow fever vaccine.

Adjuvants are critical for the success of vaccines. Agonists of microbial pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are promising new adjuvant candidates. A mechanism through which adjuvants enhance immune responses is to stimulate innate immunity. We studied the innate immune response in humans to synthetic double-stranded RNA (polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly IC] stabilized with poly-l-lysine [poly ICLC]), an agonist for toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, and the cytosolic RNA helicase MDA-5. Transcriptional analysis of blood samples from eight volunteers, after subcutaneous administration of poly ICLC, showed up-regulation of genes involved in multiple innate immune pathways in all subjects, including interferon (IFN) and inflammasome signaling. Blocking type I IFN receptor ex vivo significantly dampened the response to poly IC. Comparative transcriptional analysis showed that several innate immune pathways were similarly induced in volunteers immunized with the highly efficacious yellow fever vaccine. Therefore, a chemically defined PRR agonist like poly ICLC can be a reliable and authentic microbial mimic for inducing innate immune responses in humans.

Improved vaccine protection against retrovirus infection after co-administration of adenoviral vectors encoding viral antigens and type I interferon subtypes

BACKGROUND

Type I interferons (IFNs) exhibit direct antiviral effects, but also distinct immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we analyzed type I IFN subtypes for their effect on prophylactic adenovirus-based anti-retroviral vaccination of mice against Friend retrovirus (FV) or HIV.

RESULTS

Mice were vaccinated with adenoviral vectors encoding FV Env and Gag proteins alone or in combination with vectors encoding IFNα1, IFNα2, IFNα4, IFNα5, IFNα6, IFNα9 or IFNβ. Only the co-administration of adenoviral vectors encoding IFNα2, IFNα4, IFNα6 and IFNα9 resulted in strongly improved immune protection of vaccinated mice from subsequent FV challenge infection with high control over FV-induced splenomegaly and reduced viral loads. The level of protection correlated with augmented virus-specific CD4(+) T cell responses and enhanced antibody titers. Similar results were obtained when mice were vaccinated against HIV with adenoviral vectors encoding HIV Env and Gag-Pol in combination with various type I IFN encoding vectors. Here mainly CD4(+) T cell responses were enhanced by IFNα subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that certain IFNα subtypes have the potential to improve the protective effect of adenovirus-based vaccines against retroviruses. This correlated with augmented virus-specific CD4(+) T cell and antibody responses. Thus, co-expression of select type I IFNs may be a valuable tool for the development of anti-retroviral vaccines.

Type I interferon is selectively required by dendritic cells for immune rejection of tumors

Dendritic cell responsiveness to type I interferon is required for the generation of antitumor T cell responses and tumor rejection.

Cancer immunoediting is the process whereby the immune system suppresses neoplastic growth and shapes tumor immunogenicity. We previously reported that type I interferon (IFN-α/β) plays a central role in this process and that hematopoietic cells represent critical targets of type I IFN’s actions. However, the specific cells affected by IFN-α/β and the functional processes that type I IFN induces remain undefined. Herein, we show that type I IFN is required to initiate the antitumor response and that its actions are temporally distinct from IFN-γ during cancer immunoediting. Using mixed bone marrow chimeric mice, we demonstrate that type I IFN sensitivity selectively within the innate immune compartment is essential for tumor-specific T cell priming and tumor elimination. We further show that mice lacking IFNAR1 (IFN-α/β receptor 1) in dendritic cells (DCs; Itgax-Cre⁺Ifnar1^f/f mice) cannot reject highly immunogenic tumor cells and that CD8α⁺ DCs from these mice display defects in antigen cross-presentation to CD8⁺ T cells. In contrast, mice depleted of NK cells or mice that lack IFNAR1 in granulocytes and macrophage populations reject these tumors normally. Thus, DCs and specifically CD8α⁺ DCs are functionally relevant targets of endogenous type I IFN during lymphocyte-mediated tumor rejection.

Vaccination with filamentous bacteriophages targeting DEC-205 induces DC maturation and potent anti-tumor T-cell responses in the absence of adjuvants

The efficacy of a new vaccine-delivery vector, based on the filamentous bacteriophage fd displaying a single-chain antibody fragment known to bind the mouse DC surface molecule DEC-205, is reported. We demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo an enhanced receptor-mediated uptake of phage particles expressing the anti-DEC-205 fragment by DCs. We also report that DCs targeted by fd virions in the absence of other stimuli produce IFN-α and IL-6, and acquire a mature phenotype. Moreover, DC-targeting with fd particles double-displaying the anti-DEC-205 fragment on the pIII protein and the OVA(257-264) antigenic determinant on the pVIII protein induced potent inhibition of the growth of the B16-OVA tumor in vivo. This protection was much stronger than other immunization strategies and similar to that induced by adoptively transferred DCs. Since targeting DEC-205 in the absence of DC activation/maturation agents has previously been described to result in tolerance, the ability of fd bacteriophages to induce a strong tumor-specific immune response by targeting DCs through DEC-205 is unexpected, and further validates the potential employment of this safe, versatile and inexpensive delivery system for vaccine formulation.

TLR7 enables cross-presentation by multiple dendritic cell subsets through a type I IFN-dependent pathway

Conjugation of TLR agonists to protein or peptide antigens has been demonstrated in many studies to be an effective vaccine formula in inducing cellular immunity. However, the molecular and cellular mediators involved in TLR-induced immune responses have not been carefully examined. In this study, we identify Type I IFN and IL-12 as critical mediators of cross-priming induced by a TLR7 agonist-antigen conjugate. We demonstrate that TLR7-driven cross-priming requires both Type I IFN and IL-12. Signaling through the IFN-αβR was required for the timely recruitment and accumulation of activated dendritic cells in the draining lymph nodes. Although IL-12 was indispensable during cross-priming, it did not regulate DC function. Therefore, the codependency for these 2 cytokines during TLR7-induced cross-priming is the result of their divergent effects on different cell-types. Furthermore, although dermal and CD8α(+) DCs were able to cross-prime CD8(+) T cells, Langerhans cells were unexpectedly found to potently cross-present antigen and support CD8(+) T-cell expansion, both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, the data show that a TLR7 agonist-antigen conjugate elicits CD8(+) T-cell responses by the coordinated recruitment and activation of both tissue-derived and lymphoid organ-resident DC subsets through a Type I IFN and IL-12 codependent mechanism.

IFN-α primes T- and NK-cells for IL-15-mediated signaling and cytotoxicity

Recently it has become clear that interferon (IFN)-α, a type I interferon produced rapidly in response to infection, not only plays a key role in innate immunity, but also promotes adaptive immune responses by influencing the production or function of other cytokines. During infections IFN-α fosters the production of IL-15, which plays a pivotal role in the development, survival and function of NK cells and recruitment and activation of T cells. Since these two cytokines exert overlapping functions during infections, this investigation was undertaken to study the priming effect of IFN-α on the effect of IL-15 on human T and NK cells. We show that IFN-α induces an increased expression of IL-15Rα in human activated peripheral T cells, and in CD8(+) and CD4(+) T-cell lines. Functionally, the IFN-α-enhanced IL-15Rα expression resulted in an enhanced IL-15-mediated phosphorylation of STAT5 and STAT3 followed by a further increase in IL-15Rα expression. Moreover, IFN-α significantly increased the IL-15-induced cytotoxic activity of freshly isolated T and NK cells. Taken together, our data show that IFN-α boosts signaling and functional effects of IL-15, at least in part by fostering the increased IL-15R expression, thus add new facet to the emerging role of IFN-α as an important primer of adaptive immune responses.

IFN-α as a vaccine adjuvant: recent insights into the mechanisms and perspectives for its clinical use

The IFN-α family are pleiotropic cytokines with the longest record of clinical use. Over the last decade, new biological effects of IFN-α on immune cells, including dendritic cells, have been described, supporting the concept that these cytokines can act as effective vaccine adjuvants. Recently, an important advance in our understanding of the mechanisms of interferon adjuvant activity has been achieved. Some clinical studies have been performed to assess the adjuvant activity in individuals immunized with preventive vaccines, showing variable results depending on interferon/vaccine formulation and vaccinated subjects. In spite of many data in animal models, little information is available on the possible advantage of utilizing IFN-α as an adjuvant for cancer vaccines in humans. Further clinical trials specifically designed to explore vaccine adjuvant activity are needed in order to define the best conditions for using IFN-α or IFN-α-conditioned dendritic cells for the development of therapeutic vaccines.

Human dendritic cells infected with the nonpathogenic Mopeia virus induce stronger T-cell responses than those infected with Lassa virus

The events leading to death in severe cases of Lassa fever (LF) are unknown. Fatality seems to be linked to high viremia and immunosuppression, and cellular immunity, rather than neutralizing antibodies, appears to be essential for survival. We previously compared Lassa virus (LV) with its genetically close but nonpathogenic homolog Mopeia virus (MV), which was used to model nonfatal LF. We showed that strong and early activation of antigen-presenting cells (APC) may play a crucial role in controlling infection. Here we developed an in vitro model of dendritic-cell (DC)-T-cell coculture in order to characterize human T-cell responses induced by MV- or LV-infected DCs. Our results show very different responses to infection with LV and MV. MV strongly and durably stimulated CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells, showing early and high activation, a strong proliferative response, and acquisition of effector and memory phenotypes. Furthermore, robust and functional CD4(+) and CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were generated. LV, however, induced only weak memory responses. Thus, this study allows an improved understanding of the pathogenesis and immune mechanisms involved in the control of human LV.

Breaking T cell tolerance to beta cell antigens by merocytic dendritic cells

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), a break in central and peripheral tolerance results in antigen-specific T cells destroying insulin-producing, pancreatic beta cells. Herein, we discuss the critical sub-population of dendritic cells responsible for mediating both the cross-presentation of islet antigen to CD8(+) T cells and the direct presentation of beta cell antigen to CD4(+) T cells. These cells, termed merocytic dendritic cells (mcDC), are more numerous in non-obese diabetic (NOD), and antigen-loaded mcDC rescue CD8(+) T cells from peripheral anergy and deletion, and stimulate islet-reactive CD4(+) T cells. When purified from the pancreatic lymph nodes of overtly diabetic NOD mice, mcDC can break peripheral T cell tolerance to beta cell antigens in vivo and induce rapid onset T cell-mediated T1D in young NOD mouse. Thus, the mcDC subset appears to represent the long-sought critical antigen-presenting cell responsible for breaking peripheral tolerance to beta cell antigen in vivo.

Type I IFN protects against antigen-induced arthritis

Autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involve immune reactions against specific antigens. The type I IFN system is suspected to promote autoimmunity in systemic lupus erythematosus, but may also dampen immune reactions in e.g. inflammatory bowel disease. This prompted us to investigate the role of type I IFN in antigen-induced arthritis (AIA). The importance of type I IFN in methylated (m) BSA-induced arthritis was studied by using mice deficient for the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) and by administration of the IFN-α activator viral double-stranded (ds) RNA or recombinant IFN-α at antigen sensitization. In IFNAR knock-out mice, arthritis severity was significantly higher than in WT mice. Administration of dsRNA at antigen sensitization protected WT but not IFNAR KO mice from arthritis. Also, addition of recombinant IFN-α during the immunization, but not the induction phase of arthritis, almost abolished arthritis. Protection mediated by IFN-α was accompanied by delayed and decreased antigen-specific proliferative responses, including impaired lymph node recall responses after intra-articular antigenic challenge. In conclusion, we demonstrate that type I IFN can prevent joint inflammation by downregulating antigen-specific cellular immunity.