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Xiang M, Li H, Zhan Y, Ma D, Gao Q, Fang Y. Functional CRISPR screens in T cells reveal new opportunities for cancer immunotherapies. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:73. [PMID: 38581063 PMCID: PMC10996278 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01987-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells are fundamental components in tumour immunity and cancer immunotherapies, which have made immense strides and revolutionized cancer treatment paradigm. However, recent studies delineate the predicament of T cell dysregulation in tumour microenvironment and the compromised efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. CRISPR screens enable unbiased interrogation of gene function in T cells and have revealed functional determinators, genetic regulatory networks, and intercellular interactions in T cell life cycle, thereby providing opportunities to revamp cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we briefly described the central roles of T cells in successful cancer immunotherapies, comprehensively summarised the studies of CRISPR screens in T cells, elaborated resultant master genes that control T cell activation, proliferation, fate determination, effector function, and exhaustion, and highlighted genes (BATF, PRDM1, and TOX) and signalling cascades (JAK-STAT and NF-κB pathways) that extensively engage in multiple branches of T cell responses. In conclusion, this review bridged the gap between discovering element genes to a specific process of T cell activities and apprehending these genes in the global T cell life cycle, deepened the understanding of T cell biology in tumour immunity, and outlined CRISPR screens resources that might facilitate the development and implementation of cancer immunotherapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhan
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Vigano S, Bobisse S, Coukos G, Perreau M, Harari A. Cancer and HIV-1 Infection: Patterns of Chronic Antigen Exposure. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1350. [PMID: 32714330 PMCID: PMC7344140 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The main role of the human immune system is to eliminate cells presenting foreign antigens and abnormal patterns, while maintaining self-tolerance. However, when facing highly variable pathogens or antigens very similar to self-antigens, this system can fail in completely eliminating the anomalies, leading to the establishment of chronic pathologies. Prototypical examples of immune system defeat are cancer and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. In both conditions, the immune system is persistently exposed to antigens leading to systemic inflammation, lack of generation of long-term memory and exhaustion of effector cells. This triggers a negative feedback loop where effector cells are unable to resolve the pathology and cannot be replaced due to the lack of a pool of undifferentiated, self-renewing memory T cells. In addition, in an attempt to reduce tissue damage due to chronic inflammation, antigen presenting cells and myeloid components of the immune system activate systemic regulatory and tolerogenic programs. Beside these homologies shared between cancer and HIV-1 infection, the immune system can be shaped differently depending on the type and distribution of the eliciting antigens with ultimate consequences at the phenotypic and functional level of immune exhaustion. T cell differentiation, functionality, cytotoxic potential and proliferation reserve, immune-cell polarization, upregulation of negative regulators (immune checkpoint molecules) are indeed directly linked to the quantitative and qualitative differences in priming and recalling conditions. Better understanding of distinct mechanisms and functional consequences underlying disease-specific immune cell dysfunction will contribute to further improve and personalize immunotherapy. In the present review, we describe relevant players of immune cell exhaustion in cancer and HIV-1 infection, and enumerate the best-defined hallmarks of T cell dysfunction. Moreover, we highlight shared and divergent aspects of T cell exhaustion and T cell activation to the best of current knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena Vigano
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne and Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sara Bobisse
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne and Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne and Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthieu Perreau
- Service of Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Harari
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne and Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Fu SH, Yeh LT, Chu CC, Yen BLJ, Sytwu HK. New insights into Blimp-1 in T lymphocytes: a divergent regulator of cell destiny and effector function. J Biomed Sci 2017; 24:49. [PMID: 28732506 PMCID: PMC5520377 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-017-0354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) serves as a master regulator of the development and function of antibody-producing B cells. Given that its function in T lymphocytes has been identified within the past decade, we review recent findings with emphasis on its role in coordinated control of gene expression during the development, differentiation, and function of T cells. Expression of Blimp-1 is mainly confined to activated T cells and is essential for the production of interleukin (IL)-10 by a subset of forkhead box (Fox)p3+ regulatory T cells with an effector phenotype. Blimp-1 is also required to induce cell elimination in the thymus and critically modulates peripheral T cell activation and proliferation. In addition, Blimp-1 promotes T helper (Th) 2 lineage commitment and limits Th1, Th17 and follicular helper T cell differentiation. Furthermore, Blimp-1 coordinates with other transcription factors to regulate expression of IL-2, IL-21 and IL-10 in effector T lymphocytes. In CD8+ T cells, Blimp-1 expression is distinct in heterogeneous populations at the stages of clonal expansion, differentiation, contraction and memory formation when they encounter antigens. Moreover, Blimp-1 plays a fundamental role in coordinating cytokine receptor signaling networks and transcriptional programs to regulate diverse aspects of the formation and function of effector and memory CD8+ T cells and their exhaustion. Blimp-1 also functions as a gatekeeper of T cell activation and suppression to prevent or dampen autoimmune disease, antiviral responses and antitumor immunity. In this review, we discuss the emerging roles of Blimp-1 in the complex regulation of gene networks that regulate the destiny and effector function of T cells and provide a Blimp-1-dominated transcriptional framework for T lymphocyte homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Huei Fu
- Department and Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, 161, Section 6, Min-Chuan East Road, Neihu District, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tzu Yeh
- Department and Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, 161, Section 6, Min-Chuan East Road, Neihu District, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chen Chu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 71104, Taiwan. .,Department of Recreation and Health-Care Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, 71104, Taiwan.
| | - B Lin-Ju Yen
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Kang Sytwu
- Department and Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, 161, Section 6, Min-Chuan East Road, Neihu District, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights the control of transcriptional networks, including induction of inhibitory receptors, by T cell-specific transcription factors in exhausted T cells that accumulate in chronic viral infections including HIV. RECENT FINDINGS Transcriptional profiling has established distinct molecular phenotypes for exhausted CD4 and CD8 T cells in chronic viral infection models. There exists a subset of transcription factors associated with exhaustion, notably Blimp-1, basic leucine zipper transcription factor, ATF-like and Helios. Epigenetic phenomena are likely important in regulating gene expression networks during exhaustion as illustrated by programmed death 1 promoter methylation patterns. SUMMARY Following chronic viral infections, CD4 and CD8 T cells defined functionally and phenotypically as exhausted have distinct transcriptional profiles. These studies have identified a core set of transcription factors that have been implicated in promoting exhaustion. However, no single factor appears to be an exhaustion determining factor, suggesting that T cell exhaustion reflects a combinatorial mechanism with multiple transcription factors interacting to influence the development of functionally exhausted T cells as well as different T effector populations.
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Phetsouphanh C, Xu Y, Zaunders J. CD4 T Cells Mediate Both Positive and Negative Regulation of the Immune Response to HIV Infection: Complex Role of T Follicular Helper Cells and Regulatory T Cells in Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2015; 5:681. [PMID: 25610441 PMCID: PMC4285174 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 infection results in chronic activation of cells in lymphoid tissue, including T cells, B-cells, and myeloid lineage cells. The resulting characteristic hyperplasia is an amalgam of proliferating host immune cells in the adaptive response, increased concentrations of innate response mediators due to viral and bacterial products, and homeostatic responses to inflammation. While it is generally thought that CD4 T cells are greatly depleted, in fact, two types of CD4 T cells appear to be increased, namely, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh). These cells have opposing roles, but may both be important in the pathogenic process. Whether Tregs are failing in their role to limit lymphocyte activation is unclear, but there is no doubt now that Tfh are associated with B-cell hyperplasia and increased germinal center activity. Antiretroviral therapy may reduce the lymphocyte activation, but not completely, and therefore, there is a need for interventions that selectively enhance normal CD4 function without exacerbating Tfh, B-cell, or Treg dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chansavath Phetsouphanh
- Centre for Applied Medical Research, Kirby Institute, St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Yin Xu
- Centre for Applied Medical Research, Kirby Institute, St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - John Zaunders
- Centre for Applied Medical Research, Kirby Institute, St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
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The elephant and the blind men: making sense of the seemingly multifaceted role of Blimp-1 in HIV-1 infection. AIDS 2015; 29:134-6. [PMID: 25562500 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Different expression of Blimp-1 in HIV infection may be used to monitor disease progression and provide a clue to reduce immune activation and viral reservoirs. AIDS 2015; 29:133-4. [PMID: 25562499 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Munier CML, Kelleher AD, Kent SJ, De Rose R. The role of T cell immunity in HIV-1 infection. Curr Opin Virol 2013; 3:438-46. [PMID: 23747036 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2013.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The interplay between the T cell immune response and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 largely determines the outcome of infection. Typically, the virus overcomes the immune defences leading to a gradual decline in function that permits the development of disease. In recent years, a concerted effort in comparing T cell responses between 'controllers' and 'progressors' is beginning to identify the T cell subsets and factors that affect disease progression related to the effector functions of both CD4 and CD8 T cells. These efforts are providing opportunities for development of novel therapies and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mee Ling Munier
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Larsson M, Shankar EM, Che KF, Saeidi A, Ellegård R, Barathan M, Velu V, Kamarulzaman A. Molecular signatures of T-cell inhibition in HIV-1 infection. Retrovirology 2013; 10:31. [PMID: 23514593 PMCID: PMC3610157 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-10-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular immune responses play a crucial role in the control of viral replication in HIV-infected individuals. However, the virus succeeds in exploiting the immune system to its advantage and therefore, the host ultimately fails to control the virus leading to development of terminal AIDS. The virus adopts numerous evasion mechanisms to hijack the host immune system. We and others recently described the expression of inhibitory molecules on T cells as a contributing factor for suboptimal T-cell responses in HIV infection both in vitro and in vivo. The expression of these molecules that negatively impacts the normal functions of the host immune armory and the underlying signaling pathways associated with their enhanced expression need to be discussed. Targets to restrain the expression of these molecular markers of immune inhibition is likely to contribute to development of therapeutic interventions that augment the functionality of host immune cells leading to improved immune control of HIV infection. In this review, we focus on the functions of inhibitory molecules that are expressed or secreted following HIV infection such as BTLA, CTLA-4, CD160, IDO, KLRG1, LAG-3, LILRB1, PD-1, TRAIL, TIM-3, and regulatory cytokines, and highlight their significance in immune inhibition. We also highlight the ensemble of transcriptional factors such as BATF, BLIMP-1/PRDM1, FoxP3, DTX1 and molecular pathways that facilitate the recruitment and differentiation of suppressor T cells in response to HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Larsson
- Molecular Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, 58 185, Sweden.
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