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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Posttranscriptional Events Orchestrate Immune Homeostasis of CD8 + T Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2782:65-80. [PMID: 38622392 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3754-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining immune homeostasis is instrumental for host health. Immune cells, such as T cells, are instrumental for the eradication of pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses. Furthermore, T cells also play a major role in the fight against cancer. Through the formation of immunological memory, a pool of antigen-experienced T cells remains in the body to rapidly protect the host upon reinfection or retransformation. In order to perform their protective function, T cells produce cytolytic molecules, such as granzymes and perforin, and cytokines such as interferon γ and tumor necrosis factor α. Recently, it has become evident that posttranscriptional regulatory events dictate the kinetics and magnitude of cytokine production by murine and human CD8+ T cells. Here, the recent literature regarding the role posttranscriptional regulation plays in maintaining immune homeostasis of antigen-experienced CD8+ T cells is reviewed.
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2
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Freen-van Heeren JJ, Palomares Cabeza V, Lopez DC, Kivits D, Rensink I, Turksma AW, Ten Brinke A. Assessing Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses Through IFN-γ Enzyme-Linked Immune Absorbent Spot (ELISpot). Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2782:209-226. [PMID: 38622405 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3754-8_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
T cells are instrumental in protecting the host against invading pathogens and the development of cancer. To do so, they produce effector molecules such as granzymes, interleukins, interferons, and perforin. For the development and immunomonitoring of therapeutic applications such as cell-based therapies and vaccines, assessing T cell effector function is paramount. This can be achieved through various methods, such as 51Cr release assays, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot (ELISpot) assays. For T cell ELISpots, plates are coated with antibodies directed against the effector molecule of interest (e.g., IFN-g). Subsequently, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or isolated T cells are cultured on the plate together with stimuli of choice, and the production of effector molecules is visualized via labeled detection antibodies. For clinical studies, ELISpot is currently the gold standard to determine antigen-specific T cell frequencies. In contrast to 51Cr release assays, ELISpot allows for the exact enumeration of responding T cells, and compared to flow cytometry, ELISpot is more cost-effective and high throughput. Here, we optimize and describe, in a step-by-step fashion, how to perform a controlled IFN-γ ELISpot experiment to determine the frequency of responding or antigen-specific T cells in healthy human volunteers. Of note, this protocol can also be employed to assess the frequency of antigen-specific T cells induced in, e.g., vaccination studies or present in cellular products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Virginia Palomares Cabeza
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David Cobeta Lopez
- Immunomonitoring Services, R&D, Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Domenique Kivits
- Immunomonitoring Services, R&D, Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Irma Rensink
- Immunomonitoring Services, R&D, Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annelies W Turksma
- Immunomonitoring Services, R&D, Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Anja Ten Brinke
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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3
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Employing CRISPR-Cas9 to Enhance T Cell Effector Function. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2782:195-208. [PMID: 38622404 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3754-8_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
As part of the adaptive immune system, T cells are critical to maintain immune homeostasis. T cells provide protective immunity by killing infected cells and combatting cancerous cells. To do so, T cells produce and secrete effector molecules, such as granzymes, perforin, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α and interferon γ. However, in immune suppressive environments, such as tumors, T cells gradually lose the capacity to perform their effector function. One way T cell effector function can be enhanced is through genetic engineering with tools such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9). This protocol explains in a step-by-step fashion how to perform a controlled electroporation-based CRISPR experiment to enhance human T cell effector function. Of note, these steps are suitable for CRISPR-mediated genome editing in T cells in general and can thus also be used to study proteins of interest that do not influence T cell effector function.
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4
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Combining CRISPR with Flow-FISH to study CRISPR-mediated genome perturbation. Cytometry A 2024; 105:7-9. [PMID: 38054341 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
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5
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Nelson EV, Ross SJ, Olejnik J, Hume AJ, Deeney DJ, King E, Grimins AO, Lyons SM, Cifuentes D, Mühlberger E. The 3' Untranslated Regions of Ebola Virus mRNAs Contain AU-Rich Elements Involved in Posttranscriptional Stabilization and Decay. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S488-S497. [PMID: 37551415 PMCID: PMC10651315 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad312] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of Ebola virus (EBOV) mRNAs are enriched in their AU content and therefore represent potential targets for RNA binding proteins targeting AU-rich elements (ARE-BPs). ARE-BPs are known to fine-tune RNA turnover and translational activity. We identified putative AREs within EBOV mRNA 3' UTRs and assessed whether they might modulate mRNA stability. Using mammalian and zebrafish embryo reporter assays, we show a conserved, ARE-BP-mediated stabilizing effect and increased reporter activity with the tested EBOV 3' UTRs. When coexpressed with the prototypic ARE-BP tristetraprolin (TTP, ZFP36) that mainly destabilizes its target mRNAs, the EBOV nucleoprotein (NP) 3' UTR resulted in decreased reporter gene activity. Coexpression of NP with TTP led to reduced NP protein expression and diminished EBOV minigenome activity. In conclusion, the enrichment of AU residues in EBOV 3' UTRs makes them possible targets for cellular ARE-BPs, leading to modulation of RNA stability and translational activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily V Nelson
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen J Ross
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Judith Olejnik
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adam J Hume
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dylan J Deeney
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily King
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Autumn O Grimins
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shawn M Lyons
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Cifuentes
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elke Mühlberger
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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Allemailem KS, Alsahli MA, Almatroudi A, Alrumaihi F, Al Abdulmonem W, Moawad AA, Alwanian WM, Almansour NM, Rahmani AH, Khan AA. Innovative Strategies of Reprogramming Immune System Cells by Targeting CRISPR/Cas9-Based Genome-Editing Tools: A New Era of Cancer Management. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:5531-5559. [PMID: 37795042 PMCID: PMC10547015 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s424872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent developments in the study of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system have revolutionized the art of genome-editing and its applications for cellular differentiation and immune response behavior. This technology has further helped in understanding the mysteries of cancer progression and possible designing of novel antitumor immunotherapies. CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing is now often used to engineer universal T-cells, equipped with recombinant T-cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In addition, this technology is used in cytokine stimulation, antibody designing, natural killer (NK) cell transfer, and to overcome immune checkpoints. The innovative potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in preparing the building blocks of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapy has opened a new window of antitumor immunotherapy and some of them have gained FDA approval. The manipulation of immunogenetic regulators has opened a new interface for designing, implementation and interpretation of CRISPR/Cas9-based screening in immuno-oncology. Several cancers like lymphoma, melanoma, lung, and liver malignancies have been treated with this strategy, once thought to be impossible. The safe and efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system within the immune cells for the genome-editing strategy is a challenging task which needs to be sorted out for efficient immunotherapy. Several targeting approaches like virus-mediated, electroporation, microinjection and nanoformulation-based methods have been used, but each procedure offers some limitations. Here, we elaborate the recent updates of cancer management through immunotherapy in partnership with CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Further, some innovative methods of targeting this genome-editing system within the immune system cells for reprogramming them, as a novel strategy of anticancer immunotherapy is elaborated. In addition, future prospects and clinical trials are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled S Allemailem
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Alsahli
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris Alrumaihi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amira A Moawad
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Wanian M Alwanian
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahlah Makki Almansour
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshad Husain Rahmani
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad Ali Khan
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Popović B, Nicolet BP, Guislain A, Engels S, Jurgens AP, Paravinja N, Freen-van Heeren JJ, van Alphen FPJ, van den Biggelaar M, Salerno F, Wolkers MC. Time-dependent regulation of cytokine production by RNA binding proteins defines T cell effector function. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112419. [PMID: 37074914 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Potent T cell responses against infections and malignancies require a rapid yet tightly regulated production of toxic effector molecules. Their production level is defined by post-transcriptional events at 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs). RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are key regulators in this process. With an RNA aptamer-based capture assay, we identify >130 RBPs interacting with IFNG, TNF, and IL2 3' UTRs in human T cells. RBP-RNA interactions show plasticity upon T cell activation. Furthermore, we uncover the intricate and time-dependent regulation of cytokine production by RBPs: whereas HuR supports early cytokine production, ZFP36L1, ATXN2L, and ZC3HAV1 dampen and shorten the production duration, each at different time points. Strikingly, even though ZFP36L1 deletion does not rescue the dysfunctional phenotype, tumor-infiltrating T cells produce more cytokines and cytotoxic molecules, resulting in superior anti-tumoral T cell responses. Our findings thus show that identifying RBP-RNA interactions reveals key modulators of T cell responses in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branka Popović
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam Immunity and Infection and Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Benoît P Nicolet
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam Immunity and Infection and Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Aurélie Guislain
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam Immunity and Infection and Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sander Engels
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam Immunity and Infection and Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anouk P Jurgens
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam Immunity and Infection and Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Natali Paravinja
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam Immunity and Infection and Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Julian J Freen-van Heeren
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam Immunity and Infection and Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Floris P J van Alphen
- Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Fiamma Salerno
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam Immunity and Infection and Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Monika C Wolkers
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam Immunity and Infection and Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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8
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Contribution of T- and B-cell intrinsic toll-like receptors to the adaptive immune response in viral infectious diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:547. [PMID: 36224474 PMCID: PMC9555683 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04582-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) comprise a class of highly conserved molecules that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns and play a vital role in host defense against multiple viral infectious diseases. Although TLRs are highly expressed on innate immune cells and play indirect roles in regulating antiviral adaptive immune responses, intrinsic expression of TLRs in adaptive immune cells, including T cells and B cells, cannot be ignored. TLRs expressed in CD4 + and CD8 + T cells play roles in enhancing TCR signal-induced T-cell activation, proliferation, function, and survival, serving as costimulatory molecules. Gene knockout of TLR signaling molecules has been shown to diminish antiviral adaptive immune responses and affect viral clearance in multiple viral infectious animal models. These results have highlighted the critical role of TLRs in the long-term immunological control of viral infection. This review summarizes the expression and function of TLR signaling pathways in T and B cells, focusing on the in vitro and vivo mechanisms and effects of intrinsic TLR signaling in regulating T- and B-cell responses during viral infection. The potential clinical use of TLR-based immune regulatory drugs for viral infectious diseases is also explored.
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9
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García-Fernández A, Vivo-Llorca G, Sancho M, García-Jareño AB, Ramírez-Jiménez L, Barber-Cano E, Murguía JR, Orzáez M, Sancenón F, Martínez-Máñez R. Nanodevices for the Efficient Codelivery of CRISPR-Cas9 Editing Machinery and an Entrapped Cargo: A Proposal for Dual Anti-Inflammatory Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071495. [PMID: 35890389 PMCID: PMC9322049 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we report one of the few examples of nanoparticles capable of simultaneously delivering CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing machinery and releasing drugs for one-shot treatments. Considering the complexity of inflammation in diseases, the synergistic effect of nanoparticles for gene-editing/drug therapy is evaluated in an in vitro inflammatory model as proof of concept. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), able to deliver the CRISPR/Cas9 machinery to edit gasdermin D (GSDMD), a key protein involved in inflammatory cell death, and the anti-inflammatory drug VX-765 (GSDMD45CRISPR-VX-MSNs), were prepared. Nanoparticles allow high cargo loading and CRISPR-Cas9 plasmid protection and, thus, achieve the controlled codelivery of CRISPR-Cas9 and the drug in cells. Nanoparticles exhibit GSDMD gene editing by downregulating inflammatory cell death and achieving a combined effect on decreasing the inflammatory response by the codelivery of VX-765. Taken together, our results show the potential of MSNs as a versatile platform by allowing multiple combinations for gene editing and drug therapy to prepare advanced nanodevices to meet possible biomedical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba García-Fernández
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.V.-L.); (J.R.M.); (F.S.)
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (M.S.); (A.B.G.-J.)
- Correspondence: (A.G.-F.); (M.O.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Gema Vivo-Llorca
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.V.-L.); (J.R.M.); (F.S.)
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (M.S.); (A.B.G.-J.)
| | - Mónica Sancho
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (M.S.); (A.B.G.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (L.R.-J.); (E.B.-C.)
| | - Alicia Belén García-Jareño
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (M.S.); (A.B.G.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (L.R.-J.); (E.B.-C.)
| | - Laura Ramírez-Jiménez
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (L.R.-J.); (E.B.-C.)
| | - Eloísa Barber-Cano
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (L.R.-J.); (E.B.-C.)
| | - José Ramón Murguía
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.V.-L.); (J.R.M.); (F.S.)
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (M.S.); (A.B.G.-J.)
| | - Mar Orzáez
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (M.S.); (A.B.G.-J.)
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (L.R.-J.); (E.B.-C.)
- Correspondence: (A.G.-F.); (M.O.); (R.M.-M.)
| | - Félix Sancenón
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.V.-L.); (J.R.M.); (F.S.)
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (M.S.); (A.B.G.-J.)
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Nanomedicina y Sensores, UPV-IIS La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ramón Martínez-Máñez
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (G.V.-L.); (J.R.M.); (F.S.)
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (M.S.); (A.B.G.-J.)
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Nanomedicina y Sensores, UPV-IIS La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.G.-F.); (M.O.); (R.M.-M.)
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10
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Closing the Door with CRISPR: Genome Editing of CCR5 and CXCR4 as a Potential Curative Solution for HIV. BIOTECH 2022; 11:biotech11030025. [PMID: 35892930 PMCID: PMC9326690 DOI: 10.3390/biotech11030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can be controlled by anti-retroviral therapy. Suppressing viral replication relies on life-long medication, but anti-retroviral therapy is not without risks to the patient. Therefore, it is important that permanent cures for HIV infection are developed. Three patients have been described to be completely cured from HIV infection in recent years. In all cases, patients received a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation due to a hematological malignancy. The HSCs were sourced from autologous donors that expressed a homozygous mutation in the CCR5 gene. This mutation results in a non-functional receptor, and confers resistance to CCR5-tropic HIV strains that rely on CCR5 to enter host cells. The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system is one of the methods of choice for gene editing, and the CRISPR/Cas system has been employed to target loci of interest in the context of HIV. Here, the current literature regarding CRISPR-mediated genome editing to render cells resistant to HIV (re)-infection by knocking out the co-receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 is summarized, and an outlook is provided regarding future (research) directions.
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11
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Chanda MK, Shudde CE, Piper TL, Zheng Y, Courtney AH. Combined analysis of T cell activation and T cell-mediated cytotoxicity by imaging cytometry. J Immunol Methods 2022; 506:113290. [PMID: 35644255 PMCID: PMC9202232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2022.113290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer have spurred the development of new drugs that seek to harness the ability of T cells to recognize and kill malignant cells. There is a substantial need to evaluate how these experimental drugs influence T cell functional outputs in co-culture systems that contain cancerous cells. We describe an imaging cytometry-based platform that can simultaneously quantify activated T cells and the capacity of these T cells to kill cancer cells. Our platform was developed using the Nur77-GFP reporter system because GFP expression provides a direct readout of T cell activation that is induced by T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling. We combined the Nur77-GFP reporter system with a cancer cell line that displays a TCR-specific antigen and evaluated the relationship between T cell activation and cancer cell death. We demonstrate that imaging cytometry can be used to quantify the number of activated cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and the capacity of these CTLs to recognize and kill adherent MC38 cancer cells. We tested whether this platform could evaluate heterogenous lymphocyte populations by quantifying the proportion of antigen-specific activated T cells in co-cultures that contain unresponsive lymphocytes. The effects of a SRC family kinase inhibitor on CTL activation and MC38 cell death were also determined. Our findings demonstrate that the Nur77-GFP reporter system can be used to evaluate the effects of diverse treatment conditions on T cell-cancer co-cultures in a microtiter plate-based format by imaging cytometry. We anticipate the combined analysis of T cell activation with T cell-mediated cancer cell death can be used to rapidly assess immuno-oncology drug candidates and T cell-based therapeutics.
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12
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Bloomer H, Khirallah J, Li Y, Xu Q. CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein-mediated genome and epigenome editing in mammalian cells. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114087. [PMID: 34942274 PMCID: PMC8844242 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system has revolutionized the ability to edit the mammalian genome, providing a platform for the correction of pathogenic mutations and further investigation into gene function. CRISPR reagents can be delivered into the cell as DNA, RNA, or pre-formed ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). RNPs offer numerous advantages over other delivery approaches due to their ability to rapidly target genomic sites and quickly degrade thereafter. Here, we review the production steps and delivery methods for Cas9 RNPs. Additionally, we discuss how RNPs enhance genome and epigenome editing efficiencies, reduce off-target editing activity, and minimize cellular toxicity in clinically relevant mammalian cell types. We include details on a broad range of editing approaches, including novel base and prime editing techniques. Finally, we summarize key challenges for the use of RNPs, and propose future perspectives on the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Bloomer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, US,School of Medicine and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, US
| | - Jennifer Khirallah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, US
| | - Yamin Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, US,Corresponding Authors: (Y. Li) and (Q. Xu)
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, US,Corresponding Authors: (Y. Li) and (Q. Xu)
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13
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A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advancements in Cancer Immunotherapy and Generation of CAR T Cell by CRISPR-Cas9. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms involved in immune responses to cancer have been extensively studied for several decades, and considerable attention has been paid to harnessing the immune system’s therapeutic potential. Cancer immunotherapy has established itself as a promising new treatment option for a variety of cancer types. Various strategies including cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), adoptive T-cell cancer therapy and CAR T-cell therapy have gained prominence through immunotherapy. However, the full potential of cancer immunotherapy remains to be accomplished. In spite of having startling aspects, cancer immunotherapies have some difficulties including the inability to effectively target cancer antigens and the abnormalities in patients’ responses. With the advancement in technology, this system has changed the genome-based immunotherapy process in the human body including the generation of engineered T cells. Due to its high specificity, CRISPR-Cas9 has become a simple and flexible genome editing tool to target nearly any genomic locus. Recently, the CD19-mediated CAR T-cell (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) therapy has opened a new avenue for the treatment of human cancer, though low efficiency is a major drawback of this process. Thus, increasing the efficiency of the CAR T cell (engineered T cells that induce the chimeric antigen receptor) by using CRISPR-Cas9 technology could be a better weapon to fight against cancer. In this review, we have broadly focused on recent immunotherapeutic techniques against cancer and the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology for the modification of the T cell, which can specifically recognize cancer cells and be used as immune-therapeutics against cancer.
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14
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Nicolet BP, Zandhuis ND, Lattanzio VM, Wolkers MC. Sequence determinants as key regulators in gene expression of T cells. Immunol Rev 2021; 304:10-29. [PMID: 34486113 PMCID: PMC9292449 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
T cell homeostasis, T cell differentiation, and T cell effector function rely on the constant fine-tuning of gene expression. To alter the T cell state, substantial remodeling of the proteome is required. This remodeling depends on the intricate interplay of regulatory mechanisms, including post-transcriptional gene regulation. In this review, we discuss how the sequence of a transcript influences these post-transcriptional events. In particular, we review how sequence determinants such as sequence conservation, GC content, and chemical modifications define the levels of the mRNA and the protein in a T cell. We describe the effect of different forms of alternative splicing on mRNA expression and protein production, and their effect on subcellular localization. In addition, we discuss the role of sequences and structures as binding hubs for miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins in T cells. The review thus highlights how the intimate interplay of post-transcriptional mechanisms dictate cellular fate decisions in T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit P. Nicolet
- Department of HematopoiesisSanquin Research and Landsteiner LaboratoryAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Oncode InstituteUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Nordin D. Zandhuis
- Department of HematopoiesisSanquin Research and Landsteiner LaboratoryAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Oncode InstituteUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - V. Maria Lattanzio
- Department of HematopoiesisSanquin Research and Landsteiner LaboratoryAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Oncode InstituteUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Monika C. Wolkers
- Department of HematopoiesisSanquin Research and Landsteiner LaboratoryAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Oncode InstituteUtrechtThe Netherlands
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15
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Ghaffari S, Khalili N, Rezaei N. CRISPR/Cas9 revitalizes adoptive T-cell therapy for cancer immunotherapy. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:269. [PMID: 34446084 PMCID: PMC8390258 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has gained attention as the supreme therapeutic modality for the treatment of various malignancies. Adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) is one of the most distinctive modalities of this therapeutic approach, which seeks to harness the potential of combating cancer cells by using autologous or allogenic tumor-specific T-cells. However, a plethora of circumstances must be optimized to produce functional, durable, and efficient T-cells. Recently, the potential of ACT has been further realized by the introduction of novel gene-editing platforms such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system; this technique has been utilized to create T-cells furnished with recombinant T-cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that have precise tumor antigen recognition, minimal side effects and treatment-related toxicities, robust proliferation and cytotoxicity, and nominal exhaustion. Here, we aim to review and categorize the recent breakthroughs of genetically modified TCR/CAR T-cells through CRISPR/Cas9 technology and address the pearls and pitfalls of each method. In addition, we investigate the latest ongoing clinical trials that are applying CRISPR-associated TCR/CAR T-cells for the treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasan Ghaffari
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Hematology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nastaran Khalili
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Stockholm, Sweden.
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16
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Ofir-Birin Y, Ben Ami Pilo H, Cruz Camacho A, Rudik A, Rivkin A, Revach OY, Nir N, Block Tamin T, Abou Karam P, Kiper E, Peleg Y, Nevo R, Solomon A, Havkin-Solomon T, Rojas A, Rotkopf R, Porat Z, Avni D, Schwartz E, Zillinger T, Hartmann G, Di Pizio A, Quashie NB, Dikstein R, Gerlic M, Torrecilhas AC, Levy C, Nolte-'t Hoen ENM, Bowie AG, Regev-Rudzki N. Malaria parasites both repress host CXCL10 and use it as a cue for growth acceleration. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4851. [PMID: 34381047 PMCID: PMC8357946 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24997-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens are thought to use host molecular cues to control when to initiate life-cycle transitions, but these signals are mostly unknown, particularly for the parasitic disease malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The chemokine CXCL10 is present at high levels in fatal cases of cerebral malaria patients, but is reduced in patients who survive and do not have complications. Here we show a Pf 'decision-sensing-system' controlled by CXCL10 concentration. High CXCL10 expression prompts P. falciparum to initiate a survival strategy via growth acceleration. Remarkably, P. falciparum inhibits CXCL10 synthesis in monocytes by disrupting the association of host ribosomes with CXCL10 transcripts. The underlying inhibition cascade involves RNA cargo delivery into monocytes that triggers RIG-I, which leads to HUR1 binding to an AU-rich domain of the CXCL10 3'UTR. These data indicate that when the parasite can no longer keep CXCL10 at low levels, it can exploit the chemokine as a cue to shift tactics and escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifat Ofir-Birin
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hila Ben Ami Pilo
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Abel Cruz Camacho
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ariel Rudik
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Anna Rivkin
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Or-Yam Revach
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Netta Nir
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tal Block Tamin
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Paula Abou Karam
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Edo Kiper
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoav Peleg
- Structural Proteomics Unit, Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities (LSCF), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Reinat Nevo
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aryeh Solomon
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tal Havkin-Solomon
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ron Rotkopf
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dror Avni
- The Institute of Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases and the Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Research, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eli Schwartz
- The Institute of Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases and the Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Research, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Thomas Zillinger
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gunther Hartmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Neils Ben Quashie
- Epidemiology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- Centre for Tropical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rivka Dikstein
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Motti Gerlic
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, Diadema, Brazil
| | - Carmit Levy
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Esther N M Nolte-'t Hoen
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew G Bowie
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Neta Regev-Rudzki
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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17
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Exploiting HIV-1 tropism to target CD4 + T cells for CRISPR. Immunol Cell Biol 2021; 99:677-679. [PMID: 34231252 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Post-transcriptional control of T-cell cytokine production: Implications for cancer therapy. Immunology 2021; 164:57-72. [PMID: 33884612 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of the adaptive immune system, T cells are vital for the eradication of infected and malignantly transformed cells. To perform their protective function, T cells produce effector molecules that are either directly cytotoxic, such as granzymes, perforin, interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor α, or attract and stimulate (immune) cells, such as interleukin-2. As these molecules can also induce immunopathology, tight control of their production is required. Indeed, inflammatory cytokine production is regulated on multiple levels. Firstly, locus accessibility and transcription factor availability and activity determine the amount of mRNA produced. Secondly, post-transcriptional mechanisms, influencing mRNA splicing/codon usage, stability, decay, localization and translation rate subsequently determine the amount of protein that is produced. In the immune suppressive environments of tumours, T cells gradually lose the capacity to produce effector molecules, resulting in tumour immune escape. Recently, the role of post-transcriptional regulation in fine-tuning T-cell effector function has become more appreciated. Furthermore, several groups have shown that exhausted or dysfunctional T cells from cancer patients or murine models possess mRNA for inflammatory mediators, but fail to produce effector molecules, hinting that post-transcriptional events also play a role in hampering tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte effector function. Here, the post-transcriptional regulatory events governing T-cell cytokine production are reviewed, with a specific focus on the importance of post-transcriptional regulation in anti-tumour responses. Furthermore, potential approaches to circumvent tumour-mediated dampening of T-cell effector function through the (dis)engagement of post-transcriptional events are explored, such as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing or chimeric antigen receptors.
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Using CRISPR to enhance T cell effector function for therapeutic applications. Cytokine X 2021; 3:100049. [PMID: 33604565 PMCID: PMC7885876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytox.2020.100049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells are critical to fight pathogenic microbes and combat malignantly transformed cells in the fight against cancer. To exert their effector function, T cells produce effector molecules, such as the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2. Tumors possess many inhibitory mechanisms that dampen T cell effector function, limiting the secretion of cytotoxic molecules. As a result, the control and elimination of tumors is impaired. Through recent advances in genomic editing, T cells can now be successfully modified via CRISPR/Cas9 technology. For instance, engaging (post-)transcriptional mechanisms to enhance T cell cytokine production, the retargeting of T cell antigen specificity or rendering T cells refractive to inhibitory receptor signaling can augment T cell effector function. Therefore, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing might provide novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Recently, the first-in-patient clinical trial was successfully performed with CRISPR/Cas9-modified human T cell therapy. In this review, a brief overview of currently available techniques is provided, and recent advances in T cell genomic engineering for the enhancement of T cell effector function for therapeutic purposes are discussed.
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Key Words
- AP-1, activator protein 1
- ARE, AU-rich element
- ARE-Del, deletion of the 3′UTR AREs from the Ifng/IFNG gene
- CAR T cells
- CAR, Chimeric Antigen Receptor
- CRISPR
- CRISPR, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat
- CRS, cytokine release syndrome
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4
- Cas, CRISPR-associated
- Cas9
- Cytokines
- DGK, Diacylglycerol kinase
- DHX37, DEAH-box helicase 37
- EBV, Epstein Barr virus
- FOXP3, Forkhead box P3
- GATA, GATA binding protein
- Genome editing
- IFN, interferon
- IL, interleukin
- LAG-3, Lymphocyte Activating 3
- NF-κB, nuclear factor of activated B cells
- PD-1, Programmed cell Death 1
- PD-L1, Programmed Death Ligand 1
- PTPN2, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non-Receptor 2
- Pdia3, Protein Disulfide Isomerase Family A Member 3
- RBP, RNA-binding protein
- RNP, ribonuclear protein
- T cell effector function
- T cells
- TCR, T cell receptor
- TGF, transforming growth factor
- TIL, Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte
- TLRs, Toll-like receptors
- TNF, tumor necrosis factor
- TRAC, TCR-α chain
- TRBC, TCR-β chain
- UTR, untranslated region
- tTCR, transgenic TCR
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Harnessing high-throughput flow cytometric protein and RNA detection to enhance TIL therapy. Cytometry A 2021; 99:766-768. [PMID: 33609079 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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21
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Freen-van Heeren JJ. Toll-like receptor-2/7-mediated T cell activation: An innate potential to augment CD8 + T cell cytokine production. Scand J Immunol 2021; 93:e13019. [PMID: 33377182 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are critical to combat pathogens and eradicate malignantly transformed cells. To exert their effector function and kill target cells, T cells produce copious amounts of effector molecules, including the pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon γ, tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 2. TCR triggering alone is sufficient to induce cytokine secretion by effector and memory CD8+ T cells. However, T cells can also be directly activated by pathogen-derived molecules, such as through the triggering of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLR-mediated pathogen sensing by T cells results in the production of only interferon γ. However, in particular when the antigen load on target cells is low, or when TCR affinity to the antigen is limited, antigen-experienced T cells can benefit from costimulatory signals. TLR stimulation can also function in a costimulatory fashion to enhance TCR triggering. Combined TCR and TLR triggering enhances the proliferation, memory formation and effector function of T cells, resulting in enhanced production of interferon γ, tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 2. Therefore, TLR ligands or the exploitation of TLR signalling could provide novel opportunities for immunotherapy approaches. In fact, CD19 CAR T cells bearing an intracellular TLR2 costimulatory domain were recently employed to treat cancer patients in a clinical trial. Here, the current knowledge regarding TLR2/7 stimulation-induced cytokine production by T cells is reviewed. Specifically, the transcriptional and post-transcriptional pathways engaged upon TLR2/7 sensing and TLR2/7 signalling are discussed. Finally, the potential uses of TLRs to enhance the anti-tumor effector function of T cells are explored.
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