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Mariuzza RA, Shahid S, Karade SS. The immune checkpoint receptor LAG3: Structure, function, and target for cancer immunotherapy. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107241. [PMID: 38556085 PMCID: PMC11061240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107241] [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] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG3) is an immune checkpoint receptor that is highly upregulated on exhausted T cells in the tumor microenvironment. LAG3 transmits inhibitory signals to T cells upon binding to MHC class II and other ligands, rendering T cells dysfunctional. Consequently, LAG3 is a major target for cancer immunotherapy with many anti-LAG3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block LAG3 inhibitory activity in clinical trials. In this review, we examine the molecular basis for LAG3 function in light of recently determined crystal and cryoEM structures of this inhibitory receptor. We review what is known about LAG3 interactions with MHC class II, its canonical ligand, and the newly discovered ligands FGL1 and the T cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 complex, including current controversies over the relative importance of these ligands. We then address the development and mechanisms of action of anti-LAG3 mAbs in clinical trials for cancer immunotherapy. We discuss new strategies to therapeutically target LAG3 using mAbs that not only block the LAG3-MHC class II interaction, but also LAG3 interactions with FGL1 or TCR-CD3, or that disrupt LAG3 dimerization. Finally, we assess the possibility of developing mAbs that enhance, rather than block, LAG3 inhibitory activity as treatments for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A Mariuzza
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.
| | - Salman Shahid
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Sharanbasappa S Karade
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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2
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Guo W, Peng D, Liao Y, Lou L, Guo M, Li C, Yu W, Tian X, Wang G, Lv P, Zuo J, Shen H, Li Y. Upregulation of HLA-II related to LAG-3 +CD4 + T cell infiltration is associated with patient outcome in human glioblastoma. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1388-1404. [PMID: 38480275 PMCID: PMC11093187 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16128] [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: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant diffuse glioma of the brain. Although immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as programmed cell death protein (PD)-1/PD ligand-1 inhibitors, has revolutionized the treatment of several cancers, the clinical benefit in GBM patients has been limited. Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) binding to human leukocyte antigen-II (HLA-II) plays an essential role in triggering CD4+ T cell exhaustion and could interfere with the efficiency of anti-PD-1 treatment; however, the value of LAG-3-HLA-II interactions in ICI immunotherapy for GBM patients has not yet been analyzed. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression and regulation of HLA-II in human GBM samples and the correlation with LAG-3+CD4+ T cell infiltration. Human leukocyte antigen-II was highly expressed in GBM and correlated with increased LAG-3+CD4+ T cell infiltration in the stroma. Additionally, HLA-IIHighLAG-3High was associated with worse patient survival. Increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression was observed in GBM, which was correlated with high levels of HLA-II and LAG-3+ T cell infiltration in stroma. HLA-IIHighIL-10High GBM associated with LAG-3+ T cells infiltration synergistically showed shorter overall survival in patients. Combined anti-LAG-3 and anti-IL-10 treatment inhibited tumor growth in a mouse brain GL261 tumor model. In vitro, CD68+ macrophages upregulated HLA-II expression in GBM cells through tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Blocking TNF-α-dependent inflammation inhibited tumor growth in a mouse GBM model. In summary, T cell-tumor cell interactions, such as LAG-3-HLA-II, could confer an immunosuppressive environment in human GBM, leading to poor prognosis in patients. Therefore, targeting the LAG-3-HLA-II interaction could be beneficial in ICI immunotherapy to improve the clinical outcome of GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Guo
- Department of PathologyThe Second Hospital, Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
- Laboratory of PathologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Daijun Peng
- Department of PathologyThe Second Hospital, Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yuee Liao
- Department of PathologyThe Second Hospital, Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Lei Lou
- Department of PathologyThe Second Hospital, Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Moran Guo
- Department of NeurologySecond Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Chen Li
- Department of NeurosurgerySecond Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Wangyang Yu
- Department of NeurosurgerySecond Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Xiaoxi Tian
- Department of PathologyThe Second Hospital, Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Guohui Wang
- Department of PathologyThe Second Hospital, Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Ping Lv
- Department of PharmacologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Jing Zuo
- Department of OncologyThe Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
| | - Haitao Shen
- Laboratory of PathologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center of Tumor Microecological Metabolism RegulationHebei UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Yuehong Li
- Department of PathologyThe Second Hospital, Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
- Laboratory of PathologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
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3
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Qian Y, Sun Y, Shi P, Zhou X, Zhang Q, Dong Q, Jin S, Qiu L, Niu X, Zhou X, Zhao W, Wu Y, Zhai W, Gao Y. Development of LAG-3/FGL1 blocking peptide and combination with radiotherapy for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1150-1165. [PMID: 38486998 PMCID: PMC10935467 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.011] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Aside from antibodies, peptides show great potential as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) due to several advantages, such as better tumor penetration and lower cost. Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) is an immune checkpoint which can induce T cell dysfunction through interaction with its soluble ligand fibrinogen like protein-1 (FGL1). Here, we found that LAG-3 expression was higher than programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) in multiple human cancers by TCGA databases, and successfully identified a LAG-3 binding peptide LFP-6 by phage display bio-panning, which specifically blocks the interaction of LAG-3/FGL1 but not LAG-3/MHC-II. Subsequently, d-amino acids were introduced to substitute the N- and C-terminus of LFP-6 to obtain the proteolysis-resistant peptide LFP-D1, which restores T cell function in vitro and inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Further, a bispecific peptide LFOP targeting both PD-1/PD-L1 and LAG-3/FGL1 was designed by conjugating LFP-D1 with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking peptide OPBP-1(8-12), which activates T cell with enhanced proliferation and IFN-γ production. More importantly, LFOP combined with radiotherapy significantly improve the T cell infiltration in tumor and elevate systemic antitumor immune response. In conclusion, we developed a novel peptide blocking LAG-3/FGL1 which can restore T cell function, and the bispecific peptide synergizes with radiotherapy to further enhance the antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Qian
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yixuan Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Peishang Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Qiongqiong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingyu Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Shengzhe Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lu Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Niu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
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Peng J, Du Z, Sun Y, Zhou Z. A combined analysis of multi-omics data reveals the prognostic values and immunotherapy response of LAG3 in human cancers. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:604. [PMID: 38115039 PMCID: PMC10729452 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01583-9] [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] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3) is a highly anticipated immune checkpoint in the context of cancer, exerting regulatory control over immune cell proliferation and function to reinforce the advancement of cancers. However, the comprehensive functional analysis of LAG3 across various cancer types remains undisclosed; thus, this study aims to investigate the pan-cancer expression profile of LAG3. We have investigated the expression profile, prognostic significance, and genetic alterations of LAG3 in various cancers while elucidating its characteristic in immune response regulation. Our findings demonstrated that elevated LAG3 expression is significantly associated with favorable prognosis in patients with cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), and it may be a potential biomarker for SKCM. Furthermore, multiple immune algorithms have highlighted the important regulatory role of LAG3 for the tumor-infiltrating immune cells including CD8 + T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. We also examined the distribution of LAG3 at the single-cell level and explored its functional significance. A comprehensive and systematic analysis of LAG3 would facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of LAG3 in cancer biology and provide valuable insights for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwu Peng
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Changde Hospital, Changde, 415000, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhihao Du
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yuwei Sun
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiyang Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Mishra AK, Shahid S, Karade SS, Agnihotri P, Kolesnikov A, Hasan SS, Mariuzza RA. CryoEM structure of a therapeutic antibody (favezelimab) bound to human LAG3 determined using a bivalent Fab as fiducial marker. Structure 2023; 31:1149-1157.e3. [PMID: 37619561 PMCID: PMC11197462 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.07.013] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG3) is an inhibitory receptor that is upregulated on exhausted T cells in tumors. LAG3 is a major target for cancer immunotherapy with many anti-LAG3 antibodies in clinical trials. However, there is no structural information on the epitopes recognized by these antibodies. We determined the single-particle cryoEM structure of a therapeutic antibody (favezelimab) bound to LAG3 to 3.5 Å resolution, revealing that favezelimab targets the LAG3-binding site for MHC class II, its canonical ligand. The small size of the complex between the conventional (monovalent) Fab of favezelimab and LAG3 (∼100 kDa) presented a challenge for cryoEM. Accordingly, we engineered a bivalent version of Fab favezelimab that doubled the size of the Fab-LAG3 complex and conferred a highly identifiable shape to the complex that facilitated particle selection and orientation for image processing. This study establishes bivalent Fabs as new fiducial markers for cryoEM analysis of small proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun K Mishra
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Salman Shahid
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Sharanbasappa S Karade
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Pragati Agnihotri
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Alexander Kolesnikov
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - S Saif Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Roy A Mariuzza
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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Aigner-Radakovics K, De Sousa Linhares A, Salzer B, Lehner M, Izadi S, Castilho A, Pickl WF, Leitner J, Steinberger P. The ligand-dependent suppression of TCR signaling by the immune checkpoint receptor LAG3 depends on the cytoplasmic RRFSALE motif. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadg2610. [PMID: 37788323 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg2610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3) is an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor that restrains autoimmune and antitumor responses, but its evolutionarily conserved cytoplasmic tail lacks classical inhibitory motifs. Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC class II) is an established LAG3 ligand, and fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1), lymph node sinusoidal endothelial cell C-type lectin (LSECtin), and Galectin-3 have been proposed as alternative binding partners that play important roles in LAG3 function. Here, we used a fluorescent human T cell reporter system to study the function of LAG3. We found that LAG3 reduced the response to T cell receptor stimulation in the presence of MHC class II molecules to a lesser extent compared with the receptor programmed cell death protein 1. Analysis of deletion mutants demonstrated that the RRFSALE motif in the cytoplasmic tail of LAG3 was necessary and sufficient for LAG3-mediated inhibition. In this system, FGL1, but not LSECtin or Galectin-3, acted as a LAG3 ligand that weakly induced inhibition. LAG3-blocking antibodies attenuated LAG3-mediated inhibition in our reporter cells and enhanced reporter cell activation even in the absence of LAG3 ligands, indicating that they could potentially enhance T cell responses independently of their blocking effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Aigner-Radakovics
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annika De Sousa Linhares
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Salzer
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Lehner
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shiva Izadi
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology (IPBT), Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology (DAGZ), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Castilho
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology (IPBT), Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology (DAGZ), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F Pickl
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner University, Krems, Austria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
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Cerella C, Dicato M, Diederich M. Enhancing personalized immune checkpoint therapy by immune archetyping and pharmacological targeting. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106914. [PMID: 37714393 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an expanding class of immunotherapeutic agents with the potential to cure cancer. Despite the outstanding clinical response in patient subsets, most individuals become refractory or develop resistance. Patient stratification and personalized immunotherapies are limited by the absence of predictive response markers. Recent findings show that dominant patterns of immune cell composition, T-cell status and heterogeneity, and spatiotemporal distribution of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are becoming essential determinants of prognosis and therapeutic response. In this context, ICIs also function as investigational tools and proof of concept, allowing the validation of the identified mechanisms. After reviewing the current state of ICIs, this article will explore new comprehensive predictive markers for ICIs based on recent discoveries. We will discuss the recent establishment of a classification of TMEs into immune archetypes as a tool for personalized immune profiling, allowing patient stratification before ICI treatment. We will discuss the developing comprehension of T-cell diversity and its role in shaping the immune profile of patients. We describe the potential of strategies that score the mutual spatiotemporal modulation between T-cells and other cellular components of the TME. Additionally, we will provide an overview of a range of synthetic and naturally occurring or derived small molecules. We will compare compounds that were recently identified by in silico prediction to wet lab-validated drug candidates with the potential to function as ICIs and/or modulators of the cellular components of the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cerella
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Cancer (LBMCC), Fondation Recherche sur le Cancer et les Maladies du Sang, Pavillon 2, 6A rue Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Mario Dicato
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Cancer (LBMCC), Fondation Recherche sur le Cancer et les Maladies du Sang, Pavillon 2, 6A rue Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Marc Diederich
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea.
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Zhou X, Gu Y, Wang H, Zhou W, Zou L, Li S, Hua C, Gao S. From bench to bedside: targeting lymphocyte activation gene 3 as a therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases. Inflamm Res 2023:10.1007/s00011-023-01742-y. [PMID: 37314518 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01742-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoints negatively regulate immune response, thereby playing an important role in maintaining immune homeostasis. Substantial studies have confirmed that blockade or deficiency of immune checkpoint pathways contributes to the deterioration of autoimmune diseases. In this context, focusing on immune checkpoints might provide alternative strategies for the treatment of autoimmunity. Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), as a member of immune checkpoint, is critical in regulating immune responses as manifested in multiple preclinical studies and clinical trials. Recent success of dual-blockade of LAG3 and programmed death-1 in melanoma also supports the notion that LAG3 is a crucial regulator in immune tolerance. METHODS We wrote this review article by searching the PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. CONCLUSION In this review, we summarize the molecular structure and the action mechanisms of LAG3. Additionally, we highlight its roles in diverse autoimmune diseases and discuss how the manipulation of the LAG3 pathway can serve as a promising therapeutic strategy as well as its specific mechanism with the aim of filling the gaps from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyin Zhou
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yiming Gu
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huihong Wang
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lei Zou
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shuting Li
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Hua
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Sheng Gao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
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Agnihotri P, Mishra AK, Agarwal P, Vignali KM, Workman CJ, Vignali DAA, Mariuzza RA. Epitope Mapping of Therapeutic Antibodies Targeting Human LAG3. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1586-1594. [PMID: 36104110 PMCID: PMC9696730 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG3; CD223) is an inhibitory receptor that is highly upregulated on exhausted T cells in tumors and chronic viral infection. Consequently, LAG3 is now a major immunotherapeutic target for the treatment of cancer, and many mAbs against human (h) LAG3 (hLAG3) have been generated to block its inhibitory activity. However, little or no information is available on the epitopes they recognize. We selected a panel of seven therapeutic mAbs from the patent literature for detailed characterization. These mAbs were expressed as Fab or single-chain variable fragments and shown to bind hLAG3 with nanomolar affinities, as measured by biolayer interferometry. Using competitive binding assays, we found that the seven mAbs recognize four distinct epitopes on hLAG3. To localize the epitopes, we carried out epitope mapping using chimeras between hLAG3 and mouse LAG3. All seven mAbs are directed against the first Ig-like domain (D1) of hLAG3, despite their different origins. Three mAbs almost exclusively target a unique 30-residue loop of D1 that forms at least part of the putative binding site for MHC class II, whereas four mainly recognize D1 determinants outside this loop. However, because all the mAbs block binding of hLAG3 to MHC class II, each of the epitopes they recognize must at least partially overlap the MHC class II binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragati Agnihotri
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Arjun K Mishra
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Priyanka Agarwal
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA; and
| | - Kate M Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA; and
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA; and
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA; and
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Roy A Mariuzza
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD;
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
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10
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LAG3 ectodomain structure reveals functional interfaces for ligand and antibody recognition. Nat Immunol 2022; 23:1031-1041. [PMID: 35761082 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01238-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The immune checkpoint receptor lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG3) inhibits T cell function upon binding to major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC class II) or fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1). Despite the emergence of LAG3 as a target for next-generation immunotherapies, we have little information describing the molecular structure of the LAG3 protein or how it engages cellular ligands. Here we determined the structures of human and murine LAG3 ectodomains, revealing a dimeric assembly mediated by Ig domain 2. Epitope mapping indicates that a potent LAG3 antagonist antibody blocks interactions with MHC class II and FGL1 by binding to a flexible 'loop 2' region in LAG3 domain 1. We also defined the LAG3-FGL1 interface by mapping mutations onto structures of LAG3 and FGL1 and established that FGL1 cross-linking induces the formation of higher-order LAG3 oligomers. These insights can guide LAG3-based drug development and implicate ligand-mediated LAG3 clustering as a mechanism for disrupting T cell activation.
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11
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Shi AP, Tang XY, Xiong YL, Zheng KF, Liu YJ, Shi XG, Lv Y, Jiang T, Ma N, Zhao JB. Immune Checkpoint LAG3 and Its Ligand FGL1 in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 12:785091. [PMID: 35111155 PMCID: PMC8801495 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.785091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
LAG3 is the most promising immune checkpoint next to PD-1 and CTLA-4. High LAG3 and FGL1 expression boosts tumor growth by inhibiting the immune microenvironment. This review comprises four sections presenting the structure/expression, interaction, biological effects, and clinical application of LAG3/FGL1. D1 and D2 of LAG3 and FD of FGL1 are the LAG3-FGL1 interaction domains. LAG3 accumulates on the surface of lymphocytes in various tumors, but is also found in the cytoplasm in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. FGL1 is found in the cytoplasm in NSCLC cells and on the surface of breast cancer cells. The LAG3-FGL1 interaction mechanism remains unclear, and the intracellular signals require elucidation. LAG3/FGL1 activity is associated with immune cell infiltration, proliferation, and secretion. Cytokine production is enhanced when LAG3/FGL1 are co-expressed with PD-1. IMP321 and relatlimab are promising monoclonal antibodies targeting LAG3 in melanoma. The clinical use of anti-FGL1 antibodies has not been reported. Finally, high FGL1 and LAG3 expression induces EGFR-TKI and gefitinib resistance, and anti-PD-1 therapy resistance, respectively. We present a comprehensive overview of the role of LAG3/FGL1 in cancer, suggesting novel anti-tumor therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Ping Shi
- Department of Radiology & Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University (Air Force Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - Xi-Yang Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan-Lu Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai-Fu Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Jian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xian-Gui Shi
- College of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yao Lv
- College of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin-Bo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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12
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Burnell SEA, Capitani L, MacLachlan BJ, Mason GH, Gallimore AM, Godkin A. Seven mysteries of LAG-3: a multi-faceted immune receptor of increasing complexity. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2021; 2:ltab025. [PMID: 35265944 PMCID: PMC8895726 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite three decades of research to its name and increasing interest in immunotherapies that target it, LAG-3 remains an elusive co-inhibitory receptor in comparison to the well-established PD-1 and CTLA-4. As such, LAG-3 targeting therapies have yet to achieve the clinical success of therapies targeting other checkpoints. This could, in part, be attributed to the many unanswered questions that remain regarding LAG-3 biology. Of these, we address: (i) the function of the many LAG-3-ligand interactions, (ii) the hurdles that remain to acquire a high-resolution structure of LAG-3, (iii) the under-studied LAG-3 signal transduction mechanism, (iv) the elusive soluble form of LAG-3, (v) the implications of the lack of (significant) phenotype of LAG-3 knockout mice, (vi) the reports of LAG-3 expression on the epithelium, and (vii) the conflicting reports of LAG-3 expression (and potential contributions to pathology) in the brain. These mysteries which surround LAG-3 highlight how the ever-evolving study of its biology continues to reveal ever-increasing complexity in its role as an immune receptor. Importantly, answering the questions which shroud LAG-3 in mystery will allow the maximum therapeutic benefit of LAG-3 targeting immunotherapies in cancer, autoimmunity and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E A Burnell
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lorenzo Capitani
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Bruce J MacLachlan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Georgina H Mason
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Awen M Gallimore
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Godkin
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
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13
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Graydon CG, Mohideen S, Fowke KR. LAG3's Enigmatic Mechanism of Action. Front Immunol 2021; 11:615317. [PMID: 33488626 PMCID: PMC7820757 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.615317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
LAG3 is an important immune checkpoint with relevance in cancer, infectious disease and autoimmunity. However, despite LAG3's role in immune exhaustion and the great potential of LAG3 inhibition as treatment, much remains unknown about its biology, particularly its mechanism of action. This review describes the knowns, unknowns and controversies surrounding LAG3. This includes examination of how LAG3 is regulated transcriptionally and post-translationally by endocytosis and proteolytic cleavage. We also discuss the interactions of LAG3 with its ligands and the purpose thereof. Finally, we review LAG3's mechanism of action, including the roles of LAG3 intracellular motifs and the lack of a role for CD4 competition. Overall, understanding the biology of LAG3 can provide greater insight on LAG3 function, which may broaden the appreciation for LAG3's role in disease and potentially aid in the development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin G. Graydon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Shifa Mohideen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Keith R. Fowke
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada,Department of Medical Micobiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada,Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya,*Correspondence: Keith R. Fowke,
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