1
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Sun H, Zhang Y, Wang G, Yang W, Xu Y. mRNA-Based Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020622. [PMID: 36839944 PMCID: PMC9964383 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, significant technological innovations have led to messenger RNA (mRNA) becoming a promising option for developing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, protein replacement therapies, and genome engineering. The success of the two COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has sparked new enthusiasm for other medical applications, particularly in cancer treatment. In vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNAs are structurally designed to resemble naturally occurring mature mRNA. Delivery of IVT mRNA via delivery platforms such as lipid nanoparticles allows host cells to produce many copies of encoded proteins, which can serve as antigens to stimulate immune responses or as additional beneficial proteins for supplements. mRNA-based cancer therapeutics include mRNA cancer vaccines, mRNA encoding cytokines, chimeric antigen receptors, tumor suppressors, and other combination therapies. To better understand the current development and research status of mRNA therapies for cancer treatment, this review focused on the molecular design, delivery systems, and clinical indications of mRNA therapies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ge Wang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Correspondence:
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2
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Tundo GR, Sbardella D, Oddone F, Kudriaeva AA, Lacal PM, Belogurov AA, Graziani G, Marini S. At the Cutting Edge against Cancer: A Perspective on Immunoproteasome and Immune Checkpoints Modulation as a Potential Therapeutic Intervention. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4852. [PMID: 34638337 PMCID: PMC8507813 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoproteasome is a noncanonical form of proteasome with enzymological properties optimized for the generation of antigenic peptides presented in complex with class I MHC molecules. This enzymatic property makes the modulation of its activity a promising area of research. Nevertheless, immunotherapy has emerged as a front-line treatment of advanced/metastatic tumors providing outstanding improvement of life expectancy, even though not all patients achieve a long-lasting clinical benefit. To enhance the efficacy of the currently available immunotherapies and enable the development of new strategies, a broader knowledge of the dynamics of antigen repertoire processing by cancer cells is needed. Therefore, a better understanding of the role of immunoproteasome in antigen processing and of the therapeutic implication of its modulation is mandatory. Studies on the potential crosstalk between proteasome modulators and immune checkpoint inhibitors could provide novel perspectives and an unexplored treatment option for a variety of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna A. Kudriaeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.K.)
| | - Pedro M. Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, 00167 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alexey A. Belogurov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.K.)
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, 00167 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Marini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
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3
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Barbosa AM, Gomes-Gonçalves A, Castro AG, Torrado E. Immune System Efficiency in Cancer and the Microbiota Influence. Pathobiology 2021; 88:170-186. [PMID: 33588418 DOI: 10.1159/000512326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a critical role in preventing cancer development and progression. However, the complex network of cells and soluble factor that form the tumor microenvironment (TME) can dictate the differentiation of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes and shift the antitumor immune response into promoting tumor growth. With the advent of cancer immunotherapy, there has been a reinvigorated interest in defining how the TME shapes the antitumor immune response. This interest brought to light the microbiome as a novel player in shaping cancer immunosurveillance. Indeed, accumulating evidence now suggests that the microbiome may confer susceptibility or resistance to certain cancers and may influence response to therapeutics, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors. As we move forward into the age of precision medicine, it is vital that we define the factors that influence the interplay between the triad immune system-microbiota-cancer. This knowledge will contribute to improve the therapeutic response to current approaches and will unravel novel targets for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Barbosa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Gomes-Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António G Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Egídio Torrado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal, .,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal,
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4
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Esprit A, de Mey W, Bahadur Shahi R, Thielemans K, Franceschini L, Breckpot K. Neo-Antigen mRNA Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E776. [PMID: 33353155 PMCID: PMC7766040 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in therapeutic cancer vaccines has caught enormous attention in recent years due to several breakthroughs in cancer research, among which the finding that successful checkpoint blockade treatments reinvigorate neo-antigen-specific T cells and that successful adoptive cell therapies are directed towards neo-antigens. Neo-antigens are cancer-specific antigens, which develop from somatic mutations in the cancer cell genome that can be highly immunogenic and are not subjected to central tolerance. As the majority of neo-antigens are unique to each patient's cancer, a vaccine technology that is flexible and potent is required to develop personalized neo-antigen vaccines. In vitro transcribed mRNA is such a technology platform and has been evaluated for delivery of neo-antigens to professional antigen-presenting cells both ex vivo and in vivo. In addition, strategies that support the activity of T cells in the tumor microenvironment have been developed. These represent a unique opportunity to ensure durable T cell activity upon vaccination. Here, we comprehensively review recent progress in mRNA-based neo-antigen vaccines, summarizing critical milestones that made it possible to bring the promise of therapeutic cancer vaccines within reach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.E.); (W.d.M.); (R.B.S.); (K.T.); (L.F.)
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5
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Rus Bakarurraini NAA, Ab Mutalib NS, Jamal R, Abu N. The Landscape of Tumor-Specific Antigens in Colorectal Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E371. [PMID: 32664247 PMCID: PMC7565947 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last few decades, major efforts in cancer research and treatment have intensified. Apart from standard chemotherapy approaches, immunotherapy has gained substantial traction. Personalized immunotherapy has become an important tool for cancer therapy with the discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Traditionally, tumor-associated antigens are used in immunotherapy-based treatments. Nevertheless, these antigens lack specificity and may have increased toxicity. With the advent of next-generation technologies, the identification of new tumor-specific antigens is becoming more important. In colorectal cancer, several tumor-specific antigens were identified and functionally validated. Multiple clinical trials from vaccine-based and adoptive cell therapy utilizing tumor-specific antigens have commenced. Herein, we will summarize the current landscape of tumor-specific antigens particularly in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rahman Jamal
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (N.A.A.R.B.); (N.S.A.M.)
| | - Nadiah Abu
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (N.A.A.R.B.); (N.S.A.M.)
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6
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Uncovering the Tumor Antigen Landscape: What to Know about the Discovery Process. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061660. [PMID: 32585818 PMCID: PMC7352969 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the latest available data, cancer is the second leading cause of death, highlighting the need for novel cancer therapeutic approaches. In this context, immunotherapy is emerging as a reliable first-line treatment for many cancers, particularly metastatic melanoma. Indeed, cancer immunotherapy has attracted great interest following the recent clinical approval of antibodies targeting immune checkpoint molecules, such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, that release the brakes of the immune system, thus reviving a field otherwise poorly explored. Cancer immunotherapy mainly relies on the generation and stimulation of cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes (CTLs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME), priming T cells and establishing efficient and durable anti-tumor immunity. Therefore, there is a clear need to define and identify immunogenic T cell epitopes to use in therapeutic cancer vaccines. Naturally presented antigens in the human leucocyte antigen-1 (HLA-I) complex on the tumor surface are the main protagonists in evocating a specific anti-tumor CD8+ T cell response. However, the methodologies for their identification have been a major bottleneck for their reliable characterization. Consequently, the field of antigen discovery has yet to improve. The current review is intended to define what are today known as tumor antigens, with a main focus on CTL antigenic peptides. We also review the techniques developed and employed to date for antigen discovery, exploring both the direct elution of HLA-I peptides and the in silico prediction of epitopes. Finally, the last part of the review analyses the future challenges and direction of the antigen discovery field.
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7
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Teck AT, Urban S, Quass P, Nelde A, Schuster H, Letsch A, Busse A, Walz JS, Keilholz U, Ochsenreither S. Cancer testis antigen Cyclin A1 harbors several HLA-A*02:01-restricted T cell epitopes, which are presented and recognized in vivo. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:1217-1227. [PMID: 32157447 PMCID: PMC8222032 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02519-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin A1 is a promising antigen for T cell therapy being selectively expressed in high-grade ovarian cancer (OC) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stem cells. For adoptive T cell therapy, a single epitope has to be selected, with high affinity to MHC class I and adequate processing and presentation by malignant cells to trigger full activation of specific T cells. In silico prediction with three algorithms indicated 13 peptides of Cyclin A1 9 to 11 amino acids of length to have high affinity to HLA-A*02:01. Ten of them proved to be affine in an HLA stabilization assay using TAP-deficient T2 cells. Their immunogenicity was assessed by repetitive stimulation of CD8+ T cells from two healthy donors with single-peptide-pulsed dendritic cells or monocytes. Intracellular cytokine staining quantified the enrichment of peptide-specific functional T cells. Seven peptides were immunogenic, three of them against both donors. Specific cell lines were cloned and used in killing assays to demonstrate recognition of endogenous Cyclin A1 in the HLA-A*02:01-positive AML cell line THP-1. Immunopeptidome analysis based on direct isolation of HLA-presented peptides by mass spectrometry of primary AML and OC samples identified four naturally presented epitopes of Cyclin A1. The immunopeptidome of HeLa cells transfected with Cyclin A1 and HLA-A*02:01 revealed six Cyclin A1-derived HLA ligands. Epitope p410–420 showed high affinity to HLA-A*02:01 and immunogenicity in both donors. It proved to be naturally presented on primary AML blast and provoked spontaneous functional response of T cells from treatment naïve OC and, therefore, warrants further development for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Tatjana Teck
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Urban
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Quass
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annika Nelde
- Department of Immunology, Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heiko Schuster
- Department of Immunology, Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Immatics Biotechnologies GmbH, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anne Letsch
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antonia Busse
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Juliane Sarah Walz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Keilholz
- Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ochsenreither
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Charité Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany. .,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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8
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The immunoproteasome and thymoproteasome: functions, evolution and human disease. Nat Immunol 2018; 19:923-931. [PMID: 30104634 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-018-0186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The basic principle of adaptive immunity is to strictly discriminate between self and non-self, and a central challenge to overcome is the enormous variety of pathogens that might be encountered. In cell-mediated immunity, immunological discernment takes place at a molecular or cellular level. Central to both mechanisms of discernment is the generation of antigenic peptides associated with MHC class I molecules, which is achieved by a proteolytic complex called the proteasome. To adequately accomplish the discrimination between self and non-self that is essential for adaptive immunity and self-tolerance, two proteasome subtypes have evolved via gene duplication: the immunoproteasome and the thymoproteasome. In this Review, we describe various aspects of these immunity-dedicated proteasomes, from their discovery to recent findings.
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9
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Vigneron N, Ferrari V, Stroobant V, Abi Habib J, Van den Eynde BJ. Peptide splicing by the proteasome. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:21170-21179. [PMID: 29109146 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r117.807560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The proteasome is the major protease responsible for the production of antigenic peptides recognized by CD8+ cytolytic T cells (CTL). These peptides, generally 8-10 amino acids long, are presented at the cell surface by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Originally, these peptides were believed to be solely derived from linear fragments of proteins, but this concept was challenged several years ago by the isolation of anti-tumor CTL that recognized spliced peptides, i.e. peptides composed of fragments distant in the parental protein. The splicing process was shown to occur in the proteasome through a transpeptidation reaction involving an acyl-enzyme intermediate. Here, we review the steps that led to the discovery of spliced peptides as well as the recent advances that uncover the unexpected importance of spliced peptides in the composition of the MHC class I repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Vigneron
- From the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.,the de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, and
| | - Violette Ferrari
- From the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.,the de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, and
| | - Vincent Stroobant
- From the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.,the de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, and
| | - Joanna Abi Habib
- From the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.,the de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, and
| | - Benoit J Van den Eynde
- From the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, .,the de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, and.,WELBIO (Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
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10
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Vigneron N, Abi Habib J, Van den Eynde BJ. Learning from the Proteasome How To Fine-Tune Cancer Immunotherapy. Trends Cancer 2017; 3:726-741. [PMID: 28958390 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has recently emerged as a forefront strategy to fight cancer. Key players in antitumor responses are CD8+ cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that can detect tumor cells that carry antigens, in other words, small peptides bound to surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. The success and safety of cancer immunotherapy strategies depends on the nature of the antigens recognized by the targeted T cells, their strict tumor specificity, and whether tumors and antigen-presenting cells can efficiently process the peptide. We review here the nature of the tumor antigens and their potential for the development of immunotherapeutic strategies. We also discuss the importance of proteasome in the production of these peptides in the context of immunotherapy and therapeutic cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Vigneron
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium; de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Joanna Abi Habib
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium; de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoit J Van den Eynde
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium; de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; WELBIO (Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology), Brussels, Belgium
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11
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Villadangos JA. Antigen-specific impairment of adoptive T-cell therapy against cancer: players, mechanisms, solutions and a hypothesis. Immunol Rev 2017; 272:169-82. [PMID: 27319350 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) destroys tumors with infused cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Although successful in some settings, ACT is compromised due to impaired survival or functional inactivation of the CTL. To better understand the mechanisms involved, we have exploited a mouse model of leukemia expressing ovalbumin as a tumor neoantigen to address these questions: (i) Is CTL impairment during ACT antigen specific? (ii) If yes, which are the antigen-presenting cells responsible? (iii) Can this information assist the development of complementary therapies to improve ACT? Our results indicate that the target (tumor) cells, not cross-presenting cells, are the main culprits of antigen-specific CTL inactivation. We find that the affinity/avidity of the CTL-tumor cell interaction has little influence on ACT outcomes, while tumor density is a major determinant. Reduction of tumor burden with mild non-lymphoablative and non-inflammatory chemotherapy can dramatically improve the efficacy of ACT and may minimize side-effects. We propose a general mechanism for the inactivation of anti-self CTL in the same tissues where the activity of anti-foreign CTL is preserved, based on the density of target cells. This mechanism, which we tentatively call stunning, may have evolved to protect infected sites from self-destruction and is exploited by tumors to inactivate CTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Villadangos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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12
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Human Tumor Antigens and Cancer Immunotherapy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:948501. [PMID: 26161423 PMCID: PMC4487697 DOI: 10.1155/2015/948501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
With the recent developments of adoptive T cell therapies and the use of new monoclonal antibodies against the immune checkpoints, immunotherapy is at a turning point. Key players for the success of these therapies are the cytolytic T lymphocytes, which are a subset of T cells able to recognize and kill tumor cells. Here, I review the nature of the antigenic peptides recognized by these T cells and the processes involved in their presentation. I discuss the importance of understanding how each antigenic peptide is processed in the context of immunotherapy and vaccine delivery.
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13
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The capture proteasome assay: A method to measure proteasome activity in vitro. Anal Biochem 2015; 482:7-15. [PMID: 25912419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2015.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Because of its crucial role in various cellular processes, the proteasome is the focus of intensive research for the development of proteasome inhibitors to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Here, we describe a new and easy assay to measure the different proteasome activities in vitro (chymotrypsin-like, caspase-like, and trypsin-like) based on proteasome capture on antibody-coated plates, namely the capture proteasome assay (CAPA). Applying the CAPA to lysates from cells expressing standard proteasome, immunoproteasome, or intermediate proteasomes β5i or β1i-β5i, we can monitor the activity of the four proteasome subtypes. The CAPA provided similar results as the standard whole-cell proteasome-Glo assay without the problem of contaminating proteases requiring inhibitors. However, the profile of trypsin-like activity differed between the two assays. This could be partly explained by the presence of MgSO4 in the proteasome-Glo buffer, which inhibits the trypsin-like activity of the proteasome. The CAPA does not need MgSO4 and, therefore, provides a more precise measurement of the trypsin-like activity. The CAPA provides a quick and accurate method to measure proteasome activity in vitro in a very specific manner and should be useful for the development of proteasome inhibitors.
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14
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Tang B, Zhou W, Du J, He Y, Li Y. Identification of human leukemia antigen A*0201-restricted epitopes derived from epidermal growth factor pathway substrate number 8. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:1741-52. [PMID: 25936538 PMCID: PMC4463842 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell-mediated immunotherapy of hematological malignancies requires selection of targeted tumor-associated antigens and T-cell epitopes contained in these tumor proteins. Epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (EPS8), whose function is pivotal for tumor proliferation, progression and metastasis, has been found to be overexpressed in most human tumor types, while its expression in normal tissue is low. The aim of the present study was to identify human leukemia antigen (HLA)-A*0201-restricted epitopes of EPS8 by using a reverse immunology approach. To achieve this, computer algorithms were used to predict HLA-A*0201 molecular binding, proteasome cleavage patterns as well as translocation of transporters associated with antigen processing. Candidate peptides were experimentally validated by T2 binding affinity assay and brefeldin-A decay assay. The functional avidity of peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) induced from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy volunteers were evaluated by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay and a cytotoxicity assay. Four peptides, designated as P455, P92, P276 and P360, had high affinity and stability of binding towards the HLA-A*0201 molecule, and specific CTLs induced by them significantly responded to the corresponding peptides and secreted IFN-γ. At the same time, the CTLs were able to specifically lyse EPS8-expressing cell lines in an HLA-A*0201-restricted manner. The present study demon-strated that P455, P92, P276 and P360 were CTL epitopes of EPS8, and were able to be used for epitope-defined adoptive T-cell transfer and multi-epitope-based vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baishan Tang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China
| | - Weijun Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China
| | - Jingwen Du
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China
| | - Yanjie He
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China
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15
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Pritchard AL, Hastie ML, Neller M, Gorman JJ, Schmidt CW, Hayward NK. Exploration of peptides bound to MHC class I molecules in melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2015; 28:281-94. [PMID: 25645385 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Advancements in high-resolution HPLC and mass spectrometry have reinvigorated the application of this technology to identify peptides eluted from immunopurified MHC class I molecules. Three melanoma cell lines were assessed using w6/32 isolation, peptide elution and HPLC purification; peptides were identified by mass spectrometry. A total of 13,829 peptides were identified; 83-87% of these were 8-11 mers. Only approximately 15% have been described before. Subcellular locations of the source proteins showed even sampling; mRNA expression and total protein length were predictive of the number of peptides detected from a single protein. HLA-type binding prediction for 10,078 9/10 mer peptides assigned 88-95% to a patient-specific HLA subtype, revealing a disparity in strength of predicted binding. HLA-B*27-specific isolation successfully identified some peptides not found using w6/32. Sixty peptides were selected for immune screening, based on source protein and predicted HLA binding; no new peptides recognized by antimelanoma T cells were discovered. Additionally, mass spectrometry was unable to identify several epitopes targeted ex vivo by one patient's T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia L Pritchard
- Oncogenomics Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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16
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Abstract
Harnessing the immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells has been the central goal of anti-cancer immunotherapy. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in optimizing this technology in order to make it a clinically feasible treatment. One of the main treatment modalities within cancer immunotherapy has been adoptive T cell therapy (ACT). Using this approach, tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells are infused into cancer patients with the goal of recognizing, targeting, and destroying tumor cells. In the current review, we revisit some of the major successes of ACT, the major hurdles that have been overcome to optimize ACT, the remaining challenges, and future approaches to make ACT widely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlo Perica
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Varela
- Institute of Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mathias Oelke
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Schneck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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17
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Proteasome subtypes and regulators in the processing of antigenic peptides presented by class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex. Biomolecules 2014; 4:994-1025. [PMID: 25412285 PMCID: PMC4279167 DOI: 10.3390/biom4040994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The proteasome is responsible for the breakdown of cellular proteins. Proteins targeted for degradation are allowed inside the proteasome particle, where they are cleaved into small peptides and released in the cytosol to be degraded into amino acids. In vertebrates, some of these peptides escape degradation in the cytosol, are loaded onto class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and displayed at the cell surface for scrutiny by the immune system. The proteasome therefore plays a key role for the immune system: it provides a continued sampling of intracellular proteins, so that CD8-positive T-lymphocytes can kill cells expressing viral or tumoral proteins. Consequently, the repertoire of peptides displayed by MHC class I molecules at the cell surface depends on proteasome activity, which may vary according to the presence of proteasome subtypes and regulators. Besides standard proteasomes, cells may contain immunoproteasomes, intermediate proteasomes and thymoproteasomes. Cells may also contain regulators of proteasome activity, such as the 19S, PA28 and PA200 regulators. Here, we review the effects of these proteasome subtypes and regulators on the production of antigenic peptides. We also discuss an unexpected function of the proteasome discovered through the study of antigenic peptides: its ability to splice peptides.
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18
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Justa-Schuch D, Möller U, Geiss-Friedlander R. The amino terminus extension in the long dipeptidyl peptidase 9 isoform contains a nuclear localization signal targeting the active peptidase to the nucleus. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:3611-26. [PMID: 24562348 PMCID: PMC11113674 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1591-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular prolyl peptidase DPP9 is implied to be involved in various cellular pathways including amino acid recycling, antigen maturation, cellular homeostasis, and viability. Interestingly, the major RNA transcript of DPP9 contains two possible translation initiation sites, which could potentially generate a longer (892 aa) and a shorter version (863 aa) of DPP9. Although the endogenous expression of the shorter DPP9 form has been previously verified, it is unknown whether the longer version is expressed, and what is its biological significance. By developing specific antibodies against the amino-terminal extension of the putative DPP9-long form, we demonstrate for the first time the endogenous expression of this longer isoform within cells. Furthermore, we show that DPP9-long represents a significant fraction of total DPP9 in cells, under steady-state conditions. Using biochemical cell fractionation assays in combination with immunofluorescence studies, we find the two isoforms localize to separate subcellular compartments. Whereas DPP9-short is present in the cytosol, DPP9-long localizes preferentially to the nucleus. This differential localization is attributed to a classical monopartite nuclear localization signal (K(K/R)X(K/R)) in the N-terminal extension of DPP9-long. Furthermore, we detect prolyl peptidase activity in nuclear fractions, which can be inhibited by specific DPP8/9 inhibitors. In conclusion, a considerable fraction of DPP9, which was previously considered as a purely cytosolic peptidase, localizes to the nucleus and is active there, raising the intriguing possibility that the longer DPP9 isoform may regulate the activity or stability of nuclear proteins, such as transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Justa-Schuch
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Möller
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ruth Geiss-Friedlander
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Humboldtallee 23, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
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19
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Andrews MC, Woods K, Cebon J, Behren A. Evolving role of tumor antigens for future melanoma therapies. Future Oncol 2014; 10:1457-68. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.14.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Human tumor rejection antigens recognized by T lymphocytes were first defined in the early 1990s and the identification of shared tumor-restricted antigens sparked hopes for the development of a therapeutic vaccination to treat cancer, including melanoma. Despite decades of intense preclinical and clinical research, the success of anticancer vaccines based on these antigens has been limited. While melanoma is a highly immunogenic tumor, the ability to prime immunity with vaccines has not generally translated into objective disease regression. However, with the development of small molecules targeting oncogenic proteins, such as V600-mutated BRAF, and immune checkpoint inhibitors with demonstrable long-lasting clinical benefit, new opportunities for antigen-targeted directed therapies are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles C Andrews
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd, Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre, Cancer Immunobiology, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Medical Oncology, Joint Ludwig–Austin Oncology Unit, Austin Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Woods
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd, Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre, Cancer Immunobiology, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan Cebon
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd, Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre, Cancer Immunobiology, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Medical Oncology, Joint Ludwig–Austin Oncology Unit, Austin Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Behren
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd, Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre, Cancer Immunobiology, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
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20
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Hsu HT, Janßen L, Lawand M, Kim J, Perez-Arroyo A, Culina S, Gdoura A, Burgevin A, Cumenal D, Fourneau Y, Moser A, Kratzer R, Wong FS, Springer S, van Endert P. Endoplasmic reticulum targeting alters regulation of expression and antigen presentation of proinsulin. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:4957-66. [PMID: 24778449 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Peptide ligands presented by MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules are produced by degradation of cytosolic and nuclear, but also endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident, proteins by the proteasome. However, Ag processing of ER proteins remains little characterized. Studying processing and presentation of proinsulin, which plays a pivotal role in autoimmune diabetes, we found that targeting to the ER has profound effects not only on how proinsulin is degraded, but also on regulation of its cellular levels. While proteasome inhibition inhibited degradation and presentation of cytosolic proinsulin, as expected, it reduced the abundance of ER-targeted proinsulin. This targeting and protein modifications modifying protein half-life also had profound effects on MHC-I presentation and proteolytic processing of proinsulin. Thus, presentation of stable luminal forms was inefficient but enhanced by proteasome inhibition, whereas that of unstable luminal forms and of a cytosolic form were more efficient and compromised by proteasome inhibitors. Distinct stability of peptide MHC complexes produced from cytosolic and luminal proinsulin suggests that different proteolytic activities process the two Ag forms. Thus, both structural features and subcellular targeting of Ags can have strong effects on the processing pathways engaged by MHC-I-restricted Ags, and on the efficiency and regulation of their presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiang-Ting Hsu
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Linda Janßen
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Molecular Life Science Center, Jacobs University Bremen, 28759 Bremen, Germany; and
| | - Myriam Lawand
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jessica Kim
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Alicia Perez-Arroyo
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Slobodan Culina
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Abdel Gdoura
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Anne Burgevin
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Delphine Cumenal
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Yousra Fourneau
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Anna Moser
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Roland Kratzer
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - F Susan Wong
- Centre for Endocrine and Diabetes Science, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Springer
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Molecular Life Science Center, Jacobs University Bremen, 28759 Bremen, Germany; and
| | - Peter van Endert
- INSERM, Unité 1151, 75015 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité 8253, 75015 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France;
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21
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Michaux A, Larrieu P, Stroobant V, Fonteneau JF, Jotereau F, Van den Eynde BJ, Moreau-Aubry A, Vigneron N. A Spliced Antigenic Peptide Comprising a Single Spliced Amino Acid Is Produced in the Proteasome by Reverse Splicing of a Longer Peptide Fragment followed by Trimming. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:1962-71. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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22
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Pilla E, Kilisch M, Lenz C, Urlaub H, Geiss-Friedlander R. The SUMO1-E67 interacting loop peptide is an allosteric inhibitor of the dipeptidyl peptidases 8 and 9. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:32787-32796. [PMID: 24072711 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.489179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular peptidases dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) 8 and DPP9 are involved in multiple cellular pathways including antigen maturation, cellular homeostasis, energy metabolism, and cell viability. Previously we showed that the small ubiquitin-like protein modifier SUMO1 interacts with an armlike structure in DPP9, leading to allosteric activation of the peptidase. Here we demonstrate that the E67-interacting loop (EIL) peptide, which corresponds to the interaction surface of SUMO1 with DPP9, acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor of DPP9. Moreover, by analyzing the sensitivity of DPP9 arm mutants to the EIL peptide, we mapped specific residues in the arm that are important for inhibition by the EIL, suggesting that the peptide acts as an allosteric inhibitor of DPP9. By modifying the EIL peptide, we constructed peptide variants with more than a 1,000-fold selectivity toward DPP8 (147 nM) and DPP9 (170 nM) over DPPIV (200 μM). Furthermore, application of these peptides to cells leads to a clear inhibition of cellular prolyl peptidase activity. Importantly, in line with previous publications, inhibition of DPP9 with these novel allosteric peptide inhibitors leads to an increase in EGF-mediated phosphorylation of Akt. This work highlights the potential use of peptides that mimic interaction surfaces for modulating enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Pilla
- From the Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Markus Kilisch
- From the Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christof Lenz
- the Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Goettingen, Germany; the Institute for Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- the Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Goettingen, Germany; the Institute for Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ruth Geiss-Friedlander
- From the Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany,.
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23
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Harris TJ, Drake CG. Primer on tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2013; 1:12. [PMID: 24829749 PMCID: PMC4019888 DOI: 10.1186/2051-1426-1-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Individualized cancer therapy is a central goal of cancer biologists. Immunotherapy is a rational means to this end—because the immune system can recognize a virtually limitless number of antigens secondary to the biology of genetic recombination in B and T lymphocytes. The immune system is exquisitely structured to distinguish self from non-self, as demonstrated by anti-microbial immune responses. Moreover the immune system has the potential to recognize self from “altered-self”, which is the case for cancer. However, the immune system has mechanisms in place to inhibit self-reactive responses, many of which are usurped by evolving tumors. Understanding the interaction of cancer with the immune system provides insights into mechanisms that can be exploited to disinhibit anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we summarize the 2012 SITC Primer, reviewing past, present, and emerging immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer—including targeting innate versus adaptive immune components; targeting and/or utilizing dendritic cells and T cells; the role of the tumor microenvironment; and immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Harris
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles G Drake
- Department of Oncology and Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1650 Orleans St., CRB I #410, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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24
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Abstract
T cell recognition of antigen-presenting cells depends on their expression of a spectrum of peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) and class II (MHC-II) molecules. Conversion of antigens from pathogens or transformed cells into MHC-I- and MHC-II-bound peptides is critical for mounting protective T cell responses, and similar processing of self proteins is necessary to establish and maintain tolerance. Cells use a variety of mechanisms to acquire protein antigens, from translation in the cytosol to variations on the theme of endocytosis, and to degrade them once acquired. In this review, we highlight the aspects of MHC-I and MHC-II biosynthesis and assembly that have evolved to intersect these pathways and sample the peptides that are produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice S Blum
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
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25
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Stroobant V, Demotte N, Luiten RM, Leonhardt RM, Cresswell P, Bonehill A, Michaux A, Ma W, Mulder A, Van den Eynde BJ, van der Bruggen P, Vigneron N. Inefficient exogenous loading of a tapasin-dependent peptide onto HLA-B*44:02 can be improved by acid treatment or fixation of target cells. Eur J Immunol 2012; 42:1417-28. [PMID: 22678898 PMCID: PMC3766947 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201141954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Antitumor cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs) recognize peptides derived from cellular proteins and presented on MHC class I. One category of peptides recognized by these CTLs is derived from proteins encoded by "cancer-germline" genes, which are specifically expressed in tumors, and therefore represent optimal targets for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we identify an antigenic peptide, which is derived from the MAGE-A1-encoded protein (160-169) and presented to CTLs by HLA-B*44:02. Although this peptide is encoded by MAGE-A1, processed endogenously and presented by tumor cells, the corresponding synthetic peptide is hardly able to sensitize target cells to CTL recognition when pulsed exogenously. Endogenous processing and presentation of this peptide is strictly dependent on the presence of tapasin, which is believed to help peptide loading by stabilizing a peptide-receptive form of HLA-B*44:02. Exogenous loading of the peptide can be dramatically improved by paraformaldehyde fixation of surface molecules or by peptide loading at acidic pH. Either strategy allows efficient exogenous loading of the peptide, presumably by generating or stabilizing a peptide-receptive, empty conformation of the HLA. Altogether, our results indicate a potential drawback of short peptide-based vaccination strategies and offer possible solutions regarding the use of problematic epitopes such as the one described here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Stroobant
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels Branch, Brussels, Belgium
- Welbio and de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Demotte
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels Branch, Brussels, Belgium
- Welbio and de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Ralf M. Leonhardt
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Immunobiology, 300 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208011, New Haven CT 06520-8011, USA
| | - Peter Cresswell
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Immunobiology, 300 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208011, New Haven CT 06520-8011, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
| | - Aude Bonehill
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical School of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Michaux
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels Branch, Brussels, Belgium
- Welbio and de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wenbin Ma
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels Branch, Brussels, Belgium
- Welbio and de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arend Mulder
- Department of immunohematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Benoît J. Van den Eynde
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels Branch, Brussels, Belgium
- Welbio and de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre van der Bruggen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels Branch, Brussels, Belgium
- Welbio and de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Vigneron
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels Branch, Brussels, Belgium
- Welbio and de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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26
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Bukur J, Jasinski S, Seliger B. The role of classical and non-classical HLA class I antigens in human tumors. Semin Cancer Biol 2012; 22:350-8. [PMID: 22465194 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In human tumors alterations in the surface expression and/or function of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens are frequently found and equip neoplastic cells with mechanisms to escape immune control. The aberrant expression of HLA class I molecules can be caused by structural alterations or dysregulations of genes encoding the classical HLA class I antigens and/or components of the HLA class I antigen processing machinery (APM). The dysregulation of APM components could occur at the epigenetic, transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. In some malignancies these abnormalities are significantly associated with a higher tumor staging, grading, disease progression and a reduced survival of patients as well as a failure to CD8(+) T cell-based immunotherapies. In addition to HLA class I abnormalities, expression of the non-classical HLA-G antigen is often induced in tumors, which could be mediated by various microenvironmental factors. Interestingly, soluble HLA-G serum and plasma levels have been useful markers for the prediction of some malignancies. The biological consequence of HLA-G expression or sHLA-G is an escape from T and NK cell-mediated recognition. Thus, alterations of non-classical and classical HLA class I antigens and components of the antigen processing pathway provide tumor cells with different mechanisms to inactivate immune responses resulting in tumor growth and evasion from host immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Bukur
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Medical Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany
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27
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Human papillomavirus-16 E5 protein: oncogenic role and therapeutic value. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2012; 35:67-76. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-011-0069-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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28
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Vigneron N, Van den Eynde BJ. Proteasome subtypes and the processing of tumor antigens: increasing antigenic diversity. Curr Opin Immunol 2011; 24:84-91. [PMID: 22206698 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Protein degradation by the proteasome releases peptides that can be loaded on MHC class I molecules and presented to cytolytic T lymphocytes. Several mechanisms were recently found to increase the diversity of antigenic peptides displayed at the cell surface, thereby maximizing the efficacy of immune responses. The proteasome was shown to produce spliced antigenic peptides, which are made of two fragments initially not contiguous in the parental protein. Different proteasome subtypes also produce distinct sets of antigenic peptides: the standard proteasome and the immunoproteasome, containing different catalytic subunits, have different cleavage specificities and produce different sets of peptides. Moreover, recent work confirmed the existence of two additional proteasome subtypes that are intermediate between the standard and the immunoproteasome, and each produce a unique peptide repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Vigneron
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels Branch and de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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29
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Origin and plasticity of MHC I-associated self peptides. Autoimmun Rev 2011; 11:627-35. [PMID: 22100331 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous peptides presented by MHC I molecules represent the essence of self for CD8 T lymphocytes. These MHC I peptides (MIPs) regulate all key events that occur during the lifetime of CD8 T cells. CD8 T cells are selected on self-MIPs, sustained by self-MIPs, and activated in the presence of self-MIPs. Recently, large-scale mass spectrometry studies have revealed that the self-MIP repertoire is more complex and plastic than previously anticipated. The composition of the self-MIP repertoire varies from one cell type to another and can be perturbed by cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors including dysregulation of cellular metabolism and infection. The complexity and plasticity of the self-MIP repertoire represent a major challenge for the maintenance of self tolerance and can have pervasive effects on the global functioning of the immune system.
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30
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31
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van Endert P. Providing ligands for MHC class I molecules. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:1467-9. [PMID: 21365275 PMCID: PMC11114800 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0654-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 02/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter van Endert
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1013, 75015 Paris, France,
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