1
|
Zeng J, Loi GWZ, Saipuljumri EN, Romero Durán MA, Silva-García O, Perez-Aguilar JM, Baizabal-Aguirre VM, Lo CH. Peptide-based allosteric inhibitor targets TNFR1 conformationally active region and disables receptor-ligand signaling complex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2308132121. [PMID: 38551841 PMCID: PMC10998571 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308132121] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 1 (TNFR1) plays a pivotal role in mediating TNF induced downstream signaling and regulating inflammatory response. Recent studies have suggested that TNFR1 activation involves conformational rearrangements of preligand assembled receptor dimers and targeting receptor conformational dynamics is a viable strategy to modulate TNFR1 signaling. Here, we used a combination of biophysical, biochemical, and cellular assays, as well as molecular dynamics simulation to show that an anti-inflammatory peptide (FKCRRWQWRMKK), which we termed FKC, inhibits TNFR1 activation allosterically by altering the conformational states of the receptor dimer without blocking receptor-ligand interaction or disrupting receptor dimerization. We also demonstrated the efficacy of FKC by showing that the peptide inhibits TNFR1 signaling in HEK293 cells and attenuates inflammation in mice with intraperitoneal TNF injection. Mechanistically, we found that FKC binds to TNFR1 cysteine-rich domains (CRD2/3) and perturbs the conformational dynamics required for receptor activation. Importantly, FKC increases the frequency in the opening of both CRD2/3 and CRD4 in the receptor dimer, as well as induces a conformational opening in the cytosolic regions of the receptor. This results in an inhibitory conformational state that impedes the recruitment of downstream signaling molecules. Together, these data provide evidence on the feasibility of targeting TNFR1 conformationally active region and open new avenues for receptor-specific inhibition of TNFR1 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialiu Zeng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore308232, Singapore
| | - Gavin Wen Zhao Loi
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore308232, Singapore
| | - Eka Norfaishanty Saipuljumri
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore308232, Singapore
- School of Applied Science, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore738964, Singapore
| | - Marco Antonio Romero Durán
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia58893, México
| | - Octavio Silva-García
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia58893, México
| | - Jose Manuel Perez-Aguilar
- School of Chemical Sciences, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, University City, Puebla72570, México
| | - Víctor M. Baizabal-Aguirre
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia58893, México
| | - Chih Hung Lo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore308232, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shuptrine CW, Perez VM, Selitsky SR, Schreiber TH, Fromm G. Shining a LIGHT on myeloid cell targeted immunotherapy. Eur J Cancer 2023; 187:147-160. [PMID: 37167762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite over a decade of clinical trials combining inhibition of emerging checkpoints with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor backbone, meaningful survival benefits have not been shown in PD-1/L1 inhibitor resistant or refractory solid tumours, particularly tumours dominated by a myelosuppressive microenvironment. Achieving durable anti-tumour immunity will therefore likely require combination of adaptive and innate immune stimulation, myeloid repolarisation, enhanced APC activation and antigen processing/presentation, lifting of the CD47/SIRPα (Cluster of Differentiation 47/signal regulatory protein alpha) 'do not eat me' signal, provision of an apoptotic 'pro-eat me' or 'find me' signal, and blockade of immune checkpoints. The importance of effectively targeting mLILRB2 and SIRPAyeloid cells to achieve improved response rates has recently been emphasised, given myeloid cells are abundant in the tumour microenvironment of most solid tumours. TNFSF14, or LIGHT, is a tumour necrosis superfamily ligand with a broad range of adaptive and innate immune activities, including (1) myeloid cell activation through Lymphotoxin Beta Receptor (LTβR), (2) T/NK (T cell and natural killer cell) induced anti-tumour immune activity through Herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM), (3) potentiation of proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine secretion through LTβR on tumour stromal cells, (4) direct induction of tumour cell apoptosis in vitro, and (5) the reorganisation of lymphatic tissue architecture, including within the tumour microenvironment (TME), by promoting high endothelial venule (HEV) formation and induction of tertiary lymphoid structures. LTBR (Lymphotoxin beta receptor) and HVEM rank highly amongst a range of costimulatory receptors in solid tumours, which raises interest in considering how LIGHT-mediated costimulation may be distinct from a growing list of immunotherapy targets which have failed to provide survival benefit as monotherapy or in combination with PD-1 inhibitors, particularly in the checkpoint acquired resistant setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey W Shuptrine
- Shattuck Labs Inc., Austin, TX, USA; Shattuck Labs Inc., Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Taylor H Schreiber
- Shattuck Labs Inc., Austin, TX, USA; Shattuck Labs Inc., Durham, NC, USA
| | - George Fromm
- Shattuck Labs Inc., Austin, TX, USA; Shattuck Labs Inc., Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vunnam N, Been M, Huber E, Paulson C, Szymonski S, Hackel BJ, Sachs JN. Discovery of a Non-competitive TNFR1 Antagonist Affibody with Picomolar Monovalent Potency That Does Not Affect TNFR2 Function. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:1884-1897. [PMID: 36897792 PMCID: PMC10849843 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00385] [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] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key regulator of immune responses and plays a significant role in the initiation and maintenance of inflammation. Upregulation of TNF expression leads to several inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Despite the clinical success of anti-TNF treatments, the use of these therapies is limited because they can induce adverse side effects through inhibition of TNF biological activity, including blockade of TNF-induced immunosuppressive function of TNFR2. Using yeast display, we identified a synthetic affibody ligand (ABYTNFR1-1) with high binding affinity and specificity for TNFR1. Functional assays showed that the lead affibody potently inhibits TNF-induced NF-κB activation (IC50 of 0.23 nM) and, crucially, does not block the TNFR2 function. Additionally, ABYTNFR1-1 acts non-competitively─it does not block TNF binding or inhibit receptor-receptor interactions in pre-ligand-assembled dimers─thereby enhancing inhibitory robustness. The mechanism, monovalent potency, and affibody scaffold give this lead molecule uniquely strong potential as a therapeutic candidate for inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nagamani Vunnam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - MaryJane Been
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Evan Huber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Carolyn Paulson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Sophia Szymonski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Hackel
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jonathan N. Sachs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Medler J, Kucka K, Wajant H. Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2 (TNFR2): An Emerging Target in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112603. [PMID: 35681583 PMCID: PMC9179537 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the great success of TNF blockers in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and the identification of TNF as a factor that influences the development of tumors in many ways, the role of TNFR2 in tumor biology and its potential suitability as a therapeutic target in cancer therapy have long been underestimated. This has been fundamentally changed with the identification of TNFR2 as a regulatory T-cell (Treg)-stimulating factor and the general clinical breakthrough of immunotherapeutic approaches. However, considering TNFR2 as a sole immunosuppressive factor in the tumor microenvironment does not go far enough. TNFR2 can also co-stimulate CD8+ T-cells, sensitize some immune and tumor cells to the cytotoxic effects of TNFR1 and/or acts as an oncogene. In view of the wide range of cancer-associated TNFR2 activities, it is not surprising that both antagonists and agonists of TNFR2 are considered for tumor therapy and have indeed shown overwhelming anti-tumor activity in preclinical studies. Based on a brief summary of TNFR2 signaling and the immunoregulatory functions of TNFR2, we discuss here the main preclinical findings and insights gained with TNFR2 agonists and antagonists. In particular, we address the question of which TNFR2-associated molecular and cellular mechanisms underlie the observed anti-tumoral activities of TNFR2 agonists and antagonists.
Collapse
|
5
|
Albogami S, Todd I, Negm O, Fairclough LC, Tighe PJ. Mutations in the binding site of TNFR1 PLAD reduce homologous interactions but can enhance antagonism of wild-type TNFR1 activity. Immunology 2021; 164:637-654. [PMID: 34363702 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) members contain cysteine-rich domains (CRD) in their extracellular regions, and the membrane-distal CRD1 forms homologous interactions in the absence of ligand. The CRD1 is therefore termed a pre-ligand assembly domain (PLAD). The role of PLAD-PLAD interactions in the induction of signalling as a consequence of TNF-TNFR binding led to the development of soluble PLAD domains as antagonists of TNFR activation. In the present study, we generated recombinant wild-type (WT) PLAD of TNFR1 and mutant forms with single alanine substitutions of amino acid residues thought to be critical for the formation of homologous dimers and/or trimers of PLAD (K19A, T31A, D49A and D52A). These mutated PLADs were compared with WT PLAD as antagonists of TNF-induced apoptosis or the activation of inflammatory signalling pathways. Unlike WT PLAD, the mutated PLADs showed little or no homologous interactions, confirming the importance of particular amino acids as contact residues in the PLAD binding region. However, as with WT PLAD, the mutated PLADs functioned as antagonists of TNF-induced TNFR1 activity leading to induction of cell death or NF-κB signalling. Indeed, some of the mutant PLADs, and K19A PLAD in particular, showed enhanced antagonistic activity compared with WT PLAD. This is consistent with the reduced formation of homologous multimers by these PLAD mutants effectively increasing the concentration of PLAD available to bind and antagonize WT TNFR1 when compared to WT PLAD acting as an antagonist. This may have implications for the development of antagonistic PLADs as therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Albogami
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ian Todd
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ola Negm
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Patrick J Tighe
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yu X, James S, Felce JH, Kellermayer B, Johnston DA, Chan HTC, Penfold CA, Kim J, Inzhelevskaya T, Mockridge CI, Watanabe Y, Crispin M, French RR, Duriez PJ, Douglas LR, Glennie MJ, Cragg MS. TNF receptor agonists induce distinct receptor clusters to mediate differential agonistic activity. Commun Biol 2021; 4:772. [PMID: 34162985 PMCID: PMC8222242 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02309-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and natural ligands targeting costimulatory tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFR) exhibit a wide range of agonistic activities and antitumor responses. The mechanisms underlying these differential agonistic activities remain poorly understood. Here, we employ a panel of experimental and clinically-relevant molecules targeting human CD40, 4-1BB and OX40 to examine this issue. Confocal and STORM microscopy reveal that strongly agonistic reagents induce clusters characterized by small area and high receptor density. Using antibody pairs differing only in isotype we show that hIgG2 confers significantly more receptor clustering than hIgG1 across all three receptors, explaining its greater agonistic activity, with receptor clustering shielding the receptor-agonist complex from further molecular access. Nevertheless, discrete receptor clustering patterns are observed with different hIgG2 mAb, with a unique rod-shaped assembly observed with the most agonistic mAb. These findings dispel the notion that larger receptor clusters elicit greater agonism, and instead point to receptor density and subsequent super-structure as key determinants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Yu
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK.
| | - Sonya James
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | | | | | - David A Johnston
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - H T Claude Chan
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Christine A Penfold
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Jinny Kim
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Tatyana Inzhelevskaya
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - C Ian Mockridge
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Yasunori Watanabe
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Max Crispin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ruth R French
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Patrick J Duriez
- CRUK Protein Core Facility, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Leon R Douglas
- CRUK Protein Core Facility, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Martin J Glennie
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Mark S Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK.
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Prada JP, Wangorsch G, Kucka K, Lang I, Dandekar T, Wajant H. A systems-biology model of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) interactions with TNF receptor 1 and 2. Bioinformatics 2021; 37:669-676. [PMID: 32991680 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Clustering enables TNF receptors to stimulate intracellular signaling. The differential soluble ligand-induced clustering behavior of TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2 was modeled. A structured, rule-based model implemented ligand-independent pre-ligand binding assembly domain (PLAD)-mediated homotypic low affinity interactions of unliganded and liganded TNF receptors. RESULTS Soluble TNF initiates TNFR1 signaling but not TNFR2 signaling despite receptor binding unless it is secondarily oligomerized. We consider high affinity binding of TNF to signaling-incompetent pre-assembled dimeric TNFR1 and TNFR2 molecules and secondary clustering of liganded dimers to signaling competent ligand-receptor clusters. Published receptor numbers, affinities and measured different activities of clustered receptors validated model simulations for a large range of receptor and ligand concentrations. Different PLAD-PLAD affinities and different activities of receptor clusters explain the observed differences in the TNF receptor stimulating activities of soluble TNF. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION All scripts and data are in manuscript and supplement at Bioinformatics online. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Prada
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Gaby Wangorsch
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Kirstin Kucka
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Isabell Lang
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97074, Germany.,Department of Structural and Computational Biology, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69012 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Harald Wajant
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kucka K, Wajant H. Receptor Oligomerization and Its Relevance for Signaling by Receptors of the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:615141. [PMID: 33644033 PMCID: PMC7905041 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.615141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With the exception of a few signaling incompetent decoy receptors, the receptors of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) are signaling competent and engage in signaling pathways resulting in inflammation, proliferation, differentiation, and cell migration and also in cell death induction. TNFRSF receptors (TNFRs) become activated by ligands of the TNF superfamily (TNFSF). TNFSF ligands (TNFLs) occur as trimeric type II transmembrane proteins but often also as soluble ligand trimers released from the membrane-bound form by proteolysis. The signaling competent TNFRs are efficiently activated by the membrane-bound TNFLs. The latter recruit three TNFR molecules, but there is growing evidence that this is not sufficient to trigger all aspects of TNFR signaling; rather, the formed trimeric TNFL–TNFR complexes have to cluster secondarily in the cell-to-cell contact zone for full TNFR activation. With respect to their response to soluble ligand trimers, the signaling competent TNFRs can be subdivided into two groups. TNFRs of one group, designated as category I TNFRs, are robustly activated by soluble ligand trimers. The receptors of a second group (category II TNFRs), however, failed to become properly activated by soluble ligand trimers despite high affinity binding. The limited responsiveness of category II TNFRs to soluble TNFLs can be overcome by physical linkage of two or more soluble ligand trimers or, alternatively, by anchoring the soluble ligand molecules to the cell surface or extracellular matrix. This suggests that category II TNFRs have a limited ability to promote clustering of trimeric TNFL–TNFR complexes outside the context of cell–cell contacts. In this review, we will focus on three aspects on the relevance of receptor oligomerization for TNFR signaling: (i) the structural factors which promote clustering of free and liganded TNFRs, (ii) the signaling pathway specificity of the receptor oligomerization requirement, and (iii) the consequences for the design and development of TNFR agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Kucka
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Harald Wajant
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Levoin N, Jean M, Legembre P. CD95 Structure, Aggregation and Cell Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:314. [PMID: 32432115 PMCID: PMC7214685 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
CD95 is a pre-ligand-associated transmembrane (TM) receptor. The interaction with its ligand CD95L brings to a next level its aggregation and triggers different signaling pathways, leading to cell motility, differentiation or cell death. This diversity of biological responses associated with a unique receptor devoid of enzymatic property raises the question of whether different ligands exist, or whether the fine-tuned control of CD95 aggregation and conformation, its distribution within certain plasma membrane sub-domains or the pattern of post-translational modifications account for this such broad-range of cell signaling. Herein, we review how the different domains of CD95 and their post-translational modifications or the different forms of CD95L can participate in the receptor aggregation and induction of cell signaling. Understanding how CD95 response goes from cell death to cell proliferation, differentiation and motility is a prerequisite to reveal novel therapeutic options to treat chronic inflammatory disorders and cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mickael Jean
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR-UMR 6226, Rennes, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Karathanasis C, Medler J, Fricke F, Smith S, Malkusch S, Widera D, Fulda S, Wajant H, van Wijk SJL, Dikic I, Heilemann M. Single-molecule imaging reveals the oligomeric state of functional TNFα-induced plasma membrane TNFR1 clusters in cells. Sci Signal 2020; 13:13/614/eaax5647. [PMID: 31937565 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aax5647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ligand-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) activation controls nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling, cell proliferation, programmed cell death, and survival and is crucially involved in inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancer progression. Despite the relevance of TNFR1 clustering for signaling, oligomerization of ligand-free and ligand-activated TNFR1 remains controversial. At present, models range from ligand-independent receptor predimerization to ligand-induced oligomerization. Here, we used quantitative, single-molecule superresolution microscopy to study TNFR1 assembly directly in native cellular settings and at physiological cell surface abundance. In the absence of its ligand TNFα, TNFR1 assembled into monomeric and dimeric receptor units. Upon binding of TNFα, TNFR1 clustered predominantly not only into trimers but also into higher-order oligomers. A functional mutation in the preligand assembly domain of TNFR1 resulted in only monomeric TNFR1, which exhibited impaired ligand binding. In contrast, a form of TNFR1 with a mutation in the ligand-binding CRD2 subdomain retained the monomer-to-dimer ratio of the unliganded wild-type TNFR1 but exhibited no ligand binding. These results underscore the importance of ligand-independent TNFR1 dimerization in NF-κB signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christos Karathanasis
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Juliane Medler
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Auverahaus, Grombühlstrasse 12, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Fricke
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sonja Smith
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Paediatrics, Goethe University, Komturstrasse 3a, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sebastian Malkusch
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Darius Widera
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, RG6 6UB Reading, UK
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Paediatrics, Goethe University, Komturstrasse 3a, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Harald Wajant
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Auverahaus, Grombühlstrasse 12, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sjoerd J L van Wijk
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Paediatrics, Goethe University, Komturstrasse 3a, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Ivan Dikic
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University Medical School, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mike Heilemann
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lo CH, Schaaf TM, Grant BD, Lim CKW, Bawaskar P, Aldrich CC, Thomas DD, Sachs JN. Noncompetitive inhibitors of TNFR1 probe conformational activation states. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/592/eaav5637. [PMID: 31363069 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aav5637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) is a central mediator of the inflammatory pathway and is associated with several autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. A revision to the canonical model of TNFR1 activation suggests that activation involves conformational rearrangements of preassembled receptor dimers. Here, we identified small-molecule allosteric inhibitors of TNFR1 activation and probed receptor dimerization and function. Specifically, we used a fluorescence lifetime-based high-throughput screen and biochemical, biophysical, and cellular assays to identify small molecules that noncompetitively inhibited the receptor without reducing ligand affinity or disrupting receptor dimerization. We also found that residues in the ligand-binding loop that are critical to the dynamic coupling between the extracellular and the transmembrane domains played a key gatekeeper role in the conformational dynamics associated with signal propagation. Last, using a simple structure-activity relationship analysis, we demonstrated that these newly found molecules could be further optimized for improved potency and specificity. Together, these data solidify and deepen the new model for TNFR1 activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih Hung Lo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Tory M Schaaf
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Colin Kin-Wye Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Prachi Bawaskar
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Courtney C Aldrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David D Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.,Photonic Pharma LLC, Minneapolis, MN 55410, USA
| | - Jonathan N Sachs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Medler J, Wajant H. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2): an overview of an emerging drug target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:295-307. [PMID: 30856027 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1586886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 2 (TNFR2) is one of two receptors of the cytokines, TNF and lymphotoxin-α. TNFR1 is a strong inducer of proinflammatory activities. TNFR2 has proinflammatory effects too, but it also elicits strong anti-inflammatory activities and has protective effects on oligodendrocytes, cardiomyocytes, and keratinocytes. The protective and anti-inflammatory effects of TNFR2 may explain why TNF inhibitors failed to be effective in diseases such as heart failure or multiple sclerosis, where TNF has been strongly implicated as a driving force. Stimulatory and inhibitory TNFR2 targeting hence attracts considerable interest for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Areas covered: Based on a brief description of the pathophysiological importance of the TNF-TNFR1/2 system, we discuss the potential applications of TNFR2 targeting therapies. We also debate TNFR2 activation as a way forward in the search for TNFR2-specific agents. Expert opinion: The use of TNFR2 to target regulatory T-cells is attractive, but this approach is just one amongst many suitable targets. With respect to its preference for Treg stimulation and protection of non-immune cells, TNFR2 is more unique and thus offers opportunities for translational success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Medler
- a Division for Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II , University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Harald Wajant
- a Division for Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II , University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lu X, Zhang L, Sun Q, Song G, Huang J. Extraction, identification and structure-activity relationship of antioxidant peptides from sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) protein hydrolysate. Food Res Int 2019; 116:707-716. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
14
|
Lang I, Füllsack S, Wyzgol A, Fick A, Trebing J, Arana JAC, Schäfer V, Weisenberger D, Wajant H. Binding Studies of TNF Receptor Superfamily (TNFRSF) Receptors on Intact Cells. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:5022-37. [PMID: 26721880 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.683946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ligands of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) interact with members of the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF). TNFSF ligand-TNFRSF receptor interactions have been intensively evaluated by many groups. The affinities of TNFSF ligand-TNFRSF receptor interactions are highly dependent on the oligomerization state of the receptor, and cellular factors (e.g. actin cytoskeleton and lipid rafts) influence the assembly of ligand-receptor complexes, too. Binding studies on TNFSF ligand-TNFRSF receptor interactions were typically performed using cell-free assays with recombinant fusion proteins that contain varying numbers of TNFRSF ectodomains. It is therefore not surprising that affinities determined for an individual TNFSF ligand-TNFRSF interaction differ sometimes by several orders of magnitude and often do not reflect the ligand activity observed in cellular assays. To overcome the intrinsic limitations of cell-free binding studies and usage of recombinant receptor domains, we performed comprehensive binding studies with Gaussia princeps luciferase TNFSF ligand fusion proteins for cell-bound TNFRSF members on intact cells at 37 °C. The affinities of the TNFSF ligand G. princeps luciferase-fusion proteins ranged between 0.01 and 19 nm and offer the currently most comprehensive and best suited panel of affinities for in silico studies of ligand-receptor systems of the TNF family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Lang
- From the Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simone Füllsack
- From the Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Agnes Wyzgol
- From the Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Fick
- From the Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Trebing
- From the Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - José Antonio Carmona Arana
- From the Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Viktoria Schäfer
- From the Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Weisenberger
- From the Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Harald Wajant
- From the Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wajant H. Principles of antibody-mediated TNF receptor activation. Cell Death Differ 2015; 22:1727-41. [PMID: 26292758 PMCID: PMC4648319 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2015.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
From the beginning of research on receptors of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), agonistic antibodies have been used to stimulate TNFRSF receptors in vitro and in vivo. Indeed, CD95, one of the first cloned TNFRSF receptors, was solely identified as the target of cell death-inducing antibodies. Early on, it became evident from in vitro studies that valency and Fcγ receptor (FcγR) binding of antibodies targeting TNFRSF receptors can be of crucial relevance for agonistic activity. TNFRSF receptor-specific antibodies of the IgM subclass and secondary cross-linked or aggregation prone dimeric antibodies typically display superior agonistic activity compared with dimeric antibodies. Likewise, anchoring of antibodies to cell surface-expressed FcγRs potentiate their ability to trigger TNFRSF receptor signaling. However, only recently has the relevance of oligomerization and FcγR binding for the in vivo activity of antibody-induced TNFRSF receptor activation been straightforwardly demonstrated in vivo. This review discusses the crucial role of oligomerization and/or FcγR binding for antibody-mediated TNFRSF receptor stimulation in light of current models of TNFRSF receptor activation and especially the overwhelming relevance of these issues for the rational development of therapeutic TNFRSF receptor-targeting antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Wajant
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sedger LM, McDermott MF. TNF and TNF-receptors: From mediators of cell death and inflammation to therapeutic giants - past, present and future. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2014; 25:453-72. [PMID: 25169849 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 537] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), initially known for its tumor cytotoxicity, is a potent mediator of inflammation, as well as many normal physiological functions in homeostasis and health, and anti-microbial immunity. It also appears to have a central role in neurobiology, although this area of TNF biology is only recently emerging. Here, we review the basic biology of TNF and its normal effector functions, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of therapeutic neutralization of TNF - now a commonplace practice in the treatment of a wide range of human inflammatory diseases. With over ten years of experience, and an emerging range of anti-TNF biologics now available, we also review their modes of action, which appear to be far more complex than had originally been anticipated. Finally, we highlight the current challenges for therapeutic intervention of TNF: (i) to discover and produce orally delivered small molecule TNF-inhibitors, (ii) to specifically target selected TNF producing cells or individual (diseased) tissue targets, and (iii) to pre-identify anti-TNF treatment responders. Although the future looks bright, the therapeutic modulation of TNF now moves into the era of personalized medicine with society's challenging expectations of durable treatment success and of achieving long-term disease remission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Sedger
- Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
| | - Michael F McDermott
- Experimental Rheumatology, National Institute for Health Research - Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (NIHR-LMBRU), and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James University, Beckett Street, West Yorkshire, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Although pivotal to the immune system homeostasis, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) becomes deleterious when de-regulated. The currently marketed TNF blockers are highly efficacious in rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease; reactivation of tuberculosis and exacerbation of pre-existing multiple sclerosis remain their most important safety issues. The endogenous protein progranulin binds TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2, thus blocking their interactions with TNF. Domains of the extracellular region of TNFR, termed preligand-binding assembly domain (PLAD), mediate receptor-chain trimerization which is essential for signaling. Therapeutic administration of either progranulin or soluble versions of TNFR1 PLAD in mouse models of diseases in which TNF is relevant yielded beneficial results, opening the door to the next generation of non-antibody anti-TNF drugs for a variety of non-infectious inflammatory conditions. Whether these drugs may target TNF in a more refined way than the current blockers, perhaps being more efficacious without compromising the protective role of TNF in host defense and (auto)immunity, remains to be seen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petros P Sfikakis
- First Department of Propedeutic and Internal Medicine, Athens University Medical School, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|