1
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Xu Q, Sharif M, James E, Dismorr JO, Tucker JHR, Willcox BE, Mehellou Y. Phosphonodiamidate prodrugs of phosphoantigens (ProPAgens) exhibit potent Vγ9/Vδ2 T cell activation and eradication of cancer cells. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:2462-2473. [PMID: 39026632 PMCID: PMC11253855 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00208c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The phosphoantigen (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate (HMBPP) is an established activator of Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells and stimulates downstream effector functions including cytotoxicity and cytokine production. In order to improve its drug-like properties, we herein report the design, synthesis, serum stability, in vitro metabolism, and biological evaluation of a new class of symmetrical phosphonodiamidate prodrugs of methylene and difluoromethylene monophosphonate derivatives of HMBPP. These prodrugs, termed phosphonodiamidate ProPAgens, were synthesized in good yields, exhibited excellent serum stability (>7 h), and their in vitro metabolism was shown to be initiated by carboxypeptidase Y. These phosphonodiamidate ProPAgens triggered potent activation of Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells, which translated into efficient Vγ9/Vδ2 T cell-mediated eradication of bladder cancer cells in vitro. Together, these findings showcase the potential of these phosphonodiamidate ProPAgens as Vγ9/Vδ2 T cell modulators that could be further developed as novel cancer immunotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Xu
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University Cardiff CF10 3NB UK
| | - Maria Sharif
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT UK
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, University of Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Edward James
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University Cardiff CF10 3NB UK
| | - Jack O Dismorr
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - James H R Tucker
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Benjamin E Willcox
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT UK
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, University of Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Youcef Mehellou
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University Cardiff CF10 3NB UK
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University Cardiff CF10 3AT UK
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2
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Fulford TS, Soliman C, Castle RG, Rigau M, Ruan Z, Dolezal O, Seneviratna R, Brown HG, Hanssen E, Hammet A, Li S, Redmond SJ, Chung A, Gorman MA, Parker MW, Patel O, Peat TS, Newman J, Behren A, Gherardin NA, Godfrey DI, Uldrich AP. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells recognize butyrophilin 2A1 and 3A1 heteromers. Nat Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41590-024-01892-z. [PMID: 39014161 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01892-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Butyrophilin (BTN) molecules are emerging as key regulators of T cell immunity; however, how they trigger cell-mediated responses is poorly understood. Here, the crystal structure of a gamma-delta T cell antigen receptor (γδTCR) in complex with BTN2A1 revealed that BTN2A1 engages the side of the γδTCR, leaving the apical TCR surface bioavailable. We reveal that a second γδTCR ligand co-engages γδTCR via binding to this accessible apical surface in a BTN3A1-dependent manner. BTN2A1 and BTN3A1 also directly interact with each other in cis, and structural analysis revealed formation of W-shaped heteromeric multimers. This BTN2A1-BTN3A1 interaction involved the same epitopes that BTN2A1 and BTN3A1 each use to mediate the γδTCR interaction; indeed, locking BTN2A1 and BTN3A1 together abrogated their interaction with γδTCR, supporting a model wherein the two γδTCR ligand-binding sites depend on accessibility to cryptic BTN epitopes. Our findings reveal a new paradigm in immune activation, whereby γδTCRs sense dual epitopes on BTN complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Fulford
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline Soliman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca G Castle
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marc Rigau
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, Rheinische Friedrichs-Wilhelms University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zheng Ruan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Olan Dolezal
- Biomedical Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca Seneviratna
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hamish G Brown
- Ian Holmes Imaging Centre, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric Hanssen
- Ian Holmes Imaging Centre, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Hammet
- CSL Limited, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shihan Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samuel J Redmond
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy Chung
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael A Gorman
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael W Parker
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Onisha Patel
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas S Peat
- Biomedical Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janet Newman
- Biomedical Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Behren
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Gherardin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dale I Godfrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Adam P Uldrich
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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3
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Singh R, Rani S, Jin Y, Hsiao CHC, Wiemer AJ. Synthesis and evaluation of (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl diphosphate analogs as competitive partial agonists of butyrophilin 3A1. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116673. [PMID: 39029338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116673] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Phosphoantigens (pAgs) induce conformational changes after binding to the intracellular region of BTN3A1 which result in its clustering with BTN2A1, forming an activating ligand for the Vγ9Vδ2 T cell receptor. Here, we designed a small panel of bulky analogs of the prototypical pAg (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl diphosphate (HMBPP) that contain an aromatic ring attached to the C-3 position in place of methyl group. These compounds bind with high affinity to BTN3A1 but fail to fully support its interaction with BTN2A1 and only partially trigger T cell activation relative to HMBPP. Furthermore, they can compete with HMBPP for cellular binding to BTN3A1 and reduce the cellular response to HMBPP, a classic partial agonist phenotype. Trifluoromethyl analog 6e was the weakest agonist but the strongest inhibitor of HMBPP ELISA response. Our study provides a rationale for the mode of action of pAg-induced γδ T cell activation and provides insights into other naturally occurring BTN proteins and their respective ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269-3092, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences & Technology, Dr. Vishwanath Karad, MIT-World Peace University, Pune, 411038, India
| | - Sarita Rani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269-3092, United States
| | - Yiming Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269-3092, United States
| | - Chia-Hung Christine Hsiao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269-3092, United States
| | - Andrew J Wiemer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269-3092, United States; Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269-3092, United States.
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4
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Wu Z, Lamao Q, Gu M, Jin X, Liu Y, Tian F, Yu Y, Yuan P, Gao S, Fulford TS, Uldrich AP, Wong CC, Wei W. Unsynchronized butyrophilin molecules dictate cancer cell evasion of Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell killing. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:362-373. [PMID: 38374404 PMCID: PMC10978999 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01135-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are specialized effector cells that have gained prominence as immunotherapy agents due to their ability to target and kill cells with altered pyrophosphate metabolites. In our effort to understand how cancer cells evade the cell-killing activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, we performed a comprehensive genome-scale CRISPR screening of cancer cells. We found that four molecules belonging to the butyrophilin (BTN) family, specifically BTN2A1, BTN3A1, BTN3A2, and BTN3A3, are critically important and play unique, nonoverlapping roles in facilitating the destruction of cancer cells by primary Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. The coordinated function of these BTN molecules was driven by synchronized gene expression, which was regulated by IFN-γ signaling and the RFX complex. Additionally, an enzyme called QPCTL was shown to play a key role in modifying the N-terminal glutamine of these BTN proteins and was found to be a crucial factor in Vγ9Vδ2 T cell killing of cancer cells. Through our research, we offer a detailed overview of the functional genomic mechanisms that underlie how cancer cells escape Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Moreover, our findings shed light on the importance of the harmonized expression and function of gene family members in modulating T-cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeguang Wu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Qiezhong Lamao
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Meichao Gu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Xuanxuan Jin
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Tian
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Pengfei Yuan
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, 102206, Beijing, China
| | - Shuaixin Gao
- Center for Precision Medicine Multi-Omics Research, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Thomas S Fulford
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Adam P Uldrich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine Cl Wong
- State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Clinical Research Institute, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, 100871, Beijing, China.
| | - Wensheng Wei
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
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5
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Revesz IA, Joyce P, Ebert LM, Prestidge CA. Effective γδ T-cell clinical therapies: current limitations and future perspectives for cancer immunotherapy. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1492. [PMID: 38375329 PMCID: PMC10875631 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are a unique subset of T lymphocytes, exhibiting features of both innate and adaptive immune cells and are involved with cancer immunosurveillance. They present an attractive alternative to conventional T cell-based immunotherapy due, in large part, to their lack of major histocompatibility (MHC) restriction and ability to secrete high levels of cytokines with well-known anti-tumour functions. To date, clinical trials using γδ T cell-based immunotherapy for a range of haematological and solid cancers have yielded limited success compared with in vitro studies. This inability to translate the efficacy of γδ T-cell therapies from preclinical to clinical trials is attributed to a combination of several factors, e.g. γδ T-cell agonists that are commonly used to stimulate populations of these cells have limited cellular uptake yet rely on intracellular mechanisms; administered γδ T cells display low levels of tumour-infiltration; and there is a gap in the understanding of γδ T-cell inhibitory receptors. This review explores the discrepancy between γδ T-cell clinical and preclinical performance and offers viable avenues to overcome these obstacles. Using more direct γδ T-cell agonists, encapsulating these agonists into lipid nanocarriers to improve their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and the use of combination therapies to overcome checkpoint inhibition and T-cell exhaustion are ways to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical success. Given the ability to overcome these limitations, the development of a more targeted γδ T-cell agonist-checkpoint blockade combination therapy has the potential for success in clinical trials which has to date remained elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella A Revesz
- Clinical Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Paul Joyce
- Clinical Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Lisa M Ebert
- Centre for Cancer BiologySA Pathology and University of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
- Cancer Clinical Trials UnitRoyal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSAAustralia
- School of MedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Clive A Prestidge
- Clinical Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
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6
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Hernández-López P, van Diest E, Brazda P, Heijhuurs S, Meringa A, Hoorens van Heyningen L, Riillo C, Schwenzel C, Zintchenko M, Johanna I, Nicolasen MJT, Cleven A, Kluiver TA, Millen R, Zheng J, Karaiskaki F, Straetemans T, Clevers H, de Bree R, Stunnenberg HG, Peng WC, Roodhart J, Minguet S, Sebestyén Z, Beringer DX, Kuball J. Dual targeting of cancer metabolome and stress antigens affects transcriptomic heterogeneity and efficacy of engineered T cells. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:88-101. [PMID: 38012415 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01665-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Few cancers can be targeted efficiently by engineered T cell strategies. Here, we show that γδ T cell antigen receptor (γδ TCR)-mediated cancer metabolome targeting can be combined with targeting of cancer-associated stress antigens (such as NKG2D ligands or CD277) through the addition of chimeric co-receptors. This strategy overcomes suboptimal γ9δ2 TCR engagement of αβ T cells engineered to express a defined γδ TCR (TEGs) and improves serial killing, proliferation and persistence of TEGs. In vivo, the NKG2D-CD28WT chimera enabled control only of liquid tumors, whereas the NKG2D-4-1BBCD28TM chimera prolonged persistence of TEGs and improved control of liquid and solid tumors. The CD277-targeting chimera (103-4-1BB) was the most optimal co-stimulation format, eradicating both liquid and solid tumors. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that NKG2D-4-1BBCD28TM and 103-4-1BB chimeras reprogram TEGs through NF-κB. Owing to competition with naturally expressed NKG2D in CD8+ TEGs, the NKG2D-4-1BBCD28TM chimera mainly skewed CD4+ TEGs toward adhesion, proliferation, cytotoxicity and less exhausted signatures, whereas the 103-4-1BB chimera additionally shaped the CD8+ subset toward a proliferative state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Hernández-López
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eline van Diest
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Brazda
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Heijhuurs
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Angelo Meringa
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lauren Hoorens van Heyningen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Caterina Riillo
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caroline Schwenzel
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) and Institute for Immunodeficiency, University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marina Zintchenko
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) and Institute for Immunodeficiency, University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Inez Johanna
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mara J T Nicolasen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Cleven
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas A Kluiver
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rosemary Millen
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jiali Zheng
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Froso Karaiskaki
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Remco de Bree
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Weng Chuan Peng
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Roodhart
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Susana Minguet
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) and Institute for Immunodeficiency, University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zsolt Sebestyén
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis X Beringer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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7
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Singh U, Pawge G, Rani S, Hsiao CHC, Wiemer AJ, Wiemer DF. Diester Prodrugs of a Phosphonate Butyrophilin Ligand Display Improved Cell Potency, Plasma Stability, and Payload Internalization. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15309-15325. [PMID: 37934915 PMCID: PMC10683022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells with butyrophilin 3A1 (BTN3A1) agonists such as (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl diphosphate (HMBPP) has the potential to boost the immune response. Because HMBPP is highly charged and metabolically unstable, prodrugs may be needed to overcome these liabilities, but the prodrugs themselves may be limited by slow payload release or low plasma stability. To identify effective prodrug forms of a phosphonate agonist of BTN3A1, we have prepared a set of diesters bearing one aryl and one acyloxymethyl group. The compounds were evaluated for their ability to stimulate Vγ9Vδ2 T cell proliferation, increase production of interferon γ, resist plasma metabolism, and internalize into leukemia cells. These bioassays have revealed that varied aryl and acyloxymethyl groups can decouple plasma and cellular metabolism and have a significant impact on bioactivity (>200-fold range) and stability (>10 fold range), including some with subnanomolar potency. Our findings increase the understanding of the structure-activity relationships of mixed aryl/acyloxymethyl phosphonate prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umed Singh
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1294, United
States
| | - Girija Pawge
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3092, United States
| | - Sarita Rani
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3092, United States
| | - Chia-Hung Christine Hsiao
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3092, United States
| | - Andrew J. Wiemer
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3092, United States
- Institute
for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3092, United
States
| | - David F. Wiemer
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1294, United
States
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1109, United
States
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8
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Karunakaran MM, Subramanian H, Jin Y, Mohammed F, Kimmel B, Juraske C, Starick L, Nöhren A, Länder N, Willcox CR, Singh R, Schamel WW, Nikolaev VO, Kunzmann V, Wiemer AJ, Willcox BE, Herrmann T. A distinct topology of BTN3A IgV and B30.2 domains controlled by juxtamembrane regions favors optimal human γδ T cell phosphoantigen sensing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7617. [PMID: 37993425 PMCID: PMC10665462 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41938-8] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Butyrophilin (BTN)-3A and BTN2A1 molecules control the activation of human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells during T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated sensing of phosphoantigens (PAg) derived from microbes and tumors. However, the molecular rules governing PAg sensing remain largely unknown. Here, we establish three mechanistic principles of PAg-mediated γδ T cell activation. First, in humans, following PAg binding to the intracellular BTN3A1-B30.2 domain, Vγ9Vδ2 TCR triggering involves the extracellular V-domain of BTN3A2/BTN3A3. Moreover, the localization of both protein domains on different chains of the BTN3A homo-or heteromers is essential for efficient PAg-mediated activation. Second, the formation of BTN3A homo-or heteromers, which differ in intracellular trafficking and conformation, is controlled by molecular interactions between the juxtamembrane regions of the BTN3A chains. Finally, the ability of PAg not simply to bind BTN3A-B30.2, but to promote its subsequent interaction with the BTN2A1-B30.2 domain, is essential for T-cell activation. Defining these determinants of cooperation and the division of labor in BTN proteins improves our understanding of PAg sensing and elucidates a mode of action that may apply to other BTN family members.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hariharan Subramanian
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yiming Jin
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Fiyaz Mohammed
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Brigitte Kimmel
- University Hospital Wuerzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II and Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Mainfranken Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Juraske
- Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Starick
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Nöhren
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Länder
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carrie R Willcox
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rohit Singh
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences & Technology, Dr. Vishwanath Karad, MIT World peace University, Pune, 411038, India
| | - Wolfgang W Schamel
- Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Viacheslav O Nikolaev
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Kunzmann
- University Hospital Wuerzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II and Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Mainfranken Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Andrew J Wiemer
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Benjamin E Willcox
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Thomas Herrmann
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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9
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Yuan L, Ma X, Yang Y, Qu Y, Li X, Zhu X, Ma W, Duan J, Xue J, Yang H, Huang JW, Yi S, Zhang M, Cai N, Zhang L, Ding Q, Lai K, Liu C, Zhang L, Liu X, Yao Y, Zhou S, Li X, Shen P, Chang Q, Malwal SR, He Y, Li W, Chen C, Chen CC, Oldfield E, Guo RT, Zhang Y. Phosphoantigens glue butyrophilin 3A1 and 2A1 to activate Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Nature 2023; 621:840-848. [PMID: 37674084 PMCID: PMC10533412 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06525-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
In both cancer and infections, diseased cells are presented to human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells through an 'inside out' signalling process whereby structurally diverse phosphoantigen (pAg) molecules are sensed by the intracellular domain of butyrophilin BTN3A11-4. Here we show how-in both humans and alpaca-multiple pAgs function as 'molecular glues' to promote heteromeric association between the intracellular domains of BTN3A1 and the structurally similar butyrophilin BTN2A1. X-ray crystallography studies visualized that engagement of BTN3A1 with pAgs forms a composite interface for direct binding to BTN2A1, with various pAg molecules each positioned at the centre of the interface and gluing the butyrophilins with distinct affinities. Our structural insights guided mutagenesis experiments that led to disruption of the intracellular BTN3A1-BTN2A1 association, abolishing pAg-mediated Vγ9Vδ2 T cell activation. Analyses using structure-based molecular-dynamics simulations, 19F-NMR investigations, chimeric receptor engineering and direct measurement of intercellular binding force revealed how pAg-mediated BTN2A1 association drives BTN3A1 intracellular fluctuations outwards in a thermodynamically favourable manner, thereby enabling BTN3A1 to push off from the BTN2A1 ectodomain to initiate T cell receptor-mediated γδ T cell activation. Practically, we harnessed the molecular-glue model for immunotherapeutics design, demonstrating chemical principles for developing both small-molecule activators and inhibitors of human γδ T cell function.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Butyrophilins/immunology
- Butyrophilins/metabolism
- Camelids, New World/immunology
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Molecular Dynamics Simulation
- Phosphoproteins/immunology
- Phosphoproteins/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
- Thermodynamics
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjie Yuan
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xianqiang Ma
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyun Yang
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingying Qu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Weiwei Ma
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jing Xue
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Haoyu Yang
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Wen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Simin Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ningning Cai
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyang Ding
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kecheng Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yirong Yao
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuqi Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Panpan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Chang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Technology Center for Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Satish R Malwal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Yuan He
- Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim (China), Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqi Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Technology Center for Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunlai Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Chi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Eric Oldfield
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Rey-Ting Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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10
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Nguyen K, Jin Y, Howell M, Hsiao CHC, Wiemer AJ, Vinogradova O. Mutations to the BTN2A1 Linker Region Impact Its Homodimerization and Its Cytoplasmic Interaction with Phospho-Antigen-Bound BTN3A1. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:23-33. [PMID: 37171180 PMCID: PMC10330345 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular binding of small-molecule phospho-Ags to the HMBPP receptor complex in infected cells leads to extracellular detection by T cells expressing the Vγ9Vδ2 TCR, a noncanonical method of Ag detection. The butyrophilin proteins BTN2A1 and BTN3A1 are part of the complex; however, their precise roles are unclear. We suspected that BTN2A1 and BTN3A1 form a tetrameric (dimer of dimers) structure, and we wanted to probe the importance of the BTN2A1 homodimer. We analyzed mutations to human BTN2A1, using internal domain or full-length BTN2A1 constructs, expressed in Escherichia coli or human K562 cells, that might disrupt its structure and/or function. Although BTN2A1 is a disulfide-linked homodimer, mutation of cysteine residues C247 and C265 did not affect the ability to stimulate T cell IFN-γ production by ELISA. Two mutations of the juxtamembrane region (at EKE282) failed to impact BTN2A1 function. In contrast, single point mutations (L318G and L325G) near the BTN2A1 B30.2 domain blocked phospho-Ag response. Size exclusion chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments showed that the isolated BTN2A1 B30.2 domain is a homodimer, even in the absence of its extracellular and transmembrane region. [31P]-NMR experiments confirmed that HMBPP binds to BTN3A1 but not BTN2A1, and binding abrogates signals from both phosphorus atoms. Furthermore, the BTN2A1 L325G mutation but not the L318G mutation prevents both homodimerization of BTN2A1 internal domain constructs in size exclusion chromatography (and NMR) experiments and their binding to HMBPP-bound BTN3A1 in isothermal titration calorimetry experiments. Together, these findings support the importance of homodimerization within the BTN2A1 internal domain for phospho-Ag detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khiem Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
| | - Yiming Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
| | - Matthew Howell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
| | | | - Andrew J Wiemer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
| | - Olga Vinogradova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
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11
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Meringa AD, Hernández-López P, Cleven A, de Witte M, Straetemans T, Kuball J, Beringer DX, Sebestyen Z. Strategies to improve γδTCRs engineered T-cell therapies for the treatment of solid malignancies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1159337. [PMID: 37441064 PMCID: PMC10333927 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1159337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. D. Meringa
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - P. Hernández-López
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - A. Cleven
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - M. de Witte
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - T. Straetemans
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - J. Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - D. X. Beringer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Z. Sebestyen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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12
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Willcox CR, Salim M, Begley CR, Karunakaran MM, Easton EJ, von Klopotek C, Berwick KA, Herrmann T, Mohammed F, Jeeves M, Willcox BE. Phosphoantigen sensing combines TCR-dependent recognition of the BTN3A IgV domain and germline interaction with BTN2A1. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112321. [PMID: 36995939 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vγ9Vδ2 T cells play critical roles in microbial immunity by detecting target cells exposed to pathogen-derived phosphoantigens (P-Ags). Target cell expression of BTN3A1, the "P-Ag sensor," and BTN2A1, a direct ligand for T cell receptor (TCR) Vγ9, is essential for this process; however, the molecular mechanisms involved are unclear. Here, we characterize BTN2A1 interactions with Vγ9Vδ2 TCR and BTN3A1. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), modeling, and mutagenesis establish a BTN2A1-immunoglobulin V (IgV)/BTN3A1-IgV structural model compatible with their cell-surface association in cis. However, TCR and BTN3A1-IgV binding to BTN2A1-IgV is mutually exclusive, owing to binding site proximity and overlap. Moreover, mutagenesis indicates that the BTN2A1-IgV/BTN3A1-IgV interaction is non-essential for recognition but instead identifies a molecular surface on BTN3A1-IgV essential to P-Ag sensing. These results establish a critical role for BTN3A-IgV in P-Ag sensing, in mediating direct or indirect interactions with the γδ-TCR. They support a composite-ligand model whereby intracellular P-Ag detection coordinates weak extracellular germline TCR/BTN2A1 and clonotypically influenced TCR/BTN3A-mediated interactions to initiate Vγ9Vδ2 TCR triggering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie R Willcox
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Mahboob Salim
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Charlotte R Begley
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Emily J Easton
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Katie A Berwick
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Thomas Herrmann
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fiyaz Mohammed
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mark Jeeves
- Henry Wellcome Building for NMR, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Benjamin E Willcox
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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13
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Abstract
Current cancer immunotherapies are primarily predicated on αβ T cells, with a stringent dependence on MHC-mediated presentation of tumour-enriched peptides or unique neoantigens that can limit their efficacy and applicability in various contexts. After two decades of preclinical research and preliminary clinical studies involving very small numbers of patients, γδ T cells are now being explored as a viable and promising approach for cancer immunotherapy. The unique features of γδ T cells, including their tissue tropisms, antitumour activity that is independent of neoantigen burden and conventional MHC-dependent antigen presentation, and combination of typical properties of T cells and natural killer cells, make them very appealing effectors in multiple cancer settings. Herein, we review the main functions of γδ T cells in antitumour immunity, focusing on human γδ T cell subsets, with a particular emphasis on the differences between Vδ1+ and Vδ2+ γδ T cells, to discuss their prognostic value in patients with cancer and the key therapeutic strategies that are being developed in an attempt to improve the outcomes of these patients.
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14
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Karunakaran MM, Subramanian H, Jin Y, Mohammed F, Kimmel B, Juraske C, Starick L, Nöhren A, Länder N, Willcox CR, Singh R, Schamel WW, Nikolaev VO, Kunzmann V, Wiemer AJ, Willcox BE, Herrmann T. Division of labor and cooperation between different butyrophilin proteins controls phosphoantigen-mediated activation of human γδ T cells. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2583246. [PMID: 36824912 PMCID: PMC9949253 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2583246/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Butyrophilin (BTN)-3A and BTN2A1 molecules control TCR-mediated activation of human Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells triggered by phosphoantigens (PAg) from microbes and tumors, but the molecular rules governing antigen sensing are unknown. Here we establish three mechanistic principles of PAg-action. Firstly, in humans, following PAg binding to the BTN3A1-B30.2 domain, Vγ9Vδ2 TCR triggering involves the V-domain of BTN3A2/BTN3A3. Moreover, PAg/B30.2 interaction, and the critical γδ-T-cell-activating V-domain, localize to different molecules. Secondly, this distinct topology as well as intracellular trafficking and conformation of BTN3A heteromers or ancestral-like BTN3A homomers are controlled by molecular interactions of the BTN3 juxtamembrane region. Finally, the ability of PAg not simply to bind BTN3A-B30.2, but to promote its subsequent interaction with the BTN2A1-B30.2 domain, is essential for T-cell activation. Defining these determinants of cooperation and division of labor in BTN proteins deepens understanding of PAg sensing and elucidates a mode of action potentially applicable to other BTN/BTNL family members.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hariharan Subramanian
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Yiming Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Fiyaz Mohammed
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Brigitte Kimmel
- University Hospital Wuerzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II and Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Mainfranken Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg Germany
| | - Claudia Juraske
- Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS and Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Centre for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Starick
- Institute for Virology und Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Nöhren
- Institute for Virology und Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Länder
- Institute for Virology und Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carrie R Willcox
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Rohit Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Wolfgang W Schamel
- Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS and Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Centre for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Viacheslav O Nikolaev
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Volker Kunzmann
- University Hospital Wuerzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II and Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Mainfranken Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg Germany
| | - Andrew J Wiemer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Benjamin E Willcox
- 6Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Thomas Herrmann
- Institute for Virology und Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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15
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Chan KF, Duarte JDG, Ostrouska S, Behren A. γδ T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment-Interactions With Other Immune Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894315. [PMID: 35880177 PMCID: PMC9307934 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have shown that γδ T cells play a pivotal role in mediating the clearance of tumors and pathogen-infected cells with their potent cytotoxic, cytolytic, and unique immune-modulating functions. Unlike the more abundant αβ T cells, γδ T cells can recognize a broad range of tumors and infected cells without the requirement of antigen presentation via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Our group has recently demonstrated parts of the mechanisms of T-cell receptor (TCR)-dependent activation of Vγ9Vδ2+ T cells by tumors following the presentation of phosphoantigens, intermediates of the mevalonate pathway. This process is mediated through the B7 immunoglobulin family-like butyrophilin 2A1 (BTN2A1) and BTN3A1 complexes. Such recognition results in activation, a robust immunosurveillance process, and elicits rapid γδ T-cell immune responses. These include targeted cell killing, and the ability to produce copious quantities of cytokines and chemokines to exert immune-modulating properties and to interact with other immune cells. This immune cell network includes αβ T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, natural killer cells, and neutrophils, hence heavily influencing the outcome of immune responses. This key role in orchestrating immune cells and their natural tropism for tumor microenvironment makes γδ T cells an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review the current understanding of these important interactions and highlight the implications of the crosstalk between γδ T cells and other immune cells in the context of anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kok Fei Chan
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica Da Gama Duarte
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Simone Ostrouska
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Behren
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Hsiao CHC, Wiemer AJ. Generation of effector Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and evaluation of their response to phosphoantigen-loaded cells. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101422. [PMID: 35677612 PMCID: PMC9168146 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are non-canonical T cells that use their T cell receptor to detect phosphoantigens bound to the internal domain of the HMBPP receptor (butyrophilin 3/2A1 complex). This protocol describes the expansion and purification of human effector Vγ9Vδ2 T cells from human buffy coat and describes how to assess their activation by antigen-containing target cells. While specifically focused on cytokine production, this protocol can be readily adapted to evaluate other effector functions of activated Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Hsiao et al. (2022) and Hsiao and Wiemer (2018).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J. Wiemer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Herrmann T, Karunakaran MM. Butyrophilins: γδ T Cell Receptor Ligands, Immunomodulators and More. Front Immunol 2022; 13:876493. [PMID: 35371078 PMCID: PMC8968916 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.876493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Butyrophilins (BTN) are relatives of the B7 family (e.g., CD80, PD-L1). They fulfill a wide range of functions including immunomodulation and bind to various receptors such as the γδ T cell receptor (γδTCR) and small molecules. One intensively studied molecule is BTN3A1, which binds via its cytoplasmic B30.2 domain, metabolites of isoprenoid synthesis, designated as phosphoantigen (PAg), The enrichment of PAgs in tumors or infected cells is sensed by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, leading to the proliferation and execution of effector functions to remove these cells. This article discusses the contribution of BTNs, the related BTNL molecules and SKINT1 to the development, activation, and homeostasis of γδ T cells and their immunomodulatory potential, which makes them interesting targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Herrmann
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius Maximilians Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mohindar M Karunakaran
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius Maximilians Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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