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Pressley KR, Schwegman L, Montes De Oca Arena M, Chase Huizar C, Zamvil SS, Forsthuber TG. HLA-transgenic mouse models to study autoimmune central nervous system diseases. Autoimmunity 2024; 57:2387414. [PMID: 39167553 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2024.2387414] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
It is known that certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are associated with autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), but their exact role in disease susceptibility and etiopathogenesis remains unclear. The best studied HLA-associated autoimmune CNS disease is MS, and thus will be the primary focus of this review. Other HLA-associated autoimmune CNS diseases, such as autoimmune encephalitis and neuromyelitis optica will be discussed. The lack of animal models to accurately capture the complex human autoimmune response remains a major challenge. HLA transgenic (tg) mice provide researchers with powerful tools to investigate the underlying mechanisms promoting susceptibility and progression of HLA-associated autoimmune CNS diseases, as well as for elucidating the myelin epitopes potentially targeted by T cells in autoimmune disease patients. We will discuss the potential role(s) of autoimmune disease-associated HLA alleles in autoimmune CNS diseases and highlight information provided by studies using HLA tg mice to investigate the underlying pathological mechanisms and opportunities to use these models for development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle R Pressley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lance Schwegman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Maria Montes De Oca Arena
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Carol Chase Huizar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Scott S Zamvil
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Program in Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas G Forsthuber
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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2
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Susukida T, Aoki S, Shirayanagi T, Yamada Y, Kuwahara S, Ito K. HLA transgenic mice: application in reproducing idiosyncratic drug toxicity. Drug Metab Rev 2020; 52:540-567. [PMID: 32847422 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2020.1800725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Various types of transgenic mice carrying either class I or II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are readily available, and reports describing their use in a variety of studies have been published for more than 30 years. Examples of their use include the discovery of HLA-specific antigens against viral infection as well as the reproduction of HLA-mediated autoimmune diseases for the development of therapeutic strategies. Recently, HLA transgenic mice have been used to reproduce HLA-mediated idiosyncratic drug toxicity (IDT), a rare and unpredictable adverse drug reaction that can result in death. For example, abacavir-induced IDT has successfully been reproduced in HLA-B*57:01 transgenic mice. Several reports using HLA transgenic mice for IDT have proven the utility of this concept for the evaluation of IDT using various HLA allele combinations and drugs. It has become apparent that such models may be a valuable tool to investigate the mechanisms underlying HLA-mediated IDT. This review summarizes the latest findings in the area of HLA transgenic mouse models and discusses the current challenges that must be overcome to maximize the potential of this unique animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Susukida
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Section of Host Defenses, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Shigeki Aoki
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Shirayanagi
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yushiro Yamada
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Saki Kuwahara
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kousei Ito
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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3
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Recent Advances in Antigen-Specific Immunotherapies for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10060333. [PMID: 32486045 PMCID: PMC7348736 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10060333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system and is considered to be the leading non-traumatic cause of neurological disability in young adults. Current treatments for MS comprise long-term immunosuppressant drugs and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) designed to alter its progress with the enhanced risk of severe side effects. The Holy Grail for the treatment of MS is to specifically suppress the disease while at the same time allow the immune system to be functionally active against infectious diseases and malignancy. This could be achieved via the development of immunotherapies designed to specifically suppress immune responses to self-antigens (e.g., myelin antigens). The present study attempts to highlight the various antigen-specific immunotherapies developed so far for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (e.g., vaccination with myelin-derived peptides/proteins, plasmid DNA encoding myelin epitopes, tolerogenic dendritic cells pulsed with encephalitogenic epitopes of myelin proteins, attenuated autologous T cells specific for myelin antigens, T cell receptor peptides, carriers loaded/conjugated with myelin immunodominant peptides, etc), focusing on the outcome of their recent preclinical and clinical evaluation, and to shed light on the mechanisms involved in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of multiple sclerosis.
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4
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Vandenbark AA, Meza-Romero R, Benedek G, Offner H. A novel neurotherapeutic for multiple sclerosis, ischemic injury, methamphetamine addiction, and traumatic brain injury. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:14. [PMID: 30683115 PMCID: PMC6346590 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1393-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular, autoimmune, and traumatic injuries of the central nervous system (CNS) all have in common an initial acute inflammatory response mediated by influx across the blood-brain barrier of activated mononuclear cells followed by chronic and often progressive disability. Although some anti-inflammatory therapies can reduce cellular infiltration into the initial lesions, there are essentially no effective treatments for the progressive phase. We here review the successful treatment of animal models for four separate neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative CNS conditions using a single partial MHC class II construct called DRa1-hMOG-35-55 or its newest iteration, DRa1(L50Q)-hMOG-35-55 (DRhQ) that can be administered without a need for class II tissue type matching due to the conserved DRα1 moiety of the drug. These constructs antagonize the cognate TCR and bind with high affinity to their cell-bound CD74 receptor on macrophages and dendritic cells, thereby competitively inhibiting downstream signaling and pro-inflammatory effects of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its homolog, d-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT=MIF-2) that bind to identical residues of CD74 leading to progressive disease. These effects suggest the existence of a common pathogenic mechanism involving a chemokine-driven influx of activated monocytes into the CNS tissue that can be reversed by parenteral injection of the DRa1-MOG-35-55 constructs that also induce anti-inflammatory macrophages and microglia within the CNS. Due to their ability to block this common pathway, these novel drugs appear to be prime candidates for therapy of a wide range of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative CNS conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA. .,Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Roberto Meza-Romero
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Gil Benedek
- Present Address: Tissue Typing and Immunogenetics Laboratory, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Ji N, Somanaboeina A, Dixit A, Kawamura K, Hayward NJ, Self C, Olson GL, Forsthuber T. Small molecule inhibitor of antigen binding and presentation by HLA-DR2b as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2013; 191:5074-84. [PMID: 24123687 PMCID: PMC3891844 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The strong association of HLA-DR2b (DRB1*1501) with multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests this molecule as prime target for specific immunotherapy. Inhibition of HLA-DR2b-restricted myelin-specific T cells has the potential to selectively prevent CNS pathology mediated by these MHC molecules without undesired global immunosuppression. In this study, we report development of a highly selective small molecule inhibitor of peptide binding and presentation by HLA-DR2b. PV-267, the candidate molecule used in these studies, inhibited cytokine production and proliferation of myelin-specific HLA-DR2b-restricted T cells. PV-267 had no significant effect on T cell responses mediated by other MHC class II molecules, including HLA-DR1, -DR4, or -DR9. Importantly, PV-267 did not induce nonspecific immune activation of human PBMC. Lastly, PV-267 showed treatment efficacy both in preventing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and in treating established disease. The results suggest that blocking the MS-associated HLA-DR2b allele with small molecule inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niannian Ji
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249
| | - Animesh Somanaboeina
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249
| | - Aakanksha Dixit
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249
| | - Kazuyuki Kawamura
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249
| | | | - Christopher Self
- Provid Pharmaceuticals Inc., 7 Deer Park Drive, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
| | - Gary L. Olson
- Provid Pharmaceuticals Inc., 7 Deer Park Drive, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
| | - Thomas Forsthuber
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249
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6
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Wegmann KW, Bouwer HGA, Gregory CR, Whitham RH, Hinrichs DJ. Targeting T cells responsive to the priming epitope prevent the relapsing phase of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroimmunol 2013; 260:74-81. [PMID: 23611642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Upon recovery from the initial episode of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), virtually all SJL mice develop relapsing/remitting episodes of disease. These relapses may occur due to the reactivation of memory T cells initially stimulated as part of the disease-inducing protocol or naïve T-cell populations stimulated by distinct encephalitogens derived from the inflammatory disease process (epitope spread). We have used encephalitogen-specific non-linear peptide octamers to modify the course of relapsing EAE (rEAE) in SJL mice immunized with an oliogodendrocyte-specific protein peptide (OSP 55-71). Our studies show that the peptide-octamers, which target the T cells stimulated by the priming encephalitogen, but not other candidate encephalitogens, prevent rEAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith W Wegmann
- Immunology Research Group, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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7
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Benedek G, Meza-Romero R, Andrew S, Leng L, Burrows GG, Bourdette D, Offner H, Bucala R, Vandenbark AA. Partial MHC class II constructs inhibit MIF/CD74 binding and downstream effects. Eur J Immunol 2013; 43:1309-21. [PMID: 23576302 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201243162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
MIF and its receptor, CD74, are pivotal regulators of the immune system. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that partial MHC class II constructs comprised of linked β1α1 domains with covalently attached antigenic peptides (also referred to as recombinant T-cell receptor ligands - RTLs) can inhibit MIF activity by not only blocking the binding of rhMIF to immunopurified CD74, but also downregulating CD74 cell-surface expression. This bifunctional inhibition of MIF/CD74 interactions blocked downstream MIF effects, including enhanced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, anti-apoptotic activity, and inhibition of random migration that all contribute to the reversal of clinical and histological signs of EAE. Moreover, we demonstrate that enhanced CD74 cell-surface expression on monocytes in mice with EAE and subjects with multiple sclerosis can be downregulated by humanized RTLs, resulting in reduced MIF binding to the cells. Thus, binding of partial MHC complexes to CD74 blocks both the accessibility and availability of CD74 for MIF binding and downstream inflammatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Benedek
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Neuroimmunology Research, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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8
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Vandenbark AA, Meza-Romero R, Benedek G, Andrew S, Huan J, Chou YK, Buenafe AC, Dahan R, Reiter Y, Mooney JL, Offner H, Burrows GG. A novel regulatory pathway for autoimmune disease: binding of partial MHC class II constructs to monocytes reduces CD74 expression and induces both specific and bystander T-cell tolerance. J Autoimmun 2012; 40:96-110. [PMID: 23026773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Treatment with partial (p)MHC class II-β1α1 constructs (also referred to as recombinant T-cell receptor ligands - RTL) linked to antigenic peptides can induce T-cell tolerance, inhibit recruitment of inflammatory cells and reverse autoimmune diseases. Here we demonstrate a novel regulatory pathway that involves RTL binding to CD11b(+) mononuclear cells through a receptor comprised of MHC class II invariant chain (CD74), cell-surface histones and MHC class II itself for treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Binding of RTL constructs with CD74 involved a previously unrecognized MHC class II-α1/CD74 interaction that inhibited CD74 expression, blocked activity of its ligand, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, and reduced EAE severity. These findings implicate binding of RTL constructs to CD74 as a key step in both antigen-driven and bystander T-cell tolerance important in treatment of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A Vandenbark
- Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Neuroimmunology Research, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Tykeson MS Research Laboratory, UHS-46, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Roberto Meza-Romero
- Neuroimmunology Research, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Tykeson MS Research Laboratory, UHS-46, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Gil Benedek
- Neuroimmunology Research, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Tykeson MS Research Laboratory, UHS-46, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Shayne Andrew
- Neuroimmunology Research, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Tykeson MS Research Laboratory, UHS-46, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jianya Huan
- Tykeson MS Research Laboratory, UHS-46, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Yuan K Chou
- Tykeson MS Research Laboratory, UHS-46, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Abigail C Buenafe
- Tykeson MS Research Laboratory, UHS-46, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Rony Dahan
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yoram Reiter
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jeffery L Mooney
- Tykeson MS Research Laboratory, UHS-46, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Gregory G Burrows
- Tykeson MS Research Laboratory, UHS-46, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Hematology & Medical Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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9
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Recombinant T-Cell Receptor Ligand (RTL) for Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 1, Dose-Escalation Study. Autoimmune Dis 2012; 2012:954739. [PMID: 22548151 PMCID: PMC3328144 DOI: 10.1155/2012/954739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 01/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Recombinant T-cell receptor ligand 1000 (RTL1000) is a single-chain protein construct containing the outer two domains of HLA-DR2 linked to myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein- (MOG-) 35–55 peptide. Analogues of RTL1000 induce T-cell tolerance, reverse clinical and histological disease, and promote repair in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in DR2 transgenic, C57BL/6, and SJL/J mice. Objective. Determining the maximum tolerated dose, safety, and tolerability of RTL1000 in multiple sclerosis (MS) subjects. Methods. This was a multicenter, Phase I dose-escalation study in HLA-DR2+ MS subjects. Consecutive cohorts received RTL1000 doses of 2, 6, 20, 60, 200, and 100 mg, respectively. Subjects within each cohort randomly received a single intravenous infusion of RTL1000 or placebo at a 4 : 2 ratio. Safety monitoring included clinical, laboratory, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations. Results. Thirty-four subjects completed the protocol. All subjects tolerated the 2–60 mg doses of RTL1000. Doses ≥100 mg caused hypotension and diarrhea in 3 of 4 subjects, leading to discontinuation of further enrollment. Conclusions. The maximum tolerated dose of RTL1000 in MS subjects is 60 mg, comparable to effective RTL doses in EAE. RTL1000 is a novel approach for MS treatment that may induce immunoregulation without immunosuppression and promote neural repair.
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Adamus G, Brown L, Andrew S, Meza-Romero R, Burrows GG, Vandenbark AA. Neuroprotective effects of recombinant T-cell receptor ligand in autoimmune optic neuritis in HLA-DR2 mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2012; 53:406-12. [PMID: 22167100 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-8419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Optic neuritis (ON) is a condition involving primary inflammation, demyelination, and axonal injury in the optic nerve and leads to apoptotic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, which contributes to the persistence of visual loss. Currently, ON has no effective treatment. The goal was to determine the effectiveness of immunotherapy with recombinant T-cell receptor ligand (RTL) in preventing ON in humanized HLA-DR2 transgenic mice. METHODS Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in humanized HLA-DR2 (DRβ1*1501) transgenic mice. Five consecutive doses of RTL342M were administrated at the onset of ON. The development of autoimmune ON was assessed by histopathology at different time points. The levels of myelin loss, axonal loss, and RGC damage were examined by immunofluorescence. RESULTS HLA-DR2 mice developed chronic ON 2 days before EAE characterized by progressive neurodegeneration in both organs. RTL342M significantly suppressed inflammation in the optic nerve and spinal cord and provided protection for at least 30 days. Examination of myelin loss showed a marked suppression of demyelination and an increase in myelin recovery in the optic nerve. Moreover, RTL342M treatment revealed a neuroprotective effect on optic nerve axons and RGCs in retinas at postimmunization (PI) day 62. CONCLUSIONS RTL342M suppressed clinical and histologic signs of EAE/ON by preventing the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the optic nerve and showed neuroprotective effects against ON. However, to achieve full therapeutic benefit, more doses may be needed. These findings suggest a possible clinical application of this novel class of T-cell-tolerizing drugs for patients with optic neuritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Adamus
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
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11
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Peptide-MHC-based nanovaccines for the treatment of autoimmunity: a "one size fits all" approach? J Mol Med (Berl) 2011; 89:733-42. [PMID: 21499734 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-011-0757-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology offers enormous potential in drug delivery and in vivo imaging. Nanoparticles (NPs), for example, are being extensively tested as scaffolds to deliver anti-cancer therapeutics or imaging tags. Our recent work, discussed herein, indicates that an opportunity exists to use NPs to deliver ligands for, and trigger, cognate receptors on T lymphocytes as a way to induce therapeutic immune responses in vivo. Specifically, systemic delivery of NPs coated with Type 1 diabetes (T1D)-relevant peptide-major histocompatibility complex molecules triggered the expansion of cognate memory autoregulatory (disease-suppressing) T cells, suppressed the progression of autoimmune attack against insulin-producing beta cells, and restored glucose homeostasis. This therapeutic avenue exploits a new paradigm in the progression of chronic autoimmune responses that enables the rational design of disease-specific "nanovaccines" capable of blunting autoimmunity without impairing systemic immunity, a long sought-after goal in the therapy of these disorders. Here, we discuss the research paths that led to the discovery of this therapeutic avenue and highlight the features that make it an attractive approach for the treatment, in an antigen-specific manner, of a whole host of autoimmune diseases.
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12
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Dahan R, Tabul M, Chou YK, Meza-Romero R, Andrew S, Ferro AJ, Burrows GG, Offner H, Vandenbark AA, Reiter Y. TCR-like antibodies distinguish conformational and functional differences in two- versus four-domain auto reactive MHC class II-peptide complexes. Eur J Immunol 2011; 41:1465-79. [PMID: 21469129 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201041241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Revised: 01/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Antigen-presenting cell-associated four-domain MHC class II (MHC-II) molecules play a central role in activating autoreactive CD4(+) T cells involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes (T1D). In contrast, two-domain MHC-II structures with the same covalently attached self-peptide (recombinant T-cell receptor ligands (RTLs)) can regulate pathogenic CD4(+) T cells and reverse clinical signs of experimental autoimmune diseases. RTL1000, which is composed of the β1α1 domains of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR2 linked to the encephalitogenic human myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-35-55 peptide, was recently shown to be safe and well tolerated in a phase I clinical trial in MS. To evaluate the opposing biological effects of four- versus two-domain MHC-II structures, we screened phage Fab antibodies (Abs) for the neutralizing activity of RTL1000. Five different TCR-like Abs were identified that could distinguish between the two- versus four-domain MHC-peptide complexes while the cognate TCR was unable to make such a distinction. Moreover, Fab detection of native two-domain HLA-DR structures in human plasma implies that there are naturally occurring regulatory MHC-peptide complexes. These results demonstrate for the first time distinct conformational determinants characteristic of activating versus tolerogenic MHC-peptide complexes involved in human autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rony Dahan
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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13
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Sinha S, Miller L, Subramanian S, McCarty OJT, Proctor T, Meza-Romero R, Huan J, Burrows GG, Vandenbark AA, Offner H. Binding of recombinant T cell receptor ligands (RTL) to antigen presenting cells prevents upregulation of CD11b and inhibits T cell activation and transfer of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroimmunol 2010; 225:52-61. [PMID: 20546940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2010] [Revised: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant T cell ligands (RTLs) ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in an antigen-specific manner. We evaluated effects of RTL401 (I-A(s) alpha1beta1+PLP-139-151) on splenocytes from SJL/J mice with EAE to study RTL-T cell tolerance-inducing mechanisms. RTLs bound to B, macrophages and DCs, through RTL-MHC-alpha1beta1 moiety. RTL binding reduced CD11b expression on splenic macrophages/DC, and RTL401-conditioned macrophages/DC, not B cells, inhibited T cell activation. Reduced ability of RTL- incubated splenocytes to transfer EAE was likely mediated through macrophages/DC, since B cells were unnecessary for RTL treatment of EAE. These results demonstrate a novel pathway of T cell regulation by RTL-bound APCs.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antigen-Presenting Cells/drug effects
- Antigen-Presenting Cells/immunology
- Antigen-Presenting Cells/metabolism
- CD11b Antigen/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Coculture Techniques
- Dendritic Cells/drug effects
- Dendritic Cells/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/therapy
- Flow Cytometry
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation/immunology
- Ligands
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Macrophages/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Monocytes/drug effects
- Monocytes/metabolism
- Myelin Proteolipid Protein/immunology
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Protein Binding/drug effects
- Protein Binding/physiology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Recombinant Proteins/chemistry
- Recombinant Proteins/metabolism
- Recombinant Proteins/therapeutic use
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmita Sinha
- Neuroimmunology Research R&D-31, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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14
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Steward-Tharp SM, Song YJ, Siegel RM, O'Shea JJ. New insights into T cell biology and T cell-directed therapy for autoimmunity, inflammation, and immunosuppression. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1183:123-48. [PMID: 20146712 PMCID: PMC2950114 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05124.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
T cell-directed therapies have become mainstays in the management of various autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation. The understanding of T cell biology has expanded greatly since the development of most agents currently in use. Here we discuss important recent discoveries pertaining to T helper cell differentiation, lineage commitment, and function. Within this context, we examine existing T cell-directed therapies, including new agents being evaluated in clinical and preclinical studies. We also use recent findings to speculate on novel targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Steward-Tharp
- Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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15
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Subramanian S, Zhang B, Kosaka Y, Burrows GG, Grafe MR, Vandenbark AA, Hurn PD, Offner H. Recombinant T cell receptor ligand treats experimental stroke. Stroke 2009; 40:2539-45. [PMID: 19443805 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.108.543991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Experimental stroke induces a biphasic effect on the immune response that involves early activation of peripheral leukocytes followed by severe immunodepression and atrophy of the spleen and thymus. In tandem, the developing infarct is exacerbated by influx of numerous inflammatory cell types, including T and B lymphocytes. These features of stroke prompted our use of recombinant T cell receptor ligands (RTL), partial major histocompatibility complex Class II molecules covalently bound to myelin peptides. We tested the hypothesis that RTL would improve ischemic outcome in the brain without exacerbating defects in the peripheral immune system function. METHODS Four daily doses of RTL were administered subcutaneously to C57BL/6 mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion, and lesion size and cellular composition were assessed in the brain and cell numbers were assessed in the spleen and thymus. RESULTS Treatment with RTL551 (I-A(b) molecule linked to MOG-35-55 peptide) reduced cortical and total stroke lesion size by approximately 50%, inhibited the accumulation of inflammatory cells, particularly macrophages/activated microglial cells and dendritic cells, and mitigated splenic atrophy. Treatment with RTL1000 (HLA-DR2 moiety linked to human MOG-35-55 peptide) similarly reduced the stroke lesion size in HLA-DR2 transgenic mice. In contrast, control RTL with a nonneuroantigen peptide or a mismatched major histocompatibility complex Class II moiety had no effect on stroke lesion size. CONCLUSIONS These data are the first to demonstrate successful treatment of experimental stroke using a neuroantigen-specific immunomodulatory agent administered after ischemia, suggesting therapeutic potential in human stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Subramanian
- Neuroimmunology Research, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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16
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Cytokine switch and bystander suppression of autoimmune responses to multiple antigens in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by a single recombinant T-cell receptor ligand. J Neurosci 2009; 29:3816-23. [PMID: 19321778 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5812-08.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant T-cell receptor ligands (RTLs) can reverse clinical and histological signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in an antigen-specific manner, and are currently in clinical trials for treatment of subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS). Antigen specificity of RTL raises the question as to whether this treatment would be successful in MS patients where target antigens are unknown. Using spinal cord homogenate or combinations of two different peptides to induce disease, we found that treatment with single RTL could reverse EAE as long as targeted T-cells were present. Therapy with three different RTLs each caused a significant reduction in IL-17 and increases in IL-10 and IL-13 in peptide-activated splenocytes, reduced proliferation of both cognate and bystander specificities of lymph node cells, and reduced inflammatory lesions and secreted IL-17 and IL-2 from peptide-activated spinal cord cells. These results show that treatment with single RTLs can induce a cytokine switch in cognate T-cells that inhibits both the target and bystander T-cells, providing new evidence for the potential applicability of RTL therapy in MS.
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17
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Offner H, Sinha S, Wang C, Burrows GG, Vandenbark AA. Recombinant T cell receptor ligands: immunomodulatory, neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects suggest application as therapy for multiple sclerosis. Rev Neurosci 2009; 19:327-39. [PMID: 19145988 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro.2008.19.4-5.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant T cell receptor (TCR) ligands (RTL) represent the minimal interactive surface with antigen-specific T cell receptors. These novel constructs fold similarly to native four-domain MHC/peptide complexes but deliver suboptimal and qualitatively different signals that cause a 'cytokine switch' to anti-inflammatory factors in targeted encephalitogenic T cells. RTL treatment can reverse clinical and histological signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and most dramatically can promote myelin and axonal recoveiy in the CNS of mice with chronic disease. These properties of RTL suggest that this novel antigen-specific approach may hold unusual promise as a therapy for multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Wegmann KW, Wagner CR, Whitham RH, Hinrichs DJ. Synthetic Peptide Dendrimers Block the Development and Expression of Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 181:3301-9. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.5.3301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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