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da Silva Antunes R, Weiskopf D, Sidney J, Rubiro P, Peters B, Arlehamn CSL, Grifoni A, Sette A. The MegaPool Approach to Characterize Adaptive CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell Responses. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e934. [PMID: 37966108 PMCID: PMC10662678 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Epitopes recognized by T cells are a collection of short peptide fragments derived from specific antigens or proteins. Immunological research to study T cell responses is hindered by the extreme degree of heterogeneity of epitope targets, which are usually derived from multiple antigens; within a given antigen, hundreds of different T cell epitopes can be recognized, differing from one individual to the next because T cell epitope recognition is restricted by the epitopes' ability to bind to MHC molecules, which are extremely polymorphic in different individuals. Testing large pools encompassing hundreds of peptides is technically challenging because of logistical considerations regarding solvent-induced toxicity. To address this issue, we developed the MegaPool (MP) approach based on sequential lyophilization of large numbers of peptides that can be used in a variety of assays to measure T cell responses, including ELISPOT, intracellular cytokine staining, and activation-induced marker assays, and that has been validated in the study of infectious diseases, allergies, and autoimmunity. Here, we describe the procedures for generating and testing MPs, starting with peptide synthesis and lyophilization, as well as a step-by-step guide and recommendations for their handling and experimental usage. Overall, the MP approach is a powerful strategy for studying T cell responses and understanding the immune system's role in health and disease. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Generation of peptide pools ("MegaPools") Basic Protocol 2: MegaPool testing and quantitation of antigen-specific T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo da Silva Antunes
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniela Weiskopf
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John Sidney
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Paul Rubiro
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bjoern Peters
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Alba Grifoni
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
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Sublingual Immunotherapy: How Sublingual Allergen Administration Heals Allergic Diseases; Current Perspective about the Mode of Action. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020147. [PMID: 33540540 PMCID: PMC7912807 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to the successful application of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has become one of the leading treatments for allergic diseases. Similar to the case with other AITs, such as subcutaneous and oral immunotherapies, not only the alleviation of allergic symptoms, but also the curing of the diseases can be expected in patients undergoing SLIT. However, how and why such strong efficacy is obtained by SLIT, in which allergens are simply administered under the tongue, is not clearly known. Various potential mechanisms, including the induction of blocking antibodies, T cell tolerance, regulatory B and T cells, CD103-CD11b+ classical dendritic cells, and CD206+ macrophages, and the reduction of innate lymphoid cells, mast cells, and basophils, have been suggested. Recently, through a comparative analysis between high- and non-responder patients of SLIT, we have successfully proposed several novel mechanisms. Here, we introduce our recent findings and summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the strong efficacy of SLIT.
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Andrea M, Susanna B, Francesca N, Enrico M, Alessandra V. The emerging role of type 2 inflammation in asthma. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 17:63-71. [PMID: 33280431 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1860755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Bronchial asthma (BA) is a chronic airways inflammatory disease. Based on the biological mechanisms that underline the disease, asthma has been classified as type 2 or non-type 2 phenotype.Areas covered: An emerging role has been identified for group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) able to produce the classical type 2 cytokines. The role of Th2 cells and IL-4 is crucial in the pathogenesis of allergic BA as supported by asthma models. IL-13, shares many biological functions with IL-4 such as induction of IgE synthesis and regulation of eosinophil trafficking. However, IL-13 does not induce Th2 cell differentiation. The Authors reviewed evidence on the new concept of type 2 inflammation and the cellular and molecular network behind this process. Literature data in the PubMed were analyzed for peer-reviewed articles published until September 2020.Expert opinion: The current trend is to consider Th2- and ILC2-driven pathways as two separate pathogenic mechanisms, recent data underscore that adaptive Th2- and innate cell responses represent two integrated systems in the production of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 leading to the current 'concept' of type 2 inflammation. This review highlights the role of Th2 cells and ILC2 in the recent new concept of type 2 inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matucci Andrea
- Immunoallergology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Bormioli Susanna
- Immunology and Cellular Therapy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Nencini Francesca
- Immunoallergology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Maggi Enrico
- Immunology Department, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vultaggio Alessandra
- Immunoallergology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
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O'Konek JJ, Landers JJ, Janczak KW, Lindsey HK, Mondrusov AM, Totten TD, Baker JR. Intranasal nanoemulsion vaccine confers long-lasting immunomodulation and sustained unresponsiveness in a murine model of milk allergy. Allergy 2020; 75:872-881. [PMID: 31557317 DOI: 10.1111/all.14064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy for food allergy requires prolonged treatment protocols and, in most cases, does not lead to durable modulation of the allergic immune response. We have demonstrated an intranasal (IN) nanoemulsion adjuvant that redirects allergen-specific Th2 responses toward Th1 and Th17 immunity, and protects from allergen challenge after only 2-4 monthly administrations. Here, we investigate the ability of this technology to provide long-term modulation of allergy in a murine model of cow's milk allergy. METHODS Six weeks after sensitization to bovine casein, mice received four, monthly IN immunizations with nanoemulsion formulated with casein. Protection from casein challenge was assessed at 4 and 16 weeks after the final vaccine administration. RESULTS The NE vaccine significantly blunted the physiological responses to allergen challenge, and this effect persisted for at least 16 weeks. The protection from challenge was associated with the suppression of casein-specific Th2 immunity and induced Th1 and Th17 cytokines as well as induction of IL-10. Of interest, while immunized animals showed significantly decreased Th2 cytokine responses, cow's milk-specific IgE remained elevated in the serum at levels associated with reactivity in control sensitized animals. Protection was associated with suppressed mast cell activation and markedly reduced mast cell infiltration into the small intestine. CONCLUSION The sustained unresponsiveness of at least 16 weeks after vaccination suggests that the nanoemulsion vaccine alters the allergic phenotype in a persistent manner different from traditional desensitization, and this leads to long-term suppressive effects on allergic disease without eliminating serum IgE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J. O'Konek
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Landers
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
| | | | - Hayley K. Lindsey
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
| | - Anna M. Mondrusov
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
| | - Tiffanie D. Totten
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
| | - James R. Baker
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
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O’Konek JJ, Baker JR. Treatment of allergic disease with nanoemulsion adjuvant vaccines. Allergy 2020; 75:246-249. [PMID: 31298741 DOI: 10.1111/all.13977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J. O’Konek
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
| | - James R. Baker
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
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O'Konek JJ, Landers JJ, Janczak KW, Goel RR, Mondrusov AM, Wong PT, Baker JR. Nanoemulsion adjuvant-driven redirection of T H2 immunity inhibits allergic reactions in murine models of peanut allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 141:2121-2131. [PMID: 29655584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy for food allergies involves progressive increased exposures to food that result in desensitization to food allergens in some subjects but not tolerance to the food. Therefore new approaches to suppress allergic immunity to food are necessary. Previously, we demonstrated that intranasal immunization with a nanoemulsion (NE) adjuvant induces robust mucosal antibody and TH17-polarized immunity, as well as systemic TH1-biased cellular immunity with suppression of pre-existing TH2-biased immunity. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that immunization with food in conjunction with the nanoemulsion adjuvant could lead to modulation of allergic reactions in food allergy by altering pre-existing allergic immunity and enhancing mucosal immunity. METHODS Mice were sensitized to peanut with aluminum hydroxide or cholera toxin. The animals were then administered 3 monthly intranasal immunizations with peanut in the nanoemulsion adjuvant or saline. Mice were then challenged with peanut to examine allergen reactivity. RESULTS The NE intranasal immunizations resulted in marked decreases in TH2 cytokine, IgG1, and IgE levels, whereas TH1 and mucosal TH17 immune responses were increased. After allergen challenge, these mice showed significant reductions in allergic hypersensitivity. Additionally, the NE immunizations significantly increased antigen-specific IL-10 production and regulatory T-cell counts, and the protection induced by NE was dependent in part on IL-10. Control animals immunized with intranasal peanut in saline had no modulation of their allergic response. CONCLUSIONS NE adjuvant-mediated induction of mucosal TH17 and systemic TH1-biased immunity can suppress TH2-mediated allergy through multiple mechanisms and protect against anaphylaxis. These results suggest the potential therapeutic utility of this approach in the setting of food allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J O'Konek
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
| | - Jeffrey J Landers
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | | | - Rishi R Goel
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Anna M Mondrusov
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Pamela T Wong
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - James R Baker
- Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
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Natural protective immunity against grass pollen allergy is maintained by a diverse spectrum of response types. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 140:1746-1749.e11. [PMID: 28867457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Shamji MH, Kappen JH, Akdis M, Jensen-Jarolim E, Knol EF, Kleine-Tebbe J, Bohle B, Chaker AM, Till SJ, Valenta R, Poulsen LK, Calderon MA, Demoly P, Pfaar O, Jacobsen L, Durham SR, Schmidt-Weber CB. Biomarkers for monitoring clinical efficacy of allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic asthma: an EAACI Position Paper. Allergy 2017; 72:1156-1173. [PMID: 28152201 DOI: 10.1111/all.13138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is an effective treatment for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) with or without asthma. It is important to note that due to the complex interaction between patient, allergy triggers, symptomatology and vaccines used for AIT, some patients do not respond optimally to the treatment. Furthermore, there are no validated or generally accepted candidate biomarkers that are predictive of the clinical response to AIT. Clinical management of patients receiving AIT and efficacy in randomised controlled trials for drug development could be enhanced by predictive biomarkers. METHOD The EAACI taskforce reviewed all candidate biomarkers used in clinical trials of AR patients with/without asthma in a literature review. Biomarkers were grouped into seven domains: (i) IgE (total IgE, specific IgE and sIgE/Total IgE ratio), (ii) IgG-subclasses (sIgG1, sIgG4 including SIgE/IgG4 ratio), (iii) Serum inhibitory activity for IgE (IgE-FAB and IgE-BF), (iv) Basophil activation, (v) Cytokines and Chemokines, (vi) Cellular markers (T regulatory cells, B regulatory cells and dendritic cells) and (vii) In vivo biomarkers (including provocation tests?). RESULTS All biomarkers were reviewed in the light of their potential advantages as well as their respective drawbacks. Unmet needs and specific recommendations on all seven domains were addressed. CONCLUSIONS It is recommended to explore the use of allergen-specific IgG4 as a biomarker for compliance. sIgE/tIgE and IgE-FAB are considered as potential surrogate candidate biomarkers. Cytokine/chemokines and cellular reponses provided insight into the mechanisms of AIT. More studies for confirmation and interpretation of the possible association with the clinical response to AIT are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. H. Shamji
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology; National Heart and Lung Institute; Imperial College London; London UK
- MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma; London UK
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology; Immunomodulation and Tolerance Group; Imperial College London; London UK
| | - J. H. Kappen
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology; National Heart and Lung Institute; Imperial College London; London UK
- MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma; London UK
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology; Immunomodulation and Tolerance Group; Imperial College London; London UK
- Department of Pulmonology; STZ Centre of Excellence for Asthma & COPD; Sint Franciscus Vlietland Group; Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - M. Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF); University of Zürich; Davos Switzerland
| | - E. Jensen-Jarolim
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology; Medical University Vienna; Vienna Austria
- The interuniversity Messerli Research Institute; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Medical University Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - E. F. Knol
- Departments Immunology and Dermatology/Allergology; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - J. Kleine-Tebbe
- Allergy & Asthma Center Westend; Outpatient Clinic and Research Center Hanf, Ackermann & Kleine-Tebbe; Berlin Germany
| | - B. Bohle
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - A. M. Chaker
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität and Helmholtz Center Munich; Munich Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology; Allergy Section; Klinikum rechts der Isar; Technische Universität; Munich Germany
| | - S. J. Till
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology; King's College London; London UK
- Department of Allergy; Guy's and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust; London UK
| | - R. Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology; Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - L. K. Poulsen
- Allergy Clinic; Copenhagen University Hospital at Gentofte; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - M. A. Calderon
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology; National Heart and Lung Institute; Imperial College London; London UK
- MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma; London UK
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology; Immunomodulation and Tolerance Group; Imperial College London; London UK
| | - P. Demoly
- Division of Allergy; Department of Pulmonology; Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital; University Hospital of Montpellier and Sorbonne University; Paris France
| | - O. Pfaar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology; Head and Neck Surgery; Universitätsmedizin Mannheim; Medical Faculty Mannheim; Heidelberg University; Mannheim Germany
- Center for Rhinology and Allergology; Wiesbaden Germany
| | - L. Jacobsen
- Allergy Learning and Consulting; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - S. R. Durham
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology; National Heart and Lung Institute; Imperial College London; London UK
- MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma; London UK
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology; Immunomodulation and Tolerance Group; Imperial College London; London UK
| | - C. B. Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität and Helmholtz Center Munich; Munich Germany
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Paul S, Arlehamn CSL, Schulten V, Westernberg L, Sidney J, Peters B, Sette A. Experimental validation of the RATE tool for inferring HLA restrictions of T cell epitopes. BMC Immunol 2017; 18:20. [PMID: 28681704 PMCID: PMC5499093 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-017-0204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The RATE tool was recently developed to computationally infer the HLA restriction of given epitopes from immune response data of HLA typed subjects without additional cumbersome experimentation. Results Here, RATE was validated using experimentally defined restriction data from a set of 191 tuberculosis-derived epitopes and 63 healthy individuals with MTB infection from the Western Cape Region of South Africa. Using this experimental dataset, the parameters utilized by the RATE tool to infer restriction were optimized, which included relative frequency (RF) of the subjects responding to a given epitope and expressing a given allele as compared to the general test population and the associated p-value in a Fisher’s exact test. We also examined the potential for further optimization based on the predicted binding affinity of epitopes to potential restricting HLA alleles, and the absolute number of individuals expressing a given allele and responding to the specific epitope. Different statistical measures, including Matthew’s correlation coefficient, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate performance of RATE as a function of these criteria. Based on our results we recommend selection of HLA restrictions with cutoffs of p-value < 0.01 and RF ≥ 1.3. The usefulness of the tool was demonstrated by inferring new HLA restrictions for epitope sets where restrictions could not be experimentally determined due to lack of necessary cell lines and for an additional data set related to recognition of pollen derived epitopes from allergic patients. Conclusions Experimental data sets were used to validate RATE tool and the parameters used by the RATE tool to infer restriction were optimized. New HLA restrictions were identified using the optimized RATE tool. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12865-017-0204-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinu Paul
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Cecilia S Lindestam Arlehamn
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Veronique Schulten
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Luise Westernberg
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - John Sidney
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Bjoern Peters
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
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Starchenka S, Bell AJ, Mwange J, Skinner MA, Heath MD. Molecular fingerprinting of complex grass allergoids: size assessments reveal new insights in epitope repertoires and functional capacities. World Allergy Organ J 2017; 10:17. [PMID: 28451054 PMCID: PMC5402054 DOI: 10.1186/s40413-017-0146-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) is a well-documented treatment for allergic disease which involves injections of native allergen or modified (allergoid) extracts. The use of allergoid vaccines is a growing sector of the allergy immunotherapy market, associated with shorter-course therapy. The aim of this study was the structural and immunological characterisation of group 1 (Lol p 1) IgG-binding epitopes within a complex mix grass allergoid formulation containing rye grass. Methods HP-SEC was used to resolve a mix grass allergoid preparation of high molecular weight into several distinct fractions with defined molecular weight and elution profiles. Allergen verification of the HP-SEC allergoid fractions was confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis. IgE and IgG immunoreactivity of the allergoid preparations was explored and Lol p 1 specific IgG-binding epitopes mapped by SPOT synthesis technology (PepSpot™) with structural analysis based on a Lol p 1 homology model. Results Grass specific IgE reactivity of the mix grass modified extract (allergoid) was diminished in comparison with the mix grass native extract. A difference in IgG profiles was observed between an intact mix grass allergoid preparation and HP-SEC allergoid fractions, which indicated enhancement of accessible reactive IgG epitopes across size distribution profiles of the mix grass allergoid formulation. Detailed analysis of the epitope specificity showed retention of six Lol p 1 IgG-binding epitopes in the mix grass modified extract. Conclusion The structural and immunological changes which take place following the grass allergen modification process was further unravelled revealing distinct IgG immunological profiles. All epitopes were mapped on the solvent exposed area of Lol p 1 homology model accessible for IgG binding. One of the epitopes was identified as an ‘immunodominant’ Lol p 1 IgG-binding epitope (62-IFKDGRGCGSCFEIK-76) and classified as a novel epitope. The results from this study support the concept that modification allows shorter-course therapy options as a result of providing an IgG epitope repertoire important for efficacy. Additionally, the work paves the way to help further develop methods for standardising allergoid platforms. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40413-017-0146-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Starchenka
- Allergy Therapeutics, Ltd, Dominion Way, Worthing, BN14 8SA UK
| | - A J Bell
- Allergy Therapeutics, Ltd, Dominion Way, Worthing, BN14 8SA UK
| | - J Mwange
- Allergy Therapeutics, Ltd, Dominion Way, Worthing, BN14 8SA UK
| | - M A Skinner
- Allergy Therapeutics, Ltd, Dominion Way, Worthing, BN14 8SA UK
| | - M D Heath
- Allergy Therapeutics, Ltd, Dominion Way, Worthing, BN14 8SA UK
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Schulten V, Tripple V, Aasbjerg K, Backer V, Lund G, Würtzen PA, Sette A, Peters B. Distinct modulation of allergic T cell responses by subcutaneous vs. sublingual allergen-specific immunotherapy. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:439-48. [PMID: 26436865 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only curative treatment for type I allergy. It can be administered subcutaneously (SCIT) or sublingually (SLIT). The clinical efficacy of these two treatment modalities appears to be similar, but potential differences in the immunological mechanisms involved have not been fully explored. OBJECTIVE To compare changes in the allergen-specific T cell response induced by subcutaneous vs. sublingual administration of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT). METHODS Grass pollen-allergic patients were randomized into groups receiving either SCIT injections or SLIT tablets or neither. PBMCs were tested for Timothy grass (TG)-specific cytokine production by ELISPOT after in vitro expansion with TG-peptide pools. Phenotypic characterization of cytokine-producing cells was performed by FACS. RESULTS In the SCIT group, decreased IL-5 production was observed starting 10 months after treatment commenced. At 24 months, T cell responses showed IL-5 levels significantly below the before-treatment baseline. No significant reduction of IL-5 was observed in the SLIT or untreated group. However, a significant transient increase in IL-10 production after 10 months of treatment compared to baseline was detected in both treatment groups. FACS analysis revealed that IL-10 production was associated with CD4(+) T cells that also produced IFNγ and therefore may be associated with an IL-10-secreting type 1 cell phenotype. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The most dominant immunological changes on a cellular level were a decrease in IL-5 in the SCIT group and a significant, transient increase of IL-10 observed after 10 months of treatment in both treated groups. The distinct routes of AIT administration may induce different immunomodulatory mechanisms at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Schulten
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - V Tripple
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - K Aasbjerg
- Department of Cardiology and Center for Cardiovascular Research, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - V Backer
- Respiratory Research Unit, Department of Lung Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Lund
- Global Research, ALK, Hoersholm, Denmark
| | | | - A Sette
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - B Peters
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Würtzen PA, Gupta S, Brand S, Andersen PS. Grass pollen immunotherapy: where are we now. Immunotherapy 2016; 8:399-411. [PMID: 26973122 DOI: 10.2217/imt.16.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During allergen immunotherapy (AIT), the allergic patient is exposed to the disease-inducing antigens (allergens) in order to induce clinical and immunological tolerance and obtain disease modification. Large trials of grass AIT with highly standardized subcutaneous and sublingual tablet vaccines have been conducted to document the clinical effect. Induction of blocking antibodies as well as changes in the balance between T-cell phenotypes, including induction of regulatory T-cell subtypes, have been demonstrated for both treatment types. These observations increase the understanding of the immunological mechanism behind the clinical effect and may make it possible to use the immunological changes as biomarkers of clinical effect. The current review describes the recent mechanistic findings for subcutaneous immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy/tablet treatment and discusses how the observed immunological changes translate into a scientific foundation for the observed clinical effects of grass pollen immunotherapy and lead to new treatment strategies for grass AIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Würtzen
- Department of Immunology, Global Research, ALK, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Shashank Gupta
- Department of Immunology, Global Research, ALK, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Stephanie Brand
- Department of Immunology, Global Research, ALK, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Peter S Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Global Research, ALK, Hørsholm, Denmark
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13
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Oseroff C, Pham J, Frazier A, Hinz D, Sidney J, Paul S, Greenbaum JA, Vita R, Peters B, Schulten V, Sette A. Immunodominance in allergic T-cell reactivity to Japanese cedar in different geographic cohorts. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2016; 117:680-689.e1. [PMID: 27979027 PMCID: PMC5172395 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Japanese cedar (JC) pollen is a common trigger for allergic rhinitis in Japan. Pollen proteins targeted by IgE, including Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, and isoflavone reductase (IFR) have been identified. OBJECTIVE To compare antigen-specific IgE titers and T-cell responses to JC pollen-derived extract and peptides in cohorts with high and low pollen exposure. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from JC pollen allergic or nonallergic patients who have lived in Japan for at least 1 year and JC pollen allergic patients who have never been to Japan were tested for T-cell responses against JC pollen extract and peptide pools derived from Cry j 1, Cry j 2, or IFR. T-cell reactivity was assessed by interleukin 5 and interferon γ production by ELISPOT. RESULTS JC pollen-specific T-cell reactivity and IgE titers were significantly higher in the allergic compared with the nonallergic Japanese cohort, which was also associated with different patterns of polysensitization. Interestingly, a significant overlap was observed in the hierarchy of the T-cell epitopes in the allergic Japanese cohort compared with the allergic non-Japanese cohort. In all 3 cohorts, T-cell reactivity was dominantly directed against peptides from the major allergens Cry j 1 and 2, with few T-cell responses detected against IFR. CONCLUSION Our studies identify common denominators of T-cell reactivity in patient populations with different sensitization patterns, suggesting that generally applicable immunotherapeutic approaches might be developed irrespective of exposure modality.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Alleles
- Allergens/immunology
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antigens, Plant/immunology
- Cohort Studies
- Cryptomeria/adverse effects
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Female
- HLA Antigens/genetics
- HLA Antigens/immunology
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin E/immunology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Peptides/immunology
- Pollen/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/genetics
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Oseroff
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | - John Pham
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | - April Frazier
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | - Denise Hinz
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | - John Sidney
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | - Sinu Paul
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | | | - Randi Vita
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | - Bjoern Peters
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | | | - Alessandro Sette
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California
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14
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Yang Y, Zhou W, Chen A. Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy for cedar pollinosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2016; 117:348-353. [PMID: 27566862 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2016.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of immunotherapy for cedar pollinosis using a single cedar antigen extract via the sublingual route is uncertain. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for patients with cedar pollinosis by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared SLIT with a placebo for patients with cedar pollinosis were searched in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The primary outcome was the symptom medication score, and secondary outcomes were adverse events, quality of life, and serum IgE and IgG4 levels. RESULTS We analyzed 4 RCTs with a total of 762 patients. Meta-analysis revealed that SLIT significantly decreased symptom medication scores compared with placebo groups (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.75 to -0.14; P = .02; I2 = 93%), and subgroup analysis revealed that SLIT had a significant positive effect on cedar pollinosis when pollen concentration was less (SMD, -2.29; 95% CI, -3.64 to -2.16; P < .001) or more (SMD, -0.36; 95% CI, -0.51 to -0.21; P < .001; I2 = 0%) than 1,200/cm2, and treatment duration was longer than 1 year (SMD, -0.43; 95% CI, -0.59 to -0.26; P < .001; I2 = 0%). Adverse events were reported in 237 of 405 patients (58.5%) receiving SLIT vs 192 of 357 patients (53.8%) receiving the placebo. CONCLUSION This study revealed a statistically significant benefit of SLIT in patients with cedar pollinosis. However, these findings were based on analysis of a small number of RCTs. Additional large-sample and high-quality RCTs are necessary for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yang
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Weikang Zhou
- Department of Allergy, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Aijun Chen
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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15
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Westernberg L, Schulten V, Sette A, Peters B. Reply. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 138:1237-1238. [PMID: 27484034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bjoern Peters
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, Calif.
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16
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Westernberg L, Schulten V, Greenbaum JA, Natali S, Tripple V, McKinney DM, Frazier A, Hofer H, Wallner M, Sallusto F, Sette A, Peters B. T-cell epitope conservation across allergen species is a major determinant of immunogenicity. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 138:571-578.e7. [PMID: 26883464 PMCID: PMC4975972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with pollen allergies are frequently polysensitized. Pollens contain epitopes that are conserved across multiple species. OBJECTIVE We sought to demonstrate that cross-reactive T cells that recognize conserved epitopes show higher levels of expansion than T cells recognizing monospecific epitopes because of more frequent stimulation. METHOD RNA was sequenced from 9 pollens, and the reads were assembled de novo into more than 50,000 transcripts. T-cell epitopes from timothy grass (Phleum pratense) were examined for conservation in these transcripts, and this was correlated to their ability to induce T-cell responses. T cells were expanded in vitro with P pratense-derived peptides and tested for cross-reactivity to pollen extracts in ELISpot assays. RESULTS We found that antigenic proteins are more conserved than nonimmunogenic proteins in P pratense pollen. Additionally, P pratense epitopes that were highly conserved across pollens elicited more T-cell responses in donors with grass allergy than less conserved epitopes. Moreover, conservation of a P pratense peptide at the transcriptomic level correlated with the ability of that peptide to trigger T cells that were cross-reactive with other non-P pratense pollen extracts. CONCLUSION We found a correlation between conservation of peptides in plant pollens and their T-cell immunogenicity within P pratense, as well as their ability to induce cross-reactive T-cell responses. T cells recognizing conserved epitopes might be more prominent because they can be stimulated by a broader range of pollens and thereby drive polysensitization in allergic donors. We propose that conserved peptides could potentially be used in diagnostic or immunomodulatory approaches that address the issue of polysensitization and target multiple pollen allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sara Natali
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, University of Italian Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | | | | | - April Frazier
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Heidi Hofer
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Wallner
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Federica Sallusto
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, University of Italian Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland; Center of Medical Immunology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, University of Italian Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | | | - Bjoern Peters
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, Calif.
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17
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Pham J, Oseroff C, Hinz D, Sidney J, Paul S, Greenbaum J, Vita R, Phillips E, Mallal S, Peters B, Sette A. Sequence conservation predicts T cell reactivity against ragweed allergens. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:1194-205. [PMID: 27359111 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ragweed is a major cause of seasonal allergy, affecting millions of people worldwide. Several allergens have been defined based on IgE reactivity, but their relative immunogenicity in terms of T cell responses has not been studied. OBJECTIVE We comprehensively characterized T cell responses from atopic, ragweed-allergic subjects to Amb a 1, Amb a 3, Amb a 4, Amb a 5, Amb a 6, Amb a 8, Amb a 9, Amb a 10, Amb a 11, and Amb p 5 and examined their correlation with serological reactivity and sequence conservation in other allergens. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from donors positive for IgE towards ragweed extracts after in vitro expansion for secretion of IL-5 (a representative Th2 cytokine) and IFN-γ (Th1) in response to a panel of overlapping peptides spanning the above-listed allergens were assessed. RESULTS Three previously identified dominant T cell epitopes (Amb a 1 176-191, 200-215, and 344-359) were confirmed, and three novel dominant epitopes (Amb a 1 280-295, 304-319, and 320-335) were identified. Amb a 1, the dominant IgE allergen, was also the dominant T cell allergen, but dominance patterns for T cell and IgE responses for the other ragweed allergens did not correlate. Dominance for T cell responses correlated with conservation of ragweed epitopes with sequences of other well-known allergens. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results provide the first assessment of the hierarchy of T cell reactivity in ragweed allergens, which is distinct from that observed for IgE reactivity and influenced by T cell epitope sequence conservation. The results suggest that ragweed allergens associated with lesser IgE reactivity and significant T cell reactivity may be targeted for T cell immunotherapy, and further support the development of immunotherapies against epitopes conserved across species to generate broad reactivity against many common allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pham
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - C Oseroff
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - D Hinz
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - J Sidney
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - S Paul
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - J Greenbaum
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - R Vita
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - E Phillips
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - S Mallal
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - B Peters
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - A Sette
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
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18
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Hinz D, Oseroff C, Pham J, Sidney J, Peters B, Sette A. Definition of a pool of epitopes that recapitulates the T cell reactivity against major house dust mite allergens. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 45:1601-12. [PMID: 25652035 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergens from house dust mites (HDM) are a common cause of asthma. Der p and Der f from Dermatophagoides sp. are strong immunogens in humans. Allergen extracts are used to study T helper (Th2) cell responses to HDM, which are implicated in the development and regulation of allergic disease. OBJECTIVE To define an epitope mixture that recapitulates, and might substitute for, HDM extract in terms of detecting and characterizing Th2 cell responses. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 52 HDM allergic and 10 non-allergic individuals were stimulated with HDM extracts and assayed with a set of 178 peptides spanning mite allergens group Der p 1, 2, 23 and Der f group 1 and 2 allergens. A pool of the most dominant T cell epitopes identified in the present study and from published literature was assembled and tested for ex vivo T cell responses. Correlation with HDM-specific IgE titres was examined. RESULTS Patterns of T cell reactivity to Der p and Der f - derived peptides revealed a large number of epitopes. Clear patterns of immunodominance were apparent, with HDM allergen group 1 and 2 dominant over group 23. Furthermore, within a given antigen, 6-11 epitopes accounted for the vast majority of responses. Based on these results and published data, a comprehensive dust mite pool (DMP) of epitopes was designed and found to allow detection of ex vivo T cell responses. DMP ex vivo reactivity correlated with HDM-specific IgE titres and was similar to that detected with commonly used HDM extracts. Ex vivo DMP stimulation was associated with a predominant Th2 response in allergic donors, and minor reactivity of T cells producing IFNγ, IL17 and IL10. CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE A detailed map of Der p and Der f antigens defined a pool of epitopes that can be used to detect ex vivo HDM responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hinz
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - C Oseroff
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - J Pham
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - J Sidney
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - B Peters
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - A Sette
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
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19
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Wai CYY, Leung NYH, Leung PSC, Chu KH. T cell epitope immunotherapy ameliorates allergic responses in a murine model of shrimp allergy. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:491-503. [DOI: 10.1111/cea.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Y. Y. Wai
- School of Life Sciences; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Shatin Hong Kong SAR China
| | - N. Y. H. Leung
- School of Life Sciences; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Shatin Hong Kong SAR China
| | - P. S. C. Leung
- Division of Rheumatology/Allergy; School of Medicine; University of California; Davis CA 95616 USA
| | - K. H. Chu
- School of Life Sciences; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Shatin Hong Kong SAR China
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20
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Dillon MBC, Schulten V, Oseroff C, Paul S, Dullanty LM, Frazier A, Belles X, Piulachs MD, Visness C, Bacharier L, Bloomberg GR, Busse P, Sidney J, Peters B, Sette A. Different Bla-g T cell antigens dominate responses in asthma versus rhinitis subjects. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 45:1856-67. [PMID: 26414909 PMCID: PMC4654660 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The allergenicity of several German cockroach (Bla-g) antigens at the level of IgE responses is well established. However, less is known about the specificity of CD4+ TH responses, and whether differences exist in associated magnitude or cytokine profiles as a function of disease severity. METHODS Proteomic and transcriptomic techniques were used to identify novel antigens recognized by allergen-specific T cells. To characterize different TH functionalities of allergen-specific T cells, ELISPOT assays with sets of overlapping peptides covering the sequences of known allergens and novel antigens were employed to measure release of IL-5, IFNγ, IL-10, IL-17 and IL-21. RESULTS Using these techniques, we characterized TH responses in a cohort of adult Bla-g-sensitized subjects, either with (n = 55) or without (n = 17) asthma, and nonsensitized controls (n = 20). T cell responses were detected for ten known Bla-g allergens and an additional ten novel Bla-g antigens, representing in total a 5-fold increase in the number of antigens demonstrated to be targeted by allergen-specific T cells. Responses of sensitized individuals regardless of asthma status were predominantly TH 2, but higher in patients with diagnosed asthma. In asthmatic subjects, Bla-g 5, 9 and 11 were immunodominant, while, in contrast, nonasthmatic-sensitized subjects responded mostly to Bla-g 5 and 4 and the novel antigen NBGA5. CONCLUSIONS Asthmatic and nonasthmatic cockroach-sensitized individuals exhibit similar TH 2-polarized responses. Compared with nonasthmatics, however, asthmatic individuals have responses of higher magnitude and different allergen specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B C Dillon
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - V Schulten
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - C Oseroff
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - S Paul
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - L M Dullanty
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - A Frazier
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - X Belles
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M D Piulachs
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Visness
- Federal Systems Division, Rho Inc., Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - L Bacharier
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - G R Bloomberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - P Busse
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Sidney
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - B Peters
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - A Sette
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
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21
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Fujimura T, Fujinami K, Ishikawa R, Tateno M, Tahara Y, Okumura Y, Ohta H, Miyazaki H, Taniguchi M. Recombinant Fusion Allergens, Cry j 1 and Cry j 2 from Japanese Cedar Pollen, Conjugated with Polyethylene Glycol Potentiate the Attenuation of Cry j 1-Specific IgE Production in Cry j 1-Sensitized Mice and Japanese Cedar Pollen Allergen-Sensitized Monkeys. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2015; 168:32-43. [PMID: 26524293 DOI: 10.1159/000441141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollinosis is the most prevalent seasonal rhinitis in Japan. A standardized Japanese cedar pollen extract (CPE) containing 1.5-4.2 μg of Cry j 1 is currently the highest-concentration extract available for allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) against this pollinosis. Therefore, we developed a PEGylated fusion protein as a more effective SIT vaccine against Japanese cedar pollinosis. METHODS The fusion protein of major allergens for Japanese cedar pollen, Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, was expressed in Escherichia coli and conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The purified PEGylated Cry j 1/2 fusion protein (PEG-fusion) was subcutaneously injected four times into Cry j 1- sensitized mice and CPE-sensitized monkeys. The mice were then subcutaneously challenged with Cry j 1 and serum levels of Cry j 1-specific immunoglobulin, and the proliferation and cytokine production of splenocytes were analyzed. The monkeys were intranasally challenged with CPE and analyzed for Cry j 1-specific immunoglobulin levels in plasma. RESULTS Cry j 1-specific IgE was significantly attenuated in the PEG-fusion-treated group after Cry j 1-challenge and Cry j 1-specific IgG was significantly increased following PEG-fusion treatment in mice and monkeys. Proliferation and Th2-type cytokine production in splenocytes stimulated with Cry j 1 were also reduced in PEG-fusion-treated mice. IL10 and IL2 production were reduced, but not significantly, while IFN-x03B3; was significantly increased in the PEG-fusion-treated group. CONCLUSIONS A high-dose injection of PEG-fusion appears to be a valid candidate for a safer and more effective vaccine than the conventional SIT extract for Japanese cedar pollinosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Fujimura
- RIKEN-TORII Joint Research Team, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), RIKEN (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research), Yokohama, Japan
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22
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Yuan X, Ghosh A, Jie Q, He G, Wu Y. Effects of desloratadine citrate disodium injection on rat models of ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis: involvement of T-cell responses modulation. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2015; 5:1170-6. [DOI: 10.1002/alr.21594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yuan
- Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Arijit Ghosh
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Qiong Jie
- Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Guangwei He
- Hefei Industrial Pharmaceutical Institute Co., Ltd; Hefei Anhui China
| | - Yulin Wu
- Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University; Nanjing Jiangsu China
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23
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Paul S, Dillon MBC, Arlehamn CSL, Huang H, Davis MM, McKinney DM, Scriba TJ, Sidney J, Peters B, Sette A. A population response analysis approach to assign class II HLA-epitope restrictions. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:6164-6176. [PMID: 25948811 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1403074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Identification of the specific HLA locus and allele presenting an epitope for recognition by specific TCRs (HLA restriction) is necessary to fully characterize the immune response to Ags. Experimental determination of HLA restriction is complex and technically challenging. As an alternative, the restricting HLA locus and allele can be inferred by genetic association, using response data in an HLA-typed population. However, simple odds ratio (OR) calculations can be problematic when dealing with large numbers of subjects and Ags, and because the same epitope can be presented by multiple alleles (epitope promiscuity). In this study, we develop a tool, denominated Restrictor Analysis Tool for Epitopes, to extract inferred restriction from HLA class II-typed epitope responses. This automated method infers HLA class II restriction from large datasets of T cell responses in HLA class II-typed subjects by calculating ORs and relative frequencies from simple data tables. The program is validated by: 1) analyzing data of previously determined HLA restrictions; 2) experimentally determining in selected individuals new HLA restrictions using HLA-transfected cell lines; and 3) predicting HLA restriction of particular peptides and showing that corresponding HLA class II tetramers efficiently bind to epitope-specific T cells. We further design a specific iterative algorithm to account for promiscuous recognition by calculation of OR values for combinations of different HLA molecules while incorporating predicted HLA binding affinity. The Restrictor Analysis Tool for Epitopes program streamlines the prediction of HLA class II restriction across multiple T cell epitopes and HLA types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinu Paul
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Myles B C Dillon
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | | | - Huang Huang
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Mark M Davis
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | | | - Thomas Jens Scriba
- Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - John Sidney
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Bjoern Peters
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Alessandro Sette
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
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24
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Potter PC, Baker S, Fenemore B, Nurse B. Clinical and cytokine responses to house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2015; 114:327-34. [PMID: 25661658 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytokine responses accompanying sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) responder phenotypes have not previously been reported. OBJECTIVE To investigate clinical and cytokine responses of house dust mite (HDM) sensitive patients with allergic rhinitis receiving HDM SLIT or placebo for 2 years. METHODS Sixty adults were randomized to receive SLIT or placebo. Clinical symptoms were measured using the Total 5 Symptom Score (TSS5) and Juniper Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. HDM specific IgE, IgG, skin prick tests, and HDM-stimulated release of interleukin (IL) 5 and interferon γ (IFN-γ) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was studied at 0, 6, 12, and 24 months and IL-13, IL-4, and IL-10 at 0 and 24 months. RESULTS A total of 32 of 39 SLIT and 16 of 21 placebo patients completed the study. There was significant clinical improvement in both the SLIT and placebo groups. Median T5SS decreased from 14.75 to 5.25 in the SLIT group (P < .001) and 12.7 to 6.0 in the placebo group (P = .003). The median quality-of-life score also decreased in the SLIT group (P < .001) and the placebo group (P < .001). A subgroup analysis of patients found a 60% or greater improvement (on the T5SS and the Juniper Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire) in the good responders group and a 30% to 59% improvement or no improvement in the intermediate responders group. This subgroup analysis also found more good responders in the SLIT group (47%) compared with the placebo group (25%; P = .07). Significant decreases in the IL-5/IFN-γ (P < .001), IL-13/IFN-γ (P < .001), and IL-4/IFN-γ (P = .03) ratios were found in the combined good clinical improvement group at 24 months. CONCLUSION A good clinical response (≥60% improvement in both TSS5 and quality of life) is associated with significant decreases in IL-5, IL-13, and IL-4 relative to IFN-γ during 2 years of SLIT therapy for HDMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Potter
- Allergy Diagnostic and Clinical Research Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Sheila Baker
- Allergy Diagnostic and Clinical Research Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bartha Fenemore
- Allergy Diagnostic and Clinical Research Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Barbara Nurse
- Division of Immunology, National Health Laboratory Service and Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Schulten V, Peters B, Sette A. New strategies for allergen T cell epitope identification: going beyond IgE. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2014; 165:75-82. [PMID: 25402674 DOI: 10.1159/000368406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type I allergy and allergic asthma are common diseases in the developed world associated with IgE antibodies and Th2 cell reactivity. To date, the only causative treatment for allergic disease is specific immunotherapy (SIT). METHOD Here, we review recent works from our laboratory focused on identifying human T cell epitopes associated with allergic disease and their potential use as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for SIT. In previous studies, we have mapped T cell epitopes associated with the major 10 timothy grass (Tg) allergens, defined on the basis of human IgE reactivity by ELISPOT. RESULTS Interestingly, in about 33% of allergic donors, no T cell epitopes from overlapping peptides spanning the entire sequences of these allergens were identified despite vigorous T cell responses to the Tg extract. Using a bioinformatic-proteomic approach, we identified a set of 93 novel Tg proteins, many of which were found to elicit IL-5 production in T cells from allergic donors despite lacking IgE reactivity. Next, we assessed T cell responses to the novel Tg proteins in donors who had been treated with subcutaneous SIT. A subset of these proteins showed a strong reduction of IL-5 responses in donors who had received subcutaneous SIT compared to allergic donors, which correlated with patients' self-reported improvement of allergic symptoms. CONCLUSION A bioinformatic-proteomic approach has successfully identified additional Tg-derived T cell targets independent of IgE reactivity. This method can be applied to other allergies potentially leading to the discovery of promising therapeutic targets for allergen-specific immunotherapy.
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Frazier A, Schulten V, Hinz D, Oseroff C, Sidney J, Peters B, Sette A. Allergy-associated T cell epitope repertoires are surprisingly diverse and include non-IgE reactive antigens. World Allergy Organ J 2014; 7:26. [PMID: 25352946 PMCID: PMC4210551 DOI: 10.1186/1939-4551-7-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently identified T cell epitopes associated with human allergic responses. In a majority of cases, responses focused on a few immunodominant epitopes which can be predicted on the basis of MHC binding characteristics. Several observations from our studies challenged the assumption that T cell epitopes are derived from the same allergen proteins that bind IgE. Transcriptomic and proteomics analysis identified pollen proteins, not bound by IgE. These novel Timothy Grass proteins elicited vigorous Th2 responses, suggesting that unlinked T cell help is operational in pollen-specific responses. Thus, the repertoire of antigens recognized by T cells is much broader than IgE-binding allergens. Additionally, we evaluated the use of epitopes from these novel antigens to assess immunological changes associated with Specific Immunotherapy (SIT). We found that a marked decrease in IL5 production is associated with clinically efficacious SIT, suggesting that these novel antigens are potential immunomarkers for SIT efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Frazier
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Veronique Schulten
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Denise Hinz
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Carla Oseroff
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - John Sidney
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Bjoern Peters
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
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