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Degagné É, Donohoue PD, Roy S, Scherer J, Fowler TW, Davis RT, Reyes GA, Kwong G, Stanaway M, Larroca Vicena V, Mutha D, Guo R, Edwards L, Schilling B, Shaw M, Smith SC, Kohrs B, Kufeldt HJ, Churchward G, Ruan F, Nyer DB, McSweeney K, Irby MJ, Fuller CK, Banh L, Toh MS, Thompson M, Owen AL, An Z, Gradia S, Skoble J, Bryan M, Garner E, Kanner SB. High-Specificity CRISPR-Mediated Genome Engineering in Anti-BCMA Allogeneic CAR T Cells Suppresses Allograft Rejection in Preclinical Models. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:462-477. [PMID: 38345397 PMCID: PMC10985478 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies hold the potential to overcome many of the challenges associated with patient-derived (autologous) CAR T cells. Key considerations in the development of allogeneic CAR T cell therapies include prevention of graft-vs-host disease (GvHD) and suppression of allograft rejection. Here, we describe preclinical data supporting the ongoing first-in-human clinical study, the CaMMouflage trial (NCT05722418), evaluating CB-011 in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. CB-011 is a hypoimmunogenic, allogeneic anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) CAR T cell therapy candidate. CB-011 cells feature 4 genomic alterations and were engineered from healthy donor-derived T cells using a Cas12a CRISPR hybrid RNA-DNA (chRDNA) genome-editing technology platform. To address allograft rejection, CAR T cells were engineered to prevent endogenous HLA class I complex expression and overexpress a single-chain polyprotein complex composed of beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) tethered to HLA-E. In addition, T-cell receptor (TCR) expression was disrupted at the TCR alpha constant locus in combination with the site-specific insertion of a humanized BCMA-specific CAR. CB-011 cells exhibited robust plasmablast cytotoxicity in vitro in a mixed lymphocyte reaction in cell cocultures derived from patients with multiple myeloma. In addition, CB-011 cells demonstrated suppressed recognition by and cytotoxicity from HLA-mismatched T cells. CB-011 cells were protected from natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo due to endogenous promoter-driven expression of B2M-HLA-E. Potent antitumor efficacy, when combined with an immune-cloaking armoring strategy to dampen allograft rejection, offers optimized therapeutic potential in multiple myeloma. See related Spotlight by Caimi and Melenhorst, p. 385.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Suparna Roy
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., Berkeley, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Devin Mutha
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., Berkeley, California
| | - Raymond Guo
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., Berkeley, California
| | | | | | - McKay Shaw
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., Berkeley, California
| | | | - Bryan Kohrs
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., Berkeley, California
| | | | | | - Finey Ruan
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., Berkeley, California
| | | | | | | | | | - Lynda Banh
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., Berkeley, California
| | | | | | | | - Zili An
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., Berkeley, California
| | | | | | - Mara Bryan
- Caribou Biosciences, Inc., Berkeley, California
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Pizzato HA, Alonso-Guallart P, Woods J, Connelly JP, Fehniger TA, Atkinson JP, Pruett-Miller SM, Monsma FJ, Bhattacharya D. Engineering human pluripotent stem cell lines to evade xenogeneic transplantation barriers. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:299-313. [PMID: 38215755 PMCID: PMC10874864 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.12.003] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Successful allogeneic human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived therapies must overcome immunological rejection by the recipient. To build reagents to define these barriers, we genetically ablated β2M, TAP1, CIITA, CD74, MICA, and MICB to limit expression of HLA-I, HLA-II, and natural killer (NK) cell activating ligands in hPSCs. Transplantation of these cells that also expressed covalent single chain trimers of Qa1 and H2-Kb to inhibit NK cells and CD55, Crry, and CD59 to inhibit complement deposition led to persistent teratomas in wild-type mice. Transplantation of HLA-deficient hPSCs into mice genetically deficient in complement and depleted of NK cells also led to persistent teratomas. Thus, T cell, NK cell, and complement evasion are necessary to prevent immunological rejection of hPSCs and their progeny. These cells and versions expressing human orthologs of immune evasion factors can be used to define cell type-specific immune barriers and conduct preclinical testing in immunocompetent mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A Pizzato
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | | | - James Woods
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY 10019, USA
| | - Jon P Connelly
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Todd A Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - John P Atkinson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shondra M Pruett-Miller
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Frederick J Monsma
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY 10019, USA
| | - Deepta Bhattacharya
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
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3
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Cross-Najafi AA, Farag K, Isidan A, Li W, Zhang W, Lin Z, Walsh JR, Lopez K, Park Y, Higgins NG, Cooper DK, Ekser B, Li P. Co-expression of HLA-E and HLA-G on genetically modified porcine endothelial cells attenuates human NK cell-mediated degranulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1217809. [PMID: 37529053 PMCID: PMC10387534 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1217809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in immune rejection in solid organ transplantation. To mitigate human NK cell activation in xenotransplantation, introducing inhibitory ligands on xenografts via genetic engineering of pigs may protect the graft from human NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and ultimately improve xenograft survival. In this study, non-classical HLA class I molecules HLA-E and HLA-G were introduced in an immortalized porcine liver endothelial cell line with disruption of five genes (GGTA1, CMAH, β4galNT2, SLA-I α chain, and β-2 microglobulin) encoding three major carbohydrate xenoantigens (αGal, Neu5Gc, and Sda) and swine leukocyte antigen class I (SLA-I) molecules. Expression of HLA-E and/or HLA-G on pig cells were confirmed by flow cytometry. Endogenous HLA-G molecules as well as exogenous HLA-G VL9 peptide could dramatically enhance HLA-E expression on transfected pig cells. We found that co-expression of HLA-E and HLA-G on porcine cells led to a significant reduction in human NK cell activation compared to the cells expressing HLA-E or HLA-G alone and the parental cell line. NK cell activation was assessed by analysis of CD107a expression in CD3-CD56+ population gated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. CD107a is a sensitive marker of NK cell activation and correlates with NK cell degranulation and cytotoxicity. HLA-E and/or HLA-G on pig cells did not show reactivity to human sera IgG and IgM antibodies. This in vitro study demonstrated that co-expression of HLA-E and HLA-G on genetically modified porcine endothelial cells provided a superior inhibition in human xenoreactive NK cells, which may guide further genetic engineering of pigs to prevent human NK cell mediated rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A. Cross-Najafi
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Kristine Farag
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Abdulkadir Isidan
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Zhansong Lin
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Julia R. Walsh
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Kevin Lopez
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yujin Park
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Nancy G. Higgins
- Transplant Immunology, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - David K.C. Cooper
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ping Li
- Transplant Division, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Pizzato HA, Alonso-Guallart P, Woods J, Johannesson B, Connelly JP, Fehniger TA, Atkinson JP, Pruett-Miller SM, Monsma FJ, Bhattacharya D. Engineering Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines to Evade Xenogeneic Transplantation Barriers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546594. [PMID: 37425790 PMCID: PMC10326974 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived cells and tissues for therapeutic transplantation must necessarily overcome immunological rejection by the recipient. To define these barriers and to create cells capable of evading rejection for preclinical testing in immunocompetent mouse models, we genetically ablated β2m, Tap1, Ciita, Cd74, Mica, and Micb to limit expression of HLA-I, HLA-II, and natural killer cell activating ligands in hPSCs. Though these and even unedited hPSCs readily formed teratomas in cord blood-humanized immunodeficient mice, grafts were rapidly rejected by immunocompetent wild-type mice. Transplantation of these cells that also expressed covalent single chain trimers of Qa1 and H2-Kb to inhibit natural killer cells and CD55, Crry, and CD59 to inhibit complement deposition led to persistent teratomas in wild-type mice. Expression of additional inhibitory factors such as CD24, CD47, and/or PD-L1 had no discernible impact on teratoma growth or persistence. Transplantation of HLA-deficient hPSCs into mice genetically deficient in complement and depleted of natural killer cells also led to persistent teratomas. Thus, T cell, NK cell, and complement evasion are necessary to prevent immunological rejection of hPSCs and their progeny. These cells and versions expressing human orthologs of immune evasion factors can be used to refine tissue- and cell type-specific immune barriers, and to conduct preclinical testing in immunocompetent mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A. Pizzato
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - James Woods
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jon P. Connelly
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - John P. Atkinson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shondra M. Pruett-Miller
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Deepta Bhattacharya
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Jing Y, Zhang S, Wang H. DapNet-HLA: Adaptive dual-attention mechanism network based on deep learning to predict non-classical HLA binding sites. Anal Biochem 2023; 666:115075. [PMID: 36740003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) plays a vital role in immunomodulatory function. Studies have shown that immunotherapy based on non-classical HLA has essential applications in cancer, COVID-19, and allergic diseases. However, there are few deep learning methods to predict non-classical HLA alleles. In this work, an adaptive dual-attention network named DapNet-HLA is established based on existing datasets. Firstly, amino acid sequences are transformed into digital vectors by looking up the table. To overcome the feature sparsity problem caused by unique one-hot encoding, the fused word embedding method is used to map each amino acid to a low-dimensional word vector optimized with the training of the classifier. Then, we use the GCB (group convolution block), SENet attention (squeeze-and-excitation networks), BiLSTM (bidirectional long short-term memory network), and Bahdanau attention mechanism to construct the classifier. The use of SENet can make the weight of the effective feature map high, so that the model can be trained to achieve better results. Attention mechanism is an Encoder-Decoder model used to improve the effectiveness of RNN, LSTM or GRU (gated recurrent neural network). The ablation experiment shows that DapNet-HLA has the best adaptability for five datasets. On the five test datasets, the ACC index and MCC index of DapNet-HLA are 4.89% and 0.0933 higher than the comparison method, respectively. According to the ROC curve and PR curve verified by the 5-fold cross-validation, the AUC value of each fold has a slight fluctuation, which proves the robustness of the DapNet-HLA. The codes and datasets are accessible at https://github.com/JYY625/DapNet-HLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Jing
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, PR China
| | - Shengli Zhang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, PR China.
| | - Houqiang Wang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, PR China
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Samiec M, Wiater J, Wartalski K, Skrzyszowska M, Trzcińska M, Lipiński D, Jura J, Smorąg Z, Słomski R, Duda M. The Relative Abundances of Human Leukocyte Antigen-E, α-Galactosidase A and α-Gal Antigenic Determinants Are Biased by Trichostatin A-Dependent Epigenetic Transformation of Triple-Transgenic Pig-Derived Dermal Fibroblast Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810296. [PMID: 36142211 PMCID: PMC9499218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study sought to establish the mitotically stable adult cutaneous fibroblast cell (ACFC) lines stemming from hFUT2×hGLA×HLA-E triple-transgenic pigs followed by trichostatin A (TSA)-assisted epigenetically modulating the reprogrammability of the transgenes permanently incorporated into the host genome and subsequent comprehensive analysis of molecular signatures related to proteomically profiling the generated ACFC lines. The results of Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses have proved that the profiles of relative abundance (RA) noticed for both recombinant human α-galactosidase A (rhα-Gal A) and human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) underwent significant upregulations in tri-transgenic (3×TG) ACFCs subjected to TSA-mediated epigenetic transformation as compared to not only their TSA-unexposed counterparts but also TSA-treated and untreated non-transgenic (nTG) cells. The RT-qPCR-based analysis of porcine tri-genetically engineered ACFCs revealed stable expression of mRNA fractions transcribed from hFUT2, hGLA and HLA-E transgenes as compared to a lack of such transcriptional activities in non-transgenic ACFC variants. Furthermore, although TSA-based epigenomic modulation has given rise to a remarkable increase in the expression levels of Galα1→3Gal (α-Gal) epitopes that have been determined by lectin blotting analysis, their semi-quantitative profiles have dwindled profoundly in both TSA-exposed and unexposed 3×TG ACFCs as compared to their nTG counterparts. In conclusion, thoroughly exploring proteomic signatures in such epigenetically modulated ex vivo models devised on hFUT2×hGLA×HLA-E triple-transgenic ACFCs that display augmented reprogrammability of translational activities of two mRNA transcripts coding for rhα-Gal A and HLA-E proteins might provide a completely novel and powerful research tool for the panel of further studies. The objective of these future studies should be to multiply the tri-transgenic pigs with the aid of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-based cloning for the purposes of both xenografting the porcine cutaneous bioprostheses and dermoplasty-mediated surgical treatments in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Samiec
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology and Cryoconservation, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1 Street, 32-083 Balice, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Jerzy Wiater
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7 Street, 31-034 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Kamil Wartalski
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7 Street, 31-034 Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria Skrzyszowska
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology and Cryoconservation, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1 Street, 32-083 Balice, Poland
| | - Monika Trzcińska
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology and Cryoconservation, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1 Street, 32-083 Balice, Poland
| | - Daniel Lipiński
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Dojazd 11 Street, 60-647 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jacek Jura
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology and Cryoconservation, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1 Street, 32-083 Balice, Poland
| | - Zdzisław Smorąg
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology and Cryoconservation, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1 Street, 32-083 Balice, Poland
| | - Ryszard Słomski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Dojazd 11 Street, 60-647 Poznań, Poland
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32 Street, 60-479 Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Duda
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9 Street, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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Endowing universal CAR T-cell with immune-evasive properties using TALEN-gene editing. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3453. [PMID: 35773273 PMCID: PMC9247096 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30896-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Universal CAR T-cell therapies are poised to revolutionize cancer treatment and to improve patient outcomes. However, realizing these advantages in an allogeneic setting requires universal CAR T-cells that can kill target tumor cells, avoid depletion by the host immune system, and proliferate without attacking host tissues. Here, we describe the development of a novel immune-evasive universal CAR T-cells scaffold using precise TALEN-mediated gene editing and DNA matrices vectorized by recombinant adeno-associated virus 6. We simultaneously disrupt and repurpose the endogenous TRAC and B2M loci to generate TCRαβ- and HLA-ABC-deficient T-cells expressing the CAR construct and the NK-inhibitor named HLA-E. This highly efficient gene editing process enables the engineered T-cells to evade NK cell and alloresponsive T-cell attacks and extend their persistence and antitumor activity in the presence of cytotoxic levels of NK cell in vivo and in vitro, respectively. This scaffold could enable the broad use of universal CAR T-cells in allogeneic settings and holds great promise for clinical applications.
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Dhall A, Patiyal S, Raghava GPS. HLAncPred: a method for predicting promiscuous non-classical HLA binding sites. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6587168. [PMID: 35580839 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) regulate various innate and adaptive immune responses and play a crucial immunomodulatory role. Recent studies revealed that non-classical HLA-(HLA-E & HLA-G) based immunotherapies have many advantages over traditional HLA-based immunotherapy, particularly against cancer and COVID-19 infection. In the last two decades, several methods have been developed to predict the binders of classical HLA alleles. In contrast, limited attempts have been made to develop methods for predicting non-classical HLA binding peptides, due to the scarcity of sufficient experimental data. Of note, in order to facilitate the scientific community, we have developed an artificial intelligence-based method for predicting binders of class-Ib HLA alleles. All the models were trained and tested on experimentally validated data obtained from the recent release of IEDB. The machine learning models achieved more than 0.98 AUC for HLA-G alleles on validation dataset. Similarly, our models achieved the highest AUC of 0.96 and 0.94 on the validation dataset for HLA-E*01:01 and HLA-E*01:03, respectively. We have summarized the models developed in the past for non-classical HLA and validated the performance with the models developed in this study. Moreover, to facilitate the community, we have utilized our tool for predicting the potential non-classical HLA binding peptides in the spike protein of different variants of virus causing COVID-19, including Omicron (B.1.1.529). One of the major challenges in the field of immunotherapy is to identify the promiscuous binders or antigenic regions that can bind to a large number of HLA alleles. To predict the promiscuous binders for the non-classical HLA alleles, we developed a web server HLAncPred (https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/hlancpred) and standalone package.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Dhall
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Okhla Phase 3, New Delhi-110020, India
| | - Sumeet Patiyal
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Okhla Phase 3, New Delhi-110020, India
| | - Gajendra P S Raghava
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Okhla Phase 3, New Delhi-110020, India
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9
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Generation of hypoimmunogenic T cells from genetically engineered allogeneic human induced pluripotent stem cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2021; 5:429-440. [PMID: 34002062 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00730-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Avoiding the immune rejection of transplanted T cells is central to the success of allogeneic cancer immunotherapies. One solution to protecting T-cell grafts from immune rejection involves the deletion of allogeneic factors and of factors that activate cytotoxic immune cells. Here we report the generation of hypoimmunogenic cancer-antigen-specific T cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) lacking β2-microglobulin, the class-II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) transactivator and the natural killer (NK) cell-ligand poliovirus receptor CD155, and expressing single-chain MHC class-I antigen E. In mouse models of CD20-expressing leukaemia or lymphoma, differentiated T cells expressing a CD20 chimeric antigen receptor largely escaped recognition by NKG2A+ and DNAM-1+ NK cells and by CD8 and CD4 T cells in the allogeneic recipients while maintaining anti-tumour potency. Hypoimmunogenic iPSC-derived T cells may contribute to the creation of off-the-shelf T cell immunotherapies.
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Wiater J, Samiec M, Skrzyszowska M, Lipiński D. Trichostatin A-Assisted Epigenomic Modulation Affects the Expression Profiles of Not Only Recombinant Human α1,2-Fucosyltransferase and α-Galactosidase A Enzymes But Also Galα1→3Gal Epitopes in Porcine Bi-Transgenic Adult Cutaneous Fibroblast Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1386. [PMID: 33573215 PMCID: PMC7866526 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to explore whether trichostatin A-assisted epigenomic modulation (TSA-EM) can affect the expression of not only recombinant human α1,2-fucosyltransferase (rhα1,2-FT) and α-galactosidase A (rhα-Gal A) immune system enzymes but also Galα1→3Gal epitopes in ex vivo proliferating adult cutaneous fibroblast cells (ACFCs) derived from hFUT2×hGLA bi-transgenic pigs that had been produced for the needs of future xenotransplantation efforts. The ACFC lines were treated with 50 nM TSA for 24 h and then the expression profiles of rhα1,2-FT and rhα-Gal A enzymes were analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. The expression profiles of the Galα1→3Gal epitope were determined by lectin blotting and lectin fluorescence. The ACFCs derived from non-transgenic (nTG) pigs were served as the negative (TSA-) and positive (TSA+) control groups. For both hFUT2×hGLA and nTG samples, the expression levels of α1,2-FT and α-Gal A proteins in TSA+ cells were more than twofold higher in comparison to TSA- cells. Moreover, a much lower expression of the Galα1→3Gal epitopes was shown in TSA- hFUT2×hGLA cells as compared to the TSA- nTG group. Interestingly, the levels of Galα1→3Gal expression in TSA-treated hFUT2×hGLA and nTG ACFCs were significantly higher than those noticed for their TSA-untreated counterparts. Summing up, ex vivo protection of effectively selected bi-transgenic ACFC lines, in which TSA-dependent epigenetic transformation triggered the enhancements in reprogrammability and subsequent expression of hFUT2 and hGLA transgenes and their corresponding transcripts, allows for cryopreservation of nuclear donor cells, nuclear-transferred female gametes, and resultant porcine cloned embryos. The latter can be used as a cryogenically conserved genetic resource of biological materials suitable for generation of bi-transgenic cloned offspring in pigs that is targeted at biomedical research in the field of cell/tissue xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Wiater
- Department of Histology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7 Street, 31-034 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Samiec
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology and Cryoconservation, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1 Street, 32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland;
| | - Maria Skrzyszowska
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology and Cryoconservation, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1 Street, 32-083 Balice n. Kraków, Poland;
| | - Daniel Lipiński
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Dojazd 11 Street, 60-647 Poznań, Poland;
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Puga Yung G, Bongoni AK, Pradier A, Madelon N, Papaserafeim M, Sfriso R, Ayares DL, Wolf E, Klymiuk N, Bähr A, Constantinescu MA, Voegelin E, Kiermeir D, Jenni H, Rieben R, Seebach JD. Release of pig leukocytes and reduced human NK cell recruitment during ex vivo perfusion of HLA-E/human CD46 double-transgenic pig limbs with human blood. Xenotransplantation 2017; 25. [PMID: 29057510 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In pig-to-human xenotransplantation, interactions between human natural killer (NK) cells and porcine endothelial cells (pEC) are characterized by recruitment and cytotoxicity. Protection from xenogeneic NK cytotoxicity can be achieved in vitro by the expression of the non-classical human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) on pEC. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze NK cell responses to vascularized xenografts using an ex vivo perfusion system of pig limbs with human blood. METHODS Six pig forelimbs per group, respectively, stemming from either wild-type (wt) or HLA-E/hCD46 double-transgenic (tg) animals, were perfused ex vivo with heparinized human blood for 12 hours. Blood samples were collected at defined time intervals, cell numbers counted, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells analyzed for phenotype by flow cytometry. Muscle biopsies were analyzed for NK cell infiltration. In vitro NK cytotoxicity assays were performed using pEC derived from wt and tg animals as target cells. RESULTS Ex vivo, a strong reduction in circulating human CD45 leukocytes was observed after 60 minutes of xenoperfusion in both wt and tg limb groups. NK cell numbers dropped significantly. Within the first 10 minutes, the decrease in NK cells was more significant in the wt limb perfusions as compared to tg limbs. Immunohistology of biopsies taken after 12 hours showed less NK cell tissue infiltration in the tg limbs. In vitro, NK cytotoxicity against hCD46 single tg pEC and wt pEC was similar, while lysis of double tg HLA-E/hCD46 pEC was significantly reduced. Finally, circulating cells of pig origin were observed during the ex vivo xenoperfusions. These cells expressed phenotypes mainly of monocytes, B and T lymphocytes, NK cells, as well as some activated endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Ex vivo perfusion of pig forelimbs using whole human blood represents a powerful tool to study humoral and early cell-mediated rejection mechanisms of vascularized pig-to-human xenotransplantation, although there are several limitations of the model. Here, we show that (i) transgenic expression of HLA-E/hCD46 in pig limbs provides partial protection from human NK cell-mediated xeno responses and (ii) the emergence of a pig cell population during xenoperfusions with implications for the immunogenicity of xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisella Puga Yung
- Division of Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anjan K Bongoni
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amandine Pradier
- Division of Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Natacha Madelon
- Division of Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Papaserafeim
- Division of Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Sfriso
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Eckhard Wolf
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolai Klymiuk
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Bähr
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Esther Voegelin
- Clinic of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - David Kiermeir
- Clinic of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hansjörg Jenni
- Clinic of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robert Rieben
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jörg D Seebach
- Division of Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Geneva, Switzerland
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12
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Boksa M, Zeyland J, Słomski R, Lipiński D. Immune modulation in xenotransplantation. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2014; 63:181-92. [PMID: 25354539 PMCID: PMC4429136 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-014-0317-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The use of animals as donors of tissues and organs for xenotransplantations may help in meeting the increasing demand for organs for human transplantations. Clinical studies indicate that the domestic pig best satisfies the criteria of organ suitability for xenotransplantation. However, the considerable phylogenetic distance between humans and the pig causes tremendous immunological problems after transplantation, thus genetic modifications need to be introduced to the porcine genome, with the aim of reducing xenotransplant immunogenicity. Advances in genetic engineering have facilitated the incorporation of human genes regulating the complement into the porcine genome, knockout of the gene encoding the formation of the Gal antigen (α1,3-galactosyltransferase) or modification of surface proteins in donor cells. The next step is two-fold. Firstly, to inhibit processes of cell-mediated xenograft rejection, involving natural killer cells and macrophages. Secondly, to inhibit rejection caused by the incompatibility of proteins participating in the regulation of the coagulation system, which leads to a disruption of the equilibrium in pro- and anti-coagulant activity. Only a simultaneous incorporation of several gene constructs will make it possible to produce multitransgenic animals whose organs, when transplanted to human recipients, would be resistant to hyperacute and delayed xenograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Boksa
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Dojazd 11, 60-632, Poznań, Poland,
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13
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Cooper DKC, Ekser B, Burlak C, Ezzelarab M, Hara H, Paris L, Tector AJ, Phelps C, Azimzadeh AM, Ayares D, Robson SC, Pierson RN. Clinical lung xenotransplantation--what donor genetic modifications may be necessary? Xenotransplantation 2012; 19:144-58. [PMID: 22702466 PMCID: PMC3775598 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2012.00708.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Barriers to successful lung xenotransplantation appear to be even greater than for other organs. This difficulty may be related to several macro anatomic factors, such as the uniquely fragile lung parenchyma and associated blood supply that results in heightened vulnerability of graft function to segmental or lobar airway flooding caused by loss of vascular integrity (also applicable to allotransplants). There are also micro-anatomic considerations, such as the presence of large numbers of resident inflammatory cells, such as pulmonary intravascular macrophages and natural killer (NK) T cells, and the high levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) associated with the microvasculature. We have considered what developments would be necessary to allow successful clinical lung xenotransplantation. We suggest this will only be achieved by multiple genetic modifications of the organ-source pig, in particular to render the vasculature resistant to thrombosis. The major problems that require to be overcome are multiple and include (i) the innate immune response (antibody, complement, donor pulmonary and recipient macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, and NK cells), (ii) the adaptive immune response (T and B cells), (iii) coagulation dysregulation, and (iv) an inflammatory response (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, HMGB1, C-reactive protein). We propose that the genetic manipulation required to provide normal thromboregulation alone may include the introduction of genes for human thrombomodulin/endothelial protein C-receptor, and/or tissue factor pathway inhibitor, and/or CD39/CD73; the problem of pig vWF may also need to be addressed. It would appear that exploration of every available therapeutic path will be required if lung xenotransplantation is to be successful. To initiate a clinical trial of lung xenotransplantation, even as a bridge to allotransplantation (with a realistic possibility of survival long enough for a human lung allograft to be obtained), significant advances and much experimental work will be required. Nevertheless, with the steadily increasing developments in techniques of genetic engineering of pigs, we are optimistic that the goal of successful clinical lung xenotransplantation can be achieved within the foreseeable future. The optimistic view would be that if experimental pig lung xenotransplantation could be successfully managed, it is likely that clinical application of this and all other forms of xenotransplantation would become more feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K C Cooper
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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14
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Human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly stem cells: Immune property genes assay and effect of transplantation on the immune cells of heart failure patients. Cell Immunol 2012; 276:83-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2012.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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15
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Kotsiou E, Brzostek J, Gould KG. Properties and applications of single-chain major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. Antioxid Redox Signal 2011; 15:645-55. [PMID: 21126187 PMCID: PMC3125553 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2010.3694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Stable major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules at the cell surface consist of three separate, noncovalently associated components: the class I heavy chain, the β(2)-microglobulin light chain, and a presented peptide. These three components are assembled inside cells via complex pathways involving many other proteins that have been studied extensively. Correct formation of disulfide bonds in the endoplasmic reticulum is central to this process of MHC class I assembly. For a single specific peptide to be presented at the cell surface for possible immune recognition, between hundreds and thousands of peptide-containing precursor polypeptides are required, so the overall process is relatively inefficient. To increase the efficiency of antigen presentation by MHC class I molecules, and for possible therapeutic purposes, single-chain molecules have been developed in which the three, normally separate components have been joined together via flexible linker sequences in a single polypeptide chain. Remarkably, these single-chain MHC class I molecules fold up correctly, as judged by functional recognition by cells of the immune system, and more recently by X-ray crystallographic structural data. This review focuses on the interesting properties and potential of this new type of engineered MHC class I molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Kotsiou
- Department of Immunology, Wright-Fleming Institute, Imperial College London, London, England
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16
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Hansen TH, Connolly JM, Gould KG, Fremont DH. Basic and translational applications of engineered MHC class I proteins. Trends Immunol 2010; 31:363-9. [PMID: 20832361 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Revised: 06/28/2010] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules can be engineered as single chain trimers (SCTs) that sequentially incorporate all three subunits of the fully assembled proteins, namely peptide, β2 microglobulin, and heavy chain. SCTs have been made with many different MHC-peptide complexes and are used as novel diagnostic and therapeutic reagents, as well as probes for diverse biological questions. Here, we review the recent and diverse applications of SCTs. These applications include new approaches to enumerate disease-related T cells, DNA vaccines, eliciting responses to pre-assembled MHC-peptide complexes, and unique probes of lymphocyte development and activation. Future applications of SCTs will be driven by their further engineering and the ever-expanding identification of disease-related peptides using chemical, genetic and computational approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted H Hansen
- Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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17
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Li L, Herndon JM, Truscott SM, Hansen TH, Fleming TP, Goedegebuure P, Gillanders WE. Engineering superior DNA vaccines: MHC class I single chain trimers bypass antigen processing and enhance the immune response to low affinity antigens. Vaccine 2010; 28:1911-8. [PMID: 20188246 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.10.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It is commonly believed that delivery of antigen into the class I antigen presentation pathway is a limiting factor in the clinical translation of DNA vaccines. This is of particular concern in the context of cancer vaccine development as many immunodominant peptides derived from self tumor antigens are not processed and presented efficiently. To address this limitation, we have engineered completely assembled peptide/MHC class I complexes whereby all three components (class I heavy chain, beta(2)m, and peptide) are attached by flexible linkers and expressed as a single polypeptide (single chain trimers or SCT). In this study, we tested the efficacy of progressive generations of SCT DNA vaccines engineered to (1) enhance peptide binding, (2) enhance interaction with the CD8 coreceptor, and/or (3) activate CD4(+) helper T cells. Disulfide trap SCT (dtSCT) have been engineered to improve peptide binding, with mutations designed to create a disulfide bond between the class I heavy chain and the peptide linker. dtSCT DNA vaccines dramatically enhance the immune response to model low affinity antigens as measured by ELISPOT analysis and tumor challenge. SCT engineered to enhance interaction with the CD8 coreceptor have a higher affinity for the TCR/CD8 complex, and are associated with more robust CD8(+) T cell responses following vaccination. Finally, SCT constructs that coexpress a universal helper epitope PADRE, dramatically enhance CD8(+) T cell responses. Taken together, our data demonstrate that dtSCT DNA vaccines coexpressing a universal CD4 epitope are highly effective in generating immune responses to poorly processed and presented cancer antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijin Li
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, United States
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18
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Kim TJ, Kim N, Kim EO, Choi JR, Bluestone JA, Lee KM. Suppression of human anti-porcine natural killer cell xenogeneic responses by combinations of monoclonal antibodies specific to CD2 and NKG2D and extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase inhibitor. Immunology 2010; 130:545-55. [PMID: 20406306 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2010.03253.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can destroy xenogeneic tissues by antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) and direct lysis. Unlike ADCC, activating interactions between human NK receptors and their cognate ligands in pigs are not fully elucidated. We set up this study to identify human NK activating receptors recognizing porcine cells isolated from distinct organs, e.g., aorta, cornea and liver, and to provide a molecular basis for effective immunosuppressive regimens. Among the array of NK receptors tested, NKp46, 2B4, CD49d, CD48, CD2 and NKG2D, only CD2 and NKG2D were shown to be involved in both cytotoxicity and cytokine (interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha) production against porcine targets. Simultaneous blocking of CD2 and NKG2D by combining its monoclonal antibodies further suppressed xenogeneic NK responses. Moreover, addition of a suboptimal dose of PD98059, an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase inhibitor, to those cells maximally reduced NK cytotoxicity, suggesting that ERK plays an important role in NK-mediated xenoreactivity. These impairments in NK cells were tightly associated with defective intracellular calcium mobilization and the subsequent degranulation process. Therefore, our data demonstrate a distinct role of CD2 and NKG2D on human NK cells in recognizing porcine grafts and further provide a potentially efficacious combinational regimen using anti-CD2 and anti-NKG2D monoclonal antibodies with PD98059 in a pig-to-human transplantation model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Jin Kim
- Global Research Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Division of Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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19
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Ekser B, Cooper DKC. Overcoming the barriers to xenotransplantation: prospects for the future. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2010; 6:219-30. [PMID: 20402385 PMCID: PMC2857338 DOI: 10.1586/eci.09.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cross-species transplantation (xenotransplantation) has immense potential to solve the critical need for organs, tissues and cells for clinical transplantation. The increasing availability of genetically engineered pigs is enabling progress to be made in pig-to-nonhuman primate experimental models. Potent pharmacologic immunosuppressive regimens have largely prevented T-cell rejection and a T-cell-dependent elicited antibody response. However, coagulation dysfunction between the pig and primate is proving to be a major problem, and this can result in life-threatening consumptive coagulopathy. This complication is unlikely to be overcome until pigs expressing a human 'antithrombotic' or 'anticoagulant' gene, such as thrombomodulin, tissue factor pathway inhibitor or CD39, become available. Progress in islet xenotransplantation has been more encouraging, and diabetes has been controlled in nonhuman primates for periods in excess of 6 months, although this has usually been achieved using immunosuppressive protocols that might not be clinically applicable. Further advances are required to overcome the remaining barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcin Ekser
- Thomas E Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, and Department of Surgery and Organ Transplantation, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - David KC Cooper
- Thomas E Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Starzl Biomedical Science Tower, W1543, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA, Tel.: +1 412 383 6961, Fax: +1 412 624 1172,
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20
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Hansen T, Yu YYL, Fremont DH. Preparation of stable single-chain trimers engineered with peptide, beta2 microglobulin, and MHC heavy chain. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN IMMUNOLOGY 2009; Chapter 17:17.5.1-17.5.17. [PMID: 19918946 DOI: 10.1002/0471142735.im1705s87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This unit describes a method for constructing a class I MHC molecule with a bound peptide as a single polypeptide chain, termed SCT, for single chain trimer. The component organization of the SCT appears to be widely applicable to different mouse or human MHC class I isotypes bound by different antigenic peptides. The enhanced peptide occupancy afforded by the SCT format makes these molecules effective reagents as DNA vaccines, multimeric staining reagents to enumerate CD8 T cells, and probes of lymphocyte biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Hansen
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Y Y Lawrence Yu
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Daved H Fremont
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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21
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Pierson RN, Dorling A, Ayares D, Rees MA, Seebach JD, Fishman JA, Hering BJ, Cooper DKC. Current status of xenotransplantation and prospects for clinical application. Xenotransplantation 2009; 16:263-80. [PMID: 19796067 PMCID: PMC2866107 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2009.00534.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Xenotransplantation is one promising approach to bridge the gap between available human cells, tissues, and organs and the needs of patients with diabetes or end-stage organ failure. Based on recent progress using genetically modified source pigs, improving results with conventional and experimental immunosuppression, and expanded understanding of residual physiologic hurdles, xenotransplantation appears likely to be evaluated in clinical trials in the near future for some select applications. This review offers a comprehensive overview of known mechanisms of xenograft injury, a contemporary assessment of preclinical progress and residual barriers, and our opinions regarding where breakthroughs are likely to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard N Pierson
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore VAMC, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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22
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Forte P, Baumann BC, Schneider MKJ, Seebach JD. HLA-Cw4 expression on porcine endothelial cells reduces cytotoxicity and adhesion mediated by CD158a+ human NK cells. Xenotransplantation 2009; 16:19-26. [PMID: 19243557 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2009.00510.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity represents a hurdle in pig-to-human xenotransplantation. It was previously reported that the expression of human major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, including HLA-B27, -Cw3, -E, and -G, partially protects porcine endothelial cells (pEC) from human NK-mediated cytotoxicity and that HLA-G inhibits NK adhesion to pEC. Here, we tested if HLA-Cw4 expression on pEC alone, or concurrently with HLA-Cw3, prevents human NK adhesion and cytotoxicity against pEC via recognition of the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) CD158a (KIR2DL1) and CD158b (KIR2DL2/3), respectively. METHODS Two pEC lines (2A2 and PEDSV.15) were transfected with HLA-Cw3 and HLA-Cw4. HLA and KIR expression on porcine and human cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The effect of HLA expression on pEC on human NK-mediated cytotoxicity and adhesion was tested by (51)Cr-release and dynamic adhesion assays, respectively. RESULTS HLA-Cw4 expression on pEC reduced cytotoxicity mediated by CD158a(+) polyclonal human NK cells by an average of 58%, and by CD158a(bright) NK cell clones by 68%, but not by NK cells expressing low levels of CD158. Co-expression of HLA-Cw3 and HLA-Cw4 on pEC did not mediate further protection against NK cytotoxicity. The expression of HLA-Cw4 reduced the adhesion of human NK cells on pEC by a mean of 53%. CONCLUSIONS While transgenic expression of HLA-Cw4 on pEC reduces NK cell adhesion and cytotoxicity, co-expression with HLA-Cw3 is not sufficient to completely overcome human NK-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Forte
- Laboratory for Transplantation Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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23
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Le Bas-Bernardet S, Blancho G. Current cellular immunological hurdles in pig-to-primate xenotransplantation. Transpl Immunol 2009; 21:60-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2008.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2008] [Accepted: 10/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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24
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Weiss EH, Lilienfeld BG, Müller S, Müller E, Herbach N, Kessler B, Wanke R, Schwinzer R, Seebach JD, Wolf E, Brem G. HLA-E/human beta2-microglobulin transgenic pigs: protection against xenogeneic human anti-pig natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Transplantation 2009; 87:35-43. [PMID: 19136889 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e318191c784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells participate in pig-to-primate xenograft rejection both by antibody-dependent and -independent mechanisms. A majority of human NK cells express the inhibitory receptor CD94/NKG2A, which binds specifically to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E, a trimeric complex consisting of the HLA-E heavy chain, beta2-microglobulin (beta2m), and a peptide derived from the leader sequence of some major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. METHODS To use this mechanism for protection of pig tissues against human NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, we generated transgenic pigs by pronuclear microinjection of genomic fragments of HLA-E with an HLA-B7 signal sequence and of human beta2-microglobulin (hubeta2m) into zygotes. RESULTS Three transgenic founder pigs were generated. Northern blot analysis of RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed the presence of the expected transcript sizes for both transgenes in two of the three founders. The founder with the highest expression and his offspring were characterized in detail. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and Western blot analyses demonstrated consistent expression of HLA-E and hubeta2m in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of HLA-E and hubeta2m on endothelial cells of many organs, including heart and kidney. In vitro studies showed that lymphoblasts and endothelial cells derived from HLA-E/hubeta2m transgenic pigs are effectively protected against human NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, depending on the level of CD94/NKG2A expression on the NK cells. Further, HLA-E/hubeta2m expression on porcine endothelial cells inhibited the secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma by co-cultured human NK cells. CONCLUSIONS This novel approach against cell-mediated xenogeneic responses has important implications for the generation of multitransgenic pigs as organ donors for clinical xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth H Weiss
- Department of Biology II, Anthropology and Human Genetics, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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25
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Abstract
Secreted and intracellular proteins including antibodies, cytokines, major histocompatibility complex molecules, antigens, and enzymes can be redirected to and anchored on the surface of mammalian cells to reveal novel functions and properties such as reducing systemic toxicity, altering the in vivo distribution of drugs and extending the range of useful drugs, creating novel, specific signaling receptors and reshaping protein immunogenicity. The present review highlights progress in designing vectors to target and retain chimeric proteins on the surface of mammalian cells. Comparison of chimeric proteins indicates that selection of the proper cytoplasmic domain and introduction of oligiosaccharides near the cell surface can dramatically enhance surface expression, especially for single-chain antibodies. We also describe progress and limitations of employing surface-tethered proteins for preferential activation of prodrugs at cancer cells, imaging gene expression in living animals, performing high-throughput screening, selectively activating immune cells in tumors, producing new adhesion molecules, creating local immune privileged sites, limiting the distribution of soluble factors such as cytokines, and enhancing polypeptide immunogenicity. Surface-anchored chimeric proteins represent a rich source for developing new techniques and creating novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Lu Cheng
- Faculty of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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26
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Xenotransplantation: role of natural immunity. Transpl Immunol 2008; 21:70-4. [PMID: 18992342 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2008.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2008] [Accepted: 10/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hyperacute rejection, mediated by natural anti-Galalpha1,3Galbeta1,4GlcNAc (alphaGal) antibodies and the classically activated complement pathway, was identified as the first major barrier to the survival of porcine organs in humans. Subsequently, discordant pig-to-nonhuman primate and concordant rodent models revealed key roles for T and B lymphocytes in the second form of rejection, acute vascular rejection (AVR) or delayed xenograft rejection (DXR). As significant progress was made in strategies to circumvent or suppress xenoreactivity of the adaptive immune system, it became clear that, apart from natural antibodies, other innate immune system elements actively participate in AVR/DXR and represent a barrier to xenograft acceptance that may be particularly difficult to overcome. Observations in pig-to-primate and semi-discordant and concordant rodent models indicate that Natural Killer (NK) cells play a more prominent role in xenograft than in allograft rejection. Several mechanisms through which human NK cells recognize porcine endothelial cells have been elucidated and these appear to be more diverse than those involved in NK cell alloreactivity. Further, it has been demonstrated that human macrophages and neutrophils can directly recognize pig derived cells and can mediate direct xenograft damage. Here, we review the recent progress in the understanding of the xenoreactivity of the natural immune system, focussing on preclinical pig-to-(non)human primate systems, and discuss the proposed strategies to overcome these barriers.
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Current cellular innate immune hurdles in pig-to-primate xenotransplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2008; 13:171-7. [DOI: 10.1097/mot.0b013e3282f88a30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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28
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Truscott SM, Wang X, Lybarger L, Biddison WE, McBerry C, Martinko JM, Connolly JM, Linette GP, Fremont DH, Hansen TH, Carreno BM. Human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules with disulfide traps secure disease-related antigenic peptides and exclude competitor peptides. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:7480-90. [PMID: 18195006 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m709935200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing discovery of disease-associated epitopes detected by CD8 T cells greatly facilitates peptide-based vaccine approaches and the construction of multimeric soluble recombinant proteins (e.g. tetramers) for isolation and enumeration of antigen-specific CD8 T cells. Related to these outcomes of epitope discovery is the recent demonstration that MHC class I/peptide complexes can be expressed as single chain trimers (SCTs) with peptide, beta(2)m and heavy chain connected by linkers to form a single polypeptide chain. Studies using clinically relevant mouse models of human disease have shown that SCTs expressed by DNA vaccination are potent stimulators of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Their vaccine efficacy has been attributed to the fact that SCTs contain a preprocessed and preloaded peptide that is stably displayed on the cell surface. Although SCTs of HLA class I/peptide complexes have been previously reported, they have not been characterized for biochemical stability or susceptibility to exogenous peptide binding. Here we demonstrate that human SCTs remain almost exclusively intact when expressed in cells and can incorporate a disulfide trap that dramatically excludes the binding of exogenous peptides. The mechanistic and practical applications of these findings for vaccine development and T cell isolation/enumeration are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Truscott
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Cooper DK. Frankenswine, or bringing home the bacon: How close are we to clinical trials in xenotransplantation? Organogenesis 2008; 4:1-10. [PMID: 19279708 DOI: 10.4161/org.5383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2008] [Accepted: 01/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenotransplantation-specifically from pig into human-could resolve the critical shortage of organs, tissues and cells for clinical transplantation. Genetic engineering techniques in pigs are relatively well-developed and to date have largely been aimed at producing pigs that either (1) express high levels of one or more human complement-regulatory protein(s), such as decay-accelerating factor or membrane cofactor protein, or (2) have deletion of the gene responsible for the expression of the oligosaccharide, Galalpha1,3Gal (Gal), the major target for human anti-pig antibodies, or (3) have both manipulations. Currently the transplantation of pig organs in adequately-immunosuppressed baboons results in graft function for periods of 2-6 months (auxiliary hearts) and 2-3 months (life-supporting kidneys). Pig islets have maintained normoglycemia in diabetic monkeys for >6 months. The remaining immunologic barriers to successful xenotransplantation are discussed, and brief reviews made of (1) the potential risk of the transmission of an infectious microorganism from pig to patient and possibly to the public at large, (2) the potential physiologic incompatibilities between a pig organ and its human counterpart, (3) the major ethical considerations of clinical xenotransplantation, and (4) the possible alternatives that compete with xenotransplantation in the field of organ or cell replacement, such as mechanical devices, tissue engineering, stem cell biology and organogenesis. Finally, the proximity of clinical trials is discussed. Islet xenotransplantation is already at the stage where clinical trials are actively being considered, but the transplantation of pig organs will probably require further genetic modifications to be made to the organ-source pigs to protect their tissues from the coagulation/anticoagulation dysfunction that plays a significant role in pig graft failure after transplantation in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kc Cooper
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute; Department of Surgery; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA
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Cooper DKC, Dorling A, Pierson RN, Rees M, Seebach J, Yazer M, Ohdan H, Awwad M, Ayares D. Alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout pigs for xenotransplantation: where do we go from here? Transplantation 2007; 84:1-7. [PMID: 17627227 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000260427.75804.f2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The ability to genetically engineer pigs that no longer express the Galalpha1,3Gal (Gal) oligosaccharide has been a significant step toward the clinical applicability of xenotransplantation. Using a chronic immunosuppressive regimen based on costimulatory blockade, hearts from these pigs have survived from 2 to 6 months in baboons. Graft failure was predominantly from the development of a thrombotic microangiopathy. Potential contributing factors include the presence of preformed anti-nonGal antibodies or the development of low levels of elicited antibodies to nonGal antigens, natural killer (NK) cell or macrophage activity, and inherent coagulation dysregulation between pigs and primates. The breeding of pigs transgenic for an "anticoagulant" gene, such as human tissue factor pathway inhibitor, hirudin, or CD39, or lacking the gene for the prothrombinase, fibrinogen-like protein-2, is anticipated to inhibit the change in the endothelium to a procoagulant state that takes place in the pig organ after transplantation. The identification of the targets for anti-nonGal antibodies and/or human macrophages might allow further genetic modification of the pig, and xenogeneic NK cell recognition and activation may be inhibited by the transgenic expression of human leukocyte antigen molecules and/or by blocking the function of activating NK receptors. The ultimate goal of induction of T-cell tolerance may be possible only if these hurdles in the coagulation system and innate immunity can be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K C Cooper
- The Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Mitaksov V, Truscott SM, Lybarger L, Connolly J, Hansen TH, Fremont DH. Structural engineering of pMHC reagents for T cell vaccines and diagnostics. CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY 2007; 14:909-22. [PMID: 17719490 PMCID: PMC3601489 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2007.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2006] [Revised: 04/19/2007] [Accepted: 07/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
MHC class I peptide complexes (pMHC) are routinely used to enumerate T cell populations and are currently being evaluated as vaccines to tumors and specific pathogens. Herein, we describe the structures of three generations of single-chain pMHC progressively designed for the optimal presentation of covalently associated epitopes. Our ultimate design employs a versatile disulfide trap between an invariant MHC residue and a short C-terminal peptide extension. This general strategy is nondisruptive of native pMHC conformation and T cell receptor engagement. Indeed, cell-surface-expressed MHC complexes with disulfide-trapped epitopes are refractory to peptide exchange, suggesting they will make safe and effective vaccines. Furthermore, we find that disulfide-trap stabilized, recombinant pMHC reagents reliably detect polyclonal CD8 T cell populations as proficiently as conventional reagents and are thus well suited to monitor or modulate immune responses during pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesselin Mitaksov
- Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Steven M. Truscott
- Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lonnie Lybarger
- Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, U.S.A
| | - Janet Connolly
- Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ted H. Hansen
- Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Daved H. Fremont
- Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Biochem. & Mol. Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, U.S.A
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Truscott SM, Lybarger L, Martinko JM, Mitaksov VE, Kranz DM, Connolly JM, Fremont DH, Hansen TH. Disulfide bond engineering to trap peptides in the MHC class I binding groove. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 178:6280-9. [PMID: 17475856 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.178.10.6280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Immunodominant peptides in CD8 T cell responses to pathogens and tumors are not always tight binders to MHC class I molecules. Furthermore, antigenic peptides that bind weakly to the MHC can be problematic when designing vaccines to elicit CD8 T cells in vivo or for the production of MHC multimers for enumerating pathogen-specific T cells in vitro. Thus, to enhance peptide binding to MHC class I, we have engineered a disulfide bond to trap antigenic peptides into the binding groove of murine MHC class I molecules expressed as single-chain trimers or SCTs. These SCTs with disulfide traps, termed dtSCTs, oxidized properly in the endoplasmic reticulum, transited to the cell surface, and were recognized by T cells. Introducing a disulfide trap created remarkably tenacious MHC/peptide complexes because the peptide moiety of the dtSCT was not displaced by high-affinity competitor peptides, even when relatively weak binding peptides were incorporated into the dtSCT. This technology promises to be useful for DNA vaccination to elicit CD8 T cells, in vivo study of CD8 T cell development, and construction of multivalent MHC/peptide reagents for the enumeration and tracking of T cells-particularly when the antigenic peptide has relatively weak affinity for the MHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Truscott
- Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Abstract
Human NK cell-mediated graft rejection is likely to be one of several biological obstacles to routine pig-to-human xenotransplantation. Abrogating NK cell activation by either elimination of activating ligands on porcine cells or expression of molecules serving as ligands for NK cell inhibitory receptors, or both, could overcome this hurdle. HLA-E and -G exhibit very limited polymorphism and are ligands for NK cell inhibitory receptors. This review summarizes successes and limitations of their use in xenotransplantation as inferred from ex vivo analyses of NK cell activity, highlights potential effects they may have on T-cell responses, and considers prospects of preclinical trials and potential outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Crew
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
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Using α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout pig organs in nonhuman primates. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2007. [DOI: 10.1097/mot.0b013e3280146495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lilienfeld BG, Crew MD, Forte P, Baumann BC, Seebach JD. Transgenic expression of HLA-E single chain trimer protects porcine endothelial cells against human natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Xenotransplantation 2007; 14:126-34. [PMID: 17381687 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2007.00378.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The susceptibility of porcine endothelial cells (pEC) to human natural killer (NK) cells is related to the failure of human major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-specific killer inhibitory receptors to recognize porcine MHC class I molecules. The aims of this study were (i) to assess the protection of pEC against xenogeneic NK-mediated cytotoxicity afforded by the stable expression of HLA-E single chain trimers (SCT) composed of a canonical HLA-E binding peptide antigen, VMAPRTLIL, the mature human beta2-microglobulin, and the mature HLA-E heavy chain, and (ii) to test whether HLA-E expression on pEC and porcine lymphoblastoid cells affects the adhesion of human NK cells. METHODS Porcine EC lines expressing different levels of HLA-E SCT were generated by Ca(2)PO(4)-transfection followed by limiting dilution cloning. Surface expression of HLA-E was measured by flow cytometry. Susceptibility of transfected pEC lines against human NK cells was tested in (51)Cr-release cytotoxicity assays. Interactions between human NK cells and HLA-E positive pEC or porcine lymphoblastoid cells were further addressed in adhesion and conjugation assays. RESULTS The level of protection of pEC from human NK-mediated cytotoxicity correlated with the intensity of surface HLA-E expression. Furthermore, the HLA-E SCT-mediated protection was specifically reversed by blocking the HLA-E specific NK inhibitory receptor CD94/NKG2A. HLA-E expression does neither affect the adhesion of human NK cells to pEC nor the heteroconjugate formation between human NK and porcine 13271.10 cells. CONCLUSIONS Stable surface expression of HLA-E on pEC was achieved in the absence of extrinsic peptide pulsing and provided partial protection from human NK cytotoxicity. Though insufficient to inhibit xenogeneic NK cell reactivity completely, transgenic HLA-E expression on pig organs might contribute to a successful application of clinical xenotransplantation in combination with other protective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin G Lilienfeld
- Laboratory for Transplantation Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Horvath-Arcidiacono JA, Porter CM, Bloom ET. Human NK cells can lyse porcine endothelial cells independent of their expression of Galalpha(1,3)-Gal and killing is enhanced by activation of either effector or target cells. Xenotransplantation 2006; 13:318-27. [PMID: 16768725 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3089.2006.00316.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xenotransplantation of pig organs may provide an approach to alleviate the severe shortage of human organs. Natural antibodies against Galalpha(1,3)-Gal (alphaGal) epitopes cause hyperacute rejection of pig organs in primates. However, evidence for the role of alphaGal in the natural killer (NK) cell-mediated xenoresponse has been contradictory. METHODS We investigated the recognition of alphaGal by human NK cells using endo-beta-galactosidase C, an enzyme that cleaves alphaGal, and endothelial cells (EC) from alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase null pigs that do not synthesize alphaGal. Endo-beta-galactosidase C treatment variably reduced the susceptibility of porcine EC to lysis by fresh human NK cells. RESULTS Removal of alphaGal from porcine EC using endo-beta-galactosidase C, produced variable results, i.e. cytotoxicity was decreased in half of the human NK cell donors tested. The two EC strains from alphaGal-/- pigs were marginally, and not significantly, less susceptible to lysis by naïve human NK cells compared with alphaGal-expressing cells obtained from animals from the same herd, but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.10). Treatment of porcine EC with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, which is known to activate porcine EC, enhanced the susceptibility of all target cells to lysis by fresh human NK cells. Surface expression of MHC or adhesion molecules on alphaGal-/- cells, compared with wild type cells, showed no consistent difference in either MHC or adhesion molecules CD106 (VCAM-1), CD31 (PECAM) or CD62E (E-selectin), either with or without TNF-alpha stimulation, that could explain the differential susceptibility to lysis. Strikingly, all alphaGal-/- and wild type EC exhibited similar susceptibility to human NK cells that had been cultured for 5 days with or without interleukin-2. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that human NK cells can kill porcine targets in the absence of alphaGal, and donor variability plays a major role in whether alphaGal has a role in determining susceptibility of porcine EC to lysis. Moreover, susceptibility to lysis of alphaGal null EC is enhanced to the level of wild type EC by activation of either effector or target cells. Elimination of alphaGal alone from source pigs will be insufficient to circumvent the NK cell mediated destruction of porcine EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Horvath-Arcidiacono
- Gene Transfer and Immunogenicity Branch, Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Office of Cellular, Tissue, and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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García-Borges CN, Phanavanh B, Crew MD. Characterization of porcine TAP genes: alternative splicing of TAP1. Immunogenetics 2006; 58:374-82. [PMID: 16555068 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-006-0103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2005] [Accepted: 02/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) is a heterodimer composed of TAP1 and TAP2 subunits that belong to the ATP-binding cassette family of transporters. TAP translocates small peptides (usually 8- to 12-amino-acid-long) from the cytosol to the endoplasmic reticulum for subsequent loading onto the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. The translocated peptides are required for the stable cell surface expression of MHC class I molecules. Virus-encoded proteins, which inhibit TAP activity, include ICP47 from herpes simplex virus and US6 from human cytomegalovirus. We have previously shown that ICP47 downregulated porcine MHC class I [swine leukocyte Ag class I (SLA I)] cell-surface expression in the pig epithelial cell line PK(15). Here we show that SLA I cell-surface expression in the pig epithelial cell line LLC-PK1 is relatively unaffected by expression of ICP47. Anticipating that this might be due to differences in the primary structure of TAP1 or TAP2 expressed by these two cell lines, cDNAs from PK(15) and LLC-PK1 encoding the complete open reading frames of porcine TAP1 and TAP2 were cloned and sequenced. Porcine TAP1 and TAP2 exhibited 80% amino acid identity with their human orthologs. Two splice variants of TAP1 were found. In LLC-PK1 cells, an alternatively spliced TAP1 transcript was detected, which was predicted to encode a protein with nine fewer amino acids. While the deleted amino acids may be in close proximity to the putative peptide/ICP47-binding site, we were unable to demonstrate that this imparted an apparent resistance to the effects of ICP47 on SLA I surface expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen N García-Borges
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 151 Research, 4300 West 7th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205, USA
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Hansen TH, Lybarger L. Exciting applications of single chain trimers of MHC-I molecules. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2006; 55:235-6. [PMID: 16261380 PMCID: PMC11030785 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-005-0091-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2005] [Accepted: 10/08/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Forte P, Baumann BC, Weiss EH, Seebach JD. HLA-E expression on porcine cells: protection from human NK cytotoxicity depends on peptide loading. Am J Transplant 2005; 5:2085-93. [PMID: 16095487 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2005.00987.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Human NK cells lyse porcine cells and may play an important role in the cell-mediated rejection of pig-to-human xenografts. Lysis is probably a consequence of the failure of human MHC-specific killer inhibitory receptors to recognize porcine MHC class I molecules. A majority of activated human NK cells express the HLA-E-specific inhibitory receptor CD94/NKG2A. The aim of this study was therefore to test the hypothesis that stable surface expression of HLA-E on porcine cells protects against xenogeneic NK-mediated cytotoxicity. Porcine lymphoblastoid (13 271) and endothelial (pEC) cell lines were transfected with constructs coding for HLA-E together with the leader sequence of HLA-B7 or -A2. HLA-E was correctly expressed on 13 271 cells while pEC required peptide-pulsing and/or IFN-gamma stimulation to express the HLA-E complex on the cell surface. HLA-E-expressing porcine cells were partially protected from lysis mediated by human polyclonal NK populations and completely protected from killing by NKG2Abright NK clones. In conclusion, the capability of different porcine cell types to express HLA-E on the cell surface can differ considerably depending decisively on the availability of peptides. These findings are important for the applicability of transgenic HLA-E expression as an approach to protect porcine tissues from human NK cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Forte
- Department of Internal Medicine, Laboratory for Transplantation Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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