1
|
Zou JL, Chen KX, Wang XJ, Lu ZC, Wu XH, Wu YD. Structure-Based Rational and General Strategy for Stabilizing Single-Chain T-Cell Receptors to Enhance Affinity. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38661304 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The T-cell receptor (TCR) is a crucial molecule in cellular immunity. The single-chain T-cell receptor (scTCR) is a potential format in TCR therapeutics because it eliminates the possibility of αβ-TCR mispairing. However, its poor stability and solubility impede the in vitro study and manufacturing of therapeutic applications. In this study, some conserved structural motifs are identified in variable domains regardless of germlines and species. Theoretical analysis helps to identify those unfavored factors and leads to a general strategy for stabilizing scTCRs by substituting residues at exact IMGT positions with beneficial propensities on the consensus sequence of germlines. Several representative scTCRs are displayed to achieve stability optimization and retain comparable binding affinities with the corresponding αβ-TCRs in the range of μM to pM. These results demonstrate that our strategies for scTCR engineering are capable of providing the affinity-enhanced and specificity-retained format, which are of great value in facilitating the development of TCR-related therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ling Zou
- Lab of Computational Chemistry and Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | | | | | | | - Xian-Hui Wu
- Tianmu Institute of Health, Changzhou 213399, China
| | - Yun-Dong Wu
- Lab of Computational Chemistry and Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mo G, Lu X, Wu S, Zhu W. Strategies and rules for tuning TCR-derived therapy. Expert Rev Mol Med 2023; 26:e4. [PMID: 38095091 PMCID: PMC11062142 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2023.27] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Manipulation of T cells has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. Notably, the use of T cells carrying engineered T cell receptors (TCR-T) offers a favourable therapeutic pathway, particularly in the treatment of solid tumours. However, major challenges such as limited clinical response efficacy, off-target effects and tumour immunosuppressive microenvironment have hindered the clinical translation of this approach. In this review, we mainly want to guide TCR-T investigators on several major issues they face in the treatment of solid tumours after obtaining specific TCR sequences: (1) whether we have to undergo affinity maturation or not, and what parameter we should use as a criterion for being more effective. (2) What modifications can be added to counteract the tumour inhibitory microenvironment to make our specific T cells to be more effective and what is the safety profile of such modifications? (3) What are the new forms and possibilities for TCR-T cell therapy in the future?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoheng Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sha Wu
- Department of Immunology/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abed A, Beasley AB, Reid AL, Law N, Calapre L, Millward M, Lo J, Gray ES. Circulating pre-treatment T-cell receptor repertoire as a predictive biomarker in advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with pembrolizumab alone or in combination with chemotherapy. ESMO Open 2023; 8:102066. [PMID: 37995426 PMCID: PMC10774950 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.102066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The circulating T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire is a dynamic representation of overall immune responses in an individual. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively collected baseline blood from patients treated with first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy. TCR repertoire metrics were correlated with clinical benefit rate (CBR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We built a logistic regression classifier by fitting all four TCR-β repertoire metrics to the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) CBR data. In the subsequent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the resulting logistic regression model probabilities, the best cut-off value was selected to maximise sensitivity to predict CBR to ICI. RESULTS We observed an association between reduced number of unique clones and CBR among patients treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy (cohort 1) [risk ratio = 2.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-8.73, P = 0.039]. For patients treated with pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy (cohort 2), increased number of unique clones [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.96, 95% CI 1.28-6.88, P = 0.012] and Shannon diversity (HR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.08-6.87, P = 0.033), and reduced evenness (HR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.90, P = 0.025) and convergence (HR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.90, P = 0.027) were associated with improved PFS, while only an increased number of unique clones (HR = 4.62, 95% CI 1.52-14.02, P = 0.007) were associated with improved OS. Logistic regression models combining the TCR repertoire metrics improved the prediction of CBR (cohorts 1 and 2) and were strongly associated with PFS (cohort 1, HR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.19-0.78, P = 0.009) and OS (cohort 2, HR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.05-0.76, P < 0.0001). Reduced TCR conversion was associated with increased frequency of irAEs needing systemic steroid treatment. CONCLUSION Combined pre-treatment circulating TCR metrics might serve as a predictive biomarker for clinical outcomes among patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with pembrolizumab alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Abed
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup; School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley.
| | - A B Beasley
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup
| | - A L Reid
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup
| | - N Law
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands
| | - L Calapre
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup
| | - M Millward
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley
| | - J Lo
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - E S Gray
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van Diest E, Nicolasen MJT, Kramer L, Zheng J, Hernández-López P, Beringer DX, Kuball J. The making of multivalent gamma delta TCR anti-CD3 bispecific T cell engagers. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1052090. [PMID: 36685546 PMCID: PMC9851377 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1052090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We have recently developed a novel T cell engager concept by utilizing γ9δ2TCR as tumor targeting domain, named gamma delta TCR anti-CD3 bispecific molecule (GAB), targeting the phosphoantigen-dependent orchestration of BTN2A1 and BTN3A1 at the surface of cancer cells. GABs are made by the fusion of the ectodomains of a γδTCR to an anti-CD3 single chain variable fragment (scFv) (γδECTO-αCD3), here we explore alternative designs with the aim to enhance GAB effectivity. Methods The first alternative design was made by linking the variable domains of the γ and δ chain to an anti-CD3 scFv (γδVAR-αCD3). The second alternative design was multimerizing γδVAR-αCD3 proteins to increase the tumor binding valency. Both designs were expressed and purified and the potency to target tumor cells by T cells of the alternative designs was compared to γδECTO-αCD3, in T cell activation and cytotoxicity assays. Results and discussion The γδVAR-αCD3 proteins were poorly expressed, and while the addition of stabilizing mutations based on finding for αβ single chain formats increased expression, generation of meaningful amounts of γδVAR-αCD3 protein was not possible. As an alternative strategy, we explored the natural properties of the original GAB design (γδECTO-αCD3), and observed the spontaneous formation of γδECTO-αCD3-monomers and -dimers during expression. We successfully enhanced the fraction of γδECTO-αCD3-dimers by shortening the linker length between the heavy and light chain in the anti-CD3 scFv, though this also decreased protein yield by 50%. Finally, we formally demonstrated with purified γδECTO-αCD3-dimers and -monomers, that γδECTO-αCD3-dimers are superior in function when compared to similar concentrations of monomers, and do not induce T cell activation without simultaneous tumor engagement. In conclusion, a γδECTO-αCD3-dimer based GAB design has great potential, though protein production needs to be further optimized before preclinical and clinical testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eline van Diest
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mara J. T. Nicolasen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lovro Kramer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jiali Zheng
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Patricia Hernández-López
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Dennis X. Beringer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Jürgen Kuball,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hiltensperger M, Krackhardt AM. Current and future concepts for the generation and application of genetically engineered CAR-T and TCR-T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121030. [PMID: 36949949 PMCID: PMC10025359 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has seen a steep rise of new therapeutic approaches in its immune-oncology pipeline over the last years. This is in great part due to the recent approvals of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies and their remarkable efficacy in certain soluble tumors. A big focus of ACT lies on T cells and how to genetically modify them to target and kill tumor cells. Genetically modified T cells that are currently utilized are either equipped with an engineered CAR or a T cell receptor (TCR) for this purpose. Both strategies have their advantages and limitations. While CAR-T cell therapies are already used in the clinic, these therapies face challenges when it comes to the treatment of solid tumors. New designs of next-generation CAR-T cells might be able to overcome these hurdles. Moreover, CARs are restricted to surface antigens. Genetically engineered TCR-T cells targeting intracellular antigens might provide necessary qualities for the treatment of solid tumors. In this review, we will summarize the major advancements of the CAR-T and TCR-T cell technology. Moreover, we will cover ongoing clinical trials, discuss current challenges, and provide an assessment of future directions within the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hiltensperger
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- IIIrd Medical Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Hiltensperger, ; Angela M. Krackhardt,
| | - Angela M. Krackhardt
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- IIIrd Medical Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Hiltensperger, ; Angela M. Krackhardt,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wei F, Cheng XX, Xue JZ, Xue SA. Emerging Strategies in TCR-Engineered T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850358. [PMID: 35432319 PMCID: PMC9006933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer has made tremendous progress in recent years, as demonstrated by the remarkable clinical responses obtained from adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of patient-derived tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells (CAR-T) and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells (TCR-T). TCR-T uses specific TCRS optimized for tumor engagement and can recognize epitopes derived from both cell-surface and intracellular targets, including tumor-associated antigens, cancer germline antigens, viral oncoproteins, and tumor-specific neoantigens (neoAgs) that are largely sequestered in the cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells. Moreover, as TCRS are naturally developed for sensitive antigen detection, they are able to recognize epitopes at far lower concentrations than required for CAR-T activation. Therefore, TCR-T holds great promise for the treatment of human cancers. In this focused review, we summarize basic, translational, and clinical insights into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-T. We review emerging strategies used in current ACT, point out limitations, and propose possible solutions. We highlight the importance of targeting tumor-specific neoAgs and outline a strategy of combining neoAg vaccines, checkpoint blockade therapy, and adoptive transfer of neoAg-specific TCR-T to produce a truly tumor-specific therapy, which is able to penetrate into solid tumors and resist the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We believe such a combination approach should lead to a significant improvement in cancer immunotherapies, especially for solid tumors, and may provide a general strategy for the eradication of multiple cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wei
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Cheng
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - John Zhao Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| | - Shao-An Xue
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory, School of Biological & Environmental Engineering, Xi'An University, Xi'An, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang L, Lan X. Rapid screening of TCR-pMHC interactions by the YAMTAD system. Cell Discov 2022; 8:30. [PMID: 35379810 PMCID: PMC8979966 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00386-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Personalized immunotherapy, such as cancer vaccine and TCR-T methods, demands rapid screening of TCR-pMHC interactions. While several screening approaches have been developed, their throughput is limited. Here, the Yeast Agglutination Mediated TCR antigen Discovery system (YAMTAD) was designed and demonstrated to allow fast and unbiased library-on-library screening of TCR-pMHC interactions. Our proof-of-principle study achieved high sensitivity and specificity in identifying antigens for a given TCR and identifying TCRs recognizing a given pMHC for modest library sizes. Finally, the enrichment of high-affinity TCR-pMHC interactions by YAMTAD in library-on-library screening was demonstrated. Given the high throughput (106–108 × 106–108 in theory) and simplicity (identifying TCR-pMHC interactions without purification of TCR and pMHC) of YAMTAD, this study provides a rapid but effective platform for TCR-pMHC interaction screening, with valuable applications in future personalized immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Lan
- Department of Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. .,Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. .,MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The Full Model of the pMHC-TCR-CD3 Complex: A Structural and Dynamical Characterization of Bound and Unbound States. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040668. [PMID: 35203317 PMCID: PMC8869815 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The machinery involved in cytotoxic T-cell activation requires three main characters: the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) bound to the peptide (p), the T-cell receptor (TCR), and the CD3 complex, a multidimer interfaced with the intracellular side. The pMHC:TCR interaction has been largely studied by means of both experimental and computational models, giving a contribution in understanding the complexity of the TCR triggering. Nevertheless, a detailed study of the structural and dynamical characterization of the full complex (pMHC:TCR:CD3 complex) is still missing due to a lack of structural information of the CD3-chains arrangement around the TCR. Very recently, the determination of the TCR:CD3 complex structure by means of Cryo-EM technique has given a chance to build the entire system essential in the activation of T-cells, a fundamental mechanism in the adaptive immune response. Here, we present the first complete model of the pMHC interacting with the TCR:CD3 complex, built in a lipid environment. To describe the conformational behavior associated with the unbound and the bound states, all-atom Molecular Dynamics simulations were performed for the TCR:CD3 complex and for two pMHC:TCR:CD3 complex systems, bound to two different peptides. Our data point out that a conformational change affecting the TCR Constant β (Cβ) region occurs after the binding to the pMHC, revealing a key role of this region in the propagation of the signal. Moreover, we found that TCR reduces the flexibility of the MHC I binding groove, confirming our previous results.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ch'ng ACW, Lam P, Alassiri M, Lim TS. Application of phage display for T-cell receptor discovery. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 54:107870. [PMID: 34801662 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The immune system is tasked to keep our body unharmed and healthy. In the immune system, B- and T-lymphocytes are the two main components working together to stop and eliminate invading threats like virus particles, bacteria, fungi and parasite from attacking our healthy cells. The function of antibodies is relatively more direct in target recognition as compared to T-cell receptors (TCR) which recognizes antigenic peptides being presented on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Although phage display has been widely applied for antibody presentation, this is the opposite in the case of TCR. The cell surface TCR is a relatively large and complex molecule, making presentation on phage surfaces challenging. Even so, recombinant versions and modifications have been introduced to allow the growing development of TCR in phage display. In addition, the increasing application of TCR for immunotherapy has made it an important binding motif to be developed by phage display. This review will emphasize on the application of phage display for TCR discovery as well as the engineering aspect of TCR for improved characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Chiew Wen Ch'ng
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Paula Lam
- CellVec Private Limited, 118518, Singapore; National University of Singapore, Department of Physiology, 117597, Singapore; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Cancer and Stem Cells Biology Program, 169857, Singapore
| | - Mohammed Alassiri
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Theam Soon Lim
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia; Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Robinson RA, McMurran C, McCully ML, Cole DK. Engineering soluble T-cell receptors for therapy. FEBS J 2021; 288:6159-6173. [PMID: 33624424 PMCID: PMC8596704 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy approaches that target peptide-human leukocyte antigen (pHLA) complexes are becoming highly attractive because of their potential to access virtually all foreign and cellular proteins. For this reason, there has been considerable interest in the development of the natural ligand for pHLA, the T-cell receptor (TCR), as a soluble drug to target disease-associated pHLA presented at the cell surface. However, native TCR stability is suboptimal for soluble drug development, and natural TCRs generally have weak affinities for pHLAs, limiting their potential to reach efficacious receptor occupancy levels as soluble drugs. To overcome these limitations and make full use of the TCR as a soluble drug platform, several protein engineering solutions have been applied to TCRs to enhance both their stability and affinity, with a focus on retaining target specificity and selectivity. Here, we review these advances and look to the future for the next generation of soluble TCR-based therapies that can target monomorphic HLA-like proteins presenting both peptide and nonpeptide antigens.
Collapse
|
11
|
Johnson DK, Magoffin W, Myers SJ, Finnell JG, Hancock JC, Orton TS, Persaud SP, Christensen KA, Weber KS. CD4 Inhibits Helper T Cell Activation at Lower Affinity Threshold for Full-Length T Cell Receptors Than Single Chain Signaling Constructs. Front Immunol 2021; 11:561889. [PMID: 33542711 PMCID: PMC7851051 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.561889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells are crucial for effective repression and elimination of cancer cells. Despite a paucity of CD4+ T cell receptor (TCR) clinical studies, CD4+ T cells are primed to become important therapeutics as they help circumvent tumor antigen escape and guide multifactorial immune responses. However, because CD8+ T cells directly kill tumor cells, most research has focused on the attributes of CD8+ TCRs. Less is known about how TCR affinity and CD4 expression affect CD4+ T cell activation in full length TCR (flTCR) and TCR single chain signaling (TCR-SCS) formats. Here, we generated an affinity panel of TCRs from CD4+ T cells and expressed them in flTCR and three TCR-SCS formats modeled after chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to understand the contributions of TCR-pMHCII affinity, TCR format, and coreceptor CD4 interactions on CD4+ T cell activation. Strikingly, the coreceptor CD4 inhibited intermediate and high affinity TCR-construct activation by Lck-dependent and -independent mechanisms. These inhibition mechanisms had unique affinity thresholds dependent on the TCR format. Intracellular construct formats affected the tetramer staining for each TCR as well as IL-2 production. IL-2 production was promoted by increased TCR-pMHCII affinity and the flTCR format. Thus, CD4+ T cell therapy development should consider TCR affinity, CD4 expression, and construct format.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Wyatt Magoffin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Sheldon J Myers
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Jordan G Finnell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - John C Hancock
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Taylor S Orton
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Stephen P Persaud
- Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kenneth A Christensen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - K Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Froning K, Maguire J, Sereno A, Huang F, Chang S, Weichert K, Frommelt AJ, Dong J, Wu X, Austin H, Conner EM, Fitchett JR, Heng AR, Balasubramaniam D, Hilgers MT, Kuhlman B, Demarest SJ. Computational stabilization of T cell receptors allows pairing with antibodies to form bispecifics. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2330. [PMID: 32393818 PMCID: PMC7214467 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16231-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant T cell receptors (TCRs) can be used to redirect naïve T cells to eliminate virally infected or cancerous cells; however, they are plagued by low stability and uneven expression. Here, we use molecular modeling to identify mutations in the TCR constant domains (Cα/Cβ) that increase the unfolding temperature of Cα/Cβ by 20 °C, improve the expression of four separate α/β TCRs by 3- to 10-fold, and improve the assembly and stability of TCRs with poor intrinsic stability. The stabilizing mutations rescue the expression of TCRs destabilized through variable domain mutation. The improved stability and folding of the TCRs reduces glycosylation, perhaps through conformational stabilization that restricts access to N-linked glycosylation enzymes. The Cα/Cβ mutations enables antibody-like expression and assembly of well-behaved bispecific molecules that combine an anti-CD3 antibody with the stabilized TCR. These TCR/CD3 bispecifics can redirect T cells to kill tumor cells with target HLA/peptide on their surfaces in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Froning
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jack Maguire
- Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arlene Sereno
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Flora Huang
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Shawn Chang
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Kenneth Weichert
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Anton J Frommelt
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jessica Dong
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Xiufeng Wu
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Heather Austin
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Elaine M Conner
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jonathan R Fitchett
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Aik Roy Heng
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | | | - Mark T Hilgers
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Brian Kuhlman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Stephen J Demarest
- Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sádio F, Stadlmayr G, Stadlbauer K, Gräf M, Scharrer A, Rüker F, Wozniak-Knopp G. Stabilization of soluble high-affinity T-cell receptor with de novo disulfide bonds. FEBS Lett 2019; 594:477-490. [PMID: 31552676 PMCID: PMC7027902 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Soluble T‐cell receptors (TCRs) have recently gained visibility as target‐recognition units of anticancer immunotherapeutic agents. Here, we improved the thermal stability of the well‐expressed high‐affinity A6 TCR by introducing pairs of cysteines in the invariable parts of the α‐ and β‐chain. A mutant with a novel intradomain disulfide bond in each chain also tested superior to the wild‐type in the accelerated stability assay. Binding of the mutant to the soluble cognate peptide (cp)–MHC and to the peptide‐loaded T2 cell line was equal to the wild‐type A6 TCR. The same stabilization motif worked efficiently in TCRs with different specificities, such as DMF5 and 1G4. Altogether, the biophysical properties of the soluble TCR molecule could be improved, without affecting its expression level and antigen‐binding specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flávio Sádio
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Immunotherapeutics, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Stadlmayr
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Immunotherapeutics, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Stadlbauer
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Immunotherapeutics, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Gräf
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Immunotherapeutics, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Agnes Scharrer
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Immunotherapeutics, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Rüker
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Immunotherapeutics, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Gordana Wozniak-Knopp
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Immunotherapeutics, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wu X, Demarest SJ. Building blocks for bispecific and trispecific antibodies. Methods 2018; 154:3-9. [PMID: 30172007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), which target two antigens or epitopes, incorporate the specificities and properties of two distinct monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) into a single molecule. As such, BsAbs can elicit synergistic activities and provide the capacity for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and/or safety compared to what can be achieved with conventional monospecific IgGs. There are many building block formats to generate BsAbs and Trispecific antibodies (TsAbs) based on combining the antigen recognition domains of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). This review describes the many and varied antibody-based building blocks used to achieve multivalency and multispecificity. These diverse building blocks provide opportunities to tailor the design of BsAbs and TsAbs to match the desired applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Wu
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10290 Campus Point Dr., San Diego, CA 92121, United States.
| | - Stephen J Demarest
- Lilly Biotechnology Center, 10290 Campus Point Dr., San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gunnarsen KS, Høydahl LS, Neumann RS, Bjerregaard-Andersen K, Nilssen NR, Sollid LM, Sandlie I, Løset GÅ. Soluble T-cell receptor design influences functional yield in an E. coli chaperone-assisted expression system. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195868. [PMID: 29649333 PMCID: PMC5897000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a quest for production of soluble protein of high quality for the study of T-cell receptors (TCRs), but expression often results in low yields of functional molecules. In this study, we used an E. coli chaperone-assisted periplasmic production system and compared expression of 4 different soluble TCR formats: single-chain TCR (scTCR), two different disulfide-linked TCR (dsTCR) formats, and chimeric Fab (cFab). A stabilized version of scTCR was also included. Additionally, we evaluated the influence of host (XL1-Blue or RosettaBlueTM) and the effect of IPTG induction on expression profiles. A celiac disease patient-derived TCR with specificity for gluten was used, and we achieved detectable expression for all formats and variants. We found that expression in RosettaBlueTM without IPTG induction resulted in the highest periplasmic yields. Moreover, after large-scale expression and protein purification, only the scTCR format was obtained in high yields. Importantly, stability engineering of the scTCR was a prerequisite for obtaining reliable biophysical characterization of the TCR-pMHC interaction. The scTCR format is readily compatible with high-throughput screening approaches that may enable both development of reagents allowing for defined peptide MHC (pMHC) characterization and discovery of potential novel therapeutic leads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Støen Gunnarsen
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lene Støkken Høydahl
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ralf Stefan Neumann
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Nicolay Rustad Nilssen
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludvig Magne Sollid
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Coeliac Disease Research Centre and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Sandlie
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir Åge Løset
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Nextera AS, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
An optimized single chain TCR scaffold relying on the assembly with the native CD3-complex prevents residual mispairing with endogenous TCRs in human T-cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:21199-221. [PMID: 27028870 PMCID: PMC5008279 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer envisions the adoptive transfer of T-cells genetically engineered with tumor-specific heterodimeric α/β T-cell receptors (TCRα/β). However, potential mispairing of introduced TCRα/β-chains with endogenous β/α-ones may evoke unpredictable autoimmune reactivities. A novel single chain (sc)TCR format relies on the fusion of the Vα-Linker-Vβ-fragment to the TCR Cβ-domain and coexpression of the TCR Cα-domain capable of recruiting the natural CD3-complex for full and hence, native T-cell signaling. Here, we tested whether such a gp100(280-288)- or p53(264-272) tumor antigen-specific scTCR is still prone to mispairing with TCRα. In a human Jurkat-76 T-cell line lacking endogenous TCRs, surface expression and function of a scTCR could be reconstituted by any cointroduced TCRα-chain indicating mispairing to take place on a molecular basis. In contrast, transduction into human TCRα/β-positive T-cells revealed that mispairing is largely reduced. Competition experiments in Jurkat-76 confirmed the preference of dcTCR to selfpair and to spare scTCR. This also allowed for the generation of dc/scTCR-modified cytomegalovirus/tumor antigen-bispecific T-cells to augment T-cell activation in CMV-infected tumor patients. Residual mispairing was prevented by strenghtening the Vα-Li-Vβ-fragment through the design of a novel disulfide bond between a Vα- and a linker-resident residue close to Vβ. Multimer-stainings, and cytotoxicity-, IFNγ-secretion-, and CFSE-proliferation-assays, the latter towards dendritic cells endogenously processing RNA-electroporated gp100 antigen proved the absence of hybrid scTCR/TCRα-formation without impairing avidity of scTCR/Cα in T-cells. Moreover, a fragile cytomegalovirus pp65(495-503)-specific scTCR modified this way acquired enhanced cytotoxicity. Thus, optimized scTCR/Cα inhibits residual TCR mispairing to accomplish safe adoptive immunotherapy for bulk endogenous TCRα/β-positive T-cells.
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The critical need for renewable, high-quality affinity reagents in biological research, as well as for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, has required the development of new platforms of discovery. Yeast display is one of the main methods of in vitro display technology with phage display. Yeast display has been chosen by numerous groups to refine both affinity and specificity of antibodies because it enables fine discrimination between mutant clones of similar affinity. In addition, the construction of display libraries of antibody fragments in yeast permits to sample the immune antibody repertoire more fully than using phage. This chapter gives an updated overview of the available systems of yeast display platforms and libraries, followed up by technical descriptions of selection methods of antibody fragments by yeast display.
Collapse
|
18
|
Harris DT, Hager MV, Smith SN, Cai Q, Stone JD, Kruger P, Lever M, Dushek O, Schmitt TM, Greenberg PD, Kranz DM. Comparison of T Cell Activities Mediated by Human TCRs and CARs That Use the Same Recognition Domains. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 200:1088-1100. [PMID: 29288199 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapies have achieved significant clinical responses, especially in hematopoietic cancers. Two types of receptor systems have been used to redirect the activity of T cells, normal heterodimeric TCRs or synthetic chimeric Ag receptors (CARs). TCRs recognize peptide-HLA complexes whereas CARs typically use an Ab-derived single-chain fragments variable that recognizes cancer-associated cell-surface Ags. Although both receptors mediate diverse effector functions, a quantitative comparison of the sensitivity and signaling capacity of TCRs and CARs has been limited due to their differences in affinities and ligands. In this study we describe their direct comparison by using TCRs that could be formatted either as conventional αβ heterodimers, or as single-chain fragments variable constructs linked to CD3ζ and CD28 signaling domains or to CD3ζ alone. Two high-affinity TCRs (KD values of ∼50 and 250 nM) against MART1/HLA-A2 or WT1/HLA-A2 were used, allowing MART1 or WT1 peptide titrations to easily assess the impact of Ag density. Although CARs were expressed at higher surface levels than TCRs, they were 10-100-fold less sensitive, even in the absence of the CD8 coreceptor. Mathematical modeling demonstrated that lower CAR sensitivity could be attributed to less efficient signaling kinetics. Furthermore, reduced cytokine secretion observed at high Ag density for both TCRs and CARs suggested a role for negative regulators in both systems. Interestingly, at high Ag density, CARs also mediated greater maximal release of some cytokines, such as IL-2 and IL-6. These results have implications for the next-generation design of receptors used in adoptive T cell therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Marlies V Hager
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Sheena N Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Qi Cai
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Jennifer D Stone
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Philipp Kruger
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Lever
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Omer Dushek
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M Schmitt
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109; and
| | - Philip D Greenberg
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109; and.,Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - David M Kranz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sharma P, Kranz DM. Subtle changes at the variable domain interface of the T-cell receptor can strongly increase affinity. J Biol Chem 2017; 293:1820-1834. [PMID: 29229779 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.814152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Most affinity-maturation campaigns for antibodies and T-cell receptors (TCRs) operate on the residues at the binding site, located within the loops known as complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, mutations in contact residues, or so-called "second shell" residues, that increase affinity are typically identified by directed evolution involving combinatorial libraries. To determine the impact of residues located at a distance from the binding site, here we used single-codon libraries of both CDR and non-CDR residues to generate a deep mutational scan of a human TCR against the cancer antigen MART-1·HLA-A2. Non-CDR residues included those at the interface of the TCR variable domains (Vα and Vβ) and surface-exposed framework residues. Mutational analyses showed that both Vα/Vβ interface and CDR residues were important in maintaining binding to MART-1·HLA-A2, probably due to either structural requirements for proper Vα/Vβ association or direct contact with the ligand. More surprisingly, many Vα/Vβ interface substitutions yielded improved binding to MART-1·HLA-A2. To further explore this finding, we constructed interface libraries and selected them for improved stability or affinity. Among the variants identified, one conservative substitution (F45βY) was most prevalent. Further analysis of F45βY showed that it enhanced thermostability and increased affinity by 60-fold. Thus, introducing a single hydroxyl group at the Vα/Vβ interface, at a significant distance from the TCR·peptide·MHC-binding site, remarkably affected ligand binding. The variant retained a high degree of specificity for MART-1·HLA-A2, indicating that our approach provides a general strategy for engineering improvements in either soluble or cell-based TCRs for therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sharma
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - David M Kranz
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gunnarsen KS, Høydahl LS, Risnes LF, Dahal-Koirala S, Neumann RS, Bergseng E, Frigstad T, Frick R, du Pré MF, Dalhus B, Lundin KE, Qiao SW, Sollid LM, Sandlie I, Løset GÅ. A TCRα framework-centered codon shapes a biased T cell repertoire through direct MHC and CDR3β interactions. JCI Insight 2017; 2:95193. [PMID: 28878121 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.95193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Selection of biased T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires across individuals is seen in both infectious diseases and autoimmunity, but the underlying molecular basis leading to these shared repertoires remains unclear. Celiac disease (CD) occurs primarily in HLA-DQ2.5+ individuals and is characterized by a CD4+ T cell response against gluten epitopes dominated by DQ2.5-glia-α1a and DQ2.5-glia-α2. The DQ2.5-glia-α2 response recruits a highly biased TCR repertoire composed of TRAV26-1 paired with TRBV7-2 harboring a semipublic CDR3β loop. We aimed to unravel the molecular basis for this signature. By variable gene segment exchange, directed mutagenesis, and cellular T cell activation studies, we found that TRBV7-3 can substitute for TRBV7-2, as both can contain the canonical CDR3β loop. Furthermore, we identified a pivotal germline-encoded MHC recognition motif centered on framework residue Y40 in TRAV26-1 engaging both DQB1*02 and the canonical CDR3β. This allowed prediction of expanded DQ2.5-glia-α2-reactive TCR repertoires, which were confirmed by single-cell sorting and TCR sequencing from CD patient samples. Our data refine our understanding of how HLA-dependent biased TCR repertoires are selected in the periphery due to germline-encoded residues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Støen Gunnarsen
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lene Støkken Høydahl
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Louise Fremgaard Risnes
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shiva Dahal-Koirala
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ralf Stefan Neumann
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elin Bergseng
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Rahel Frick
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - M Fleur du Pré
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn Dalhus
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut Ea Lundin
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,KG Jebsen Coeliac Disease Research Centre and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shuo-Wang Qiao
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,KG Jebsen Coeliac Disease Research Centre and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludvig M Sollid
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,KG Jebsen Coeliac Disease Research Centre and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Sandlie
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir Åge Løset
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Nextera AS, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bezverbnaya K, Mathews A, Sidhu J, Helsen CW, Bramson JL. Tumor-targeting domains for chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Immunotherapy 2017; 9:33-46. [PMID: 28000526 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2016-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has been advancing steadily in clinical trials. Since the ability of engineered T cells to recognize intended tumor-associated targets is crucial for the therapeutic success, antigen-binding domains play an important role in shaping T-cell responses. Single-chain antibody and T-cell receptor fragments, natural ligands, repeat proteins, combinations of the above and universal tag-specific domains have all been used in the antigen-binding moiety of chimeric receptors. Here we outline the advantages and disadvantages of different domains, discuss the concepts of affinity and specificity, and highlight the recent progress of each targeting strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Bezverbnaya
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ashish Mathews
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jesse Sidhu
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Christopher W Helsen
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jonathan L Bramson
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wu X, Sereno AJ, Huang F, Zhang K, Batt M, Fitchett JR, He D, Rick HL, Conner EM, Demarest SJ. Protein design of IgG/TCR chimeras for the co-expression of Fab-like moieties within bispecific antibodies. MAbs 2015; 7:364-76. [PMID: 25611120 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2015.1007826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulins and T cell receptors (TCRs) share common sequences and structures. With the goal of creating novel bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), we generated chimeric molecules, denoted IgG_TCRs, where the Fv regions of several antibodies were fused to the constant domains of the α/β TCR. Replacing CH1 with Cα and CL with Cβ, respectively, was essential for achieving at least partial heavy chain/light chain assembly. Further optimization of the linker regions between the variable and constant domains, as well as replacement of the large FG loop of Cβ with a canonical β-turn, was necessary to consistently obtain full heavy chain/light chain assembly. The optimized IgG_TCR molecules were evaluated biophysically and shown to maintain the binding properties of their parental antibodies. A few BsAbs were generated by co-expressing native Fabs and IgG_TCR Fabs within the same molecular construct. We demonstrate that the IgG_TCR designs steered each of the light chains within the constructs to specifically pair with their cognate heavy chain counterparts. We did find that even with complete constant domain specificity between the CH1/CL and Cα/Cβ domains of the Fabs, strong variable domain interactions can dominate the pairing specificity and induce some mispairing. Overall, the IgG_TCR designs described here are a first step toward the generation of novel BsAbs that may be directed toward the treatment of multi-faceted and complex diseases.
Collapse
Key Words
- DSC, differential scanning calorimetry
- FG loop
- HC, heavy chain
- Ha, heavy chain containing Ca in place of CH1
- Hb, heavy chain containing Cb in place of CH1
- LC, light chain
- La, heavy chain containing Ca in place of CL
- Lb, heavy chain containing Cb in place of CL
- RU, resonance units
- SDS-PAGE, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
- SEC, size exclusion chromatography
- SPR, surface plasmon resonance
- T cell receptor
- TCR, T cell receptor
- bispecific antibody
- protein chimera
- protein design
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Wu
- a Eli Lilly Biotechnology Center ; San Diego , CA USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Oates J, Hassan NJ, Jakobsen BK. ImmTACs for targeted cancer therapy: Why, what, how, and which. Mol Immunol 2015; 67:67-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
24
|
Entzminger KC, Johnson JL, Hyun J, Lieberman RL, Maynard JA. Increased Fab thermoresistance via VH-targeted directed evolution. Protein Eng Des Sel 2015; 28:365-77. [PMID: 26283664 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzv037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody aggregation is frequently mediated by the complementarity determining regions within the variable domains and can significantly decrease purification yields, shorten shelf-life and increase the risk of anti-drug immune responses. Aggregation-resistant antibodies could offset these risks; accordingly, we have developed a directed evolution strategy to improve Fab stability. A Fab-phage display vector was constructed and the VH domain targeted for mutagenesis by error-prone PCR. To enrich for thermoresistant clones, the resulting phage library was transiently heated, followed by selection for binding to an anti-light chain constant domain antibody. Five unique variants were identified, each possessing one to three amino acid substitutions. Each engineered Fab possessed higher, Escherichia coli expression yield, a 2-3°C increase in apparent melting temperature and improved aggregation resistance upon heating at high concentration. Select mutations were combined and shown to confer additive improvements to these biophysical characteristics. Finally, the wild-type and most stable triple variant Fab variant were converted into a human IgG1 and expressed in mammalian cells. Both expression level and aggregation resistance were similarly improved in the engineered IgG1. Analysis of the wild-type Fab crystal structure provided a structural rationale for the selected residues changes. This approach can help guide future Fab stabilization efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer L Johnson
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | | | - Raquel L Lieberman
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jennifer A Maynard
- Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Smith SN, Harris DT, Kranz DM. T Cell Receptor Engineering and Analysis Using the Yeast Display Platform. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1319:95-141. [PMID: 26060072 PMCID: PMC5562502 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2748-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The αβ heterodimeric T cell receptor (TCR) recognizes peptide antigens that are transported to the cell surface as a complex with a protein encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). T cells thus evolved a strategy to sense these intracellular antigens, and to respond either by eliminating the antigen-presenting cell (e.g., a virus-infected cell) or by secreting factors that recruit the immune system to the site of the antigen. The central role of the TCR in the binding of antigens as peptide-MHC (pepMHC) ligands has now been studied thoroughly. Interestingly, despite their exquisite sensitivity (e.g., T cell activation by as few as 1-3 pepMHC complexes on a single target cell), TCRs are known to have relatively low affinities for pepMHC, with K D values in the micromolar range. There has been interest in engineering the affinity of TCRs in order to use this class of molecules in ways similar to now done with antibodies. By doing so, it would be possible to harness the potential of TCRs as therapeutics against a much wider array of antigens that include essentially all intracellular targets. To engineer TCRs, and to analyze their binding features more rapidly, we have used a yeast display system as a platform. Expression and engineering of a single-chain form of the TCR, analogous to scFv fragments from antibodies, allow the TCR to be affinity matured with a variety of possible pepMHC ligands. In addition, the yeast display platform allows one to rapidly generate TCR variants with diverse binding affinities and to analyze specificity and affinity without the need for purification of soluble forms of the TCRs. The present chapter describes the methods for engineering and analyzing single-chain TCRs using yeast display.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David M. Kranz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, 600 S. Matthews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Smith SN, Wang Y, Baylon JL, Singh NK, Baker BM, Tajkhorshid E, Kranz DM. Changing the peptide specificity of a human T-cell receptor by directed evolution. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5223. [PMID: 25376839 PMCID: PMC4225554 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of a T-cell receptor (TCR) to a peptide/major histocompatibility complex is the key interaction involved in antigen specificity of T cells. The recognition involves up to six complementarity determining regions (CDR) of the TCR. Efforts to examine the structural basis of these interactions and to exploit them in adoptive T-cell therapies has required the isolation of specific T-cell clones and their clonotypic TCRs. Here we describe a strategy using in vitro-directed evolution of a single TCR to change its peptide specificity, thereby avoiding the need to isolate T-cell clones. The human TCR A6, which recognizes the viral peptide Tax/HLA-A2, was converted to TCR variants that recognized the cancer peptide MART1/HLA-A2. Mutational studies and molecular dynamics simulations identified CDR residues that were predicted to be important in the specificity switch. Thus, in vitro engineering strategies alone can be used to discover TCRs with desired specificities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheena N. Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, 600 S. Matthews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Yuhang Wang
- Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Javier L. Baylon
- Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Nishant K. Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN 46557, USA
| | - Brian M. Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN 46557, USA
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, 600 S. Matthews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - David M. Kranz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, 600 S. Matthews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Stone JD, Harris DT, Soto CM, Chervin AS, Aggen DH, Roy EJ, Kranz DM. A novel T cell receptor single-chain signaling complex mediates antigen-specific T cell activity and tumor control. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:1163-76. [PMID: 25082071 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1586-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of genetically modified T cells to treat cancer has shown promise in several clinical trials. Two main strategies have been applied to redirect T cells against cancer: (1) introduction of a full-length T cell receptor (TCR) specific for a tumor-associated peptide-MHC, or (2) introduction of a chimeric antigen receptor, including an antibody fragment specific for a tumor cell surface antigen, linked intracellularly to T cell signaling domains. Each strategy has advantages and disadvantages for clinical applications. Here, we present data on the in vitro and in vivo effectiveness of a single-chain signaling receptor incorporating a TCR variable fragment as the targeting element (referred to as TCR-SCS). This receptor contained a single-chain TCR (Vα-linker-Vβ) from a high-affinity TCR called m33, linked to the intracellular signaling domains of CD28 and CD3ζ. This format avoided mispairing with endogenous TCR chains and mediated specific T cell activity when expressed in either CD4 or CD8 T cells. TCR-SCS-transduced CD8-negative cells showed an intriguing sensitivity, compared to full-length TCRs, to higher densities of less stable pepMHC targets. T cells that expressed this peptide-specific receptor persisted in vivo, and exhibited polyfunctional responses. Growth of metastatic antigen-positive tumors was significantly inhibited by T cells that expressed this receptor, and tumor cells that escaped were antigen-loss variants. TCR-SCS receptors represent an alternative targeting receptor strategy that combines the advantages of single-chain expression, avoidance of TCR chain mispairing, and targeting of intracellular antigens presented in complex with MHC proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Stone
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, 600 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bowerman NA, Falta MT, Mack DG, Wehrmann F, Crawford F, Mroz MM, Maier LA, Kappler JW, Fontenot AP. Identification of multiple public TCR repertoires in chronic beryllium disease. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:4571-80. [PMID: 24719461 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1400007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is a granulomatous lung disease characterized by the accumulation of beryllium (Be)-specific CD4(+) T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage. These expanded CD4(+) T cells are composed of oligoclonal T cell subsets, suggesting their recruitment to the lung in response to conventional Ag. In the current study, we noted that all bronchoalveolar lavage-derived T cell lines from HLA-DP2-expressing CBD patients contained an expansion of Be-responsive Vβ5.1(+) CD4(+) T cells. Using Be-loaded HLA-DP2-peptide tetramers, the majority of tetramer-binding T cells also expressed Vβ5.1 with a highly conserved CDR3β motif. Interestingly, Be-specific, Vβ5.1-expressing CD4(+) T cells displayed differential HLA-DP2-peptide tetramer staining intensity, and sequence analysis of the distinct tetramer-binding subsets showed that the two populations differed by a single conserved amino acid in the CDR3β motif. TCR Vα-chain analysis of purified Vβ5.1(+) CD4(+) T cells based on differential tetramer-binding intensity showed differing TCR Vα-chain pairing requirements, with the high-affinity population having promiscuous Vα-chain pairing and the low-affinity subset requiring restricted Vα-chain usage. Importantly, disease severity, as measured by loss of lung function, was inversely correlated with the frequency of tetramer-binding CD4(+) T cells in the lung. Our findings suggest the presence of a dominant Be-specific, Vβ5.1-expressing public T cell repertoire in the lungs of HLA-DP2-expressing CBD patients using promiscuous Vα-chain pairing to recognize an identical HLA-DP2-peptide/Be complex. Importantly, the inverse relationship between expansion of CD4(+) T cells expressing these public TCRs and disease severity suggests a pathogenic role for these T cells in CBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Bowerman
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sharma P, Wang N, Kranz DM. Soluble T cell receptor Vβ domains engineered for high-affinity binding to staphylococcal or streptococcal superantigens. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:556-74. [PMID: 24476714 PMCID: PMC3942751 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6020556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus and group A Streptococcus secrete a collection of toxins called superantigens (SAgs), so-called because they stimulate a large fraction of an individual’s T cells. One consequence of this hyperactivity is massive cytokine release leading to severe tissue inflammation and, in some cases, systemic organ failure and death. The molecular basis of action involves the binding of the SAg to both a T cell receptor (TCR) on a T cell and a class II product of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on an antigen presenting cell. This cross-linking leads to aggregation of the TCR complex and signaling. A common feature of SAgs is that they bind with relatively low affinity to the variable region (V) of the beta chain of the TCR. Despite this low affinity binding, SAgs are very potent, as each T cell requires only a small fraction of their receptors to be bound in order to trigger cytokine release. To develop high-affinity agents that could neutralize the activity of SAgs, and facilitate the development of detection assays, soluble forms of the Vβ regions have been engineered to affinities that are up to 3 million-fold higher for the SAg. Over the past decade, six different Vβ regions against SAgs from S. aureus (SEA, SEB, SEC3, TSST-1) or S. pyogenes (SpeA and SpeC) have been engineered for high-affinity using yeast display and directed evolution. Here we review the engineering of these high-affinity Vβ proteins, structural features of the six different SAgs and the Vβ proteins, and the specific properties of the engineered Vβ regions that confer high-affinity and specificity for their SAg ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Ningyan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| | - David M Kranz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sharma P, Postel S, Sundberg EJ, Kranz DM. Characterization of the Staphylococcal enterotoxin A: Vβ receptor interaction using human receptor fragments engineered for high affinity. Protein Eng Des Sel 2013; 26:781-9. [PMID: 24167300 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzt054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcal food poisoning is a gastrointestinal disorder caused by the consumption of food containing Staphylococcal enterotoxins. Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) is the most common enterotoxin recovered from food poisoning outbreaks in the USA. In addition to its enteric activity, SEA also acts as a potent superantigen through stimulation of T cells, although less is known about its interactions than the superantigens SEB, SEC and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1. To understand more about SEA:receptor interactions, and to develop toxin-detection systems for use in food testing, we engineered various SEA-binding receptor mutants. The extracellular domain of the receptor, a variable region of the beta chain (Vβ22) of the T-cell receptor, was engineered for stability as a soluble protein and for high affinity, using yeast-display technology. The highest affinity mutant was shown to bind SEA with a Kd value of 4 nM. This was a 25 000-fold improvement in affinity compared with the wild-type receptor, which bound to SEA with low affinity (Kd value of 100 µM), similar to other superantigen:Vβ interactions. The SEA:Vβ interface was centered around residues within the complementarity determining region 2 loop. The engineered receptor was specific for SEA, in that it did not bind to two other closely related enterotoxins SEE or SED, providing information on the SEA residues possibly involved in the interaction. The specificity and affinity of these high-affinity Vβ proteins also provide useful agents for the design of more sensitive and specific systems for SEA detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Birnbaum ME, Dong S, Garcia KC. Diversity-oriented approaches for interrogating T-cell receptor repertoire, ligand recognition, and function. Immunol Rev 2013; 250:82-101. [PMID: 23046124 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molecular diversity lies at the heart of adaptive immunity. T-cell receptors and peptide-major histocompatibility complex molecules utilize and rely upon an enormous degree of diversity at the levels of genetics, chemistry, and structure to engage one another and carry out their functions. This high level of diversity complicates the systematic study of important aspects of T-cell biology, but recent technical advances have allowed for the ability to study diversity in a comprehensive manner. In this review, we assess insights gained into T-cell receptor function and biology from our increasingly precise ability to assess the T-cell repertoire as a whole or to perturb individual receptors with engineered reagents. We conclude with a perspective on a new class of high-affinity, non-stimulatory peptide ligands we have recently discovered using diversity-oriented techniques that challenges notions for how we think about T-cell receptor signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Birnbaum
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gunnarsen KS, Kristinsson SG, Justesen S, Frigstad T, Buus S, Bogen B, Sandlie I, Løset GÅ. Chaperone-assisted thermostability engineering of a soluble T cell receptor using phage display. Sci Rep 2013; 3:1162. [PMID: 23362461 PMCID: PMC3557450 DOI: 10.1038/srep01162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We here report a novel phage display selection strategy enabling fast and easy selection of thermostabilized proteins. The approach is illustrated with stabilization of an aggregation-prone soluble single chain T cell receptor (scTCR) characteristic of the murine MOPC315 myeloma model. Random mutation scTCR phage libraries were prepared in E. coli over-expressing the periplasmic chaperone FkpA, and such over-expression during library preparation proved crucial for successful downstream selection. The thermostabilized scTCRmut variants selected were produced in high yields and isolated as monomers. Thus, the purified scTCRs could be studied with regard to specificity and equilibrium binding kinetics to pMHC using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The results demonstrate a difference in affinity for pMHCs that display germ line or tumor-specific peptides which explains the tumor-specific reactivity of the TCR. This FkpA-assisted thermostabilization strategy extends the utility of recombinant TCRs and furthermore, may be of general use for efficient evolution of proteins.
Collapse
|
33
|
Asaoka Y, Hatayama K, Tsumoto K, Tomita M, Ide T. Engineering of recombinant human Fcγ receptor I by directed evolution. Protein Eng Des Sel 2012; 25:835-42. [PMID: 22967788 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzs053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human FcγRI is a high-affinity receptor for human IgG. On the basis of its binding activity, recombinant human FcγRI (rhFcγRI) has several possible applications, including as a therapeutic reagent to treat immune complex-mediated disease and as a ligand in affinity chromatography for purification of human IgG. As the stability and production rate of rhFcγRI are low, it would need to be engineered for use in such applications. In this study, we demonstrated engineering of rhFcγRI by directed evolution through random mutagenesis and integration of mutations. Engineered rhFcγRI was expressed by Escherichia coli. Screening identified 19 amino acid mutations contributing to the thermal stability and production rate of rhFcγRI. By integration of these mutations, engineered rhFcγRI containing all 19 amino acid mutations (enFcRd) was constructed and showed markedly enhanced thermal stability (transition midpoint temperature [Tm] = 65.6°C) and production rate (3.27 mg L-medium(-1) OD(600)(-1)) compared with wild-type rhFcγRI (Tm = 48.5°C; production rate, 0.07 mg L-medium(-1) OD(600)(-1)) without a change in the specificities of binding to human IgG subclasses. Moreover, the binding affinity of enFcRd for human IgG1/к (equilibrium dissociation constant [K(D)] = 0.80 × 10(-10) M) was higher than that of wild-type rhFcγRI (K(D) = 1.23 × 10(-10) M). Our study showed that substantial engineering of rhFcγRI is possible.
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
The critical need for renewable, high-quality affinity reagents in biological research, as well as for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, has required the development of new platforms of discovery. Yeast display is one of the main methods of in vitro display technology with phage display. Yeast display has been chosen by numerous groups to refine both affinity and specificity of antibodies because it enables fine discrimination between mutant clones of similar affinity. In addition, the construction of display libraries of antibody fragments in yeast permit to sample the immune antibody repertoire more fully than using phage. This chapter gives an updated overview of the available systems of yeast display platforms and libraries, followed up by technical descriptions of selection methods of antibody fragments by yeast display.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Scholler
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Penn Ovarian Cancer Research Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
|
36
|
Qiao SW, Ráki M, Gunnarsen KS, Løset GÅ, Lundin KEA, Sandlie I, Sollid LM. Posttranslational Modification of Gluten Shapes TCR Usage in Celiac Disease. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:3064-71. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
37
|
Single-chain VαVβ T-cell receptors function without mispairing with endogenous TCR chains. Gene Ther 2011; 19:365-74. [PMID: 21753797 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transduction of exogenous T-cell receptor (TCR) genes into patients' activated peripheral blood T cells is a potent strategy to generate large numbers of specific T cells for adoptive therapy of cancer and viral diseases. However, the remarkable clinical promise of this powerful approach is still being overshadowed by a serious potential consequence: mispairing of the exogenous TCR chains with endogenous TCR chains. These 'mixed' heterodimers can generate new specificities that result in graft-versus-host reactions. Engineering TCR constant regions of the exogenous chains with a cysteine promotes proper pairing and reduces the mispairing, but, as we show here, does not eliminate the formation of mixed heterodimers. By contrast, deletion of the constant regions, through use of a stabilized Vα/Vβ single-chain TCR (scTv), avoided mispairing completely. By linking a high-affinity scTv to intracellular signaling domains, such as Lck and CD28, the scTv was capable of activating functional T-cell responses in the absence of either the CD3 subunits or the co-receptors, and circumvented mispairing with endogenous TCRs. Such transduced T cells can respond to the targeted antigen independent of CD3 subunits via the introduced scTv, without the transduced T cells acquiring any new undefined and potentially dangerous specificities.
Collapse
|
38
|
Aggen DH, Chervin AS, Insaidoo FK, Piepenbrink KH, Baker BM, Kranz DM. Identification and engineering of human variable regions that allow expression of stable single-chain T cell receptors. Protein Eng Des Sel 2011; 24:361-72. [PMID: 21159619 PMCID: PMC3049343 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzq113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Revised: 10/14/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-chain antibody fragments (scFv), consisting of two linked variable regions (V(H) and V(L)), are a versatile format for engineering and as potential antigen-specific therapeutics. Although the analogous format for T cell receptors (TCRs), consisting of two linked V regions (Vα and Vβ; referred to here as scTv), could provide similar opportunities, all wild-type scTv proteins examined to date are unstable. This obstacle has prevented scTv fragments from being widely used for engineering or therapeutics. To further explore whether some stable human scTv fragments could be expressed, we used a yeast system in which display of properly folded domains correlates with ability to express the folded scTv in soluble form. We discovered that, unexpectedly, scTv fragments that contained the human Vα2 region (IMGT: TRAV12 family) were displayed and properly associated with different Vβ regions. Furthermore, a single polymorphic residue (Ser(α49)) in the framework region conferred additional thermal stability. These stabilized Vα2-containing scTv fragments could be expressed at high levels in Escherichia coli, and used to stain target cells that expressed the specific pep-HLA-A2 complexes. Thus, the scTv fragments can serve as a platform for engineering TCRs with diverse specificities, and possibly for therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Cloning, Molecular
- Escherichia coli/genetics
- Escherichia coli/metabolism
- HLA-A2 Antigen/immunology
- Humans
- Peptides/immunology
- Protein Conformation
- Protein Engineering/methods
- Protein Folding
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/chemistry
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism
- Single-Chain Antibodies/biosynthesis
- Single-Chain Antibodies/chemistry
- Single-Chain Antibodies/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David H. Aggen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Adam S. Chervin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Francis K. Insaidoo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Kurt H. Piepenbrink
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Brian M. Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - David M. Kranz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lunde E, Løset GÅ, Bogen B, Sandlie I. Stabilizing mutations increase secretion of functional soluble TCR-Ig fusion proteins. BMC Biotechnol 2010; 10:61. [PMID: 20735812 PMCID: PMC2936418 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-10-61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Whereas T cell receptors (TCRs) detect peptide/major histocompatibility complexes (pMHCs) with exquisite specificity, there are challenges regarding their expression and use as soluble detection molecules due to molecular instability. We have investigated strategies for the production of TCR-immunoglobulin (Ig) fusion proteins. Two different TCRs that are characteristic of a mouse model for idiotype (Id) dependent immune regulation were engineered. They are structurally unrelated with different variable (V), diversity (D) and joining (J) segments, but each share one V gene segment, either Vα or Vβ, with the well characterized murine TCR, 2C. Results Several TCR-Ig formats were assessed. In one, the TCR V domains were fused to Ig constant (C) regions. In others, the complete extracellular part of the TCR was fused either to a complete Ig or an Ig Fc region. All molecules were initially poorly secreted from eukaryotic cells, but replacement of unfavourable amino acids in the V regions improved secretion, as did the introduction of a disulfide bridge between the TCR C domains and the removal of an unpaired cysteine. A screening strategy for selection of mutations that stabilize the actual fusion molecules was developed and used successfully. Molecules that included the complete heterodimeric TCR, with a stabilizing disulfide bridge, were correctly folded as they bound TCR-specific antibodies (Abs) and detected pMHC on cells after specific peptide loading. Conclusions We show that fully functional TCR-Ig fusion proteins can be made in good yields following stabilizing engineering of TCR V and C region genes. This is important since TCR-Ig fusions will be important probes for the presence of specific pMHCs in vitro and in vivo. In the absence of further affinity maturation, the reagents will be very useful for the detection of kinetic stability of complexes of peptide and MHC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elin Lunde
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo, Oslo 0316, Norway
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Coexpression of the T-cell receptor constant α domain triggers tumor reactivity of single-chain TCR-transduced human T cells. Blood 2010; 115:5154-63. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-11-254078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Transfer of tumor antigen–specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) into human T cells aims at redirecting their cytotoxicity toward tumors. Efficacy and safety may be affected by pairing of natural and introduced TCRα/β chains potentially leading to autoimmunity. We hypothesized that a novel single-chain (sc)TCR framework relying on the coexpression of the TCRα constant α (Cα) domain would prevent undesired pairing while preserving structural and functional similarity to a fully assembled double-chain (dc)TCR/CD3 complex. We confirmed this hypothesis for a murine p53-specific scTCR. Substantial effector function was observed only in the presence of a murine Cα domain preceded by a TCRα signal peptide for shuttling to the cell membrane. The generalization to a human gp100-specific TCR required the murinization of both C domains. Structural and functional T-cell avidities of an accessory disulfide-linked scTCR gp100/Cα were higher than those of a dcTCR. Antigen-dependent phosphorylation of the proximal effector ζ-chain–associated protein kinase 70 at tyrosine 319 was not impaired, reflecting its molecular integrity in signaling. In melanoma-engrafted nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice, adoptive transfer of scTCR gp100/Cα transduced T cells conferred superior delay in tumor growth among primary and long-term secondary tumor challenges. We conclude that the novel scTCR constitutes a reliable means to immunotherapeutically target hematologic malignancies.
Collapse
|
41
|
Davies DM, Maher J. Adoptive T-cell immunotherapy of cancer using chimeric antigen receptor-grafted T cells. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2010; 58:165-78. [PMID: 20373147 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-010-0074-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing the power of the immune system to target cancer has long been a goal of tumor immunologists. One avenue under investigation is the modification of T cells to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Expression of such a receptor enables T-cell specificity to be redirected against a chosen tumor antigen. Substantial research in this field has been carried out, incorporating a wide variety of malignancies and tumor-associated antigens. Ongoing investigations will ensure this area continues to expand at a rapid pace. This review will explain the evolution of CAR technology over the last two decades in addition to detailing the associated benefits and disadvantages. The outcome of recent phase I clinical trials and the impact that these have had upon the direction of future research in this field will also be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Marc Davies
- King's College London School of Medicine, Research Oncology Section, Division of Cancer Studies, Third Floor Bermondsey Wing, Guy's Hospital Campus, St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Shao H, Zhang W, Hu Q, Wu F, Shen H, Huang S. TCR mispairing in genetically modified T cells was detected by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Mol Biol Rep 2010; 37:3951-6. [PMID: 20373027 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-010-0053-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes genetically modified with antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) constitutes a promising approach for the treatment of malignant tumors and virus infections. One of the challenges in this field of TCR gene therapy is TCR mispairing defining the incorrect pairing between an introduced TCR α or β chain and an endogenous TCR β or α chain, which results in diluted surface expression of the therapeutic TCR αβ. Although there is currently no clinical evidence for TCR mispairing-induced autoreactivity, the generation of autoreactive TCRs upon TCR mispairing cannot be excluded. So it is important to detect TCR mispairing to evaluate the efficiency of TCR gene therapy. Currently there is no available quantitative assay for the measurement of TCR mispairing. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful approach for identifying biologically relevant molecular interactions with high spatiotemporal resolution. In this study, we described the method of FRET for the measurement of TCR mispairing. It was found that the average FRET efficiency was 12.2 ± 7.5% in HeLa cells and 8.4 ± 3.3% in Jurkat cells (P = 0.026605). The reduction of FRET efficiency in lymphocytes reflected the presence of mispaired TCRs, indicating there were ~30% TCR mispairing in lymphocytes. This study provides a quantitative intracellular assay that can be used to detect TCR mispairing in genetically modified T lymphocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Shao
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gunnarsen KS, Lunde E, Kristiansen PE, Bogen B, Sandlie I, Løset GÅ. Periplasmic expression of soluble single chain T cell receptors is rescued by the chaperone FkpA. BMC Biotechnol 2010; 10:8. [PMID: 20128915 PMCID: PMC2834602 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-10-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Efficient expression systems exist for antibody (Ab) molecules, which allow for characterization of large numbers of individual Ab variants. In contrast, such expression systems have been lacking for soluble T cell receptors (TCRs). Attempts to generate bacterial systems have generally resulted in low yields and material which is prone to aggregation and proteolysis. Here we present an optimized periplasmic bacterial expression system for soluble single chain (sc) TCRs. Results The effect of 1) over-expression of the periplasmic chaperon FkpA, 2) culture conditions and 3) molecular design was investigated. Elevated levels of FkpA allowed periplasmic soluble scTCR expression, presumably by preventing premature aggregation and inclusion body formation. Periplasmic expression enables disulphide bond formation, which is a prerequisite for the scTCR to reach its correct fold. It also enables quick and easy recovery of correctly folded protein without the need for time-consuming downstream processing. Expression without IPTG induction further improved the periplasmic expression yield, while addition of sucrose to the growth medium showed little effect. Shaker flask yield of mg levels of active purified material was obtained. The Vαβ domain orientation was far superior to the Vβα domain orientation regarding monomeric yield of functionally folded molecules. Conclusion The general expression regime presented here allows for rapid production of soluble scTCRs and is applicable for 1) high yield recovery sufficient for biophysical characterization and 2) high throughput screening of such molecules following molecular engineering.
Collapse
|
44
|
Marcu-Malina V, van Dorp S, Kuball J. Re-targeting T-cells against cancer by gene-transfer of tumor-reactive receptors. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 9:579-91. [PMID: 19368527 DOI: 10.1517/14712590902887018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoptive transfer of T-lymphocytes is a promising treatment for a variety of malignancies, but is often not feasible due to difficulties in generating T-cells reactive with the targeted antigen from patients. To facilitate rapid generation of cells for therapy, T-cells can be programmed with genes encoding for an antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric receptors. OBJECTIVE To discuss the molecular design and selected pitfalls of TCR gene modified T-cells and T-cells expressing chimeric receptors, so called T-bodies. METHODS A selected review of the recent literature. CONCLUSION Clinical trials report so far only limited efficacy of adoptively transferred genetically modified T-cells. However, the recent progress in engineering tumor-reactive T cells is providing a promising basis to further explore this treatment modality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Marcu-Malina
- Department of Hematology and VanCreveld Clinic, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chervin AS, Aggen DH, Raseman JM, Kranz DM. Engineering higher affinity T cell receptors using a T cell display system. J Immunol Methods 2008; 339:175-84. [PMID: 18854190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2008.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2008] [Revised: 09/16/2008] [Accepted: 09/18/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TCR) determines the cellular response to antigens, which are presented on the surface of target cells in the form of a peptide bound to a product of the major histocompatibility complex (pepMHC). The response of the T cell depends on the affinity of the TCR for the pepMHC, yet many TCRs have been shown to be of low affinity, and some naturally occurring T cell responses are poor due to low affinities. Accordingly, engineering the TCR for increased affinity for pepMHC, particularly tumor-associated antigens, has become an increasingly desirable goal, especially with the advent of adoptive T cell therapies. For largely technical reasons, to date there have been only a handful of TCRs engineered in vitro for higher affinity using well established methods of protein engineering. Here we report the use of a T cell display system, using a retroviral vector, for generating a high-affinity TCR from the mouse T cell clone 2C. The method relies on the display of the TCR, in its normal, signaling competent state, as a CD3 complex on the T cell surface. A library in the CDR3alpha of the 2C TCR was generated in the MSCV retroviral vector and transduced into a TCR-negative hybridoma. Selection of a high-affinity, CD8-independent TCR was accomplished after only two rounds of flow cytometric sorting using the pepMHC SIYRYYGL/Kb (SIY/Kb). The selected TCR contained a sequence motif in the CDR3alpha with characteristics of several other TCRs previously selected by yeast display. In addition, it was possible to directly use the selected T cell hybridoma in functional assays without the need for sub-cloning, revealing that the selected TCR was capable of mediating CD8-independent activity. The method may be useful in the direct isolation and characterization of TCRs that could be used in therapies with adoptive transferred T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Chervin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, 600 S. Matthews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|