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Shahbazy M, Ramarathinam SH, Li C, Illing PT, Faridi P, Croft NP, Purcell AW. MHCpLogics: an interactive machine learning-based tool for unsupervised data visualization and cluster analysis of immunopeptidomes. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae087. [PMID: 38487848 PMCID: PMC10940831 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encodes a range of immune response genes, including the human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) in humans. These molecules bind peptide antigens and present them on the cell surface for T cell recognition. The repertoires of peptides presented by HLA molecules are termed immunopeptidomes. The highly polymorphic nature of the genres that encode the HLA molecules confers allotype-specific differences in the sequences of bound ligands. Allotype-specific ligand preferences are often defined by peptide-binding motifs. Individuals express up to six classical class I HLA allotypes, which likely present peptides displaying different binding motifs. Such complex datasets make the deconvolution of immunopeptidomic data into allotype-specific contributions and further dissection of binding-specificities challenging. Herein, we developed MHCpLogics as an interactive machine learning-based tool for mining peptide-binding sequence motifs and visualization of immunopeptidome data across complex datasets. We showcase the functionalities of MHCpLogics by analyzing both in-house and published mono- and multi-allelic immunopeptidomics data. The visualization modalities of MHCpLogics allow users to inspect clustered sequences down to individual peptide components and to examine broader sequence patterns within multiple immunopeptidome datasets. MHCpLogics can deconvolute large immunopeptidome datasets enabling the interrogation of clusters for the segregation of allotype-specific peptide sequence motifs, identification of sub-peptidome motifs, and the exportation of clustered peptide sequence lists. The tool facilitates rapid inspection of immunopeptidomes as a resource for the immunology and vaccine communities. MHCpLogics is a standalone application available via an executable installation at: https://github.com/PurcellLab/MHCpLogics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shahbazy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Sri H Ramarathinam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Patricia T Illing
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Pouya Faridi
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Monash Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Nathan P Croft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Anthony W Purcell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
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Roy P, Sidney J, Lindestam Arlehamn CS, Phillips E, Mallal S, Suthahar SSA, Billitti M, Rubiro P, Marrama D, Drago F, Vallejo J, Suryawanshi V, Orecchioni M, Makings J, Kim PJ, McNamara CA, Peters B, Sette A, Ley K. Immunodominant MHC-II (Major Histocompatibility Complex II) Restricted Epitopes in Human Apolipoprotein B. Circ Res 2022; 131:258-276. [PMID: 35766025 PMCID: PMC9536649 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.321116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD (cluster of differentiation) 4+ T-cell responses to APOB (apolipoprotein B) are well characterized in atherosclerotic mice and detectable in humans. CD4+ T cells recognize antigenic peptides displayed on highly polymorphic HLA (human leukocyte antigen)-II. Immunogenicity of individual APOB peptides is largely unknown in humans. Only 1 HLA-II-restricted epitope was validated using the DRB1*07:01-APOB3036-3050 tetramer. We hypothesized that human APOB may contain discrete immunodominant CD4+ T-cell epitopes that trigger atherosclerosis-related autoimmune responses in donors with diverse HLA alleles. METHODS We selected 20 APOB-derived peptides (APOB20) from an in silico screen and experimentally validated binding to the most commonly occurring human HLA-II alleles. We optimized a restimulation-based workflow to evaluate antigenicity of multiple candidate peptides in HLA-typed donors. This included activation-induced marker assay, intracellular cytokine staining, IFNγ (interferon gamma) enzyme-linked immunospot and cytometric bead array. High-throughput sequencing revealed TCR (T-cell receptor) clonalities of APOB-reactive CD4+ T cells. RESULTS Using stringent positive, negative, and crossover stimulation controls, we confirmed specificity of expansion-based protocols to detect CD4+ T cytokine responses to the APOB20 pool. Ex vivo assessment of AIM+CD4+ T cells revealed a statistically significant autoimmune response to APOB20 but not to a ubiquitously expressed negative control protein, actin. Resolution of CD4+ T responses to the level of individual peptides using IFNγ enzyme-linked immunospot led to the discovery of 6 immunodominant epitopes (APOB6) that triggered robust CD4+ T activation in most donors. APOB6-specific responding CD4+ T cells were enriched in unique expanded TCR clonotypes and preferentially expressed memory markers. Cytometric bead array analysis detected APOB6-induced secretion of both proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines. In clinical samples from patients with angiographically verified coronary artery disease, APOB6 stimulation induced higher activation and memory phenotypes and augmented secretion of proinflammatory cytokines TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and IFNγ, compared with patients with low coronary artery disease. CONCLUSIONS Using 3 cohorts, each with ≈20 donors, we discovered and validated 6 immunodominant, HLA-II-restricted APOB epitopes. The immune response to these APOB epitopes correlated with coronary artery disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payel Roy
- Center for Autoimmune Disease, Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - John Sidney
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cecilia S. Lindestam Arlehamn
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Elizabeth Phillips
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Simon Mallal
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Sujit Silas Armstrong Suthahar
- Center for Autoimmune Disease, Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Monica Billitti
- Center for Autoimmune Disease, Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Paul Rubiro
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Daniel Marrama
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Fabrizio Drago
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Jenifer Vallejo
- Center for Autoimmune Disease, Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Vasantika Suryawanshi
- Center for Autoimmune Disease, Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Marco Orecchioni
- Center for Autoimmune Disease, Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jeffrey Makings
- Center for Autoimmune Disease, Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Paul J. Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Coleen A. McNamara
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Bjoern Peters
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Klaus Ley
- Center for Autoimmune Disease, Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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3
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Rickenbach C, Gericke C. Specificity of Adaptive Immune Responses in Central Nervous System Health, Aging and Diseases. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:806260. [PMID: 35126045 PMCID: PMC8812614 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.806260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of neuroimmunology endorses the involvement of the adaptive immune system in central nervous system (CNS) health, disease, and aging. While immune cell trafficking into the CNS is highly regulated, small numbers of antigen-experienced lymphocytes can still enter the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled compartments for regular immune surveillance under homeostatic conditions. Meningeal lymphatics facilitate drainage of brain-derived antigens from the CSF to deep cervical lymph nodes to prime potential adaptive immune responses. During aging and CNS disorders, brain barriers and meningeal lymphatic functions are impaired, and immune cell trafficking and antigen efflux are altered. In this context, alterations in the immune cell repertoire of blood and CSF and T and B cells primed against CNS-derived autoantigens have been observed in various CNS disorders. However, for many diseases, a causal relationship between observed immune responses and neuropathological findings is lacking. Here, we review recent discoveries about the association between the adaptive immune system and CNS disorders such as autoimmune neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. We focus on the current challenges in identifying specific T cell epitopes in CNS diseases and discuss the potential implications for future diagnostic and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Rickenbach
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Gericke
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
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4
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Longino NV, Yang J, Iyer JG, Ibrani D, Chow IT, Laing KJ, Campbell VL, Paulson KG, Kulikauskas RM, Church CD, James EA, Nghiem P, Kwok WW, Koelle DM. Human CD4 + T Cells Specific for Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Localize to Merkel Cell Carcinomas and Target a Required Oncogenic Domain. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1727-1739. [PMID: 31405946 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although CD4+ T cells likely play key roles in antitumor immune responses, most immuno-oncology studies have been limited to CD8+ T-cell responses due to multiple technical barriers and a lack of shared antigens across patients. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) oncoproteins in 80% of cases. Because MCPyV oncoproteins are shared across most patients with MCC, it is unusually feasible to identify, characterize, and potentially augment tumor-specific CD4+ T cells. Here, we report the identification of CD4+ T-cell responses against six MCPyV epitopes, one of which included a conserved, essential viral oncogenic domain that binds/disables the cellular retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor. We found that this epitope (WEDLT209-228) could be presented by three population-prevalent HLA class II alleles, making it a relevant target in 64% of virus-positive MCC patients. Cellular staining with a WEDLT209-228-HLA-DRB1*0401 tetramer indicated that specific CD4+ T cells were detectable in 78% (14 of 18) of evaluable MCC patients, were 250-fold enriched within MCC tumors relative to peripheral blood, and had diverse T-cell receptor sequences. We also identified a modification of this domain that still allowed recognition by these CD4+ T cells but disabled binding to the Rb tumor suppressor, a key step in the detoxification of a possible therapeutic vaccine. The use of these new tools for deeper study of MCPyV-specific CD4+ T cells may provide broader insight into cancer-specific CD4+ T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie V Longino
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Junbao Yang
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jayasri G Iyer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Dafina Ibrani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - I-Ting Chow
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kerry J Laing
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Victoria L Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kelly G Paulson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Rima M Kulikauskas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Candice D Church
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eddie A James
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. .,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - William W Kwok
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
| | - David M Koelle
- Translational Research Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
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5
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Chen H, Hu H, Tao C, Clauson RM, Moncion I, Luan X, Hwang S, Sough A, Sansanaphongpricha K, Liao J, Paholak HJ, Stevers NO, Wang G, Liu B, Sun D. Self-Assembled Au@Fe Core/Satellite Magnetic Nanoparticles for Versatile Biomolecule Functionalization. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:23858-23869. [PMID: 31245984 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b05544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Although the functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with biomolecules has been widely explored for various biological applications, achieving efficient bioconjugations with a wide range of biomolecules through a single, universal, and versatile platform remains a challenge, which may significantly impact their applications' outcomes. Here, we report a novel MNP platform composed of Au@Fe core/satellite nanoparticles (CSNPs) for versatile and efficient bioconjugations. The engineering of the CSNPs is facilely formed through the self-assembly of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, 2-3 nm in diameter) around MNPs with a polysiloxane-containing polymer coating. The formation of the hybrid magnetic nanostructure is revealed by absorption spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), element analysis using atomic absorption spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The versatility of biomolecule loading to the CSNP is revealed through the bioconjugation of a wide range of relevant biomolecules, including streptavidin, antibodies, peptides, and oligonucleotides. Characterizations including DLS, TEM, lateral flow strip assay, fluorescence assay, giant magnetoresistive nanosensor array, high-performance liquid chromatography, and absorption spectrum are performed to further confirm the efficiency of various bioconjugations to the CSNP. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the CSNP is a novel MNP-based platform that offers versatile and efficient surface functionalization with various biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Hongxiang Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Chun Tao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Ryan M Clauson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Ila Moncion
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Xin Luan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Sangyeul Hwang
- IMRA America, Inc. , 1044 Woodridge Avenue , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48105 , United States
| | - Ashley Sough
- IMRA America, Inc. , 1044 Woodridge Avenue , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48105 , United States
| | - Kanokwan Sansanaphongpricha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Jinhui Liao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Hayley J Paholak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Nicholas O Stevers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Guoping Wang
- IMRA America, Inc. , 1044 Woodridge Avenue , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48105 , United States
| | - Bing Liu
- IMRA America, Inc. , 1044 Woodridge Avenue , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48105 , United States
| | - Duxin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
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6
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Safi S, Yamauchi Y, Rathinasamy A, Stamova S, Eichhorn M, Warth A, Rauch G, Dienemann H, Hoffmann H, Beckhove P. Functional T cells targeting tumor-associated antigens are predictive for recurrence-free survival of patients with radically operated non-small cell lung cancer. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1360458. [PMID: 29147626 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1360458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this prospective study, we examined postoperative follow-up and preoperative IFN-γ T cell responses against 14 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-associated antigens in the blood of 51 patients with NSCLC, 7 patients with benign pulmonary tumors, and 10 tumor-free patients by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. The phenotype and function of T cells specific for tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) in the blood or tumor tissue of 9 NSCLC patients were characterized in detail using TNF-α, IL-2, and IFN-γ cytokine capture assays. We found that circulating TAA-specific T cells were significantly enriched in NSCLC compared with tumor-free patients. The most frequently recognized TAAs were Aurora kinase A, HER2/neu, NY-ESO-1, and p53. TNF-α was the most abundant cytokine secreted by TAA-specific T cells in the blood as well as by in situ-activated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, most of which were effector memory cells. The absence of TAA-reactive T cells identified patients at higher risk of tumor recurrence, irrespective of tumor stage (OR = 8.76, 95% CI: 1.57-34.79, p = 0.008). We conclude that pre-existing TAA-reactive circulating T cells are a strong independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival. These data may help discriminating high-risk from low-risk patients, improving prognostication, and redirecting adjuvant therapy. Our findings suggest the therapeutic relevance of Aurora kinase A, HER2/neu, NY-ESO-1, and p53 as targets for immunotherapy. This study is registered on Clinicaltrials.gov with trial identification number: NCT02515760.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyer Safi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University Hospital, Roentgenstrasse 1, Heidelberg, BW, Germany
| | - Yoshikane Yamauchi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University Hospital, Roentgenstrasse 1, Heidelberg, BW, Germany
| | - Anchana Rathinasamy
- Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology and Hematology Department University Clinic and University of Regensburg, Am Biopark 9, Regensburg, BY, Germany
| | - Slava Stamova
- Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology and Hematology Department University Clinic and University of Regensburg, Am Biopark 9, Regensburg, BY, Germany
| | - Martin Eichhorn
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University Hospital, Roentgenstrasse 1, Heidelberg, BW, Germany
| | - Arne Warth
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 224, Heidelberg, BW, Germany
| | - Geraldine Rauch
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg, Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, HH, Germany
| | - Hendrik Dienemann
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University Hospital, Roentgenstrasse 1, Heidelberg, BW, Germany
| | - Hans Hoffmann
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University Hospital, Roentgenstrasse 1, Heidelberg, BW, Germany
| | - Philipp Beckhove
- Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology and Hematology Department University Clinic and University of Regensburg, Am Biopark 9, Regensburg, BY, Germany
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7
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Hassan A, Naz A, Obaid A, Paracha RZ, Naz K, Awan FM, Muhmmad SA, Janjua HA, Ahmad J, Ali A. Pangenome and immuno-proteomics analysis of Acinetobacter baumannii strains revealed the core peptide vaccine targets. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:732. [PMID: 27634541 PMCID: PMC5025611 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2951-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a significant nosocomial pathogen during the last few years, exhibiting resistance to almost all major classes of antibiotics. Alternative treatment options such as vaccines tend to be most promising and cost effective approaches against this resistant pathogen. In the current study, we have explored the pan-genome of A. baumannii followed by immune-proteomics and reverse vaccinology approaches to identify potential core vaccine targets. RESULTS The pan-genome of all available A. baumannii strains (30 complete genomes) is estimated to contain 7,606 gene families and the core genome consists of 2,445 gene families (~32 % of the pan-genome). Phylogenetic tree, comparative genomic and proteomic analysis revealed both intra- and inter genomic similarities and evolutionary relationships. Among the conserved core genome, thirteen proteins, including P pilus assembly protein, pili assembly chaperone, AdeK, PonA, OmpA, general secretion pathway protein D, FhuE receptor, Type VI secretion system OmpA/MotB, TonB dependent siderophore receptor, general secretion pathway protein D, outer membrane protein, peptidoglycan associated lipoprotein and peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase are identified as highly antigenic. Epitope mapping of the target proteins revealed the presence of antigenic surface exposed 9-mer T-cell epitopes. Protein-protein interaction and functional annotation have shown their involvement in significant biological and molecular processes. The pipeline is validated by predicting already known immunogenic targets against Gram negative pathogen Helicobacter pylori as a positive control. CONCLUSION The study, based upon combinatorial approach of pan-genomics, core genomics, proteomics and reverse vaccinology led us to find out potential vaccine candidates against A. baumannii. The comprehensive analysis of all the completely sequenced genomes revealed thirteen putative antigens which could elicit substantial immune response. The integration of computational vaccinology strategies would facilitate in tackling the rapid dissemination of resistant A.baumannii strains. The scarcity of effective antibiotics and the global expansion of sequencing data making this approach desirable in the development of effective vaccines against A. baumannii and other bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afreenish Hassan
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Anam Naz
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Obaid
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rehan Zafar Paracha
- Research Center for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kanwal Naz
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Faryal Mehwish Awan
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Syed Aun Muhmmad
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Hussnain Ahmed Janjua
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jamil Ahmad
- Research Center for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, Stratford University, Falls Church, VA 22043 USA
| | - Amjad Ali
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
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8
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Keller XE, Kardas P, Acevedo C, Sais G, Poyet C, Banzola I, Mortezavi A, Seifert B, Sulser T, Hirsch HH, Provenzano M. Antibody response to BK polyomavirus as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:6459-69. [PMID: 25749042 PMCID: PMC4467449 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious agents, including the BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), have been proposed as important inflammatory pathogens in prostate cancer. Here, we evaluated whether the preoperative antibody response to BKPyV large T antigen (LTag) and viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) was associated with the risk of biochemical recurrence in 226 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for primary prostate cancer. Essentially, the multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that preoperative seropositivity to BKPyV LTag significantly reduced the risk of biochemical recurrence, independently of established predictors of biochemical recurrence such as tumor stage, Gleason score and surgical margin status. The predictive accuracy of the regression model was denotatively increased by the inclusion of the BKPyV LTag serostatus. In contrast, the VP1 serostatus was of no prognostic value. Finally, the BKPyV LTag serostatus was associated with a peculiar cytokine gene expression profile upon assessment of the cellular immune response elicited by LTag. Taken together, our findings suggest that the BKPyV LTag serology may serve as a prognostic factor in prostate cancer. If validated in additional studies, this biomarker may allow for better treatment decisions after radical prostatectomy. Finally, the favorable outcome of LTag seropositive patients may provide a potential opportunity for novel therapeutic approaches targeting a viral antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Etienne Keller
- Oncology Research Unit, Division of Urology and Division of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Piotr Kardas
- Transplantation and Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine (Haus Petersplatz), University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Acevedo
- Oncology Research Unit, Division of Urology and Division of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Sais
- Oncology Research Unit, Division of Urology and Division of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Poyet
- Oncology Research Unit, Division of Urology and Division of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irina Banzola
- Oncology Research Unit, Division of Urology and Division of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ashkan Mortezavi
- Oncology Research Unit, Division of Urology and Division of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhardt Seifert
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, CH-8001 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tullio Sulser
- Oncology Research Unit, Division of Urology and Division of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans H Hirsch
- Transplantation and Clinical Virology, Department Biomedicine (Haus Petersplatz), University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.,Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Provenzano
- Oncology Research Unit, Division of Urology and Division of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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9
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Keller EX, Delbue S, Tognon M, Provenzano M. Polyomavirus BK and prostate cancer: a complex interaction of potential clinical relevance. Rev Med Virol 2015; 25:366-78. [PMID: 26308483 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Several studies associating BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) and prostate cancer (PCa) suggested that this virus may exert its oncogenic activity at early stages of cancer development. The BKPyV oncogene, the large T antigen (LTag), has frequently been detected in areas of proliferative inflammatory atrophy, which is considered a precursor lesion leading to prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and overt PCa. In a recently updated systematic review, the presence of BKPyV was significantly higher in PCa tissues than in healthy control tissues, providing an indication for a link between BKPyV infection and cancer risk. In addition, recent original investigations highlighted an association between expression of the virus and the clinical course of PCa. For example, by studying immune responses elicited against BKPyV LTag, a significant association between LTag positive cancer lesions and a peculiar regulatory profiling has been observed in PCa patients with evidence of disease recurrence after surgical radical prostatectomy. Lastly, a study carried out in a larger cohort of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy revealed the IgG response against LTag as an independent predictor of disease recurrence. Although a full picture of the mechanisms potentially responsible for the involvement of BKPyV in PCa is not available yet, continuing work on this topic should help to refine the potential role of BKPyV in PCa patients, perhaps revealing unsuspected associations with the clinical course of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Xavier Keller
- Oncology Research Unit, Department of Urology and Division of Surgical Research, University and University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Serena Delbue
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Provenzano
- Oncology Research Unit, Department of Urology and Division of Surgical Research, University and University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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10
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Sanders R, Mason DJ, Foy CA, Huggett JF. Considerations for accurate gene expression measurement by reverse transcription quantitative PCR when analysing clinical samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 406:6471-83. [PMID: 24858468 PMCID: PMC4182594 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-7857-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Reverse transcription quantitative PCR is an established, simple and effective method for RNA measurement. However, technical standardisation challenges combined with frequent insufficient experimental detail render replication of many published findings challenging. Consequently, without adequate consideration of experimental standardisation, such findings may be sufficient for a given publication but cannot be translated to wider clinical application. This article builds on earlier standardisation work and the MIQE guidelines, discussing processes that need consideration for accurate, reproducible analysis when dealing with patient samples. By applying considerations common to the science of measurement (metrology), one can maximise the impact of gene expression studies, increasing the likelihood of their translation to clinical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sanders
- Molecular & Cell Biology, LGC, Queens Road, Teddington, TW11 0LY, UK,
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11
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Abstract
The varied landscape of the adaptive immune response is determined by the peptides presented by immune cells, derived from viral or microbial pathogens or cancerous cells. The study of immune biomarkers or antigens is not new and classical methods such as agglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or Western blotting have been used for many years to study the immune response to vaccination or disease. However, in many of these traditional techniques, protein or peptide identification has often been the bottleneck. Recent advances in genomics and proteomics, has led to many of the rapid advances in proteomics approaches. Immunoproteomics describes a rapidly growing collection of approaches that have the common goal of identifying and measuring antigenic peptides or proteins. This includes gel based, array based, mass spectrometry, DNA based, or in silico approaches. Immunoproteomics is yielding an understanding of disease and disease progression, vaccine candidates, and biomarkers. This review gives an overview of immunoproteomics and closely related technologies that are used to define the full set of antigens targeted by the immune system during disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Fulton
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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12
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Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules are involved in the presentation of antigenic peptides to CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which is important for the development of cellular immunity during viral infections and in cancers. HLA-A2 is one of the most frequent HLA class I specificities and thus is extensively studied structurally and functionally. Since its discovery, more than 300 allelic variants of this HLA specificity have been recorded. Among the HLA-A2 allelic variants, HLA-A*02:01 is the most prevalent, hence commonly used as a model to study HLA-A2-restricted CTL responses. However, HLA-A2 alleles are unevenly distributed globally such that HLA-A2 allelic variants besides A*02:01 are expressed at considerably high frequencies in Asian and African populations. Furthermore, increasing evidence of variations in the peptide-binding repertoire and CTL responses among HLA-A2 allelic variants suggests the need to understand these differences among various frequently expressed HLA-A2 molecules. In this review, the structural and functional distinctiveness of HLA-A2 allelic variants will be discussed.
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13
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Differential patterns of large tumor antigen-specific immune responsiveness in patients with BK polyomavirus-positive prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Virol 2012; 86:8461-71. [PMID: 22647697 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00005-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the polyomavirus BK (BKV) large tumor antigen (L-Tag) as a target of immune response in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) has not been investigated thus far. In this study, we comparatively analyzed humoral and cellular L-Tag-specific responsiveness in age-matched patients bearing PCa or benign prostatic hyperplasia, expressing or not expressing BKV L-Tag-specific sequences in their tissue specimens, and in non-age-matched healthy individuals. Furthermore, results from patients with PCa were correlated to 5-year follow-up clinical data focusing on evidence of biochemical recurrence (BR) after surgery (prostate specific antigen level of ≥0.2 ng/ml). In peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with PCa with evidence of BR and BKV L-Tag-positive tumors, stimulation with peptides derived from the BKV L-Tag but not those derived from Epstein-Barr virus, influenza virus, or cytomegalovirus induced a peculiar cytokine gene expression profile, characterized by high expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor β1 and low expression of gamma interferon genes. This pattern was confirmed by protein secretion data and correlated with high levels of anti-BKV L-Tag IgG. Furthermore, in PBMC from these PCa-bearing patients, L-Tag-derived peptides significantly expanded an IL-10-secreting CD4(+) CD25(+(high)) CD127(-) FoxP3(+) T cell population with an effector memory phenotype (CD103(+)) capable of inhibiting proliferation of autologous anti-CD3/CD28-triggered CD4(+) CD25(-) T cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that potentially tolerogenic features of L-Tag-specific immune response are significantly associated with tumor progression in patients with BKV(+) PCa.
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14
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Chew SL, Or MY, Chang CXL, Gehring AJ, Bertoletti A, Grotenbreg GM. Stability screening of arrays of major histocompatibility complexes on combinatorially encoded flow cytometry beads. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:28466-75. [PMID: 21680737 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.262691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The binding and stabilization capacity of potential T cell epitopes to class I MHC molecules form the basis for their immunogenicity and provide fundamental insight into factors that dictate cellular immune responses. We have developed a versatile high throughput cell-free method to measure MHC stability by capturing a variety of MHC products on the surface of streptavidin-coated particles followed by flow cytometry analysis. Arrays of peptide-MHC combinations, generated by exchanging conditional ligand-loaded MHC, could be probed in a single experiment, thus combining the molecular precision of biochemically purified MHCs with high content multiparametric flow cytometry-based assays. Semiquantitative determination of the peptide affinity for the restriction element could also be accomplished through competition experiments using this bead-based assay. Furthermore, the generated peptide-MHC reagents could directly be applied to antigen-specific CD8(+) T lymphocyte analysis. The combinatorial labeling of beads allowed straightforward identification by their unique fluorescent signatures and provided a convenient means for extended assay multiplexing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Ling Chew
- Department of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, and Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, 117456 Singapore
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15
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Provenzano M, Sais G, Bracci L, Egli A, Anselmi M, Viehl CT, Schaub S, Hirsch HH, Stroncek DF, Marincola FM, Spagnoli GC. A HCMV pp65 polypeptide promotes the expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells across a wide range of HLA specificities. J Cell Mol Med 2010; 13:2131-2147. [PMID: 19604317 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00531.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can cause life-threatening disease in infected hosts. Immunization with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted immunodominant synthetic peptides and adoptive transfer of epitope-specific T cells have been envisaged to generate or boost HCMV-specific cellular immunity, thereby preventing HCMV infection or reactivation. However, induction or expansion of T cells effective against HCMV are limited by the need of utilizing peptides with defined HLA restrictions. We took advantage of a combination of seven predictive algorithms to identify immunogenic peptides of potential use in the prevention or treatment of HCMV infection or reactivation. Here we describe a pp65-derived peptide (pp65(340-355), RQYDPVAALFFFDIDL: RQY16-mer), characterized by peculiar features. First, RQY-16mer is able to stimulate HCMV pp65 specific responses in both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, restricted by a wide range of HLA class I and II determinants. Second, RQY-16mer is able to induce an unusually wide range of effector functions in CD4(+) T cells, including proliferation, killing of autologous HCMV-infected target cells and cytokine production. Third, and most importantly, the RQY-16mer is able to stimulate CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses in pharmacologically immunosuppressed patients. These data suggest that a single reagent might qualify as synthetic immunogen for potentially large populations exposed to HCMV infection or reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Provenzano
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Sais
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Bracci
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Egli
- Transplantation Virology, Institute for Medical Microbiology, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Anselmi
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carsten T Viehl
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schaub
- Department of Transplantation Immunology and Nephrology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans H Hirsch
- Transplantation Virology, Institute for Medical Microbiology, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - David F Stroncek
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Immunogenetic Section, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Francesco M Marincola
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Immunogenetic Section, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Giulio C Spagnoli
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, and Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
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16
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Nagorsen D, Thiel E. HLA typing demands for peptide-based anti-cancer vaccine. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2008; 57:1903-10. [PMID: 18317754 PMCID: PMC11030559 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-008-0493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2008] [Accepted: 02/19/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immunological treatment of cancer has made some very promising advances during the last years. Anti-cancer vaccination using peptides or peptide-pulsed dendritic cells and adoptive transfer of in vitro generated, epitope-specific T cells depend on a well-fitting interaction of HLA molecule and epitope. Accurate HLA-typing is a key factor for successful anti-cancer vaccination. No comprehensive data and no suggestion exist on the HLA-typing in this setting. We performed a systematic review of PubMed analyzing HLA-typing data in cancer vaccination trials over the last 4 years (2004-2007). Then, using the SYFPEITHI database, we calculated the peptide binding prediction of the eight most often used HLA-A*0201 binding epitopes. Finally, high-resolution typing [by sequence-specific primers (SSP)] data of a HLA-A*02 or HLA-A*24 positive population in Berlin, Germany, were analyzed. Forty-five cancer vaccination trials with 764 patients were included. Eighteen studies were performed in the USA, 13 in Europe, 12 in Asia (mainly Japan), and two in Australia. Most common diseases targeted were melanoma, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, renal cell cancer, and breast cancer. The trials tested protocols using peptide plus adjuvants without DC or protocols using peptide-pulsed DC. In 38 trials (84%) HLA-A2 positive patients were vaccinated, in 11 studies (24%) HLA-A24 positive patients were vaccinated. Nineteen studies with 291 patients (38%) presented the HLA type as four-digit code (high-resolution), 26 studies with 473 patients (62%) presented the HLA-type in a low-resolution code. The method of HLA determination was given in six out of 45 trials (13%). Using the SYFPEITHI database we calculated the peptide binding prediction of the eight most often used HLA-A*0201 binding tumor antigen-derived epitopes for binding to HLA-A*0203. While the epitopes had a binding score of 17-28 for HLA-A*0201, the score for binding to HLA-A*0203 was zero in seven out of eight tested peptides. Only for one peptide the score was eight. Finally, we analyzed high-resolution data of HLA-A*02 and HLA-A*24 positive patients in Berlin, Germany. We found the HLA-A*0201 allele and HLA-A*2402 allele in 95%, respectively. HLA-A*0201 and HLA-A*2402 are most commonly used for peptide based vaccine in cancer. Data on HLA-typing given in the included cancer vaccine manuscripts are fractional. Only 13% report the method of HLA typing and most HLA types are given as low-resolution code. Looking at the binding of specific peptides to both the alleles, it is important to perform high-resolution typing. Further suggestions for immunogenetic laboratories and clinical tumor immunologists regarding HLA-typing for cancer vaccine trials and adoptive T cell transfer approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Nagorsen
- Medical Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
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17
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Schultz-Thater E, Frey DM, Margelli D, Raafat N, Feder-Mengus C, Spagnoli GC, Zajac P. Whole blood assessment of antigen specific cellular immune response by real time quantitative PCR: a versatile monitoring and discovery tool. J Transl Med 2008; 6:58. [PMID: 18925935 PMCID: PMC2582032 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-6-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2008] [Accepted: 10/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Monitoring of cellular immune responses is indispensable in a number of clinical research areas, including microbiology, virology, oncology and autoimmunity. Purification and culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and rapid access to specialized equipment are usually required. We developed a whole blood (WB) technique monitoring antigen specific cellular immune response in vaccinated or naturally sensitized individuals. Methods WB (300 μl) was incubated at 37°C with specific antigens, in the form of peptides or commercial vaccines for 5–16 hours. Following RNAlater addition to stabilize RNA, the mixture could be stored over one week at room temperature or at 4°C. Total RNA was then extracted, reverse transcribed and amplified in quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays with primers and probes specific for cytokine and/or chemokine genes. Results Spiking experiments demonstrated that this technique could detect antigen specific cytokine gene expression from 50 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) diluted in 300 μl WB. Furthermore, the high sensitivity of this method could be confirmed ex-vivo by the successful detection of CD8+ T cell responses against HCMV, EBV and influenza virus derived HLA-A0201 restricted epitopes, which was significantly correlated with specific multimer staining. Importantly, a highly significant (p = 0.000009) correlation between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) stimulated IL-2 gene expression, as detectable in WB, and specific antibody titers was observed in donors vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV) between six months and twenty years before the tests. To identify additional markers of potential clinical relevance, expression of chemokine genes was also evaluated. Indeed, HBsAg stimulated expression of MIP-1β (CCL4) gene was highly significantly (p = 0.0006) correlated with specific antibody titers. Moreover, a longitudinal study on response to influenza vaccine demonstrated a significant increase of antigen specific IFN-γ gene expression two weeks after immunization, declining thereafter, whereas increased IL-2 gene expression was still detectable four months after vaccination. Conclusion This method, easily amenable to automation, might qualify as technology of choice for high throughput screening of immune responses to large panels of antigens from cohorts of donors. Although analysis of cytokine gene expression requires adequate laboratory infrastructure, initial antigen stimulation and storage of test probes can be performed with minimal equipment and time requirements. This might prove important in "field" studies with difficult access to laboratory facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Schultz-Thater
- Dept of Biomedicine, Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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18
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Kiewe P, Mansmann V, Scheibenbogen C, Buhr HJ, Thiel E, Nagorsen D. HLA-A2 expression, stage, and survival in colorectal cancer. Int J Colorectal Dis 2008; 23:767-72. [PMID: 18461337 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-008-0488-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2008] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most cancer vaccination trials have been performed in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 positive populations. Some studies have used HLA-A2 negative patients as control group. However, HLA-type and HLA-expression can interact with tumor biology and possibly affect prognosis. HLA-A2 negative patients might constitute an inadequate control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with colorectal cancer were serologically analyzed for HLA-A2 expression. Patients were evaluated for tumor stage, grading, tumor location. Overall survival (OAS) of HLA-A2 positive and HLA-A2 negative patients was compared. RESULTS One hundred forty-four patients were evaluable (50% HLA-A2+). Median age was 62 years. UICC stage III or IV: 45.8%. Gender, location, and UICC stage were equally distributed between HLA-A2 subgroups. HLA-A2 positive patients more frequently had grade 3 histology (27.8% vs 13.9%) and chemotherapy (62.9% vs 45.6%). At a median follow-up of 75.8 months, median OAS for the entire study population was 123.3 months, 5-year OAS was 77.5%. No statistically significant difference in OAS was observed between HLA-A2 positive and negative patients (116.5 vs 157 months, 5-year-OAS 74.1+/-11.6% vs 81+/-11.6%, p=0.46). Expectedly, patients with UICC stage I and II disease lived significantly longer than patients with stage III and IV (5-year OAS 94.3% vs 53.4%; p<0.001). A significantly superior OAS was also found for women, independent of stage or HLA status. CONCLUSION HLA-A2 positive patients exhibit poorer tumor differentiation. This might account for a non-significant difference in OAS. The use of HLA-A2 negative patients as control cohort in CRC vaccinations would rather underestimate potential treatment-related survival effects. Therefore, we suggest they constitute a valid auxiliary control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Kiewe
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany
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Harris RA, Sugimoto K, Kaplan DE, Ikeda F, Kamoun M, Chang KM. Human leukocyte antigen class II associations with hepatitis C virus clearance and virus-specific CD4 T cell response among Caucasians and African Americans. Hepatology 2008; 48:70-9. [PMID: 18537178 PMCID: PMC2749605 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been associated with antiviral CD4 T cell response, human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class II genotypes, and ethnicity. However, HLA class II molecules restrict the nature of CD4 T cell response, and HLA distributions differ between ethnic groups. In this study, we asked whether HLA class II genotypes associated with HCV clearance are shared between Caucasian and African Americans and whether they contribute to enhanced antiviral CD4 T cell response. In a cohort of 93 HCV-seropositive subjects from Northeast America with defined ethnicity, virological outcome, and HCV-specific CD4 T cell proliferation, we confirm the previously reported associations between HCV clearance and two HLA types (DQB1*03, DRB1*11) while identifying a new association with DRB3*02. Strikingly, these associations were identified only among Caucasian [DQB1*03: odds ratio (OR), 10.4; P = 0.031, DRB1*11: OR, 7.0, P = 0.019; DRB3*02: OR, 8.3, P = 0.005; DQB1*03-DRB3*02: OR, 13.5, P = 0.001) but not among African American patients. Furthermore, although HLA DQB1*03, DRB1*11, and DRB3*02 genotypes were associated with increased HCV-specific CD4 T cell response in univariate analyses, these associations were lost when controlling for virological outcomes. CONCLUSION We conclude that the immunogenetic basis for HCV clearance differs between ethnic groups and that the association between HLA class II and HCV clearance is not directly explained by antiviral CD4 T cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Harris
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA,Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA,Haverford College, Haverford, PA
| | - Kazushi Sugimoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA,Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David E. Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA,Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Fusao Ikeda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA,Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Malek Kamoun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA,Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
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Provenzano M, Selleri S, Jin P, Wang E, Werden R, Slezak S, Adams SD, Panelli MC, Leitman SF, Stroncek DF, Marincola FM. Comprehensive epitope mapping of the Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein-2 in normal, non tumor-bearing individuals. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2007; 56:1047-63. [PMID: 17124584 PMCID: PMC11031044 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-006-0246-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2006] [Accepted: 10/17/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Latent membrane protein (LMP)-2 is one of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded proteins consistently expressed by nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) have been used in patients with NPC to induce LMP-2-recognizing T cell lines which have been in turn utilized for protein-wide mapping of T cell epitopes. However, comprehensive mapping of naturally recognized LMP-2 epitopes in non tumor-bearing individuals has not been reported. Here, we applied a low sensitivity epitope-defining technique for the identification of LMP-2 CTL responses detectable ex vivo in EBV-experienced individuals. This screening tool has been previously validated by analyzing memory CTL responses to Flu, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and the melanoma associated antigen gp100/Mel17. Peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) from ten Caucasian and ten Chinese individuals were stimulated ex vivo with pools of nonamer (9-mer) peptides overlapping in a stepwise fashion each single amino acid of the LMP-2 sequence. No obvious differences were observed between the immune response of the two ethnic groups save for those related to the divergence in the ethnic prevalence of HLA haplotypes. Several novel and known LMP-2 epitopes were identified. Reactivity toward at least one LMP-2 epitope was detected in 18 of the 20 donors but no prevalent human leukocyte antigen (HLA)/epitope combination was observed confirming that LMP-2 reactivity in the context of common HLA alleles is more pleiotropic than that of FLU and CMV. We believe that the usefulness of these epitopes occurring naturally in non-cancer bearing patients as reagents for the immunization of patients with early or advanced stage NPC deserves further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Provenzano
- Immune Oncology Section, Department of Surgery, University Hospital ZLF, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Building 10, Room 1C711, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Silvia Selleri
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Building 10, Room 1C711, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
- Department of Human Morphology, Universita’ degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Ping Jin
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Building 10, Room 1C711, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Ena Wang
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Building 10, Room 1C711, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Rosemary Werden
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Building 10, Room 1C711, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Stephanie Slezak
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Building 10, Room 1C711, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Sharon D. Adams
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Building 10, Room 1C711, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Monica C. Panelli
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Building 10, Room 1C711, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Susan F. Leitman
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Building 10, Room 1C711, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - David F. Stroncek
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Building 10, Room 1C711, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Francesco M. Marincola
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Building 10, Room 1C711, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
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Provenzano M, Bracci L, Wyler S, Hudolin T, Sais G, Gosert R, Zajac P, Palu' G, Heberer M, Hirsch HH, Spagnoli GC. Characterization of highly frequent epitope-specific CD45RA+/CCR7+/- T lymphocyte responses against p53-binding domains of the human polyomavirus BK large tumor antigen in HLA-A*0201+ BKV-seropositive donors. J Transl Med 2006; 4:47. [PMID: 17096832 PMCID: PMC1660549 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-4-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2006] [Accepted: 11/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human polyomavirus BK (BKV) has been implicated in oncogenic transformation. Its ability to replicate is determined by the binding of its large tumor antigen (LTag) to products of tumor-suppressor genes regulating cell cycle, as specifically p53. We investigated CD8+ T immune responses to BKV LTag portions involved in p53 binding in HLA-A*0201+ BKV LTag experienced individuals. Peptides selected from either p53-binding region (LTag351-450 and LTag533-626) by current algorithms and capacity to bind HLA-A*0201 molecule were used to stimulate CD8+ T responses, as assessed by IFN-gamma gene expression ex vivo and detected by cytotoxicity assays following in vitro culture. We observed epitope-specific immune responses in all HLA-A*0201+ BKV LTag experienced individuals tested. At least one epitope, LTag579-587; LLLIWFRPV, was naturally processed in non professional antigen presenting cells and induced cytotoxic responses with CTL precursor frequencies in the order of 1/20'000. Antigen specific CD8+ T cells were only detectable in the CD45RA+ subset, in both CCR7+ and CCR7- subpopulations. These data indicate that widespread cellular immune responses against epitopes within BKV LTag-p53 binding regions exist and question their roles in immunosurveillance against tumors possibly associated with BKV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Provenzano
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Bracci
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Rome, Italy
| | - Stephen Wyler
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tvrtko Hudolin
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Urology, Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Giovanni Sais
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Gosert
- Institutes for Medical Microbiology and Div. Infectious Diseases, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paul Zajac
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Palu'
- Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Michael Heberer
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans H Hirsch
- Institutes for Medical Microbiology and Div. Infectious Diseases, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giulio C Spagnoli
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
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