1
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Manjili MH, Manjili SH. The quantum model of T-cell activation: Revisiting immune response theories. Scand J Immunol 2024; 100:e13375. [PMID: 38750629 PMCID: PMC11250909 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Our understanding of the immune response is far from complete, missing out on more detailed explanations that could be provided by molecular insights. To bridge this gap, we introduce the quantum model of T-cell activation. This model suggests that the transfer of energy during protein phosphorylation within T cells is not a continuous flow but occurs in discrete bursts, or 'quanta', of phosphates. This quantized energy transfer is mediated by oscillating cycles of receptor phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, initiated by dynamic 'catch-slip' pulses in the peptide-major histocompatibility complex-T-cell receptor (pMHC-TcR) interactions. T-cell activation is predicated upon achieving a critical threshold of catch-slip pulses at the pMHC-TcR interface. Costimulation is relegated to a secondary role, becoming crucial only when the frequency of pMHC-TcR catch-slip pulses does not meet the necessary threshold for this quanta-based energy transfer. Therefore, our model posits that it is the quantum nature of energy transfer-not the traditional signal I or signal II-that plays the decisive role in T-cell activation. This paradigm shift highlights the importance of understanding T-cell activation through a quantum lens, offering a potentially transformative perspective on immune response regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud H. Manjili
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, VCU School of Medicine
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, 401 College Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Saeed H. Manjili
- AMF Automation Technologies LLC, 2115 W. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23227
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2
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Fernandez SA, Pelaez-Prestel HF, Fiyouzi T, Gomez-Perosanz M, Reiné J, Reche PA. Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine can prime SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactive T cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1425374. [PMID: 39091504 PMCID: PMC11291333 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1425374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccines containing tetanus-diphtheria antigens have been postulated to induce cross-reactive immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which could protect against coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In this work, we investigated the capacity of Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine to prime existing T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2. To that end, we first collected known SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8+ T cell epitopes targeted during the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and identified as potentially cross-reactive with Td vaccine those sharing similarity with tetanus-diphtheria vaccine antigens, as judged by Levenshtein edit distances (≤ 20% edits per epitope sequence). As a result, we selected 25 potentially cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8+ T cell epitopes with high population coverage that were assembled into a synthetic peptide pool (TDX pool). Using peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we first determined by intracellular IFNγ staining assays existing CD8+ T cell recall responses to the TDX pool and to other peptide pools, including overlapping peptide pools covering SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and Nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (NP). In the studied subjects, CD8+ T cell recall responses to Spike and TDX peptide pools were dominant and comparable, while recall responses to NP peptide pool were less frequent and weaker. Subsequently, we studied responses to the same peptides using antigen-inexperienced naive T cells primed/stimulated in vitro with Td vaccine. Priming stimulations were carried out by co-culturing naive T cells with autologous irradiated peripheral mononuclear cells in the presence of Td vaccine, IL-2, IL-7 and IL-15. Interestingly, naive CD8+ T cells stimulated/primed with Td vaccine responded strongly and specifically to the TDX pool, not to other SARS-CoV-2 peptide pools. Finally, we show that Td-immunization of C57BL/6J mice elicited T cells cross-reactive with the TDX pool. Collectively, our findings support that tetanus-diphtheria vaccines can prime SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactive T cells and likely contribute to shape the T cell responses to the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Alonso Fernandez
- Department of Immunology & O2, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hector F. Pelaez-Prestel
- Department of Immunology & O2, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tara Fiyouzi
- Department of Immunology & O2, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Gomez-Perosanz
- Department of Immunology & O2, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Reiné
- Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Oxford Vaccine Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro A. Reche
- Department of Immunology & O2, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Kohlgruber AC, Dezfulian MH, Sie BM, Wang CI, Kula T, Laserson U, Larman HB, Elledge SJ. High-throughput discovery of MHC class I- and II-restricted T cell epitopes using synthetic cellular circuits. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02248-6. [PMID: 38956325 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02248-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Antigen discovery technologies have largely focused on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted human T cell receptors (TCRs), leaving methods for MHC class II-restricted and mouse TCR reactivities relatively undeveloped. Here we present TCR mapping of antigenic peptides (TCR-MAP), an antigen discovery method that uses a synthetic TCR-stimulated circuit in immortalized T cells to activate sortase-mediated tagging of engineered antigen-presenting cells (APCs) expressing processed peptides on MHCs. Live, tagged APCs can be directly purified for deconvolution by sequencing, enabling TCRs with unknown specificity to be queried against barcoded peptide libraries in a pooled screening context. TCR-MAP accurately captures self-reactivities or viral reactivities with high throughput and sensitivity for both MHC class I-restricted and class II-restricted TCRs. We elucidate problematic cross-reactivities of clinical TCRs targeting the cancer/testis melanoma-associated antigen A3 and discover targets of myocarditis-inciting autoreactive T cells in mice. TCR-MAP has the potential to accelerate T cell antigen discovery efforts in the context of cancer, infectious disease and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayano C Kohlgruber
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohammad H Dezfulian
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brandon M Sie
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charlotte I Wang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tomasz Kula
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Society of Fellows, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Uri Laserson
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - H Benjamin Larman
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen J Elledge
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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4
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Karnaukhov VK, Shcherbinin DS, Chugunov AO, Chudakov DM, Efremov RG, Zvyagin IV, Shugay M. Structure-based prediction of T cell receptor recognition of unseen epitopes using TCRen. NATURE COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 4:510-521. [PMID: 38987378 DOI: 10.1038/s43588-024-00653-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of foreign peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex protein is a major event in triggering the adaptive immune response to pathogens or cancer. The prediction of TCR-peptide interactions has great importance for therapy of cancer as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases but remains a major challenge, particularly for novel (unseen) peptide epitopes. Here we present TCRen, a structure-based method for ranking candidate unseen epitopes for a given TCR. The first stage of the TCRen pipeline is modeling of the TCR-peptide-major histocompatibility complex structure. Then a TCR-peptide residue contact map is extracted from this structure and used to rank all candidate epitopes on the basis of an interaction score with the target TCR. Scoring is performed using an energy potential derived from the statistics of TCR-peptide contact preferences in existing crystal structures. We show that TCRen has high performance in discriminating cognate versus unrelated peptides and can facilitate the identification of cancer neoepitopes recognized by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.
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MESH Headings
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/chemistry
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Humans
- Peptides/immunology
- Peptides/chemistry
- Epitopes/immunology
- Epitopes/chemistry
- Models, Molecular
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/chemistry
- Major Histocompatibility Complex/immunology
- Protein Conformation
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim K Karnaukhov
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Dmitrii S Shcherbinin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton O Chugunov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Dmitriy M Chudakov
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Roman G Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan V Zvyagin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Shugay
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
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5
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Marrer-Berger E, Nicastri A, Augustin A, Kramar V, Liao H, Hanisch LJ, Carpy A, Weinzierl T, Durr E, Schaub N, Nudischer R, Ortiz-Franyuti D, Breous-Nystrom E, Stucki J, Hobi N, Raggi G, Cabon L, Lezan E, Umaña P, Woodhouse I, Bujotzek A, Klein C, Ternette N. The physiological interactome of TCR-like antibody therapeutics in human tissues. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3271. [PMID: 38627373 PMCID: PMC11021511 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47062-5] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Selective binding of TCR-like antibodies that target a single tumour-specific peptide antigen presented by human leukocyte antigens (HLA) is the absolute prerequisite for their therapeutic suitability and patient safety. To date, selectivity assessment has been limited to peptide library screening and predictive modeling. We developed an experimental platform to de novo identify interactomes of TCR-like antibodies directly in human tissues using mass spectrometry. As proof of concept, we confirm the target epitope of a MAGE-A4-specific TCR-like antibody. We further determine cross-reactive peptide sequences for ESK1, a TCR-like antibody with known off-target activity, in human liver tissue. We confirm off-target-induced T cell activation and ESK1-mediated liver spheroid killing. Off-target sequences feature an amino acid motif that allows a structural groove-coordination mimicking that of the target peptide, therefore allowing the interaction with the engager molecule. We conclude that our strategy offers an accurate, scalable route for evaluating the non-clinical safety profile of TCR-like antibody therapeutics prior to first-in-human clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Marrer-Berger
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Annalisa Nicastri
- The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX37DQ, UK
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX37DQ, UK
| | - Angelique Augustin
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vesna Kramar
- Roche Innovation Center Zürich, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Hanqing Liao
- The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX37DQ, UK
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX37DQ, UK
| | | | - Alejandro Carpy
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, 82377, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Tina Weinzierl
- Roche Innovation Center Zürich, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Evelyne Durr
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Schaub
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ramona Nudischer
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Ortiz-Franyuti
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ekaterina Breous-Nystrom
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Janick Stucki
- Alveolix AG, Swiss Organs-on-Chip Innovation, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nina Hobi
- Alveolix AG, Swiss Organs-on-Chip Innovation, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Raggi
- Alveolix AG, Swiss Organs-on-Chip Innovation, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lauriane Cabon
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuelle Lezan
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Umaña
- Roche Innovation Center Zürich, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Isaac Woodhouse
- The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX37DQ, UK
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX37DQ, UK
| | - Alexander Bujotzek
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, 82377, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche Innovation Center Zürich, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland.
| | - Nicola Ternette
- The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX37DQ, UK.
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, OX37DQ, UK.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, 3584, CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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6
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Shao W, Yao Y, Yang L, Li X, Ge T, Zheng Y, Zhu Q, Ge S, Gu X, Jia R, Song X, Zhuang A. Novel insights into TCR-T cell therapy in solid neoplasms: optimizing adoptive immunotherapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:37. [PMID: 38570883 PMCID: PMC10988985 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00504-8] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy in the T cell landscape exhibits efficacy in cancer treatment. Over the past few decades, genetically modified T cells, particularly chimeric antigen receptor T cells, have enabled remarkable strides in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Besides, extensive exploration of multiple antigens for the treatment of solid tumors has led to clinical interest in the potential of T cells expressing the engineered T cell receptor (TCR). TCR-T cells possess the capacity to recognize intracellular antigen families and maintain the intrinsic properties of TCRs in terms of affinity to target epitopes and signal transduction. Recent research has provided critical insight into their capability and therapeutic targets for multiple refractory solid tumors, but also exposes some challenges for durable efficacy. In this review, we describe the screening and identification of available tumor antigens, and the acquisition and optimization of TCRs for TCR-T cell therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the complete flow from laboratory to clinical applications of TCR-T cells. Last, we emerge future prospects for improving therapeutic efficacy in cancer world with combination therapies or TCR-T derived products. In conclusion, this review depicts our current understanding of TCR-T cell therapy in solid neoplasms, and provides new perspectives for expanding its clinical applications and improving therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihuan Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiran Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ludi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoran Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongxin Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuyi Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xin Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Rosenberg AM, Ayres CM, Medina-Cucurella AV, Whitehead TA, Baker BM. Enhanced T cell receptor specificity through framework engineering. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1345368. [PMID: 38545094 PMCID: PMC10967027 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1345368] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Development of T cell receptors (TCRs) as immunotherapeutics is hindered by inherent TCR cross-reactivity. Engineering more specific TCRs has proven challenging, as unlike antibodies, improving TCR affinity does not usually improve specificity. Although various protein design approaches have been explored to surmount this, mutations in TCR binding interfaces risk broadening specificity or introducing new reactivities. Here we explored if TCR specificity could alternatively be tuned through framework mutations distant from the interface. Studying the 868 TCR specific for the HIV SL9 epitope presented by HLA-A2, we used deep mutational scanning to identify a framework mutation above the mobile CDR3β loop. This glycine to proline mutation had no discernable impact on binding affinity or functional avidity towards the SL9 epitope but weakened recognition of SL9 escape variants and led to fewer responses in a SL9-derived positional scanning library. In contrast, an interfacial mutation near the tip of CDR3α that also did not impact affinity or functional avidity towards SL9 weakened specificity. Simulations indicated that the specificity-enhancing mutation functions by reducing the range of loop motions, limiting the ability of the TCR to adjust to different ligands. Although our results are likely to be TCR dependent, using framework engineering to control TCR loop motions may be a viable strategy for improving the specificity of TCR-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Rosenberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Cory M. Ayres
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | | | - Timothy A. Whitehead
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Brian M. Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
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8
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Acuto O. T-cell virtuosity in ''knowing thyself". Front Immunol 2024; 15:1343575. [PMID: 38415261 PMCID: PMC10896960 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1343575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) I and II and the αβ T-cell antigen receptor (TCRαβ) govern fundamental traits of adaptive immunity. They form a membrane-borne ligand-receptor system weighing host proteome integrity to detect contamination by nonself proteins. MHC-I and -II exhibit the "MHC-fold", which is able to bind a large assortment of short peptides as proxies for self and nonself proteins. The ensuing varying surfaces are mandatory ligands for Ig-like TCRαβ highly mutable binding sites. Conserved molecular signatures guide TCRαβ ligand binding sites to focus on the MHC-fold (MHC-restriction) while leaving many opportunities for its most hypervariable determinants to contact the peptide. This riveting molecular strategy affords many options for binding energy compatible with specific recognition and signalling aimed to eradicated microbial pathogens and cancer cells. While the molecular foundations of αβ T-cell adaptive immunity are largely understood, uncertainty persists on how peptide-MHC binding induces the TCRαβ signals that instruct cell-fate decisions. Solving this mystery is another milestone for understanding αβ T-cells' self/nonself discrimination. Recent developments revealing the innermost links between TCRαβ structural dynamics and signalling modality should help dissipate this long-sought-after enigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oreste Acuto
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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9
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Klebanoff CA, Chandran SS, Baker BM, Quezada SA, Ribas A. T cell receptor therapeutics: immunological targeting of the intracellular cancer proteome. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:996-1017. [PMID: 37891435 PMCID: PMC10947610 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00809-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TCR) complex is a naturally occurring antigen sensor that detects, amplifies and coordinates cellular immune responses to epitopes derived from cell surface and intracellular proteins. Thus, TCRs enable the targeting of proteins selectively expressed by cancer cells, including neoantigens, cancer germline antigens and viral oncoproteins. As such, TCRs have provided the basis for an emerging class of oncology therapeutics. Herein, we review the current cancer treatment landscape using TCRs and TCR-like molecules. This includes adoptive cell transfer of T cells expressing endogenous or engineered TCRs, TCR bispecific engagers and antibodies specific for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-bound peptides (TCR mimics). We discuss the unique complexities associated with the clinical development of these therapeutics, such as HLA restriction, TCR retrieval, potency assessment and the potential for cross-reactivity. In addition, we highlight emerging clinical data that establish the antitumour potential of TCR-based therapies, including tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, for the treatment of diverse human malignancies. Finally, we explore the future of TCR therapeutics, including emerging genome editing methods to safely enhance potency and strategies to streamline patient identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Klebanoff
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Smita S Chandran
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, New York, NY, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, ID, USA
- The Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, ID, USA
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Achilles Therapeutics, London, UK
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
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10
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Sharma G, Round J, Teng F, Ali Z, May C, Yung E, Holt RA. A Synthetic Cytotoxic T cell Platform for Rapidly Prototyping TCR Function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.20.567960. [PMID: 38045272 PMCID: PMC10690155 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.20.567960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Current tools for functionally profiling T cell receptors with respect to cytotoxic potency and cross-reactivity are hampered by difficulties in establishing model systems to test these proteins in the contexts of different HLA alleles and against broad arrays of potential antigens. We have implemented and validated a granzyme-activatable sensor of T cell cytotoxicity in a novel universal prototyping platform which enables facile recombinant expression of any combination of TCR-, peptide-, and class I MHC-coding sequences and direct assessment of resultant responses. This system consists of an engineered cell platform based on the immortalized natural killer cell line, YT-Indy, and the MHC-null antigen-presenting cell line, K562. These cells were engineered using contemporary gene-editing techniques to furnish the YT-Indy/K562 pair with appropriate protein domains required for recombinant TCR expression and function in a non-T cell chassis, integrate a fluorescence-based target-centric early detection reporter of cytotoxic function, and deploy a set of protective genetic interventions designed to preserve antigen-presenting cells for subsequent capture and downstream characterization. Our data show successful reconstitution of the surface TCR complex in the YT-Indy cell line at biologically relevant levels. We also demonstrate successful induction and highly sensitive detection of antigen-specific response in multiple distinct model TCRs, with significant responses (p < 0.05 and Cohen's d >1.9) in all cases. Additionally, we monitored destruction of targets in co-culture and found that our survival-optimized system allowed for complete preservation after 24-hour exposure to cytotoxic effectors. With this bioplatform, we anticipate investigators will be empowered to rapidly express and characterize T cell receptor responses, generate new knowledge regarding the patterns of T cell receptor recognition, and optimize novel therapeutic T cell receptors for improved cytotoxic potential and reduced cross-reactivity to undesired antigenic targets.
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11
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Malviya M, Aretz Z, Molvi Z, Lee J, Pierre S, Wallisch P, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Challenges and solutions for therapeutic TCR-based agents. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:58-82. [PMID: 37455333 PMCID: PMC11141734 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13233] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent development of methods to discover and engineer therapeutic T-cell receptors (TCRs) or antibody mimics of TCRs, and to understand their immunology and pharmacology, lag two decades behind therapeutic antibodies. Yet we have every expectation that TCR-based agents will be similarly important contributors to the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, especially cancers. TCR engineered cells, soluble TCRs and their derivatives, TCR-mimic antibodies, and TCR-based CAR T cells promise the possibility of highly specific drugs that can expand the scope of immunologic agents to recognize intracellular targets, including mutated proteins and undruggable transcription factors, not accessible by traditional antibodies. Hurdles exist regarding discovery, specificity, pharmacokinetics, and best modality of use that will need to be overcome before the full potential of TCR-based agents is achieved. HLA restriction may limit each agent to patient subpopulations and off-target reactivities remain important barriers to widespread development and use of these new agents. In this review we discuss the unique opportunities for these new classes of drugs, describe their unique antigenic targets, compare them to traditional antibody therapeutics and CAR T cells, and review the various obstacles that must be overcome before full application of these drugs can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Malviya
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Zita Aretz
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Jayop Lee
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Stephanie Pierre
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Tri-Institutional Medical Scientist Program, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Patrick Wallisch
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
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12
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Boughter CT, Meier-Schellersheim M. Conserved biophysical compatibility among the highly variable germline-encoded regions shapes TCR-MHC interactions. eLife 2023; 12:e90681. [PMID: 37861280 PMCID: PMC10631762 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90681] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are critically important components of the adaptive immune system primarily responsible for identifying and responding to pathogenic challenges. This recognition of pathogens is driven by the interaction between membrane-bound T cell receptors (TCRs) and antigenic peptides presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. The formation of the TCR-peptide-MHC complex (TCR-pMHC) involves interactions among germline-encoded and hypervariable amino acids. Germline-encoded and hypervariable regions can form contacts critical for complex formation, but only interactions between germline-encoded contacts are likely to be shared across many of all the possible productive TCR-pMHC complexes. Despite this, experimental investigation of these interactions have focused on only a small fraction of the possible interaction space. To address this, we analyzed every possible germline-encoded TCR-MHC contact in humans, thereby generating the first comprehensive characterization of these largely antigen-independent interactions. Our computational analysis suggests that germline-encoded TCR-MHC interactions that are conserved at the sequence level are rare due to the high amino acid diversity of the TCR CDR1 and CDR2 loops, and that such conservation is unlikely to dominate the dynamic protein-protein binding interface. Instead, we propose that binding properties such as the docking orientation are defined by regions of biophysical compatibility between these loops and the MHC surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Boughter
- Computational Biology Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Martin Meier-Schellersheim
- Computational Biology Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
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13
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Gupta S, Nerli S, Kutti Kandy S, Mersky GL, Sgourakis NG. HLA3DB: comprehensive annotation of peptide/HLA complexes enables blind structure prediction of T cell epitopes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6349. [PMID: 37816745 PMCID: PMC10564892 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The class I proteins of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) display epitopic peptides derived from endogenous proteins on the cell surface for immune surveillance. Accurate modeling of peptides bound to the human MHC, HLA, has been mired by conformational diversity of the central peptide residues, which are critical for recognition by T cell receptors. Here, analysis of X-ray crystal structures within our curated database (HLA3DB) shows that pHLA complexes encompassing multiple HLA allotypes present a discrete set of peptide backbone conformations. Leveraging these backbones, we employ a regression model trained on terms of a physically relevant energy function to develop a comparative modeling approach for nonamer pHLA structures named RepPred. Our method outperforms the top pHLA modeling approach by up to 19% in structural accuracy, and consistently predicts blind targets not included in our training set. Insights from our work may be applied towards predicting antigen immunogenicity, and receptor cross-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Gupta
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Santrupti Nerli
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sreeja Kutti Kandy
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Glenn L Mersky
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nikolaos G Sgourakis
- Center for Computational and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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14
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Afroz S, Bartolo L, Su LF. Pre-existing T Cell Memory to Novel Pathogens. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:543-553. [PMID: 37436166 PMCID: PMC10587503 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2200003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological experiences lead to the development of specific T and B cell memory, which readies the host for a later pathogen rechallenge. Currently, immunological memory is best understood as a linear process whereby memory responses are generated by and directed against the same pathogen. However, numerous studies have identified memory cells that target pathogens in unexposed individuals. How "pre-existing memory" forms and impacts the outcome of infection remains unclear. In this review, we discuss differences in the composition of baseline T cell repertoire in mice and humans, factors that influence pre-existing immune states, and recent literature on their functional significance. We summarize current knowledge on the roles of pre-existing T cells in homeostasis and perturbation and their impacts on health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumbul Afroz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Laurent Bartolo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Laura F. Su
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
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15
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Gouttefangeas C, Klein R, Maia A. The good and the bad of T cell cross-reactivity: challenges and opportunities for novel therapeutics in autoimmunity and cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212546. [PMID: 37409132 PMCID: PMC10319254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are main actors of the immune system with an essential role in protection against pathogens and cancer. The molecular key event involved in this absolutely central task is the interaction of membrane-bound specific T cell receptors with peptide-MHC complexes which initiates T cell priming, activation and recall, and thus controls a range of downstream functions. While textbooks teach us that the repertoire of mature T cells is highly diverse, it is clear that this diversity cannot possibly cover all potential foreign peptides that might be encountered during life. TCR cross-reactivity, i.e. the ability of a single TCR to recognise different peptides, offers the best solution to this biological challenge. Reports have shown that indeed, TCR cross-reactivity is surprisingly high. Hence, the T cell dilemma is the following: be as specific as possible to target foreign danger and spare self, while being able to react to a large spectrum of body-threatening situations. This has major consequences for both autoimmune diseases and cancer, and significant implications for the development of T cell-based therapies. In this review, we will present essential experimental evidence of T cell cross-reactivity, implications for two opposite immune conditions, i.e. autoimmunity vs cancer, and how this can be differently exploited for immunotherapy approaches. Finally, we will discuss the tools available for predicting cross-reactivity and how improvements in this field might boost translational approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Gouttefangeas
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Reinhild Klein
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ana Maia
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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16
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Wang F, Shi X, Zhang Y, Zhou W, Li A, Liu Y, Sessler JL, He Q. Reversible Macrocycle-to-Macrocycle Interconversion Driven by Solvent Selection. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:10943-10947. [PMID: 37172073 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Macrocycle-to-macrocycle interconversions are of interest because they can allow access to a variety of structures. However, reversible interconversion between different sized macrocycles remains challenging to control. Herein, we report a facile one-pot synthesis of a series of self-assembled macrocycles from readily prepared α,α'-linked oligopyrrolic dialdehydes and various alkyl diamines. The condensation of pyridine-bridged oligopyrrolic dialdehyde 3 and simple alkyl diamines proved independent of solvent, always yielding the [2 + 2] macrocyclic products. However, when 3 was condensed with 2,2'-oxybis(ethylamine) 14, either ([1 + 1] or [2 + 2]) products are obtained depending on the choice of solvent. Reaction of 3 and 14 in methanol, ethanol, or chloroform gave the [1 + 1] macrocycle as the sole product. In contrast, condensation of 3 and 14 in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), or acetonitrile (MeCN) yielded the [2 + 2] macrocycle as the major product in the form of a precipitate. Reversible interconversion between the [1 + 1] and [2 + 2] macrocycles could be achieved by tuning the solvent, with the ratio driven by thermodynamic and solubility considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangling Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Aimin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanchu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Jonathan L Sessler
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1224, United States
| | - Qing He
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
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17
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Gupta S, Nerli S, Kandy SK, Mersky GL, Sgourakis NG. HLA3DB: comprehensive annotation of peptide/HLA complexes enables blind structure prediction of T cell epitopes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.20.533510. [PMID: 36993660 PMCID: PMC10055217 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.20.533510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The class I proteins of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) display epitopic peptides derived from endogenous proteins on the cell surface for immune surveillance. Accurate modeling of peptide/HLA (pHLA, the human MHC) structures has been mired by conformational diversity of the central peptide residues, which are critical for recognition by T cell receptors. Here, analysis of X-ray crystal structures within a curated database (HLA3DB) shows that pHLA complexes encompassing multiple HLA allotypes present a discrete set of peptide backbone conformations. Leveraging these representative backbones, we employ a regression model trained on terms of a physically relevant energy function to develop a comparative modeling approach for nonamer peptide/HLA structures named RepPred. Our method outperforms the top pHLA modeling approach by up to 19% in terms of structural accuracy, and consistently predicts blind targets not included in our training set. Insights from our work provide a framework for linking conformational diversity with antigen immunogenicity and receptor cross-reactivity.
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18
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Baulu E, Gardet C, Chuvin N, Depil S. TCR-engineered T cell therapy in solid tumors: State of the art and perspectives. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf3700. [PMID: 36791198 PMCID: PMC9931212 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf3700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
T cell engineering has changed the landscape of cancer immunotherapy. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells have demonstrated a remarkable efficacy in the treatment of B cell malignancies in hematology. However, their clinical impact on solid tumors has been modest so far. T cells expressing an engineered T cell receptor (TCR-T cells) represent a promising therapeutic alternative. The target repertoire is not limited to membrane proteins, and intrinsic features of TCRs such as high antigen sensitivity and near-to-physiological signaling may improve tumor cell detection and killing while improving T cell persistence. In this review, we present the clinical results obtained with TCR-T cells targeting different tumor antigen families. We detail the different methods that have been developed to identify and optimize a TCR candidate. We also discuss the challenges of TCR-T cell therapies, including toxicity assessment and resistance mechanisms. Last, we share some perspectives and highlight future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Baulu
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- ErVaccine Technologies, Lyon, France
| | - Célia Gardet
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Stéphane Depil
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- ErVaccine Technologies, Lyon, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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19
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A bead-based method for high-throughput mapping of the sequence- and force-dependence of T cell activation. Nat Methods 2022; 19:1295-1305. [PMID: 36064771 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01592-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive immunity relies on T lymphocytes that use αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) to discriminate among peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex molecules (pMHCs). Identifying pMHCs capable of inducing robust T cell responses will not only enable a deeper understanding of the mechanisms governing immune responses but could also have broad applications in diagnosis and treatment. T cell recognition of sparse antigenic pMHCs in vivo relies on biomechanical forces. However, in vitro screening methods test potential pMHCs without force and often at high (nonphysiological) pMHC densities and thus fail to predict potent agonists in vivo. Here, we present a technology termed BATTLES (biomechanically assisted T cell triggering for large-scale exogenous-pMHC screening) that uses biomechanical force to initiate T cell triggering for peptides and cells in parallel. BATTLES displays candidate pMHCs on spectrally encoded beads composed of a thermo-responsive polymer capable of applying shear loads to T cells, facilitating exploration of the force- and sequence-dependent landscape of T cell responses. BATTLES can be used to explore basic T cell mechanobiology and T cell-based immunotherapies.
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20
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Baumgaertner P, Schmidt J, Costa-Nunes CM, Bordry N, Guillaume P, Luescher I, Speiser DE, Rufer N, Hebeisen M. CD8 T cell function and cross-reactivity explored by stepwise increased peptide-HLA versus TCR affinity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:973986. [PMID: 36032094 PMCID: PMC9399405 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.973986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recruitment and activation of CD8 T cells occur through specific triggering of T cell receptor (TCR) by peptide-bound human leucocyte antigen (HLA) ligands. Within the generated trimeric TCR-peptide:HLA complex, the molecular binding affinities between peptide and HLA, and between TCR and peptide:HLA both impact T cell functional outcomes. However, how their individual and combined effects modulate immunogenicity and overall T cell responsiveness has not been investigated systematically. Here, we established two panels of human tumor peptide variants differing in their affinity to HLA. For precise characterization, we developed the “blue peptide assay”, an upgraded cell-based approach to measure the peptide:HLA affinity. These peptide variants were then used to investigate the cross-reactivity of tumor antigen-specific CD8 T cell clonotypes derived from blood of cancer patients after vaccination with either the native or an affinity-optimized Melan-A/MART-1 epitope, or isolated from tumor infiltrated lymph nodes (TILNs). Vaccines containing the native tumor epitope generated T cells with better functionality, and superior cross-reactivity against potential low affinity escape epitopes, as compared to T cells induced by vaccines containing an HLA affinity-optimized epitope. Comparatively, Melan-A/MART-1-specific TILN cells displayed functional and cross-reactive profiles that were heterogeneous and clonotype-dependent. Finally, we took advantage of a collection of T cells expressing affinity-optimized NY-ESO-1-specific TCRs to interrogate the individual and combined impact of peptide:HLA and TCR-pHLA affinities on overall CD8 T cell responses. We found profound and distinct effects of both biophysical parameters, with additive contributions and absence of hierarchical dominance. Altogether, the biological impact of peptide:HLA and TCR-pHLA affinities on T cell responses was carefully dissected in two antigenic systems, frequently targeted in human cancer immunotherapy. Our technology and stepwise comparison open new insights into the rational design and selection of vaccine-associated tumor-specific epitopes and highlight the functional and cross-reactivity profiles that endow T cells with best tumor control capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Baumgaertner
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Michael Hebeisen, ; Petra Baumgaertner,
| | - Julien Schmidt
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Carla-Marisa Costa-Nunes
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Natacha Bordry
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Guillaume
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Immanuel Luescher
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E. Speiser
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Rufer
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hebeisen
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Michael Hebeisen, ; Petra Baumgaertner,
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21
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Characterization of T cell receptors reactive to HCRT NH2, pHA 273-287, and NP 17-31 in control and narcolepsy patients. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2205797119. [PMID: 35914171 PMCID: PMC9371724 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2205797119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1), a disorder caused by hypocretin/orexin (HCRT) cell loss, is associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ0602 (98%) and T cell receptor (TCR) polymorphisms. Increased CD4+ T cell reactivity to HCRT, especially DQ0602-presented amidated C-terminal HCRT (HCRTNH2), has been reported, and homology with pHA273-287 flu antigens from pandemic 2009 H1N1, an established trigger of the disease, suggests molecular mimicry. In this work, we extended DQ0602 tetramer and dextramer data to 77 cases and 44 controls, replicating our prior finding and testing 709 TCRs in Jurkat 76 T cells for functional activation. We found that fewer TCRs isolated with HCRTNH2 (∼11%) versus pHA273-287 or NP17-31 antigens (∼50%) were activated by their ligand. Single-cell characterization did not reveal phenotype differences in influenza versus HCRTNH2-reactive T cells, and analysis of TCR CDR3αβ sequences showed TCR clustering by responses to antigens but no cross-peptide class reactivity. Our results do not support the existence of molecular mimicry between HCRT and pHA273-287 or NP17-31.
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22
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Simister PC, Border EC, Vieira JF, Pumphrey NJ. Structural insights into engineering a T-cell receptor targeting MAGE-A10 with higher affinity and specificity for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004600. [PMID: 35851311 PMCID: PMC9295655 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004600] [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] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell receptor (TCR) immunotherapy is becoming a viable modality in cancer treatment with efficacy in clinical trials. The safety of patients is paramount, so innovative cell engineering methods are being employed to exploit adaptive immunity while controlling the factors governing antigen receptor (ie, TCR) specificity and cross-reactivity. We recently reported a TCR engineering campaign and selectivity profiling assay (X-scan) targeting a melanoma antigen gene (MAGE)-A10 peptide. This helped to distinguish between two well-performing TCRs based on cross-reactivity potential during preclinical drug evaluation, allowing one to be advanced to T-cell immunotherapeutic clinical trials. Here, we present three-dimensional structural information on those TCRs, highlighting engineering improvements and molecular mechanisms likely underpinning differential selectivity. METHODS Parental and engineered TCRs were purified and crystallized either alone or complexed to human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02:01 presenting the MAGE-A10 9-mer peptide, GLYDGMEHL (pHLA/MAGE-A10-9). Using X-ray diffraction, we solved four high-resolution crystal structures and evaluated them relative to previously reported functional results. RESULTS The unligated parental TCR displayed similar complementarity-determining region (CDR) loop conformations when bound to pHLA/MAGE-A10-9; a rigid-body movement of TCR beta chain variable domain (TRBV) relative to TCR alpha chain variable domain helped optimal pHLA engagement. This first view of an HLA-bound MAGE-A10 peptide revealed an intrachain non-covalent 'staple' between peptide Tyr3 and Glu7. A subtle Glu31-Asp mutation in βCDR1 of the parental TCR generated a high-affinity derivative. Its pHLA-complexed structure shows that the shorter Asp leans toward the pHLA with resulting rigid-body TRBV shift, creating localized changes around the peptide's C-terminus. Structural comparison with a less selective TCR indicated that differential cross-reactivity to MAGE-A10 peptide variants is most readily explained by alterations in surface electrostatics, and the size and geometry of TCR-peptide interfacial cavities. CONCLUSIONS Modest changes in engineered TCRs targeting MAGE-A10 produced significantly different properties. Conformational invariance of TCR and antigen peptide plus more space-filling CDR loop sequences may be desirable properties for clinically relevant TCR-pHLA systems to reduce the likelihood of structurally similar peptide mimics being tolerated by a TCR. Such properties may partially explain why the affinity-enhanced, in vitro-selected TCR has been generally well tolerated in patients.
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23
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Liu C, Liu H, Dasgupta M, Hellman LM, Zhang X, Qu K, Xue H, Wang Y, Fan F, Chang Q, Yu D, Ge L, Zhang Y, Cui Z, Zhang P, Heller B, Zhang H, Shi B, Baker BM, Liu C. Validation and promise of a TCR mimic antibody for cancer immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12068. [PMID: 35840635 PMCID: PMC9287321 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies are at the vanguard of the most promising cancer treatments. Whereas traditional therapeutic antibodies have been limited to extracellular antigens, T cell receptor mimic (TCRm) antibodies can target intracellular antigens presented by cell surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. TCRm antibodies can therefore target a repertoire of otherwise undruggable cancer antigens. However, the consequences of off-target peptide/MHC recognition with engineered T cell therapies are severe, and thus there are significant safety concerns with TCRm antibodies. Here we explored the specificity and safety profile of a new TCRm-based T cell therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a solid tumor for which no effective treatment exists. We targeted an alpha-fetoprotein peptide presented by HLA-A*02 with a highly specific TCRm, which crystallographic structural analysis showed binds directly over the HLA protein and interfaces with the full length of the peptide. We fused the TCRm to the γ and δ subunits of a TCR, producing a signaling AbTCR construct. This was combined with an scFv/CD28 co-stimulatory molecule targeting glypican-3 for increased efficacy towards tumor cells. This AbTCR + co-stimulatory T cell therapy showed potent activity against AFP-positive cancer cell lines in vitro and an in an in vivo model and undetectable activity against AFP-negative cells. In an in-human safety assessment, no significant adverse events or cytokine release syndrome were observed and evidence of efficacy was seen. Remarkably, one patient with metastatic HCC achieved a complete remission after nine months and ultimately qualified for a liver transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Moumita Dasgupta
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Lance M Hellman
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Xiaogang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Kai Qu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui Xue
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yun Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fenling Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qi Chang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Duo Yu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Linhu Ge
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Ziyou Cui
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Pengbo Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Bradley Heller
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Bingyin Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Cheng Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA.
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24
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Walters LC, Rozbesky D, Harlos K, Quastel M, Sun H, Springer S, Rambo RP, Mohammed F, Jones EY, McMichael AJ, Gillespie GM. Primary and secondary functions of HLA-E are determined by stability and conformation of the peptide-bound complexes. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110959. [PMID: 35705051 PMCID: PMC9380258 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MHC-E regulates NK cells by displaying MHC class Ia signal peptides (VL9) to NKG2A:CD94 receptors. MHC-E can also present sequence-diverse, lower-affinity, pathogen-derived peptides to T cell receptors (TCRs) on CD8+ T cells. To understand these affinity differences, human MHC-E (HLA-E)-VL9 versus pathogen-derived peptide structures are compared. Small-angle X-ray scatter (SAXS) measures biophysical parameters in solution, allowing comparison with crystal structures. For HLA-E-VL9, there is concordance between SAXS and crystal parameters. In contrast, HLA-E-bound pathogen-derived peptides produce larger SAXS dimensions that reduce to their crystallographic dimensions only when excess peptide is supplied. Further crystallographic analysis demonstrates three amino acids, exclusive to MHC-E, that not only position VL9 close to the α2 helix, but also allow non-VL9 peptide binding with re-configuration of a key TCR-interacting α2 region. Thus, non-VL9-bound peptides introduce an alternative peptide-binding motif and surface recognition landscape, providing a likely basis for VL9- and non-VL9-HLA-E immune discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C Walters
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Daniel Rozbesky
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karl Harlos
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Max Quastel
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Hong Sun
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Sebastian Springer
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Robert P Rambo
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Fiyaz Mohammed
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - E Yvonne Jones
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Andrew J McMichael
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
| | - Geraldine M Gillespie
- Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
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25
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Ayres CM, Baker BM. Peptide-dependent tuning of major histocompatibility complex motional properties and the consequences for cellular immunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2022; 76:102184. [PMID: 35550277 PMCID: PMC10052791 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2022.102184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
T cell receptors (TCRs) and other receptors of the immune system recognize peptides presented by class I or class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. Although we generally distinguish between the MHC protein and its peptide, at an atomic level the two form a structural composite, which allows peptides to influence MHC properties and vice versa. One consequence is the peptide-dependent tuning of MHC structural dynamics, which contributes to protein structural adaptability and influences how receptors identify and bind targets. Peptide-dependent tuning of MHC protein dynamics can impact processes such as antigenicity, TCR cross-reactivity, and T cell repertoire selection. Motional tuning extends beyond the binding groove, influencing peptide selection and exchange, as well as interactions with other immune receptors. Here, we review recent findings showing how peptides can affect the dynamic and adaptable nature of MHC proteins. We highlight consequences for immunity and demonstrate how MHC proteins have evolved to be highly sensitive dynamic reporters, with broad immunological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory M Ayres
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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26
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Keller GLJ, Weiss LI, Baker BM. Physicochemical Heuristics for Identifying High Fidelity, Near-Native Structural Models of Peptide/MHC Complexes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887759. [PMID: 35547730 PMCID: PMC9084917 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is long-standing interest in accurately modeling the structural features of peptides bound and presented by class I MHC proteins. This interest has grown with the advent of rapid genome sequencing and the prospect of personalized, peptide-based cancer vaccines, as well as the development of molecular and cellular therapeutics based on T cell receptor recognition of peptide-MHC. However, while the speed and accessibility of peptide-MHC modeling has improved substantially over the years, improvements in accuracy have been modest. Accuracy is crucial in peptide-MHC modeling, as T cell receptors are highly sensitive to peptide conformation and capturing fine details is therefore necessary for useful models. Studying nonameric peptides presented by the common class I MHC protein HLA-A*02:01, here we addressed a key question common to modern modeling efforts: from a set of models (or decoys) generated through conformational sampling, which is best? We found that the common strategy of decoy selection by lowest energy can lead to substantial errors in predicted structures. We therefore adopted a data-driven approach and trained functions capable of predicting near native decoys with exceptionally high accuracy. Although our implementation is limited to nonamer/HLA-A*02:01 complexes, our results serve as an important proof of concept from which improvements can be made and, given the significance of HLA-A*02:01 and its preference for nonameric peptides, should have immediate utility in select immunotherapeutic and other efforts for which structural information would be advantageous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L J Keller
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Laura I Weiss
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
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27
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Hopkins JR, MacLachlan BJ, Harper S, Sewell AK, Cole DK. Unconventional modes of peptide-HLA-I presentation change the rules of TCR engagement. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 1:kyac001. [PMID: 38566908 PMCID: PMC10917088 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The intracellular proteome of virtually every nucleated cell in the body is continuously presented at the cell surface via the human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) antigen processing pathway. This pathway classically involves proteasomal degradation of intracellular proteins into short peptides that can be presented by HLA-I molecules for interrogation by T-cell receptors (TCRs) expressed on the surface of CD8+ T cells. During the initiation of a T-cell immune response, the TCR acts as the T cell's primary sensor, using flexible loops to mould around the surface of the pHLA-I molecule to identify foreign or dysregulated antigens. Recent findings demonstrate that pHLA-I molecules can also be highly flexible and dynamic, altering their shape according to minor polymorphisms between different HLA-I alleles, or interactions with different peptides. These flexible presentation modes have important biological consequences that can, for example, explain why some HLA-I alleles offer greater protection against HIV, or why some cancer vaccine approaches have been ineffective. This review explores how these recent findings redefine the rules for peptide presentation by HLA-I molecules and extend our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern TCR-mediated antigen discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade R Hopkins
- Division of Infection and Immunity and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Bruce J MacLachlan
- Division of Infection and Immunity and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Andrew K Sewell
- Division of Infection and Immunity and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - David K Cole
- Division of Infection and Immunity and Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
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28
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Fulop T, Larbi A, Pawelec G, Cohen AA, Provost G, Khalil A, Lacombe G, Rodrigues S, Desroches M, Hirokawa K, Franceschi C, Witkowski JM. Immunosenescence and Altered Vaccine Efficiency in Older Subjects: A Myth Difficult to Change. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040607. [PMID: 35455356 PMCID: PMC9030923 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Organismal ageing is associated with many physiological changes, including differences in the immune system of most animals. These differences are often considered to be a key cause of age-associated diseases as well as decreased vaccine responses in humans. The most often cited vaccine failure is seasonal influenza, but, while it is usually the case that the efficiency of this vaccine is lower in older than younger adults, this is not always true, and the reasons for the differential responses are manifold. Undoubtedly, changes in the innate and adaptive immune response with ageing are associated with failure to respond to the influenza vaccine, but the cause is unclear. Moreover, recent advances in vaccine formulations and adjuvants, as well as in our understanding of immune changes with ageing, have contributed to the development of vaccines, such as those against herpes zoster and SARS-CoV-2, that can protect against serious disease in older adults just as well as in younger people. In the present article, we discuss the reasons why it is a myth that vaccines inevitably protect less well in older individuals, and that vaccines represent one of the most powerful means to protect the health and ensure the quality of life of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Fulop
- Research Center on Aging, Geriatric Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (A.K.); (G.L.)
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Anis Larbi
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Immunos Building, Singapore 138648, Singapore;
| | - Graham Pawelec
- Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, 72072 Tübingen, Germany;
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada
| | - Alan A. Cohen
- Groupe de Recherche PRIMUS, Department of Family Medicine, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Ave N, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada;
| | | | - Abedelouahed Khalil
- Research Center on Aging, Geriatric Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (A.K.); (G.L.)
| | - Guy Lacombe
- Research Center on Aging, Geriatric Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; (A.K.); (G.L.)
| | - Serafim Rodrigues
- Ikerbasque, The Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain;
- BCAM—The Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (S.R.)
| | - Mathieu Desroches
- MathNeuro Team, Inria Sophia Antipolis Méditerranée, CEDEX, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France;
- The Jean Alexandre Dieudonné Laboratory, Université Côte d’Azur, CEDEX 2, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Katsuiku Hirokawa
- Institute of Health and Life Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan;
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Laboratory of Systems Biology of Healthy Aging, Lobachevsky State University, 603000 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Jacek M. Witkowski
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
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29
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Engineering the T cell receptor for fun and profit: Uncovering complex biology, interrogating the immune system, and targeting disease. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 74:102358. [PMID: 35344834 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
T cell receptors (TCRs) orchestrate cellular immunity by recognizing peptide antigens bound and presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. Due to the TCR's central role in immunity and tight connection with human health, there has been significant interest in modulating TCR properties through protein engineering methods. Complicating these efforts is the complexity and vast diversity of TCR-peptide/MHC interfaces, the interdependency between TCR affinity, specificity, and cross-reactivity, and the sophisticated relationships between TCR binding properties and T cell function, many aspects of which are not well understood. Here we review TCR engineering, starting with a brief historical overview followed by discussions of more recent developments, including new efforts and opportunities to engineer TCR affinity, modulate specificity, and develop novel TCR-based constructs.
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30
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An H, Eun M, Yi J, Park J. CRESSP: a comprehensive pipeline for prediction of immunopathogenic SARS-CoV-2 epitopes using structural properties of proteins. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6539139. [PMID: 35226074 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome, has been reported, and several mechanisms have been suggested, including molecular mimicry. We developed a scalable, comparative immunoinformatics pipeline called cross-reactive-epitope-search-using-structural-properties-of-proteins (CRESSP) to identify cross-reactive epitopes between a collection of SARS-CoV-2 proteomes and the human proteome using the structural properties of the proteins. Overall, by searching 4 911 245 proteins from 196 352 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, we identified 133 and 648 human proteins harboring potential cross-reactive B-cell and CD8+ T-cell epitopes, respectively. To demonstrate the robustness of our pipeline, we predicted the cross-reactive epitopes of coronavirus spike proteins, which were recognized by known cross-neutralizing antibodies. Using single-cell expression data, we identified PARP14 as a potential target of intermolecular epitope spreading between the virus and human proteins. Finally, we developed a web application (https://ahs2202.github.io/3M/) to interactively visualize our results. We also made our pipeline available as an open-source CRESSP package (https://pypi.org/project/cressp/), which can analyze any two proteomes of interest to identify potentially cross-reactive epitopes between the proteomes. Overall, our immunoinformatic resources provide a foundation for the investigation of molecular mimicry in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases following COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunsu An
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Eun
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Republic of Korea
| | - Jawoon Yi
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Republic of Korea
| | - Jihwan Park
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Republic of Korea.,Anti-Virus Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Republic of Korea.,Laboratory for cell mechanobiology, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Republic of Korea
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31
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Liu Y, Lei J, San D, Yang Y, Paek C, Xia Z, Chen Y, Yin L. Structural Basis for Unusual TCR CDR3β Usage Against an Immunodominant HIV-1 Gag Protein Peptide Restricted to an HLA-B*81:01 Molecule. Front Immunol 2022; 13:822210. [PMID: 35173732 PMCID: PMC8841528 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.822210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In HIV infection, some closely associated human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles are correlated with distinct clinical outcomes although presenting the same HIV epitopes. The mechanism that underpins this observation is still unknown, but may be due to the essential features of HLA alleles or T cell receptors (TCR). In this study, we investigate how T18A TCR, which is beneficial for a long-term control of HIV in clinic, recognizes immunodominant Gag epitope TL9 (TPQDLTML180-188) from HIV in the context of the antigen presenting molecule HLA-B*81:01. We found that T18A TCR exhibits differential recognition for TL9 restricted by HLA-B*81:01. Furthermore, via structural and biophysical approaches, we observed that TL9 complexes with HLA-B*81:01 undergoes no conformational change after TCR engagement. Remarkably, the CDR3β in T18A complexes does not contact with TL9 at all but with intensive contacts to HLA-B*81:01. The binding kinetic data of T18A TCR revealed that this TCR can recognize TL9 epitope and several mutant versions, which might explain the correlation of T18A TCR with better clinic outcomes despite the relative high mutation rate of HIV. Collectively, we provided a portrait of how CD8+ T cells engage in HIV-mediated T cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan San
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chonil Paek
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zixiong Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongshun Chen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yongshun Chen, ; Lei Yin,
| | - Lei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yongshun Chen, ; Lei Yin,
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32
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Pothast CR, Dijkland RC, Thaler M, Hagedoorn RS, Kester MGD, Wouters AK, Hiemstra PS, van Hemert MJ, Gras S, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T cell responses can originate from cross-reactive CMV-specific T cells. eLife 2022; 11:82050. [PMID: 36408799 PMCID: PMC9822249 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in SARS-CoV-2-unexposed donors has been explained by the presence of T cells primed by other coronaviruses. However, based on the relatively high frequency and prevalence of cross-reactive T cells, we hypothesized cytomegalovirus (CMV) may induce these cross-reactive T cells. Stimulation of pre-pandemic cryo-preserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with SARS-CoV-2 peptides revealed that frequencies of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were higher in CMV-seropositive donors. Characterization of these T cells demonstrated that membrane-specific CD4+ and spike-specific CD8+ T cells originate from cross-reactive CMV-specific T cells. Spike-specific CD8+ T cells recognize SARS-CoV-2 spike peptide FVSNGTHWF (FVS) and dissimilar CMV pp65 peptide IPSINVHHY (IPS) presented by HLA-B*35:01. These dual IPS/FVS-reactive CD8+ T cells were found in multiple donors as well as severe COVID-19 patients and shared a common T cell receptor (TCR), illustrating that IPS/FVS-cross-reactivity is caused by a public TCR. In conclusion, CMV-specific T cells cross-react with SARS-CoV-2, despite low sequence homology between the two viruses, and may contribute to the pre-existing immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cilia R Pothast
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical CenterLeidenNetherlands
| | - Romy C Dijkland
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical CenterLeidenNetherlands
| | - Melissa Thaler
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical CenterLeidenNetherlands
| | - Renate S Hagedoorn
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical CenterLeidenNetherlands
| | - Michel GD Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical CenterLeidenNetherlands
| | - Anne K Wouters
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical CenterLeidenNetherlands
| | - Pieter S Hiemstra
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical CenterLeidenNetherlands
| | - Martijn J van Hemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical CenterLeidenNetherlands
| | - Stephanie Gras
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe UniversityVictoriaAustralia,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
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Barbosa CRR, Barton J, Shepherd AJ, Mishto M. Mechanistic diversity in MHC class I antigen recognition. Biochem J 2021; 478:4187-4202. [PMID: 34940832 PMCID: PMC8786304 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Throughout its evolution, the human immune system has developed a plethora of strategies to diversify the antigenic peptide sequences that can be targeted by the CD8+ T cell response against pathogens and aberrations of self. Here we provide a general overview of the mechanisms that lead to the diversity of antigens presented by MHC class I complexes and their recognition by CD8+ T cells, together with a more detailed analysis of recent progress in two important areas that are highly controversial: the prevalence and immunological relevance of unconventional antigen peptides; and cross-recognition of antigenic peptides by the T cell receptors of CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila R. R. Barbosa
- Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology (CIBCI) & Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, SE1 1UL London, U.K
- Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, U.K
| | - Justin Barton
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of London, WC1E 7HX London, U.K
| | - Adrian J. Shepherd
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of London, WC1E 7HX London, U.K
| | - Michele Mishto
- Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology (CIBCI) & Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, SE1 1UL London, U.K
- Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, U.K
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Johansson AM, Malhotra U, Kim YG, Gomez R, Krist MP, Wald A, Koelle DM, Kwok WW. Cross-reactive and mono-reactive SARS-CoV-2 CD4+ T cells in prepandemic and COVID-19 convalescent individuals. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010203. [PMID: 34965282 PMCID: PMC8769337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Class II tetramer reagents for eleven common DR alleles and a DP allele prevalent in the world population were used to identify SARS-CoV-2 CD4+ T cell epitopes. A total of 112, 28 and 42 epitopes specific for Spike, Membrane and Nucleocapsid, respectively, with defined HLA-restriction were identified. Direct ex vivo staining of PBMC with tetramer reagents was used to define immunodominant and subdominant T cell epitopes and estimate the frequencies of these T cells in SARS-CoV-2 exposed and naïve individuals. Majority of SARS-CoV-2 epitopes identified have <67% amino acid sequence identity with endemic coronaviruses and are unlikely to elicit high avidity cross-reactive T cell responses. Four SARS-CoV-2 Spike reactive epitopes, including a DPB1*04:01 restricted epitope, with ≥67% amino acid sequence identity to endemic coronavirus were identified. SARS-CoV-2 T cell lines for three of these epitopes elicited cross-reactive T cell responses to endemic cold viruses. An endemic coronavirus Spike T cell line showed cross-reactivity to the fourth SARS-CoV-2 epitope. Three of the Spike cross-reactive epitopes were subdominant epitopes, while the DPB1*04:01 restricted epitope was a dominant epitope. Frequency analyses showed Spike cross-reactive T cells as detected by tetramers were present at relatively low frequency in unexposed people and only contributed a small proportion of the overall Spike-specific CD4+ T cells in COVID-19 convalescent individuals. In total, these results suggested a very limited number of SARS-CoV-2 T cells as detected by tetramers are capable of recognizing ccCoV with relative high avidity and vice versa. The potentially supportive role of these high avidity cross-reactive T cells in protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 needs further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M. Johansson
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Uma Malhotra
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Yeseul G. Kim
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Gomez
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Maxwell P. Krist
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Anna Wald
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - David M. Koelle
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - William W. Kwok
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Szeto C, Nguyen AT, Lobos CA, Chatzileontiadou DSM, Jayasinghe D, Grant EJ, Riboldi-Tunnicliffe A, Smith C, Gras S. Molecular Basis of a Dominant SARS-CoV-2 Spike-Derived Epitope Presented by HLA-A*02:01 Recognised by a Public TCR. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102646. [PMID: 34685626 PMCID: PMC8534114 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The data currently available on how the immune system recognises the SARS-CoV-2 virus is growing rapidly. While there are structures of some SARS-CoV-2 proteins in complex with antibodies, which helps us understand how the immune system is able to recognise this new virus; however, we lack data on how T cells are able to recognise this virus. T cells, especially the cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, are critical for viral recognition and clearance. Here we report the X-ray crystallography structure of a T cell receptor, shared among unrelated individuals (public TCR) in complex with a dominant spike-derived CD8+ T cell epitope (YLQ peptide). We show that YLQ activates a polyfunctional CD8+ T cell response in COVID-19 recovered patients. We detail the molecular basis for the shared TCR gene usage observed in HLA-A*02:01+ individuals, providing an understanding of TCR recognition towards a SARS-CoV-2 epitope. Interestingly, the YLQ peptide conformation did not change upon TCR binding, facilitating the high-affinity interaction observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Szeto
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.S.); (A.T.N.); (C.A.L.); (D.S.M.C.); (D.J.); (E.J.G.)
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Andrea T. Nguyen
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.S.); (A.T.N.); (C.A.L.); (D.S.M.C.); (D.J.); (E.J.G.)
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Christian A. Lobos
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.S.); (A.T.N.); (C.A.L.); (D.S.M.C.); (D.J.); (E.J.G.)
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Demetra S. M. Chatzileontiadou
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.S.); (A.T.N.); (C.A.L.); (D.S.M.C.); (D.J.); (E.J.G.)
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Dhilshan Jayasinghe
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.S.); (A.T.N.); (C.A.L.); (D.S.M.C.); (D.J.); (E.J.G.)
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Emma J. Grant
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.S.); (A.T.N.); (C.A.L.); (D.S.M.C.); (D.J.); (E.J.G.)
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | | - Corey Smith
- QIMR Berghofer Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Translational and Human Immunology Laboratory, Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Stephanie Gras
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.S.); (A.T.N.); (C.A.L.); (D.S.M.C.); (D.J.); (E.J.G.)
- Viral and Structural Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence:
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36
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Man S, Redman JE, Cross DL, Cole DK, Can I, Davies B, Hashimdeen SS, Reid R, Llewellyn-Lacey S, Miners KL, Ladell K, Lissina A, Brown PE, Wooldridge L, Price DA, Rizkallah PJ. Synthetic Peptides with Inadvertent Chemical Modifications Can Activate Potentially Autoreactive T Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2021; 207:1009-1017. [PMID: 34321228 PMCID: PMC7615501 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The human CD8+ T cell clone 6C5 has previously been shown to recognize the tert-butyl-modified Bax161-170 peptide LLSY(3-tBu)FGTPT presented by HLA-A*02:01. This nonnatural epitope was likely created as a by-product of fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl protecting group peptide synthesis and bound poorly to HLA-A*02:01. In this study, we used a systematic approach to identify and characterize natural ligands for the 6C5 TCR. Functional analyses revealed that 6C5 T cells only recognized the LLSYFGTPT peptide when tBu was added to the tyrosine residue and did not recognize the LLSYFGTPT peptide modified with larger (di-tBu) or smaller chemical groups (Me). Combinatorial peptide library screening further showed that 6C5 T cells recognized a series of self-derived peptides with dissimilar amino acid sequences to LLSY(3-tBu)FGTPT. Structural studies of LLSY(3-tBu)FGTPT and two other activating nonamers (IIGWMWIPV and LLGWVFAQV) in complex with HLA-A*02:01 demonstrated similar overall peptide conformations and highlighted the importance of the position (P) 4 residue for T cell recognition, particularly the capacity of the bulky amino acid tryptophan to substitute for the tBu-modified tyrosine residue in conjunction with other changes at P5 and P6. Collectively, these results indicated that chemical modifications directly altered the immunogenicity of a synthetic peptide via molecular mimicry, leading to the inadvertent activation of a T cell clone with unexpected and potentially autoreactive specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Man
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom;
| | - James E Redman
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah L Cross
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - David K Cole
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ilona Can
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Bethan Davies
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Shaikh Shimaz Hashimdeen
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Reiss Reid
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sian Llewellyn-Lacey
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly L Miners
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Ladell
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anya Lissina
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Paul E Brown
- The Zeeman Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; and
| | - Linda Wooldridge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - David A Price
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Pierre J Rizkallah
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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37
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Prinz JC. Antigen Processing, Presentation, and Tolerance: Role in Autoimmune Skin Diseases. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:750-759. [PMID: 34294386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Autoreactive T cells pose a constant risk for the emergence of autoimmune skin diseases in genetically predisposed individuals carrying certain HLA risk alleles. Immune tolerance mechanisms are opposed by broad HLA-presented self-immunopeptidomes, a predefined repertoire of polyspecific TCRs, the continuous generation of new antibody specificities by somatic recombination of Ig genes in B cells, and heightened proinflammatory reactivity. Increased autoantigen presentation by HLA molecules, cross-activation of pathogen-induced T cells against autologous structures, altered metabolism of self-proteins, and excessive production of proinflammatory signals may all contribute to the breakdown of immune tolerance and the development of autoimmune skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Christoph Prinz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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38
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Alonso JA, Smith AR, Baker BM. Tumor rejection properties of gp100 209-specific T cells correlate with T cell receptor binding affinity towards the wild type rather than anchor-modified antigen. Mol Immunol 2021; 135:365-372. [PMID: 33990005 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Although there are exceptions and outliers, T cell functional responses generally correlate with the affinity of a TCR for a peptide/MHC complex. In one recently described outlier case, the most promising clinical candidate in a series of TCRs specific for the gp100209 melanoma antigen bound with the weakest solution affinity and produced the least amount of cytokine in vitro. Hypotheses for this outlier behavior included unusual cytokine expression patterns arising from an atypical TCR binding geometry. Studying this instance in more detail, we found here that outlier behavior is attributable not to unusual cytokine patterns or TCR binding, but the use of a position 2 anchor-modified peptide variant in in vitro experiments instead of the wild type antigen that is present in vivo. Although the anchor-modified variant has been widely used in basic and clinical immunology as a surrogate for the wild type peptide, prior work has shown that TCRs can clearly distinguish between the two. We show that when this differential recognition is accounted for, the functional properties of gp100209-specific TCRs track with their affinity towards the peptide/MHC complex. Beyond demonstrating the correlates with T cell function for a clinically relevant TCR, our results provide important considerations for selection of TCRs for immunotherapy and the use of modified peptides in immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus A Alonso
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Angela R Smith
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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39
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Gangaev A, Ketelaars SLC, Isaeva OI, Patiwael S, Dopler A, Hoefakker K, De Biasi S, Gibellini L, Mussini C, Guaraldi G, Girardis M, Ormeno CMPT, Hekking PJM, Lardy NM, Toebes M, Balderas R, Schumacher TN, Ovaa H, Cossarizza A, Kvistborg P. Identification and characterization of a SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8 + T cell response with immunodominant features. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2593. [PMID: 33972535 PMCID: PMC8110804 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22811-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a continuous challenge worldwide, and there is an urgent need to map the landscape of immunogenic and immunodominant epitopes recognized by CD8+ T cells. Here, we analyze samples from 31 patients with COVID-19 for CD8+ T cell recognition of 500 peptide-HLA class I complexes, restricted by 10 common HLA alleles. We identify 18 CD8+ T cell recognized SARS-CoV-2 epitopes, including an epitope with immunodominant features derived from ORF1ab and restricted by HLA-A*01:01. In-depth characterization of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cell responses of patients with acute critical and severe disease reveals high expression of NKG2A, lack of cytokine production and a gene expression profile inhibiting T cell re-activation and migration while sustaining survival. SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cell responses are detectable up to 5 months after recovery from critical and severe disease, and these responses convert from dysfunctional effector to functional memory CD8+ T cells during convalescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Gangaev
- grid.430814.aDivision of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, North Holland The Netherlands
| | - Steven L. C. Ketelaars
- grid.430814.aDivision of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, North Holland The Netherlands
| | - Olga I. Isaeva
- grid.430814.aDivision of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, North Holland The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Patiwael
- grid.430814.aDivision of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, North Holland The Netherlands
| | - Anna Dopler
- grid.430814.aDivision of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, North Holland The Netherlands
| | - Kelly Hoefakker
- grid.430814.aDivision of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, North Holland The Netherlands
| | - Sara De Biasi
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570University of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine, Modena, Emilia Romagna Italy
| | - Lara Gibellini
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570University of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine, Modena, Emilia Romagna Italy
| | - Cristina Mussini
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570University of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine, Modena, Emilia Romagna Italy
| | - Giovanni Guaraldi
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570University of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine, Modena, Emilia Romagna Italy
| | - Massimo Girardis
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570University of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine, Modena, Emilia Romagna Italy
| | - Cami M. P. Talavera Ormeno
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, South Holland The Netherlands
| | - Paul J. M. Hekking
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, South Holland The Netherlands
| | - Neubury M. Lardy
- grid.417732.40000 0001 2234 6887Department of Immunogenetics, Sanquin Diagnostics B.V., Amsterdam, North Holland The Netherlands
| | - Mireille Toebes
- grid.430814.aDivision of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, North Holland The Netherlands
| | - Robert Balderas
- grid.420052.10000 0004 0543 6807Department of Biological Sciences, BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA USA
| | - Ton N. Schumacher
- grid.430814.aDivision of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, North Holland The Netherlands
| | - Huib Ovaa
- grid.10419.3d0000000089452978Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, South Holland The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Cossarizza
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570University of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine, Modena, Emilia Romagna Italy
| | - Pia Kvistborg
- grid.430814.aDivision of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, North Holland The Netherlands
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40
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Lin X, George JT, Schafer NP, Chau KN, Birnbaum ME, Clementi C, Onuchic JN, Levine H. Rapid Assessment of T-Cell Receptor Specificity of the Immune Repertoire. NATURE COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 1:362-373. [PMID: 36090450 PMCID: PMC9455901 DOI: 10.1038/s43588-021-00076-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Accurate assessment of TCR-antigen specificity at the whole immune repertoire level lies at the heart of improved cancer immunotherapy, but predictive models capable of high-throughput assessment of TCR-peptide pairs are lacking. Recent advances in deep sequencing and crystallography have enriched the data available for studying TCR-p-MHC systems. Here, we introduce a pairwise energy model, RACER, for rapid assessment of TCR-peptide affinity at the immune repertoire level. RACER applies supervised machine learning to efficiently and accurately resolve strong TCR-peptide binding pairs from weak ones. The trained parameters further enable a physical interpretation of interacting patterns encoded in each specific TCR-p-MHC system. When applied to simulate thymic selection of an MHC-restricted T-cell repertoire, RACER accurately estimates recognition rates for tumor-associated neoantigens and foreign peptides, thus demonstrating its utility in helping address the large computational challenge of reliably identifying the properties of tumor antigen-specific T-cells at the level of an individual patient's immune repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingcheng Lin
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Jason T. George
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Nicholas P. Schafer
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX
- Departments of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX
| | - Kevin Ng Chau
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Michael E. Birnbaum
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Ragon Institute of MIT, MGH, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Cecilia Clementi
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX
- Departments of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX
- Department of Physics, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - José N. Onuchic
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX
- Departments of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: ,
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: ,
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41
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Pearlman AH, Hwang MS, Konig MF, Hsiue EHC, Douglass J, DiNapoli SR, Mog BJ, Bettegowda C, Pardoll DM, Gabelli SB, Papadopoulos N, Kinzler KW, Vogelstein B, Zhou S. Targeting public neoantigens for cancer immunotherapy. NATURE CANCER 2021; 2:487-497. [PMID: 34676374 PMCID: PMC8525885 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several current immunotherapy approaches target private neoantigens derived from mutations that are unique to individual patients' tumors. However, immunotherapeutic agents can also be developed against public neoantigens derived from recurrent mutations in cancer driver genes. The latter approaches target proteins that are indispensable for tumor growth, and each therapeutic agent can be applied to numerous patients. Here we review the opportunities and challenges involved in the identification of suitable public neoantigen targets and the development of therapeutic agents targeting them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H Pearlman
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Michael S Hwang
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily Han-Chung Hsiue
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Jacqueline Douglass
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Sarah R DiNapoli
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Brian J Mog
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth W Kinzler
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bert Vogelstein
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shibin Zhou
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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42
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Zhang M, Ding X, Wu LP, He MQ, Chen ZY, Shi BY, Wang Y. A Promising Mouse Model of Graves' Orbitopathy Induced by Adenovirus Expressing Thyrotropin Receptor A Subunit. Thyroid 2021; 31:638-648. [PMID: 33076782 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2020.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is the most common and serious manifestation of Graves' disease (GD). It is characterized by orbital inflammation and tissue remodeling. Although several GO models have been reported, most lack a full assessment or mechanistic evaluation. Here, we established a promising mouse model mimicking many aspects of human GO with a frequency of 70% and characterized the key role of T cells in the progression of GO. Methods: An adenovirus expressing the human thyrotropin (TSH) receptor A subunit (Ad-TSHRA) was injected in the muscles of female BALB/C mice nine times to induce GO. At predetermined time points, histological examinations of retrobulbar tissues and thyroid glands were performed to dynamically monitor changes; serum autoantibodies and total thyroxine levels were examined to evaluate thyroid function. Flow cytometry of CD4+ T cell subgroups and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of splenocytes were also performed to explore the underlying mechanism. Results: After nine injections, 7 of 10 mice challenged with Ad-TSHRA developed the orbital changes associated with GO. Seven mice manifested retrobulbar fibrosis, and four mice showed adipogenesis. Exophthalmia, conjunctival redness, and orbital lymphocyte infiltration were also observed in a subset of mice. The orbitopathy was first detected after seven injections and followed the hyperplastic change observed in thyroids after four injections. Flow cytometry revealed increased proportions of Th1 cells and decreased proportions of Th2 cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells in the splenocytes of GO mice. This change in CD4+ T cell subgroups was confirmed by orbital immunohistochemical staining. Genes involved in T cell receptor signaling, proliferation, adhesion, inflammation, and cytotoxicity were upregulated in GO mice according to the RNA-Seq; a trend of upregulation of these GO-specific genes was observed in mice with hyperthyroidism without orbitopathy after four injections. Conclusions: A GO mouse model was successfully established by administering nine injections of Ad-TSHRA. The model was achieved with a frequency of 70% and revealed the importance of T cell immunity. A potential time window from Graves' hyperthyroidism to GO was presented for the first time. Therefore, this model could be used to study the pathogenesis and novel treatments for GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xi Ding
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li-Ping Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ming-Qian He
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zi-Yi Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bing-Yin Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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43
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Shi Y, Guo Z, Su X, Meng L, Zhang M, Sun J, Wu C, Zheng M, Shang X, Zou X, Cheng W, Yu Y, Cai Y, Zhang C, Cai W, Da LT, He G, Han ZG. DeepAntigen: a novel method for neoantigen prioritization via 3D genome and deep sparse learning. Bioinformatics 2021; 36:4894-4901. [PMID: 32592462 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION The mutations of cancers can encode the seeds of their own destruction, in the form of T-cell recognizable immunogenic peptides, also known as neoantigens. It is computationally challenging, however, to accurately prioritize the potential neoantigen candidates according to their ability of activating the T-cell immunoresponse, especially when the somatic mutations are abundant. Although a few neoantigen prioritization methods have been proposed to address this issue, advanced machine learning model that is specifically designed to tackle this problem is still lacking. Moreover, none of the existing methods considers the original DNA loci of the neoantigens in the perspective of 3D genome which may provide key information for inferring neoantigens' immunogenicity. RESULTS In this study, we discovered that DNA loci of the immunopositive and immunonegative MHC-I neoantigens have distinct spatial distribution patterns across the genome. We therefore used the 3D genome information along with an ensemble pMHC-I coding strategy, and developed a group feature selection-based deep sparse neural network model (DNN-GFS) that is optimized for neoantigen prioritization. DNN-GFS demonstrated increased neoantigen prioritization power comparing to existing sequence-based approaches. We also developed a webserver named deepAntigen (http://yishi.sjtu.edu.cn/deepAntigen) that implements the DNN-GFS as well as other machine learning methods. We believe that this work provides a new perspective toward more accurate neoantigen prediction which eventually contribute to personalized cancer immunotherapy. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Data and implementation are available on webserver: http://yishi.sjtu.edu.cn/deepAntigen. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Centre for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zehua Guo
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.,Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xianbin Su
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Centre for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Luming Meng
- College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Mingxuan Zhang
- Department of Mathematics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0112, USA
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of General Surgery & Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of General Surgery & Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Minhua Zheng
- Department of General Surgery & Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xueyin Shang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Centre for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xin Zou
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Centre for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wangqiu Cheng
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yaoliang Yu
- David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Yujia Cai
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Centre for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chaoyi Zhang
- School of Computer Science, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia
| | - Weidong Cai
- School of Computer Science, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, 2008, Australia
| | - Lin-Tai Da
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Centre for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guang He
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ze-Guang Han
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Centre for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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44
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Hyun YS, Jo HA, Lee YH, Kim SM, Baek IC, Sohn HJ, Cho HI, Kim TG. Comprehensive Analysis of CD4 + T Cell Responses to CMV pp65 Antigen Restricted by Single HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP Allotype Within an Individual. Front Immunol 2021; 11:602014. [PMID: 33658991 PMCID: PMC7917246 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.602014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Within an individual, six different HLA class II heterodimers are expressed co-dominantly by two alleles of HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP loci. However, it remained unclear which HLA allotypes were used in T cell responses to a given antigen. For the measurement of the CD4+ T cell responses restricted by a single HLA allotype, we established a panel of artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) expressing each single HLA allele of 20 HLA-DRB1, 16 HLA-DQ, and 13 HLA-DP alleles. CD4+ T cell responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp65 restricted by single HLA class II allotype defined in 45 healthy donors. The average magnitude of CD4+ T cell responses by HLA-DR allotypes was higher than HLA-DQ and HLA-DP allotypes. CD4+ T cell responses by DRA*01:01/DRB1*04:06, DQA1*01:02/DQB1*06:02, DPA1*02:02/DPB1*05:01 were higher among the other alleles in each HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP locus. Interestingly, the frequencies of HLA-DR alleles and the positivity of specific allotypes showed an inverse correlation. One allotype within individuals is dominantly used in CD4+ T cell response in 49% of donors, and two allotypes showed that in 7% of donors, and any positive response was detected in 44% of donors. Even if one individual had several dominant alleles, CD4+ T cell responses tended to be restricted by only one of them. Furthermore, CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses by HLA class I and class II were correlated. Our results demonstrate that the CD4+ T cell preferentially use a few dominant HLA class II allotypes within individuals, similar to CD8+ T cell response to CMV pp65.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Seok Hyun
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeong-A Jo
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong-Hun Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun-Mi Kim
- Catholic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - In-Cheol Baek
- Catholic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Sohn
- Translational and Clinical Division, ViGenCell Inc., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Il Cho
- Translational and Clinical Division, ViGenCell Inc., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tai-Gyu Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Catholic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
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45
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Szeto C, Chatzileontiadou DS, Nguyen AT, Sloane H, Lobos CA, Jayasinghe D, Halim H, Smith C, Riboldi-Tunnicliffe A, Grant EJ, Gras S. The presentation of SARS-CoV-2 peptides by the common HLA-A ∗02:01 molecule. iScience 2021; 24:102096. [PMID: 33521593 PMCID: PMC7825995 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are crucial for anti-viral immunity; however, understanding T cell responses requires the identification of epitopes presented by human leukocyte antigens (HLA). To date, few SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cell epitopes have been described. Internal viral proteins are typically more conserved than surface proteins and are often the target of CD8+ T cells. Therefore, we have characterized eight peptides derived from the internal SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein predicted to bind HLA-A∗02:01, the most common HLA molecule in the global population. We determined not all peptides could form a complex with HLA-A∗02:01, and the six crystal structures determined revealed that some peptides adopted a mobile conformation. We therefore provide a molecular understanding of SARS-CoV-2 CD8+ T cell epitopes. Furthermore, we show that there is limited pre-existing CD8+ T cell response toward these epitopes in unexposed individuals. Together, these data show that SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid might not contain potent epitopes restricted to HLA-A∗02:01. HLA-A∗02:01 individuals have limited pre-existing immunity to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid High-resolution crystal structures of HLA-A∗02:01 presenting SARS-CoV-2 peptides Structural analysis of pHLA shows stability influences peptide immunogenicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Szeto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Demetra S.M. Chatzileontiadou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Andrea T. Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Hannah Sloane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Christian A. Lobos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Dhilshan Jayasinghe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Hanim Halim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Corey Smith
- QIMR Centre for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Development and Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | | | - Emma J. Grant
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Corresponding author
| | - Stephanie Gras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Corresponding author
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46
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Borrman T, Pierce BG, Vreven T, Baker BM, Weng Z. High-throughput modeling and scoring of TCR-pMHC complexes to predict cross-reactive peptides. Bioinformatics 2020; 36:5377-5385. [PMID: 33355667 PMCID: PMC8016493 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa1050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION The binding of T cell receptors (TCRs) to their target peptide MHC (pMHC) ligands initializes the cell-mediated immune response. In autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, the TCR erroneously recognizes self-peptides as foreign and activates an immune response against healthy cells. Such responses can be triggered by cross-recognition of the autoreactive TCR with foreign peptides. Hence, it would be desirable to identify such foreign-antigen triggers to provide a mechanistic understanding of autoimmune diseases. However, the large sequence space of foreign antigens presents an obstacle in the identification of cross-reactive peptides. RESULTS Here, we present an in silico modeling and scoring method which exploits the structural properties of TCR-pMHC complexes to predict the binding of cross-reactive peptides. We analyzed three mouse TCRs and one human TCR isolated from a patient with multiple sclerosis. Cross-reactive peptides for these TCRs were previously identified via yeast display coupled with deep sequencing, providing a robust dataset for evaluating our method. Modeling query peptides in their associated TCR-pMHC crystal structures, our method accurately selected the top binding peptides from sets containing more than a hundred thousand unique peptides. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Analyses were performed using custom Python and R scripts available at https://github.com/tborrman/antigen-predict. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Borrman
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Brian G Pierce
- University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Thom Vreven
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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47
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TCR Recognition of Peptide-MHC-I: Rule Makers and Breakers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010068. [PMID: 33374673 PMCID: PMC7793522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells are a critical part of the adaptive immune system that are able to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy cells. Upon recognition of protein fragments (peptides), activated T cells will contribute to the immune response and help clear infection. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, or human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in humans, bind these peptides to present them to T cells that recognise them with their surface T cell receptors (TCR). This recognition event is the first step that leads to T cell activation, and in turn can dictate disease outcomes. The visualisation of TCR interaction with pMHC using structural biology has been crucial in understanding this key event, unravelling the parameters that drive this interaction and their impact on the immune response. The last five years has been the most productive within the field, wherein half of current unique TCR-pMHC-I structures to date were determined within this time. Here, we review the new insights learned from these recent TCR-pMHC-I structures and their impact on T cell activation.
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48
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Lee CH, Salio M, Napolitani G, Ogg G, Simmons A, Koohy H. Predicting Cross-Reactivity and Antigen Specificity of T Cell Receptors. Front Immunol 2020; 11:565096. [PMID: 33193332 PMCID: PMC7642207 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.565096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immune recognition is mediated by specific interactions between heterodimeric T cell receptors (TCRs) and their cognate peptide-MHC (pMHC) ligands, and the methods to accurately predict TCR:pMHC interaction would have profound clinical, therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications. Herein, we review recent developments in predicting cross-reactivity and antigen specificity of TCR recognition. We discuss current experimental and computational approaches to investigate cross-reactivity and antigen-specificity of TCRs and highlight how integrating kinetic, biophysical and structural features may offer valuable insights in modeling immunogenicity. We further underscore the close inter-relationship of these two interconnected notions and the need to investigate each in the light of the other for a better understanding of T cell responsiveness for the effective clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe H. Lee
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC WIMM Centre for Computational Biology, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mariolina Salio
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgio Napolitani
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Ogg
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Simmons
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hashem Koohy
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- MRC WIMM Centre for Computational Biology, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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49
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Singh NK, Alonso JA, Harris DT, Anderson SD, Ma J, Hellman LM, Rosenberg AM, Kolawole EM, Evavold BD, Kranz DM, Baker BM. An Engineered T Cell Receptor Variant Realizes the Limits of Functional Binding Modes. Biochemistry 2020; 59:4163-4175. [PMID: 33074657 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
T cell receptors (TCRs) orchestrate cellular immunity by recognizing peptides presented by a range of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. Naturally occurring TCRs bind the composite peptide/MHC surface, recognizing peptides that are structurally and chemically compatible with the TCR binding site. Here we describe a molecularly evolved TCR variant that binds the human class I MHC protein HLA-A2 independent of the bound peptide, achieved by a drastic perturbation of the TCR binding geometry that places the molecule far from the peptide binding groove. This unique geometry is unsupportive of normal T cell signaling. A substantial divergence between affinity measurements in solution and in two dimensions between proximal cell membranes leads us to attribute the lack of signaling to steric hindrance that limits binding in the confines of a cell-cell interface. Our results provide an example of how receptor binding geometry can impact T cell function and provide further support for the view that germline-encoded residues in TCR binding loops evolved to drive productive TCR recognition and signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant K Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Jesus A Alonso
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Daniel T Harris
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Scott D Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Jiaqi Ma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Lance M Hellman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Aaron M Rosenberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Elizabeth M Kolawole
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Brian D Evavold
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - David M Kranz
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
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50
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Assmus LM, Guan J, Wu T, Farenc C, Sng XYX, Zareie P, Nguyen A, Nguyen AT, Tscharke DC, Thomas PG, Rossjohn J, Gras S, Croft NP, Purcell AW, La Gruta NL. Overlapping Peptides Elicit Distinct CD8 + T Cell Responses following Influenza A Virus Infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:1731-1742. [PMID: 32868409 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The presentation of pathogen-derived peptides on MHC class I molecules is essential for the initiation of adaptive CD8+ T cell immunity, which in turn is critical for effective control of many significant human infections. The identification of immunogenic pathogen-derived epitopes and a detailed understanding of how they are recognized by TCRs is essential for the design of effective T cell-based vaccines. In this study, we have characterized the T cell recognition and immune responses in mice to two naturally presented influenza A virus-derived peptides previously identified from virally infected cells via mass spectrometry. These neuraminidase-derived peptides, NA181-190 (SGPDNGAVAV) and NA181-191 (SGPDNGAVAVL), are completely overlapping with the exception of a 1 aa extension at the C terminus of the longer peptide. This minor peptidic difference results in the induction of two completely independent and non-cross-reactive T cell populations that show distinct functional characteristics after influenza A virus infection of B6 mice. We show that the unique TCR reactivity to the overlapping peptides is present in the naive repertoire prior to immune expansion in B6 mice. Moreover, we provide a structural explanation underlying the distinct CD8+ T cell reactivities, which reinforces the concept that peptide length is a key determinant of Ag specificity in CD8+ T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Assmus
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jing Guan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Ting Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Carine Farenc
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Xavier Y X Sng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Pirooz Zareie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Angela Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Andrea T Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - David C Tscharke
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Paul G Thomas
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and.,Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Gras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Nathan P Croft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia;
| | - Anthony W Purcell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia;
| | - Nicole L La Gruta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia;
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