Transcriptome dynamics of CD4+ T cells during malaria maps gradual transit from effector to memory

Regulation of memory CD4+ T-cell generation by intrinsic and extrinsic IL-27 signaling during malaria infection

The generation and maintenance of memory T cells are regulated by various factors, including cytokines. Previous studies have shown that IL-27 is produced during the early acute phase of Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS (Pcc) infection and inhibits the development of Th1-type memory CD4+ T cells. However, whether IL-27 acts directly on its receptor on Plasmodium-specific CD4+ T cells or indirectly via its receptor on other immune cells remains unclear. We aimed to determine the role of IL-27 receptor signaling in different immune cell types in regulating the generation and phenotype of memory CD4+ T cells during Plasmodium infection. We utilized Plasmodium-specific T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) transgenic mice, PbT-II, and Il27rα-/- mice to assess the direct and indirect effects of IL-27 signaling on memory CD4+ T-cell generation. Mice were transferred with PbT-II or Il27rα-/- PbT-II cells and infected with Pcc. Conditional knockout mice lacking the IL-27 receptor in T cells or dendritic cells were employed to discern the specific immune cell types involved in IL-27 receptor signaling. High levels of memory in PbT-II cells with Th1-shift occurred only when both PbT-II and host cells lacked the IL-27 receptor, suggesting the predominant inhibitory role of IL-27 signaling in both cell types. Furthermore, IL-27 receptor signaling in T cells limited the number of memory CD4+ T cells, while signaling in both T and dendritic cells contributed to the Th1 dominance of memory CD4+ T cells. These findings underscore the complex cytokine signaling network regulating memory CD4+ T cells during Plasmodium infection.

Immune gene expression changes more during a malaria transmission season than between consecutive seasons

Plasmodium parasites, the causative organism of malaria, caused over 600,000 deaths in 2022. In Mali, Plasmodium falciparum causes the majority of malaria cases and deaths and is transmitted seasonally. Anti-malarial immunity develops slowly over repeated exposures to P. falciparum and some aspects of this immunity (e.g., antibody titers) wane during the non-transmission, dry season. Here, we sequenced RNA from 33 pediatric blood samples collected during P. falciparum infections at the beginning or end of a transmission season, and characterized the host and parasite gene expression profiles for paired, consecutive infections. We found that human gene expression changes more over the course of one transmission season than between seasons, with signatures of partial development of an adaptive immune response during one transmission season and stability in gene expression during the dry season. Additionally, we found that P. falciparum gene expression did not vary with timing during the season and remained stable both across and between seasons, despite varying human immune pressures. Our results provide insights into the dynamics of anti-malarial immune response development over short time frames that could be exploited by future vaccine and prevention efforts.

IMPORTANCE

Our work seeks to understand how the immune response to Plasmodium falciparum malaria changes between infections that occur during low and high malaria transmission seasons, and highlights that immune gene expression changes more during the high transmission season. This provides important insight into the dynamics of the anti-malarial immune response that are important to characterize over these short time frames to better understand how to exploit this immune response with future vaccine efforts.

Maf expression in B cells restricts reactive plasmablast and germinal center B cell expansion

Precise regulation of B cell differentiation is essential for an effective adaptive immune response. Here, we show that B cell development in mice with B cell-specific Maf deletion is unaffected, but marginal zone B cells, germinal centre B cells, and plasmablasts are significantly more frequent in the spleen of naive Maf-deficient mice compared to wild type controls. In the context of a T cell-dependent immunization, Maf deletion causes increased proliferation of germinal centre B cells and extrafollicular plasmablasts. This is accompanied by higher production of antigen-specific IgG1 antibodies with minimal modification of early memory B cells, but a reduction in plasma cell numbers. Single-cell RNA sequencing shows upregulation of genes associated with DNA replication and cell cycle progression, confirming the role of Maf in cell proliferation. Subsequent pathway analysis reveals that Maf influences cellular metabolism, transporter activity, and mitochondrial proteins, which have been implicated in controlling the germinal centre reaction. In summary, our findings demonstrate that Maf acts intrinsically in B cells as a negative regulator of late B cell differentiation, plasmablast proliferation and germinal centre B cell formation.

The impact of Plasmodium-driven immunoregulatory networks on immunity to malaria

Malaria, caused by infection with Plasmodium parasites, drives multiple regulatory responses across the immune landscape. These regulatory responses help to protect against inflammatory disease but may in some situations hamper the acquisition of adaptive immune responses that clear parasites. In addition, the regulatory responses that occur during Plasmodium infection may negatively affect malaria vaccine efficacy in the most at-risk populations. Here, we discuss the specific cellular mechanisms of immunoregulatory networks that develop during malaria, with a focus on knowledge gained from human studies and studies that involve the main malaria parasite to affect humans, Plasmodium falciparum. Leveraging this knowledge may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches to increase protective immunity to malaria during infection or after vaccination.

γδ T cell-mediated activation of cDC1 orchestrates CD4+ Th1 cell priming in malaria

γδ T cells facilitate the CD4+ T helper 1 (Th1) cell response against Plasmodium infection by activating conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Our study revealed that γδ T cells promote the complete maturation and production of interleukin-12 and CXCR3-ligands specifically in type 1 cDCs (cDC1), with minimal impact on cDC2 and monocyte derived DCs (Mo-DCs). During the initial infection phase, γδ T cell activation and temporal accumulation in the splenic white pulp, alongside cDC1, occur via CCR7-signaling. Furthermore, cDC1/γδ T cell interactions in the white pulp are amplified through CXCR3 signaling in γδ T cells, optimizing Th1 cell priming by cDC1. We also demonstrated how transitional Th1 cells arise in the white pulp before establishing their presence in the red pulp as fully differentiated Th1 cells. Additionally, we elucidate the reciprocal activation between γδ T cells and cDC1s. These findings suggest that Th1 cell priming is orchestrated by this reciprocal activation in the splenic white pulp during the early phase of blood-stage Plasmodium infection.

CD4+ T cells display a spectrum of recall dynamics during re-infection with malaria parasites

Children in malaria-endemic regions can experience repeated Plasmodium infections over short periods of time. Effects of re-infection on multiple co-existing CD4+ T cell subsets remain unresolved. Here, we examine antigen-experienced CD4+ T cells during re-infection in mice, using scRNA-seq/TCR-seq and spatial transcriptomics. TCR transgenic TEM cells initiate rapid Th1/Tr1 recall responses prior to proliferating, while GC Tfh counterparts are refractory, with TCM/Tfh-like cells exhibiting modest non-proliferative responses. Th1-recall is a partial facsimile of primary Th1-responses, with no upregulated effector-associated genes being unique to recall. Polyclonal, TCR-diverse, CD4+ T cells exhibit similar recall dynamics, with individual clones giving rise to multiple effectors including highly proliferative Th1/Tr1 cells, as well as GC Tfh and Tfh-like cells lacking proliferative capacity. Thus, we show substantial diversity in recall responses mounted by multiple co-existing CD4+ T cell subsets in the spleen, and present graphical user interfaces for studying gene expression dynamics and clonal relationships during re-infection.

Plasmodium infection induces phenotypic, clonal, and spatial diversity among differentiating CD4+ T cells

Naive CD4+ T cells must differentiate in order to orchestrate immunity to Plasmodium, yet understanding of their emerging phenotypes, clonality, spatial distributions, and cellular interactions remains incomplete. Here, we observe that splenic polyclonal CD4+ T cells differentiate toward T helper 1 (Th1) and T follicular helper (Tfh)-like states and exhibit rarer phenotypes not elicited among T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic counterparts. TCR clones present at higher frequencies exhibit Th1 skewing, suggesting that variation in major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) interaction influences proliferation and Th1 differentiation. To characterize CD4+ T cell interactions, we map splenic microarchitecture, cellular locations, and molecular interactions using spatial transcriptomics at near single-cell resolution. Tfh-like cells co-locate with stromal cells in B cell follicles, while Th1 cells in red pulp co-locate with activated monocytes expressing multiple chemokines and MHC-II. Spatial mapping of individual transcriptomes suggests that proximity to chemokine-expressing monocytes correlates with stronger effector phenotypes in Th1 cells. Finally, CRISPR-Cas9 gene disruption reveals a role for CCR5 in promoting clonal expansion and Th1 differentiation. A database of cellular locations and interactions is presented: https://haquelab.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/spatial_gui/.

Gene expression analyses reveal differences in children's response to malaria according to their age

In Bandiagara, Mali, children experience on average two clinical malaria episodes per year. However, even in the same transmission area, the number of uncomplicated symptomatic infections, and their parasitemia, can vary dramatically among children. We simultaneously characterize host and parasite gene expression profiles from 136 Malian children with symptomatic falciparum malaria and examine differences in the relative proportion of immune cells and parasite stages, as well as in gene expression, associated with infection and or patient characteristics. Parasitemia explains much of the variation in host and parasite gene expression, and infections with higher parasitemia display proportionally more neutrophils and fewer T cells, suggesting parasitemia-dependent neutrophil recruitment and/or T cell extravasation to secondary lymphoid organs. The child's age also strongly correlates with variations in gene expression: Plasmodium falciparum genes associated with age suggest that older children carry more male gametocytes, while variations in host gene expression indicate a stronger innate response in younger children and stronger adaptive response in older children. These analyses highlight the variability in host responses and parasite regulation during P. falciparum symptomatic infections and emphasize the importance of considering the children's age when studying and treating malaria infections.

A time-resolved meta-analysis of consensus gene expression profiles during human T-cell activation

BACKGROUND

The coordinated transcriptional regulation of activated T-cells is based on a complex dynamic behavior of signaling networks. Given an external stimulus, T-cell gene expression is characterized by impulse and sustained patterns over the course. Here, we analyze the temporal pattern of activation across different T-cell populations to develop consensus gene signatures for T-cell activation.

RESULTS

Here, we identify and verify general biomarker signatures robustly evaluating T-cell activation in a time-resolved manner. We identify time-resolved gene expression profiles comprising 521 genes of up to 10 disjunct time points during activation and different polarization conditions. The gene signatures include central transcriptional regulators of T-cell activation, representing successive waves as well as sustained patterns of induction. They cover sustained repressed, intermediate, and late response expression rates across multiple T-cell populations, thus defining consensus biomarker signatures for T-cell activation. In addition, intermediate and late response activation signatures in CAR T-cell infusion products are correlated to immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to describe temporally resolved gene expression patterns across T-cell populations. These biomarker signatures are a valuable source, e.g., monitoring transcriptional changes during T-cell activation with a reasonable number of genes, annotating T-cell states in single-cell transcriptome studies, or assessing dysregulated functions of human T-cell immunity.

IL-27 produced during acute malaria infection regulates Plasmodium-specific memory CD4+ T cells

Malaria infection elicits both protective and pathogenic immune responses, and IL-27 is a critical cytokine that regulate effector responses during infection. Here, we identified a critical window of CD4+ T cell responses that is targeted by IL-27. Neutralization of IL-27 during acute infection with Plasmodium chabaudi expanded specific CD4+ T cells, which were maintained at high levels thereafter. In the chronic phase, Plasmodium-specific CD4+ T cells in IL-27-neutralized mice consisted mainly of CD127+ KLRG1- and CD127- KLRG1+ subpopulations that displayed distinct cytokine production, proliferative capacity, and are maintained in a manner independent of active infection. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed that these CD4+ T cell subsets formed independent clusters that express unique Th1-type genes. These IL-27-neutralized mice exhibited enhanced cellular and humoral immune responses and protection. These findings demonstrate that IL-27, which is produced during the acute phase of malaria infection, inhibits the development of unique Th1 memory precursor CD4+ T cells, suggesting potential implications for the development of vaccines and other strategic interventions.

Cytolytic circumsporozoite-specific memory CD4+ T cell clones are expanded during Plasmodium falciparum infection

Clinical immunity against Plasmodium falciparum infection develops in residents of malaria endemic regions, manifesting in reduced clinical symptoms during infection and in protection against severe disease but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we compare the cellular and humoral immune response of clinically immune (0-1 episode over 18 months) and susceptible (at least 3 episodes) during a mild episode of Pf malaria infection in a malaria endemic region of Malawi, by analysing peripheral blood samples using high dimensional mass cytometry (CyTOF), spectral flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptomic analyses. In the clinically immune, we find increased proportions of circulating follicular helper T cells and classical monocytes, while the humoral immune response shows characteristic age-related differences in the protected. Presence of memory CD4+ T cell clones with a strong cytolytic ZEB2+ T helper 1 effector signature, sharing identical T cell receptor clonotypes and recognizing the Pf-derived circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antigen are found in the blood of the Pf-infected participants gaining protection. Moreover, in clinically protected participants, ZEB2+ memory CD4+ T cells express lower level of inhibitory and chemotactic receptors. We thus propose that clonally expanded ZEB2+ CSP-specific cytolytic memory CD4+ Th1 cells may contribute to clinical immunity against the sporozoite and liver-stage Pf malaria.

Gene expression analyses reveal differences in children's response to malaria according to their age

In Bandiagara, Mali, children experience on average two clinical malaria episodes per season. However, even in the same transmission area, the number of uncomplicated symptomatic infections, and their parasitemia, vary dramatically among children. To examine the factors contributing to these variations, we simultaneously characterized the host and parasite gene expression profiles from 136 children with symptomatic falciparum malaria and analyzed the expression of 9,205 human and 2,484 Plasmodium genes. We used gene expression deconvolution to estimate the relative proportion of immune cells and parasite stages in each sample and to adjust the differential gene expression analyses. Parasitemia explained much of the variation in both host and parasite gene expression and revealed that infections with higher parasitemia had more neutrophils and fewer T cells, suggesting parasitemia-dependent neutrophil recruitment and/or T cell extravasation to secondary lymphoid organs. The child's age was also strongly correlated with gene expression variations. Plasmodium falciparum genes associated with age suggested that older children carried more male gametocytes, while host genes associated with age indicated a stronger innate response (through TLR and NLR signaling) in younger children and stronger adaptive immunity (through TCR and BCR signaling) in older children. These analyses highlight the variability in host responses and parasite regulation during P. falciparum symptomatic infections and emphasize the importance of considering the children's age when studying and treating malaria infections.

Dual-scRNA-seq analysis reveals rare and uncommon parasitized cell populations in chronic L. donovani infection

Although phagocytic cells are documented targets of Leishmania parasites, it is unclear whether other cell types can be infected. Here, we use unbiased single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to simultaneously analyze host cell and Leishmania donovani transcriptomes to identify and annotate parasitized cells in spleen and bone marrow in chronically infected mice. Our dual-scRNA-seq methodology allows the detection of heterogeneous parasitized populations. In the spleen, monocytes and macrophages are the dominant parasitized cells, while megakaryocytes, basophils, and natural killer (NK) cells are found to be unexpectedly infected. In the bone marrow, the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) expressing phagocytic receptors FcγR and CD93 are the main parasitized cells. Additionally, we also detect parasitized cycling basal cells, eosinophils, and macrophages in chronically infected mice. Flow cytometric analysis confirms the presence of parasitized HSCs. Our unbiased dual-scRNA-seq method identifies rare, parasitized cells, potentially implicated in pathogenesis, persistence, and protective immunity, using a non-targeted approach.

Lineage origin and transcriptional control of autoantigen-specific T-regulatory type 1 cells

T Regulatory type-1 (TR1) cells represent an immunosuppressive T cell subset, discovered over 25 years ago, that produces high levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) but, unlike its FoxP3+ T regulatory (Treg) cell counterpart, does not express FoxP3 or CD25. Experimental evidence generated over the last few years has exposed a promising role for TR1 cells as targets of therapeutic intervention in immune-mediated diseases. The discovery of cell surface markers capable of distinguishing these cells from related T cell types and the application of next generation sequencing techniques to defining their transcriptional make-up have enabled a more accurate description of this T cell population. However, the developmental biology of TR1 cells has long remained elusive, in particular the identity of the cell type(s) giving rise to bona fide TR1 cells in vivo. Here, we review the fundamental phenotypic, transcriptional and functional properties of this T cell subset, and summarize recent lines of evidence shedding light into its ontogeny.

Malaria-specific Type 1 regulatory T cells are more abundant in first pregnancies and associated with placental malaria

BACKGROUND

Malaria in pregnancy (MIP) causes higher morbidity in primigravid compared to multigravid women; however, the correlates and mechanisms underlying this gravidity-dependent protection remain incompletely understood. We aimed to compare the cellular immune response between primigravid and multigravid women living in a malaria-endemic region and assess for correlates of protection against MIP.

METHODS

We characterised the second trimester cellular immune response among 203 primigravid and multigravid pregnant women enrolled in two clinical trials of chemoprevention in eastern Uganda, utilizing RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and functional assays. We compared responses across gravidity and determined associations with parasitaemia during pregnancy and placental malaria.

FINDINGS

Using whole blood RNA sequencing, no significant differentially expressed genes were identified between primigravid (n = 12) and multigravid (n = 11) women overall (log 2(FC) > 2, FDR < 0.1). However, primigravid (n = 49) women had higher percentages of malaria-specific, non-naïve CD4+ T cells that co-expressed IL-10 and IFNγ compared with multigravid (n = 85) women (p = 0.000023), and higher percentages of these CD4+ T cells were associated with greater risks of parasitaemia in pregnancy (Rs = 0.49, p = 0.001) and placental malaria (p = 0.0073). These IL-10 and IFNγ co-producing CD4+ T cells had a genomic signature of Tr1 cells, including expression of transcription factors cMAF and BATF and cell surface makers CTLA4 and LAG-3.

INTERPRETATION

Malaria-specific Tr1 cells were highly prevalent in primigravid Ugandan women, and their presence correlated with a higher risk of malaria in pregnancy. Understanding whether suppression of Tr1 cells plays a role in naturally acquired gravidity-dependent immunity may aid the development of new vaccines or treatments for MIP.

FUNDING

This work was funded by NIH (PO1 HD059454, U01 AI141308, U19 AI089674, U01 AI155325, U01 AI150741), the March of Dimes (Basil O'Connor award), and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP 1113682).

Systemic host inflammation induces stage-specific transcriptomic modification and slower maturation in malaria parasites

Maturation rates of malaria parasites within red blood cells (RBCs) can be influenced by host nutrient status and circadian rhythm; whether host inflammatory responses can also influence maturation remains less clear. Here, we observed that systemic host inflammation induced in mice by an innate immune stimulus, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or by ongoing acute Plasmodium infection, slowed the progression of a single cohort of parasites from one generation of RBC to the next. Importantly, plasma from LPS-conditioned or acutely infected mice directly inhibited parasite maturation during in vitro culture, which was not rescued by supplementation, suggesting the emergence of inhibitory factors in plasma. Metabolomic assessments confirmed substantial alterations to the plasma of LPS-conditioned and acutely infected mice, and identified a small number of candidate inhibitory metabolites. Finally, we confirmed rapid parasite responses to systemic host inflammation in vivo using parasite scRNA-seq, noting broad impairment in transcriptional activity and translational capacity specifically in trophozoites but not rings or schizonts. Thus, we provide evidence that systemic host inflammation rapidly triggered transcriptional alterations in circulating blood-stage Plasmodium trophozoites and predict candidate inhibitory metabolites in the plasma that may impair parasite maturation in vivo. IMPORTANCE Malaria parasites cyclically invade, multiply, and burst out of red blood cells. We found that a strong inflammatory response can cause changes to the composition of host plasma, which directly slows down parasite maturation. Thus, our work highlights a new mechanism that limits malaria parasite growth in the bloodstream.

IL-6 and IL-27 play both distinct and redundant roles in regulating CD4 T-cell responses during chronic viral infection

The IL-6 cytokine family signals through the common signal transduction molecule gp130 combined with a cytokine-specific receptor. Gp130 signaling on CD4 T cells is vital in controlling chronic infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13 (LCMV Cl13), but the precise role of individual members of the IL-6 cytokine family is not fully understood. Transcriptional analysis highlighted the importance of gp130 signaling in promoting key processes in CD4 T cells after LCMV Cl13 infection, particularly genes associated with T follicular helper (Tfh) cell differentiation and IL-21 production. Further, Il27r-/-Il6ra-/- mice failed to generate antibody or CD8 T-cell immunity and to control LCMV Cl13. Transcriptomics and phenotypic analyses of Il27r-/-Il6ra-/- Tfh cells revealed that IL-6R and IL-27R signaling was required to activate key pathways within CD4 T cells. IL-6 and IL-27 signaling has distinct and overlapping roles, with IL-6 regulating Tfh differentiation, IL-27 regulating CD4 T cell survival, and both redundantly promoting IL-21.

A T follicular helper cell origin for T regulatory type 1 cells

Chronic antigenic stimulation can trigger the differentiation of antigen-experienced CD4+ T cells into T regulatory type 1 (TR1) cells, a subset of interleukin-10-producing Treg cells that do not express FOXP3. The identities of the progenitor(s) and transcriptional regulators of this T-cell subset remain unclear. Here, we show that the peptide-major histocompatibility complex class II (pMHCII) monospecific immunoregulatory T-cell pools that arise in vivo in different genetic backgrounds in response to pMHCII-coated nanoparticles (pMHCII-NPs) are invariably comprised of oligoclonal subpools of T follicular helper (TFH) and TR1 cells with a nearly identical clonotypic composition but different functional properties and transcription factor expression profiles. Pseudotime analyses of scRNAseq data and multidimensional mass cytometry revealed progressive downregulation and upregulation of TFH and TR1 markers, respectively. Furthermore, pMHCII-NPs trigger cognate TR1 cell formation in TFH cell-transfused immunodeficient hosts, and T-cell-specific deletion of Bcl6 or Irf4 blunts both the TFH expansion and TR1 formation induced by pMHCII-NPs. In contrast, deletion of Prdm1 selectively abrogates the TFH-to-TR1 conversion. Bcl6 and Prdm1 are also necessary for anti-CD3 mAb-induced TR1 formation. Thus, TFH cells can differentiate into TR1 cells in vivo, and BLIMP1 is a gatekeeper of this cellular reprogramming event.

Toward a general model of CD4+ T cell subset specification and memory cell formation

In the past few decades, a number of transformative discoveries have been made regarding memory CD8+ T cell biology; meanwhile, the CD4+ T cell field has lagged behind this progress. This perspective focuses on CD4+ helper T (Th) cell subset specification and memory cell formation. Here, we argue that the sheer number of Th effector and memory cell subsets and a focus on their differences have been a barrier to a general model of CD4+ memory T cell formation that applies to all immune responses. We highlight a bifurcation model that relies on an IL-2 signal-dependent switch as an explanation for the balanced production of diverse Th memory cells that participate in cell-mediated or humoral immunity in most contexts.

P2RX7 signaling drives the differentiation of Th1 cells through metabolic reprogramming for aerobic glycolysis

Introduction

This study provides evidence of how Th1 cell metabolism is modulated by the purinergic receptor P2X7 (P2RX7), a cation cannel activated by high extracellular concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Methods

In vivo analysis was performed in the Plasmodium chabaudi model of malaria in view of the great relevance of this infectious disease for human health, as well as the availability of data concerning Th1/Tfh differentiation.

Results

We show that P2RX7 induces T-bet expression and aerobic glycolysis in splenic CD4+ T cells that respond to malaria, at a time prior to Th1/Tfh polarization. Cell-intrinsic P2RX7 signaling sustains the glycolytic pathway and causes bioenergetic mitochondrial stress in activated CD4+ T cells. We also show in vitro the phenotypic similarities of Th1-conditioned CD4+ T cells that do not express P2RX7 and those in which the glycolytic pathway is pharmacologically inhibited. In addition, in vitro ATP synthase blockade and the consequent inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, which drives cellular metabolism for aerobic glycolysis, is sufficient to promote rapid CD4+ T cell proliferation and polarization to the Th1 profile in the absence of P2RX7.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that P2RX7-mediated metabolic reprograming for aerobic glycolysis is a key event for Th1 differentiation and suggest that ATP synthase inhibition is a downstream effect of P2RX7 signaling that potentiates the Th1 response.

Erratum: Type 1 regulatory T cell-mediated tolerance in health and disease

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Identification of human progenitors of exhausted CD8+ T cells associated with elevated IFN-γ response in early phase of viral infection

T cell exhaustion is a hallmark of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and limits protective immunity in chronic viral infections and cancer. Limited knowledge exists of the initial viral and immune dynamics that characterise exhaustion in humans. We studied longitudinal blood samples from a unique cohort of individuals with primary infection using single-cell multi-omics to identify the functions and phenotypes of HCV-specific CD8⁺ T cells. Early elevated IFN-γ response against the transmitted virus is associated with the rate of immune escape, larger clonal expansion, and early onset of exhaustion. Irrespective of disease outcome, we find heterogeneous subsets of progenitors of exhaustion, based on the level of PD-1 expression and loss of AP-1 transcription factors. Intra-clonal analysis shows distinct trajectories with multiple fates and evolutionary plasticity of precursor cells. These findings challenge the current paradigm on the contribution of CD8⁺ T cells to HCV disease outcome and provide data for future studies on T cell differentiation in human infections.

Type 1 regulatory T cell-mediated tolerance in health and disease

Type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells, in addition to other regulatory cells, contribute to immunological tolerance to prevent autoimmunity and excessive inflammation. Tr1 cells arise in the periphery upon antigen stimulation in the presence of tolerogenic antigen presenting cells and secrete large amounts of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10. The protective role of Tr1 cells in autoimmune diseases and inflammatory bowel disease has been well established, and this led to the exploration of this population as a potential cell therapy. On the other hand, the role of Tr1 cells in infectious disease is not well characterized, thus raising concern that these tolerogenic cells may cause general immune suppression which would prevent pathogen clearance. In this review, we summarize current literature surrounding Tr1-mediated tolerance and its role in health and disease settings including autoimmunity, inflammatory bowel disease, and infectious diseases.

Evolution of antigen-specific follicular helper T cell transcription from effector function to memory

Understanding how follicular helper T cells (TFH) regulate the specialization, maturation, and differentiation of adaptive B cell immunity is crucial for developing durable high-affinity immune protection. Using indexed single-cell molecular strategies, we reveal a skewed intraclonal assortment of higher-affinity T cell receptors and the distinct molecular programming of the localized TFH compartment compared with emigrant conventional effector T_H cells. We find a temporal shift in B cell receptor class switch, which permits identification of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory modules of transcriptional programming that subspecialize TFH function before and during the germinal center (GC) reaction. Late collapse of this local primary GC reaction reveals a persistent post-GC TFH population that discloses a putative memory TFH program. These studies define subspecialized antigen-specific TFH transcriptional programs that progressively change with antibody class-specific evolution of high-affinity B cell immunity and a memory TFH transcriptional program that emerges upon local GC resolution.

Dissecting the dynamic transcriptional landscape of early T helper cell differentiation into Th1, Th2, and Th1/2 hybrid cells

Selective differentiation of CD4+ T helper (Th) cells into specialized subsets such as Th1 and Th2 cells is a key element of the adaptive immune system driving appropriate immune responses. Besides those canonical Th-cell lineages, hybrid phenotypes such as Th1/2 cells arise in vivo, and their generation could be reproduced in vitro. While master-regulator transcription factors like T-bet for Th1 and GATA-3 for Th2 cells drive and maintain differentiation into the canonical lineages, the transcriptional architecture of hybrid phenotypes is less well understood. In particular, it has remained unclear whether a hybrid phenotype implies a mixture of the effects of several canonical lineages for each gene, or rather a bimodal behavior across genes. Th-cell differentiation is a dynamic process in which the regulatory factors are modulated over time, but longitudinal studies of Th-cell differentiation are sparse. Here, we present a dynamic transcriptome analysis following Th-cell differentiation into Th1, Th2, and Th1/2 hybrid cells at 3-h time intervals in the first hours after stimulation. We identified an early bifurcation point in gene expression programs, and we found that only a minority of ~20% of Th cell-specific genes showed mixed effects from both Th1 and Th2 cells on Th1/2 hybrid cells. While most genes followed either Th1- or Th2-cell gene expression, another fraction of ~20% of genes followed a Th1 and Th2 cell-independent transcriptional program associated with the transcription factors STAT1 and STAT4. Overall, our results emphasize the key role of high-resolution longitudinal data for the characterization of cellular phenotypes.

Impact of single-cell RNA sequencing on understanding immune regulation

Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq), one of the most powerful technologies, can describe the transcriptomic heterogeneity of single cells and reveal previously unreported cell types or states in complex tissues. With the rapid development of scRNA‐seq, it has renewed our view of cellular heterogeneity and its significance for deeply understanding cell development and function. There are a large number of studies applying scRNA‐seq to investigate the heterogeneity of immune cells and disease pathogenesis, focusing on differences among every individual cell, which have provided novel inspiration for disease therapy and biological processes. In this review, we describe the development of scRNA‐seq and its application in immune‐related physiological states, regulatory mechanisms and diseases. In addition, we further discuss the opportunities and challenges of scRNA‐seq in immune regulation.

A CD4+ T cell reference map delineates subtype-specific adaptation during acute and chronic viral infections

CD4+ T cells are critical orchestrators of immune responses against a large variety of pathogens, including viruses. While multiple CD4+ T cell subtypes and their key transcriptional regulators have been identified, there is a lack of consistent definition for CD4+ T cell transcriptional states. In addition, the progressive changes affecting CD4+ T cell subtypes during and after immune responses remain poorly defined. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we characterized the diversity of CD4+ T cells responding to self-resolving and chronic viral infections in mice. We built a comprehensive map of virus-specific CD4+ T cells and their evolution over time, and identified six major cell states consistently observed in acute and chronic infections. During the course of acute infections, T cell composition progressively changed from effector to memory states, with subtype-specific gene modules and kinetics. Conversely, in persistent infections T cells acquired distinct, chronicity-associated programs. By single-cell T cell receptor (TCR) analysis, we characterized the clonal structure of virus-specific CD4+ T cells across individuals. Virus-specific CD4+ T cell responses were essentially private across individuals and most T cells differentiated into both Tfh and Th1 subtypes irrespective of their TCR. Finally, we showed that our CD4+ T cell map can be used as a reference to accurately interpret cell states in external single-cell datasets across tissues and disease models. Overall, this study describes a previously unappreciated level of adaptation of the transcriptional states of CD4+ T cells responding to viruses and provides a new computational resource for CD4+ T cell analysis.

Tfh-cell-derived interleukin 21 sustains effector CD8+ T cell responses during chronic viral infection

CD4+ T cell-derived interleukin 21 (IL-21) sustains CD8+ T cell responses during chronic viral infection, but the helper subset that confers this protection remains unclear. Here, we applied scRNA and ATAC-seq approaches to determine the heterogeneity of IL-21+CD4+ T cells during LCMV clone 13 infection. CD4+ T cells were comprised of three transcriptionally and epigenetically distinct populations: Cxcr6+ Th1 cells, Cxcr5+ Tfh cells, and a previously unrecognized Slamf6+ memory-like (Tml) subset. T cell differentiation was specifically redirected toward the Tml subset during chronic, but not acute, LCMV infection. Although this subset displayed an enhanced capacity to accumulate and some developmental plasticity, it remained largely quiescent, which may hinder its helper potential. Conversely, mixed bone marrow chimera experiments revealed that Tfh cell-derived IL-21 was critical to sustain CD8+ T cell responses and viral control. Thus, strategies that bolster IL-21+Tfh cell responses may prove effective in enhancing CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity.

Properties and Roles of γδT Cells in Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis NSM Infected C57BL/6 Mice

Background

Many kinds of immune cells are involved in malaria infection. γδT cells represent a special type of immune cell between natural and adaptive immune cells that play critical roles in anti-parasite infection.

Methods

In this study, malaria infection model was constructed. Distribution of γδT cells in various immune organs and dynamic changes of γδT cells in the spleens of C57BL/6 mice after infection were detected by flow cytometry. And activation status of γδT cells was detected by flow cytometry. Then γδT cells in naive and infected mice were sorted and performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Finally, γδTCR KO mice model was constructed and the effect of γδT cell depletion on mouse T and B cell immunity against Plasmodium infection was explored.

Results

Here, splenic γδT cells were found to increase significantly on day 14 after Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis NSM infection in C57BL/6 mice. Higher level of CD69, ICOS and PD-1, lower level of CD62L, and decreased IFN-γ producing after stimulation by PMA and ionomycin were found in γδT cells from infected mice, compared with naive mice. Moreover, 11 clusters were identified in γδT cells by scRNA-seq based t-SNE analysis. Cluster 4, 5, and 7 in γδT cells from infected mice were found the expression of numerous genes involved in immune response. In the same time, the GO enrichment analysis revealed that the marker genes in the infection group were involved in innate and adaptive immunity, pathway enrichment analysis identified the marker genes in the infected group shared many key signalling molecules with other cells or against pathogen infection. Furthermore, increased parasitaemia, decreased numbers of RBC and PLT, and increased numbers of WBC were found in the peripheral blood from γδTCR KO mice. Finally, lower IFN-γ and CD69 expressing CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, lower B cell percentage and numbers, and less CD69 expressing B cells were found in the spleen from γδTCR KO infected mice, and lower levels of IgG and IgM antibodies in the serum were also observed than WT mice.

Conclusions

Overall, this study demonstrates the diversity of γδT cells in the spleen of Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis NSM infected C57BL/6 mice at both the protein and RNA levels, and suggests that the expansion of γδT cells in cluster 4, 5 and 7 could promote both cellular and humoral immune responses.

Type I interferon production elicits differential CD4 + T-cell responses in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and P. chabaudi

Plasmodium parasites that infect humans are highly polymorphic, and induce various infections ranging from asymptomatic state to life-threatening diseases. However, how the differences between the parasites affect host immune responses during blood-stage infection remains largely unknown. We investigated the CD4 + T-cell immune responses in mice infected with P. berghei ANKA (PbA) or P. chabaudi chabaudi AS (Pcc) using PbT-II cells, which recognize a common epitope of these parasites. In the acute phase of infection, CD4 + T-cell responses in PbA-infected mice showed a lower involvement of Th1 cells and a lower proportion of Ly6C lo effector CD4 + T cells than those in Pcc-infected mice. Transcriptome analysis of PbT-II cells indicated that type I interferon (IFN)-regulated genes were expressed at higher levels in both Th1- and Tfh-type PbT-II cells from PbA-infected mice than those from Pcc-infected mice. Moreover, IFN-α levels were considerably higher in PbA-infected mice than in Pcc-infected mice. Inhibition of type I IFN signaling increased PbT-II and partially reversed the Th1 over Tfh bias of the PbT-II cells in both PbA- and Pcc-infected mice. In the memory phase, PbT-II cells in PbA-primed mice maintained higher numbers and exhibited better recall response to the antigen. However, recall responses were not significantly different between the infection groups after re-challenge with PbA, suggesting the effect of inflammatory environment by the infection. These observations suggest that the differences in Plasmodium-specific CD4 + T-cell responses between PbA- and Pcc-infected mice were associated with the difference in type I IFN production during the early phase of the infection.

Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Vaccines and Vaccine Adjuvants

Malaria-a parasite vector-borne disease-is a global health problem, and Plasmodium falciparum has proven to be the deadliest among Plasmodium spp., which causes malaria in humans. Symptoms of the disease range from mild fever and shivering to hemolytic anemia and neurological dysfunctions. The spread of drug resistance and the absence of effective vaccines has made malaria disease an ever-emerging problem. Although progress has been made in understanding the host response to the parasite, various aspects of its biology in its mammalian host are still unclear. In this context, there is a pressing demand for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies, including new drugs and novel adjuvanted vaccines that elicit protective immunity. The present article provides an overview of the current knowledge of anti-malarial immunity against P. falciparum and different options of vaccine candidates in development. A special emphasis has been made on the mechanism of action of clinically used vaccine adjuvants.

A plate-based single-cell ATAC-seq workflow for fast and robust profiling of chromatin accessibility

Profiling chromatin accessibility at the single-cell level provides critical information about cell type composition and cell-to-cell variation within a complex tissue. Emerging techniques for the interrogation of chromatin accessibility in individual cells allow investigation of the fundamental mechanisms that lead to the variability of different cells. This protocol describes a fast and robust method for single-cell chromatin accessibility profiling based on the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq). The method combines up-front bulk Tn5 tagging of chromatin with flow cytometry to isolate single nuclei or cells. Reagents required to generate sequencing libraries are added to the same well in the plate where cells are sorted. The protocol described here generates data of high complexity and excellent signal-to-noise ratio and can be combined with index sorting for in-depth characterization of cell types. The whole experimental procedure can be finished within 1 or 2 d with a throughput of hundreds to thousands of nuclei, and the data can be processed by the provided computational pipeline. The execution of the protocol only requires basic techniques and equipment in a molecular biology laboratory with flow cytometry support.

T-follicular helper cells in malaria infection and roles in antibody induction

Immunity to malaria is mediated by antibodies that block parasite replication to limit parasite burden and prevent disease. Cytophilic antibodies have been consistently shown to be associated with protection, and recent work has improved our understanding of the direct and Fc-mediated mechanisms of protective antibodies. Antibodies also have important roles in vaccine-mediated immunity. Antibody induction is driven by the specialized CD4⁺ T cells, T-follicular helper (Tfh) cells, which function within the germinal centre to drive B-cell activation and antibody induction. In humans, circulating Tfh cells can be identified in peripheral blood and are differentiated into subsets that appear to have pathogen/vaccination-specific roles in antibody induction. Tfh cell responses are essential for protective immunity from Plasmodium infection in murine models of malaria. Our understanding of the activation of Tfh cells during human malaria infection and the importance of different Tfh cell subsets in antibody development is still emerging. This review will discuss our current knowledge of Tfh cell activation and development in malaria, and the potential avenues and pitfalls of targeting Tfh cells to improve malaria vaccines.

Anti-malarial humoral immunity: the long and short of it

Humoral immunity is critical for limiting Plasmodium parasite infections and the severity of malaria. Naturally acquired immunity against malaria occurs inefficiently and protection is relatively short-lived. Here we review recent advances and explore emerging hypotheses regarding the molecular and cellular pathways that regulate Plasmodium parasite-specific B cell responses and durable anti-malarial humoral immunity.

A fresh look at the T helper subset dogma

Single-cell sequencing techniques enable the decades-old T helper subset dogma to be approached in an unsupervised manner, bringing nuances to the definition of known subsets, while simultaneously identifying interesting novel cell states.

Stable Epigenetic Programming of Effector and Central Memory CD4 T Cells Occurs Within 7 Days of Antigen Exposure In Vivo

T cell immunological memory is established within days of an infection, but little is known about the in vivo changes in gene regulatory networks accounting for their ability to respond more efficiently to secondary infections. To decipher the timing and nature of immunological memory we performed genome-wide analyses of epigenetic and transcriptional changes in a mouse model generating antigen-specific T cells. Epigenetic reprogramming for Th differentiation and memory T cell formation was already established by the peak of the T cell response after 7 days. The Th memory T cell program was associated with a gain of open chromatin regions, enriched for RUNX, ETS and T-bet motifs, which remained stable for 56 days. The epigenetic programs for both effector memory, associated with T-bet, and central memory, associated with TCF-1, were established in parallel. Memory T cell-specific regulatory elements were associated with greatly enhanced inducible Th1-biased responses during secondary exposures to antigen. Furthermore, memory T cells responded in vivo to re-exposure to antigen by rapidly reprograming the entire ETS factor gene regulatory network, by suppressing Ets1 and activating Etv6 expression. These data show that gene regulatory networks are epigenetically reprogrammed towards memory during infection, and undergo substantial changes upon re-stimulation.