1
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Wang C, Yuan F. A comprehensive comparison of DNA and RNA vaccines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 210:115340. [PMID: 38810703 PMCID: PMC11181159 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115340] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid technology has revolutionized vaccine development, enabling rapid design and production of RNA and DNA vaccines for prevention and treatment of diseases. The successful deployment of mRNA and plasmid DNA vaccines against COVID-19 has further validated the technology. At present, mRNA platform is prevailing due to its higher efficacy, while DNA platform is undergoing rapid evolution because it possesses unique advantages that can potentially overcome the problems associated with the mRNA platform. To help understand the recent performances of the two vaccine platforms and recognize their clinical potentials in the future, this review compares the advantages and drawbacks of mRNA and DNA vaccines that are currently known in the literature, in terms of development timeline, financial cost, ease of distribution, efficacy, safety, and regulatory approval of products. Additionally, the review discusses the ongoing clinical trials, strategies for improvement, and alternative designs of RNA and DNA platforms for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, United States
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, United States.
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2
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Zeyn Y, Hobernik D, Wilk U, Pöhmerer J, Hieber C, Medina-Montano C, Röhrig N, Strähle CF, Thoma-Kress AK, Wagner E, Bros M, Berger S. Transcriptional Targeting of Dendritic Cells Using an Optimized Human Fascin1 Gene Promoter. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16938. [PMID: 38069260 PMCID: PMC10706967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316938] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Deeper knowledge about the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer development and progression has resulted in new strategies such as gene-based cancer immunotherapy. Whereas some approaches focus on the expression of tumoricidal genes within the TME, DNA-based vaccines are intended to be expressed in antigen-presenting cells (e.g., dendritic cells, DCs) in secondary lymphoid organs, which in turn induce anti-tumor T cell responses. Besides effective delivery systems and the requirement of appropriate adjuvants, DNA vaccines themselves need to be optimized regarding efficacy and selectivity. In this work, the concept of DC-focused transcriptional targeting was tested by applying a plasmid encoding for the luciferase reporter gene under the control of a derivative of the human fascin1 gene promoter (pFscnLuc), comprising the proximal core promoter fused to the normally more distantly located DC enhancer region. DC-focused activity of this reporter construct was confirmed in cell culture in comparison to a standard reporter vector encoding for luciferase under the control of the strong ubiquitously active cytomegalovirus promoter and enhancer (pCMVLuc). Both plasmids were also compared upon intravenous administration in mice. The organ- and cell type-specific expression profile of pFscnLuc versus pCMVLuc demonstrated favorable activity especially in the spleen as a central immune organ and within the spleen in DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanira Zeyn
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Dominika Hobernik
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Ulrich Wilk
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (U.W.); (J.P.); (E.W.)
| | - Jana Pöhmerer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (U.W.); (J.P.); (E.W.)
| | - Christoph Hieber
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Carolina Medina-Montano
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Nadine Röhrig
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Caroline F. Strähle
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.F.S.); (A.K.T.-K.)
| | - Andrea K. Thoma-Kress
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.F.S.); (A.K.T.-K.)
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (U.W.); (J.P.); (E.W.)
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (U.W.); (J.P.); (E.W.)
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3
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Johnson AO, Fowler SB, Webster CI, Brown AJ, James DC. Bioinformatic Design of Dendritic Cell-Specific Synthetic Promoters. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1613-1626. [PMID: 35389220 PMCID: PMC9016764 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Next-generation DNA vectors for cancer
immunotherapies and vaccine
development require promoters eliciting predefined transcriptional
activities specific to target cell types, such as dendritic cells
(DCs), which underpin immune response. In this study, we describe
the de novo design of DC-specific synthetic promoters via in silico assembly of cis-transcription
factor response elements (TFREs) that harness the DC transcriptional
landscape. Using computational genome mining approaches, candidate
TFREs were identified within promoter sequences of highly expressed
DC-specific genes or those exhibiting an upregulated expression during
DC maturation. Individual TFREs were then screened in vitro in a target DC line and off-target cell lines derived from skeletal
muscle, fibroblast, epithelial, and endothelial cells using homotypic
(TFRE repeats in series) reporter constructs. Based on these data,
a library of heterotypic promoter assemblies varying in the TFRE composition,
copy number, and sequential arrangement was constructed and tested in vitro to identify DC-specific promoters. Analysis of
the transcriptional activity and specificity of these promoters unraveled
underlying design rules, primarily TFRE composition, which govern
the DC-specific synthetic promoter activity. Using these design rules,
a second library of exclusively DC-specific promoters exhibiting varied
transcriptional activities was generated. All DC-specific synthetic
promoter assemblies exhibited >5-fold activity in the target DC
line
relative to off-target cell lines, with transcriptional activities
ranging from 8 to 67% of the nonspecific human cytomegalovirus (hCMV-IE1)
promoter. We show that bioinformatic analysis of a mammalian cell
transcriptional landscape is an effective strategy for de
novo design of cell-type-specific synthetic promoters with
precisely controllable transcriptional activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abayomi O. Johnson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, U.K
- SynGenSys Limited, Freeths LLP, Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JE, U.K
| | - Susan B. Fowler
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB21 6GH, U.K
| | - Carl I. Webster
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB21 6GH, U.K
| | - Adam J. Brown
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, U.K
- SynGenSys Limited, Freeths LLP, Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JE, U.K
| | - David C. James
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, U.K
- SynGenSys Limited, Freeths LLP, Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JE, U.K
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Nasr SS, Lee S, Thiyagarajan D, Boese A, Loretz B, Lehr CM. Co-Delivery of mRNA and pDNA Using Thermally Stabilized Coacervate-Based Core-Shell Nanosystems. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1924. [PMID: 34834339 PMCID: PMC8619316 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-delivery of different species of protein-encoding polynucleotides, e.g., messenger RNA (mRNA) and plasmid DNA (pDNA), using the same nanocarrier is an interesting topic that remains scarcely researched in the field of nucleic acid delivery. The current study hence aims to explore the possibility of the simultaneous delivery of mRNA (mCherry) and pDNA (pAmCyan) using a single nanocarrier. The latter is based on gelatin type A, a biocompatible, and biodegradable biopolymer of broad pharmaceutical application. A core-shell nanostructure is designed with a thermally stabilized gelatin-pDNA coacervate in its center. Thermal stabilization enhances the core's colloidal stability and pDNA shielding effect against nucleases as confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis and gel electrophoresis, respectively. The stabilized, pDNA-loaded core is coated with the cationic peptide protamine sulfate to enable additional surface-loading with mRNA. The dual-loaded core-shell system transfects murine dendritic cell line DC2.4 with both fluorescent reporter mRNA and pDNA simultaneously, showing a transfection efficiency of 61.4 ± 21.6% for mRNA and 37.6 ± 19.45% for pDNA, 48 h post-treatment, whereas established commercial, experimental, and clinical transfection reagents fail. Hence, the unique co-transfectional capacity and the negligible cytotoxicity of the reported system may hold prospects for vaccination among other downstream applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Nasr
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (S.S.N.); (S.L.); (D.T.); (A.B.); (C.-M.L.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
| | - Sangeun Lee
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (S.S.N.); (S.L.); (D.T.); (A.B.); (C.-M.L.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Durairaj Thiyagarajan
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (S.S.N.); (S.L.); (D.T.); (A.B.); (C.-M.L.)
| | - Annette Boese
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (S.S.N.); (S.L.); (D.T.); (A.B.); (C.-M.L.)
| | - Brigitta Loretz
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (S.S.N.); (S.L.); (D.T.); (A.B.); (C.-M.L.)
| | - Claus-Michael Lehr
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (S.S.N.); (S.L.); (D.T.); (A.B.); (C.-M.L.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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5
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Shafaati M, Saidijam M, Soleimani M, Hazrati F, Mirzaei R, Amirheidari B, Tanzadehpanah H, Karampoor S, Kazemi S, Yavari B, Mahaki H, Safaei M, Rahbarizadeh F, Samadi P, Ahmadyousefi Y. A brief review on DNA vaccines in the era of COVID-19. Future Virol 2021; 17:10.2217/fvl-2021-0170. [PMID: 34858516 PMCID: PMC8629371 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This article provides a brief overview of DNA vaccines. First, the basic DNA vaccine design strategies are described, then specific issues related to the industrial production of DNA vaccines are discussed, including the production and purification of DNA products such as plasmid DNA, minicircle DNA, minimalistic, immunologically defined gene expression (MIDGE) and Doggybone™. The use of adjuvants to enhance the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines is then discussed. In addition, different delivery routes and several physical and chemical methods to increase the efficacy of DNA delivery into cells are explained. Recent preclinical and clinical trials of DNA vaccines for COVID-19 are then summarized. Lastly, the advantages and obstacles of DNA vaccines are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Shafaati
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Massoud Saidijam
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences & Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Meysam Soleimani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fereshte Hazrati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Mirzaei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Bagher Amirheidari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Extremophile and Productive Microorganisms Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Tanzadehpanah
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences & Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Sajad Karampoor
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Kazemi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Bahram Yavari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences & Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hanie Mahaki
- Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Safaei
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Samadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences & Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Yaghoub Ahmadyousefi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences & Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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6
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Wang Y, Song M, Liu M, Zhang G, Zhang X, Li MO, Ma X, Zhang JJ, Huang XY. Fascin inhibitor increases intratumoral dendritic cell activation and anti-cancer immunity. Cell Rep 2021; 35:108948. [PMID: 33826900 PMCID: PMC8050791 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fascin protein is the main actin-bundling protein in filopodia and invadopodia, which are critical for tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Small-molecule fascin inhibitors block tumor invasion and metastasis and increase the overall survival of tumor-bearing mice. Here, we report a finding that fascin blockade additionally reinvigorates anti-tumor immune response in syngeneic mouse models of various cancers. Fascin protein levels are increased in conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, fascin inhibitor NP-G2-044 increases the number of intratumoral-activated cDCs and enhances the antigen uptake by cDCs. Furthermore, together with PD-1 blocking antibody, NP-G2-044 markedly increases the number of activated CD8+ T cells in the otherwise anti-PD-1 refractory tumors. Reduction of fascin levels in cDCs, but not fascin gene knockout in tumor cells, mimics the anti-tumor immune effect of NP-G2-044. These data demonstrate that fascin inhibitor NP-G2-044 simultaneously limits tumor metastasis and reinvigorates anti-tumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mei Song
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ming Liu
- Program in Immunology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Guoan Zhang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xian Zhang
- Program in Immunology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ming O Li
- Program in Immunology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xiaojing Ma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Xin-Yun Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Hager S, Fittler FJ, Wagner E, Bros M. Nucleic Acid-Based Approaches for Tumor Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E2061. [PMID: 32917034 PMCID: PMC7564019 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the last decade, the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors proposed to boost the patients' anti-tumor immune response has proven the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches for tumor therapy. Furthermore, especially in the context of the development of biocompatible, cell type targeting nano-carriers, nucleic acid-based drugs aimed to initiate and to enhance anti-tumor responses have come of age. This review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the therapeutic use of nucleic acids for cancer treatment on various levels, comprising (i) mRNA and DNA-based vaccines to be expressed by antigen presenting cells evoking sustained anti-tumor T cell responses, (ii) molecular adjuvants, (iii) strategies to inhibit/reprogram tumor-induced regulatory immune cells e.g., by RNA interference (RNAi), (iv) genetically tailored T cells and natural killer cells to directly recognize tumor antigens, and (v) killing of tumor cells, and reprograming of constituents of the tumor microenvironment by gene transfer and RNAi. Aside from further improvements of individual nucleic acid-based drugs, the major perspective for successful cancer therapy will be combination treatments employing conventional regimens as well as immunotherapeutics like checkpoint inhibitors and nucleic acid-based drugs, each acting on several levels to adequately counter-act tumor immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hager
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | | | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
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Inhibition of antigen-specific immune responses by co-application of an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-encoding vector requires antigen transgene expression focused on dendritic cells. Amino Acids 2020; 52:411-424. [PMID: 32008091 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-020-02817-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that particle-mediated epidermal delivery (PMED) of plasmids encoding β-galactosidase (βGal) under control of the fascin-1 promoter (pFascin-βGal) yielded selective production of the protein in skin dendritic cells (DCs), and suppressed Th2 responses in a mouse model of type I allergy by inducing Th1/Tc1 cells. However, intranasal challenge of mice immunized with pFascin-βGal induced airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and neutrophilic inflammation in the lung. The tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) has been implicated in immune suppression and tolerance induction. Here we investigated the consequences of co-application of an IDO-encoding vector on the modulatory effect of DNA vaccination by PMED using pFascin-βGal in models of eosinophilic allergic and non-eosinophilic intrinsic airway inflammation. IDO-encoding plasmids and pFascin-βGal or pCMV-βGal were co-applied to abdominal skin of BALB/c mice without, before or after sensitization with βGal protein. Immune responses in the lung were analysed after intranasal provocation and airway reactivity was determined by whole body plethysmography. Co-application of pCMV-IDO with pFascin-βGal, but not pCMV-βGal inhibited the Th1/Tc1 immune response after PMED. Moreover, AHR in those mice was attenuated following intranasal challenge. Therapeutic vaccination of βGal-sensitized mice with pFascin-βGal plus pCMV-IDO slightly suppressed airway inflammation and AHR after provocation with βGal protein, while prophylactic vaccination was not effective. Altogether, our data suggest that only the combination of DC-restricted antigen and ubiquitous IDO expression attenuated asthma responses in mice, most probably by forming a tryptophan-depleted and kynurenine-enriched micromilieu known to affect neutrophils and T cells.
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Hobernik D, Bros M. DNA Vaccines-How Far From Clinical Use? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113605. [PMID: 30445702 PMCID: PMC6274812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Two decades ago successful transfection of antigen presenting cells (APC) in vivo was demonstrated which resulted in the induction of primary adaptive immune responses. Due to the good biocompatibility of plasmid DNA, their cost-efficient production and long shelf life, many researchers aimed to develop DNA vaccine-based immunotherapeutic strategies for treatment of infections and cancer, but also autoimmune diseases and allergies. This review aims to summarize our current knowledge on the course of action of DNA vaccines, and which factors are responsible for the poor immunogenicity in human so far. Important optimization steps that improve DNA transfection efficiency comprise the introduction of DNA-complexing nano-carriers aimed to prevent extracellular DNA degradation, enabling APC targeting, and enhanced endo/lysosomal escape of DNA. Attachment of virus-derived nuclear localization sequences facilitates nuclear entry of DNA. Improvements in DNA vaccine design include the use of APC-specific promotors for transcriptional targeting, the arrangement of multiple antigen sequences, the co-delivery of molecular adjuvants to prevent tolerance induction, and strategies to circumvent potential inhibitory effects of the vector backbone. Successful clinical use of DNA vaccines may require combined employment of all of these parameters, and combination treatment with additional drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Hobernik
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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Castor T, Yogev N, Blank T, Barwig C, Prinz M, Waisman A, Bros M, Reske-Kunz AB. Inhibition of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by tolerance-promoting DNA vaccination focused to dendritic cells. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191927. [PMID: 29408931 PMCID: PMC5800700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we analysed the effects of prophylactic biolistic DNA vaccination with plasmids encoding the encephalitogenic protein myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) on the severity of a subsequently MOGp35-55-induced EAE and on the underlying immune response. We compared the outcome of vaccination with MOG-encoding plasmids alone or in combination with vectors encoding the regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-ß1, respectively. MOG expression was restricted to skin dendritic cells (DCs) by the use of the DC-specific promoter of the fascin1 gene (pFscn-MOG). For comparison, the strong and ubiquitously active CMV promoter was employed (pCMV-MOG), which allows MOG expression in all transfected cells. Expression of IL-10 and TGF-ß1 was controlled by the CMV promoter to yield maximal synthesis (pCMV-IL10, pCMV-TGFß). Co-application of pFscn-MOG and pCMV-IL10 significantly ameliorated EAE pathology, while vaccination with pCMV-MOG plus pCMV-IL10 did not affect EAE outcome. In contrast, vaccination with either of the two MOG-encoding plasmids in combination with pCMV-TGFß significantly attenuated the clinical EAE symptoms. Mechanistically, we observed diminished infiltration of Th17 and Th1 cells as well as macrophages/DCs into the CNS, which correlated with decreased MOGp35-55-specific production of IL-17 and IFN-ϫ by spleen cells and reduced peptide-specific T cell proliferation. Our findings suggest deletion of or anergy induction in MOG-specific CD4+ T cells by the suppressive vaccination platform employed. MOG expression driven by the DC-specific fascin1 promoter yielded similar inhibitory effects on EAE progression as the ubiquitously active viral CMV promoter, when coapplying pCMV-TGFß. Our finding that pCMV-IL10 promoted tolerogenic effects only, when coapplied with pFscn-MOG, but not pCMV-MOG suggests that IL-10 affected only directly transfected DCs (pFscn-MOG), but not neighbouring DCs that engulfed MOG-containing vesicles derived from transfected keratinocytes (pCMV-MOG). Thus, due to its DC-restricted expression, the fascin1 promoter might be an interesting alternative to ubiquitously expressed promoters for vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Castor
- Department of Dermatology University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nir Yogev
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Blank
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christina Barwig
- Department of Dermatology University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ari Waisman
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
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11
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Bellinghausen I, Saloga J. Analysis of allergic immune responses in humanized mice. Cell Immunol 2016; 308:7-12. [PMID: 27493097 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, more than 25% of the population in industrial countries are affected by IgE-mediated (atopic) allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic eczema. Due to intensive research on basis of in vitro studies with human immune cells and different murine in vivo models of allergy fundamental mechanisms of allergic immune responses have been elucidated during the last years. However, human studies are restricted and the immune system of mice differs from the human immune system in several aspects so that the transferability of experimental results from mice to men is limited. Humanized mice represent a new tool to analyze the interaction of human immune cells under physiological conditions as far as possible, particularly to test novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the impact of humanized mouse models for the investigation and treatment of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Bellinghausen
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Joachim Saloga
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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12
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Knippertz I, Deinzer A, Dörrie J, Schaft N, Nettelbeck DM, Steinkasserer A. Transcriptional Targeting of Mature Dendritic Cells with Adenoviral Vectors via a Modular Promoter System for Antigen Expression and Functional Manipulation. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:6078473. [PMID: 27446966 PMCID: PMC4942663 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6078473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To specifically target dendritic cells (DCs) to simultaneously express different therapeutic transgenes for inducing immune responses against tumors, we used a combined promoter system of adenoviral vectors. We selected a 216 bp short Hsp70B' core promoter induced by a mutated, constitutively active heat shock factor (mHSF) 1 to drive strong gene expression of therapeutic transgenes MelanA, BclxL, and IL-12p70 in HeLa cells, as well as in mature DCs (mDCs). As this involves overexpressing mHSF1, we first evaluated the resulting effects on DCs regarding upregulation of heat shock proteins and maturation markers, toxicity, cytokine profile, and capacity to induce antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells. Second, we generated the two-vector-based "modular promoter" system, where one vector contains the mHSF1 under the control of the human CD83 promoter, which is specifically active only in DCs and after maturation. mHSF1, in turn, activates the Hsp70B' core promotor-driven expression of transgenes MelanA and IL-12p70 in the DC-like cell line XS52 and in human mature and hence immunogenic DCs, but not in tolerogenic immature DCs. These in vitro experiments provide the basis for an in vivo targeting of mature DCs for the expression of multiple transgenes. Therefore, this modular promoter system represents a promising tool for future DC-based immunotherapies in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilka Knippertz
- Department of Immune Modulation at the Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstrasse 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Deinzer
- Department of Immune Modulation at the Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstrasse 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstrasse 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstrasse 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dirk M. Nettelbeck
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Steinkasserer
- Department of Immune Modulation at the Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Hartmannstrasse 14, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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13
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Tappertzhofen K, Beck S, Montermann E, Huesmann D, Barz M, Koynov K, Bros M, Zentel R. Bioreducible Poly-l-Lysine-Poly[HPMA] Block Copolymers Obtained by RAFT-Polymerization as Efficient Polyplex-Transfection Reagents. Macromol Biosci 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201500212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Tappertzhofen
- Institute of Organic Chemistry; Johannes Gutenberg-University; Duesbergweg 10-14 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Simone Beck
- Institute of Organic Chemistry; Johannes Gutenberg-University; Duesbergweg 10-14 55128 Mainz Germany
- MAINZ Graduate School of Excellence (Materials Science in Mainz); Johannes Gutenberg-University; Staudingerweg 9 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Evelyn Montermann
- Department of Dermatology; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University; Langenbeckstrasse 1 55131 Mainz Germany
| | - David Huesmann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry; Johannes Gutenberg-University; Duesbergweg 10-14 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Matthias Barz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry; Johannes Gutenberg-University; Duesbergweg 10-14 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Kaloian Koynov
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research; Ackermannweg 10 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University; Langenbeckstrasse 1 55131 Mainz Germany
| | - Rudolf Zentel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry; Johannes Gutenberg-University; Duesbergweg 10-14 55128 Mainz Germany
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14
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Tappertzhofen K, Weiser F, Montermann E, Reske-Kunz A, Bros M, Zentel R. Poly-L-Lysine-Poly[HPMA] Block Copolymers Obtained by RAFT Polymerization as Polyplex-Transfection Reagents with Minimal Toxicity. Macromol Biosci 2015; 15:1159-73. [PMID: 25974845 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201500022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Herein we describe the synthesis of poly-L-lysine-b-poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-metha-crylamide)] (poly[HPMA]) block copolymers by combination of solid phase peptide synthesis or polymerization of α-amino acid-N-carboxy-anhydrides (NCA-polymerization) with the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). In the presence of p-DNA, these polymers form polyplex micelles with a size of 100-200 nm in diameter (monitored by SDS-PAGE and FCS). Primary in vitro studies with HEK-293T cells reveal their cellular uptake (FACS studies and CLSM) and proof successful transfection with efficiencies depending on the length of polylysine. Moreover, these polyplexes display minimal toxicity (MTT-assay and FACS-measurements) featuring a p[HPMA] corona for efficient extracellular shielding and the potential ligation with antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Tappertzhofen
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Franziska Weiser
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Evelyn Montermann
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Angelika Reske-Kunz
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Rudolf Zentel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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15
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Stein J, Maxeiner JH, Montermann E, Höhn Y, Raker V, Taube C, Sudowe S, Reske-Kunz AB. Non-eosinophilic airway hyper-reactivity in mice, induced by IFN-γ producing CD4(+) and CD8(+) lung T cells, is responsive to steroid treatment. Scand J Immunol 2015; 80:327-38. [PMID: 25124713 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Non-eosinophilic asthma is characterized by infiltration of neutrophils into the lung and variable responsiveness to glucocorticoids. The pathophysiological mechanisms have not been characterized in detail. Here, we present an experimental asthma model in mice associated with non-eosinophilic airway inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). For this, BALB/c mice were sensitized by biolistic DNA immunization with a plasmid encoding the model antigen β-galactosidase (pFascin-βGal mice). For comparison, eosinophilic airway inflammation was induced by subcutaneous injection of βGal protein (βGal mice). Intranasal challenge of mice in both groups induced AHR to a comparable extent as well as recruitment of inflammatory cells into the airways. In contrast to βGal mice, which exhibited extensive eosinophilic infiltration in the lung, goblet cell hyperplasia and polarization of CD4(+) T cells into Th2 and Th17 cells, pFascin-βGal mice showed considerable neutrophilia, but no goblet cell hyperplasia and a predominance of Th1 and Tc1 cells in the airways. Depletion studies in pFascin-βGal mice revealed that CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells cooperated to induce maximum inflammation, but that neutrophilic infiltration was not a prerequisite for AHR induction. Treatment of pFascin-βGal mice with dexamethasone before intranasal challenge did not affect neutrophilic infiltration, but significantly reduced AHR, infiltration of monocytes and lymphocytes as well as content of IFN-γ in the bronchoalveolar fluid. Our results suggest that non-eosinophilic asthma associated predominantly with Th1/Tc1 cells is susceptible to glucocorticoid treatment. pFascin-βGal mice might represent a mouse model to study pathophysiological mechanisms proceeding in the subgroup of asthmatics with non-eosinophilic asthma that respond to inhaled steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Stein
- Clinical Research Unit Allergology, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Raker V, Maxeiner J, Reske-Kunz AB, Sudowe S. Efficiency of biolistic DNA vaccination in experimental type I allergy. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 940:357-370. [PMID: 23104354 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-110-3_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Gene gun-mediated delivery of allergen-encoding plasmid DNA has been in focus for many years now as being a needle-free alternative to the protein-based desensitization regimen used in specific immunotherapy. Biolistic immunization with the Helios gene gun has proven to be potent in the induction of antigen-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Here we describe biolistic vaccination in experimental mouse models of IgE-mediated type I allergy as well as allergen-induced airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Raker
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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17
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Höhn Y, Sudowe S, Reske-Kunz AB. Dendritic cell-specific biolistic transfection using the fascin gene promoter. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 940:199-213. [PMID: 23104345 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-110-3_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The transcriptional targeting of gene expression to selected cells by cell type-specific promoters displays a fundamental tool in gene therapy. In immunotherapy, dendritic cells (DCs) are pivotal for the elicitation of antigen-specific immune responses following gene gun-mediated biolistic transfection. Here we report on transcriptional targeting of murine skin DCs using plasmids which include the promoter of the gene of the cytoskeletal protein fascin to control antigen production. Fascin, which is mandatory for the formation of dendrites, is synthesized among the hematopoietic cells exclusively by activated DCs. The activity of the promoter of the fascin gene reflects the endogenous production of the protein, being high in mature DCs but almost absent in immature DCs or other cutaneous cells. Here we describe the analysis of transgene-specific immune responses after DC-focused biolistic transfection. In conclusion, the murine fascin promoter can be readily used to target DCs in DNA immunization approaches and thus offers new opportunities for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Höhn
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, RWTH-Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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18
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Moulin V, Morgan ME, Eleveld-Trancikova D, Haanen JBAG, Wielders E, Looman MWG, Janssen RAJ, Figdor CG, Jansen BJH, Adema GJ. Targeting dendritic cells with antigen via dendritic cell-associated promoters. Cancer Gene Ther 2012; 19:303-11. [PMID: 22361816 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2012.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The induction of tumor-specific immune responses is largely dependent on the ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to present tumor-associated antigens to T lymphocytes. Therefore, we investigated the use of DC-associated promoter-driven genetic vaccines to specifically target DC in vivo. Restricted expression of vaccine-encoding genes in DC should enhance specificity and improves their safety for clinical applications. Hereto, 3-5 kb upstream sequences of the murine genes encoding CD11c, DC-SIGN, DC-STAMP and Langerin were isolated, characterized and subcloned into enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter constructs. Upon electroporation, EGFP was expressed in DC cell lines, but not in other cell lines, confirming DC-restricted promoter activity. When these promoters were cloned into a construct upstream of the gene for ovalbumin (OVA), it appeared that DC-STAMP promoter-driven expression of OVA (pDCSTAMP/OVA) in DC yielded the most efficient OVA-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in vitro. Administration of pDC-STAMP/OVA in vivo, using the tattoo gun vaccination system, evoked specific immune responses as evidenced in a mouse tumor model. Adoptively transferred pDC-STAMP/OVA-transfected DCs induced strong CD8+ T-cell proliferation in vivo. These experiments demonstrate that our DC-directed promoter constructs are potential tools to restrict antigen expression in DC and could be implemented to modulate DC function by the introduction of relevant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Moulin
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Ahsan MF, Gore MM. Comparison of immune response generated against Japanese encephalitis virus envelope protein expressed by DNA vaccines under macrophage associated versus ubiquitous expression promoters. Virol J 2011; 8:382. [PMID: 21806845 PMCID: PMC3161000 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the leading cause of viral encephalitis, with ~50,000 cases reported annually worldwide. Vaccination is the only measure for prevention. Recombinant vaccines are an efficient and safe alternative for formalin inactivated or live attenuated vaccines. Nowadays, incorporation of molecular adjuvants has been the main strategy for melioration of vaccines. Our attempt of immunomodulation is based on targeting antigen presenting cells (APC) "majorly macrophages" by using macrosialin promoter. We have compared the immune response of the constructed plasmids expressing JEV envelope (E) protein under the control of aforesaid promoter and cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promoter in mouse model. Protection of immunized mice from lethal challenge with JEV was also studied. Results The E protein was successfully expressed in the macrophage cell line and was detected using immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and Western blotting. APC expressing promoter showed comparable expression to CMV promoter. Immunization of mice with either of the plasmids exhibited induction of variable JEV neutralizing antibody titres and provided protection from challenge with a lethal dose of JEV. Immune splenocytes showed proliferative response after stimulation with the JEV antigen (Ag), however, it was higher for CMV promoter. The magnitude of immunity provided by APC dominant promoter was non-significantly lower in comparison to CMV promoter. More importantly, immune response directed by APC promoter was skewed towards Th1 type in comparison to CMV promoter, this was evaluated by cytokine secretion profile of immune splenocytes stimulated with JEV Ag. Conclusions Thus, our APC-expressing DNA vaccination approach induces comparable immunity in comparison to ubiquitous promoter construct. The predominant Th1 type immune responses provide opportunities to further test its potency suitable for response in antiviral or anticancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Feraz Ahsan
- National Institute of Virology, Pashan Campus, 130/1, Sus Road, Pashan, Pune, India
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20
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Ahsan MF, Gore MM. Comparative analysis of macrophage associated vectors for use in genetic vaccine. GENETIC VACCINES AND THERAPY 2011; 9:10. [PMID: 21682913 PMCID: PMC3146807 DOI: 10.1186/1479-0556-9-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 06/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Antigen presentation by non professional antigen presenting cells (APC) can lead to anergy. In genetic vaccines, targeting the macrophages and APC for efficient antigen presentation might lead to balanced immune response. One such approach is to incorporate APC specific promoter in the vector to be used. Methods Three promoters known to be active in macrophage were selected and cloned in mammalian expressing vector (pAcGFP1-N1) to reconstruct (pAcGFP-MS), (pAcGFP-EMR) and (pAcGFP-B5I) with macrosialin, EmrI and Beta-5 Integrin promoters respectively. As a positive control (pAcGFP-CMV) was used with CMV promoter and promoterless vector (pAcGFP-NIX) which served as a negative control. GFP gene was used as readout under the control of each of the promoter. The expression of GFP was analyzed on macrophage and non-macrophage cell lines using Flow cytometry and qRT-PCR with TaqMan probe chemistries. Results All the promoters in question were dominant to macrophage lineage cell lines as observed by fluorescence, Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR. The activity of macrosialin was significantly higher than other macrophage promoters. CMV promoter showed 1.83 times higher activity in macrophage cell lines. The expression of GFP driven by macrosialin promoter after 24 hours was 4.40 times higher in macrophage derived cell lines in comparison with non macrophage cell lines. Conclusions Based on this study, macrosialin promoter can be utilized for targeting macrophage dominant expression. In vivo study needs to be carried out for its utility as a vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Feraz Ahsan
- National Institute of Virology, Pashan Campus, 130/1, Sus Road, Pashan, Pune, 411021, India.
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Bros M, Dexheimer N, Ross R, Trojandt S, Höhn Y, Tampe J, Sutter A, Jährling F, Grabbe S, Reske-Kunz AB. Differential gene expression analysis identifies murine Cacnb3 as strongly upregulated in distinct dendritic cell populations upon stimulation. Gene 2010; 472:18-27. [PMID: 21040760 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2010.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2010] [Revised: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Langerhans cells (LCs) represent the dendritic cell (DC) population in the epidermis. Among the set of genes induced in primary mouse LCs in response to stimulation, both isoforms of the voltage-dependent Ca²(+) channel (VDCC) regulatory subunit Cacnb3 as well as the DC maturation marker Fscn1 were upregulated most strongly. Comparable results were obtained for a recently described myeloid DC line (SP37A3). Other antigen presenting cell populations, namely, bone marrow-derived DCs, macrophages and primary B cells, showed no stimulation-associated upregulation of Cacnb3 expression. Pharmacological inhibition of Ca²(+) channel activity during the stimulation of SP37A3 cells enhanced their T cell stimulatory capacity, while selective inhibition of L-type VDCC had no effect. Both Cacnb3 isoforms, similar to Fscn1, required JNK and p38 kinase activity for stimulation-associated upregulation, and this process was inhibited by ERK and PI(3)K. The putative promoter region of Cacnb3 isoform 2, which we found to be less ubiquitously expressed than Cacnb3 isoform 1, exerted reporter activity in LC-like cell lines. Our findings suggest that Cacnb3 exerts its function in distinct activated DC populations. Further analysis of the regulatory region(s) facilitating stimulation-induced upregulation of Cacnb3 expression in these DC subsets will help to gain better insight into DC subset specific gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
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Fascin: a key regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2010; 42:1614-7. [PMID: 20601080 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2010.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2010] [Revised: 06/18/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fascin is a 55 kDa actin-bundling protein and is an important regulatory element in the maintenance and stability of parallel bundles of filamentous actin in a variety of cellular contexts. Regulation of fascin function is under the control of a number of different signalling pathways that act in concert to spatially regulate the actin-binding properties of this protein. The ability of fascin to bind and bundle actin plays a central role in the regulation of cell adhesion, migration and invasion. Fascin has received considerable attention recently as an emerging key prognostic marker of metastatic disease. Studies are now underway to better understand the precise regulation of this protein in the context of tumour progression and to investigate fascin as a potential therapeutic target for a number of forms of cancer.
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Besche V, Wiechmann N, Castor T, Trojandt S, Höhn Y, Kunkel H, Grez M, Grabbe S, Reske-Kunz AB, Bros M. Dendritic cells lentivirally engineered to overexpress interleukin-10 inhibit contact hypersensitivity responses, despite their partial activation induced by transduction-associated physical stress. J Gene Med 2010; 12:231-43. [PMID: 20140891 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dendritic cells (DCs) constitute an attractive target for immunotherapeutic approaches. Because DCs are largely refractory to transfection with plasmid DNA, several viral transduction protocols were established. The potential side-effects of lentiviral transduction on the phenotype and activation state of DCs left unstimulated after transduction have not been assessed. There is a need to analyse these parameters as a result of the requirement of using DCs with a low activation state for therapeutic strategies intended to induce tolerance. METHODS Lentivirally-transduced bone marrow (BM)-derived DCs (LV-DCs) in comparison with mock-transduced (Mock-DCs) and untreated DCs were analysed with regard to the induction of maturation processes on the RNA, protein and functional level. BM-DCs engineered to overexpress interleukin (IL)-10 were analysed for therapeutic potential in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis. RESULTS Compared with untreated DCs, Mock-DCs and LV-DCs displayed an altered gene expression signature. Mock-DCs induced a stronger T cell proliferative response than untreated DCs. LV-DCs did not further augment the T cell proliferative response, but induced a slightly different T cell cytokine pattern compared to Mock-DCs. Accordingly, the gene promoter of the DC maturation marker fascin mediated efficient expression of the model transgene IL-10 in unstimulated-transduced BM-DCs. Nevertheless, IL-10 overexpressing BM-DCs exerted tolerogenic activity and efficiently inhibited the contact hypersensitivity response in previously hapten-sensitized mice. CONCLUSIONS Lentiviral transduction of BM-DCs results in their partial activation. Nevertheless, the transduction of these DCs with a vector encoding the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10 rendered them tolerogenic. Thus, lentivirally-transduced DCs expressing immunomodulatory molecules represent a promising tool for induction of tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Besche
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Clinical Research Unit Allergology, Department of Dermatology, Mainz, Germany
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Ni J, Nolte B, Arnold A, Fournier P, Schirrmacher V. Targeting anti-tumor DNA vaccines to dendritic cells via a short CD11c promoter sequence. Vaccine 2009; 27:5480-7. [PMID: 19616491 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2009] [Revised: 04/03/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Laddy DJ, Weiner DB. From Plasmids to Protection: A Review of DNA Vaccines Against Infectious Diseases. Int Rev Immunol 2009; 25:99-123. [PMID: 16818367 DOI: 10.1080/08830180600785827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The field of DNA vaccine development began over 16 years ago with the observation that plasmid DNA could be injected into and expressed in vivo and drive adaptive immune responses. Since then, there has been great interest in developing this technology to create a new generation of vaccines with the ability to elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses from an inherently innocuous injection. However, DNA vaccines have yet to proceed past phase I/II clinical trials in humans--primarily due to a desire to induce more potent immune responses. This review will examine how DNA vaccines function to induce an immune response and how this information might be useful in future vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominick J Laddy
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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26
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Skin-specific promoters for genetic immunisation by DNA electroporation. Vaccine 2009; 27:4272-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Revised: 04/23/2009] [Accepted: 05/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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27
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Behnecke A, Li W, Chen L, Saxon A, Zhang K. IgE-mediated allergen gene vaccine platform targeting human antigen-presenting cells through the high-affinity IgE receptor. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009; 124:108-13. [PMID: 19423156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2008] [Revised: 03/06/2009] [Accepted: 03/06/2009] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of IgE-mediated food allergy with standard protein-based allergen immunotherapy has proved both unsuccessful and hazardous. Allergen gene vaccination represents a promising alternative, but difficulties in gene targeting and expression in antigen-presenting cells represent a major limitation for efficient gene vaccination. OBJECTIVE We sought to construct a genetically engineered human epsilon-polylysine (EPL) fusion protein that binds allergen gene expression systems and targets the gene vaccine complex to antigen-presenting cells through the interaction of EPL and the high-affinity receptor for IgE for efficient allergen gene vaccination. METHODS Genetic engineering was used to design and produce the EPL fusion gene, consisting of the human CHepsilon2-4 linked to 55 lysine residues, and the conventional approaches were used to characterize the biologic features of EPL. RESULTS EPL was assembled as functional dimers and capable of binding DNA plasmids in both an EPL protein and plasmid DNA concentration-dependent manner. EPL targeted plasmid DNA to the high-affinity receptor for IgE on cell surfaces and increased the model gene uptake/expression. The EPL-DNA complexes were shown not to trigger mast cell degranulation. CONCLUSION EPL is able to function as a gene carrier system to target allergen gene to the high-affinity receptor for IgE-expressing cells through ligand receptor-mediated interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Behnecke
- Hart and Louise Lyon Immunology Laboratory, Section of Clinical Immunology/Allergy, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Clinical Immunology/Allergy, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Fascin-1 promoter activity is regulated by CREB and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in human carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5130. [PMID: 19340314 PMCID: PMC2661145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 03/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that is absent from most normal epithelia yet is upregulated in multiple forms of human carcinoma, where its expression correlates clinically with a poor prognosis. How fascin-1 transcription is activated in carcinoma cells is largely unknown, although the hypothesis of regulation by β-catenin signaling has received attention. The question is important because of the clinical significance of fascin expression in human carcinomas. Methodology/Principal Findings Through comparative genomics we made an unbiased analysis of the DNA sequence of the fascin-1 promoter region from six mammalian species. We identified two regions in which highly conserved motifs are concentrated. Luciferase promoter reporter assays for the human fascin-1 promoter were carried out in fascin-positive and -negative human breast and colon carcinoma cells, and in human dermal fibroblasts that are constitutively fascin-positive. In all fascin-positive cells, the region −219/+114 that contains multiple highly conserved motifs had strong transcriptional activity. The region −2953/−1582 appeared to contain repressor activity. By examining the effects of single or multiple point mutations of conserved motifs within the −219/+114 region on transcriptional reporter activity, we identified for the first time that the conserved CREB and AhR binding motifs are major determinants of transcriptional activity in human colon carcinoma cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitations for CREB, AhR or β-catenin from extracts from fascin-positive or -negative human colon carcinoma cells identified that CREB and AhR specifically associate with the −219/+114 region of the FSCN1 promoter in fascin-positive colon carcinoma cells. An association of β-catenin was not specific to fascin-positive cells. Conclusion Upregulation of fascin-1 in aggressive human carcinomas appears to have a multi-factorial basis. The data identify novel roles for CREB and AhR as major, specific regulators of FSCN-1 transcription in human carcinoma cells but do not support the hypothesis that β-catenin signaling has a central role.
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A novel plasmid DNA electroporation method allows transfection of murine DC. J Immunol Methods 2009; 343:13-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2009.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2007] [Revised: 12/28/2008] [Accepted: 01/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Sudowe S, Dominitzki S, Montermann E, Bros M, Grabbe S, Reske-Kunz AB. Uptake and presentation of exogenous antigen and presentation of endogenously produced antigen by skin dendritic cells represent equivalent pathways for the priming of cellular immune responses following biolistic DNA immunization. Immunology 2008; 128:e193-205. [PMID: 18800984 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2008.02947.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene gun-mediated biolistic DNA vaccination with beta-galactosidase (betaGal)-encoding plasmid vectors efficiently modulated antigen-induced immune responses in an animal model of type I allergy, including the inhibition of immunoglobulin E (IgE) production. Here we show that CD4(+) as well as CD8(+) T cells from mice biolistically transfected with a plasmid encoding betaGal under the control of the fascin promoter (pFascin-betaGal) are capable of inhibiting betaGal-specific IgE production after adoptive transfer into naïve recipients. Moreover, suppression of IgE production was dependent on interferon (IFN)-gamma. To analyse the modalities of activation of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells regarding the localization of antigen synthesis following gene gun-mediated DNA immunization, we used the fascin promoter and the keratin 5 promoter (pK5-betaGal) to direct betaGal production mainly to dendritic cells (DCs) and to keratinocytes, respectively. Gene gun-mediated DNA immunization with each vector induced considerable activation of betaGal-specific CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells. Cytokine production by re-stimulated CD4(+) T cells in draining lymph nodes and immunoglobulin isotype profiles in sera of immunized mice indicated that immunization with pFascin-betaGal induced a T helper type 1 (Th1)-biased immune response, whereas immunization with pK5-betaGal generated a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response. Nevertheless, DNA vaccination with pFascin-betaGal and pK5-betaGal, respectively, efficiently inhibited specific IgE production in the mouse model of type I allergy. In conclusion, our data show that uptake of exogenous antigen produced by keratinocytes and its presentation by untransfected DCs as well as the presentation of antigen synthesized endogenously in DCs represent equivalent pathways for efficient priming of cellular immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Sudowe
- Department of Dermatology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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Zindler E, Gehrke N, Luft C, Reuter S, Taube C, Finotto S, Reske-Kunz AB, Sudowe S. Divergent Effects of Biolistic Gene Transfer in a Mouse Model of Allergic Airway Inflammation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2008; 38:38-46. [PMID: 17641297 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2007-0067oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Particle-mediated epidermal delivery (PMED) of allergen genes efficiently prevents systemic sensitization and suppresses specific immunoglobulin E synthesis. We investigated in a mouse model of allergic airway disease the effect of PMED on the elicitation of local inflammatory reactions in the lung. BALB/c mice were biolistically transfected with plasmids encoding beta-galactosidase (betaGal) as model allergen under control of the DC-targeting fascin promoter and the ubiquitously active cytomegalovirus promoter, respectively. Mice were challenged intranasally with betaGal-protein with or without intermediate sensitization with betaGal adsorbed to aluminiumhydroxide. Subsequently, local cytokine production and recruitment of IFN-gamma-producing CD8(+) effector T cells into the airways were determined, and inflammatory parameters such as cellular infiltration in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were measured. PMED of betaGal-encoding plasmids before sensitization significantly reduced frequencies of eosinophils in the BAL and shifted the local T helper (Th) cell response from a distinct Th2 response toward a Th1-biased response. However, AHR triggered by allergen challenge via the airways was not alleviated in vaccinated mice. Most important, we show that PMED using betaGal-encoding DNA without subsequent sensitization recruited Tc1 cells into the lung and caused a Th1-prone local immune response after subsequent intranasal provocation, accompanied by neutrophilic infiltration into the airways and elicitation of AHR. We conclude that robust Th1/Tc1 immune responses, although highly effective in the counter-regulation of local Th2-mediated pathology, might as well trigger local inflammatory reactions in the lung and provoke the induction of AHR in the mouse model of allergic airway disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zindler
- Clinical Research Unit Allergology, Department of Dermatology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Str. 63, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
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Vignjevic D, Schoumacher M, Gavert N, Janssen KP, Jih G, Laé M, Louvard D, Ben-Ze'ev A, Robine S. Fascin, a novel target of beta-catenin-TCF signaling, is expressed at the invasive front of human colon cancer. Cancer Res 2007; 67:6844-53. [PMID: 17638895 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-0929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells become metastatic by acquiring a motile and invasive phenotype. This step requires remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and the expression of exploratory, sensory organelles known as filopodia. Aberrant beta-catenin-TCF target gene activation plays a major role in colorectal cancer development. We identified fascin1, a key component of filopodia, as a target of beta-catenin-TCF signaling in colorectal cancer cells. Fascin1 mRNA and protein expression were increased in primary cancers in a stage-dependent manner. Fascin1 was exclusively localized at the invasive front of tumors also displaying nuclear beta-catenin. Forced expression of fascin1 in colorectal cancer cells increased their migration and invasion in cell cultures and caused cell dissemination and metastasis in vivo, whereas suppression of fascin1 expression by small interfering RNA reduces cell invasion. Although expression of fascin1 in primary tumors correlated with the presence of metastases, fascin1 was not expressed in metastases. Our studies show that fascin1 expression is tightly regulated during development of colon cancer metastases and is a novel target of beta-catenin-TCF signaling. We propose that transient up-regulation of fascin1 in colorectal cancer promotes the acquisition of migratory and invasive phenotypes that lead to metastasis. Moreover, the expression of fascin1 is down-regulated when tumor cells reach their metastatic destination where migration ceases and proliferation is enhanced. Although metastasis to vital organs is often the cause of mortality, only limited success has been attained in developing effective therapeutics against metastatic disease. We propose that genes involved in cell migration and invasion, such as fascin1, could serve as novel targets for metastasis prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Vignjevic
- UMR 144 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Department of Pathology, Institut Curie, 25 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France.
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Remoli ME, Ragimbeau J, Giacomini E, Gafa V, Severa M, Lande R, Pellegrini S, Coccia EM. NF-{kappa}B is required for STAT-4 expression during dendritic cell maturation. J Leukoc Biol 2006; 81:355-63. [PMID: 17046972 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0506319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor STAT-4 plays a pivotal role in the IL-12-mediated development of naive CD4+ T cells into the Th1 phenotype. Initially thought to be restricted to the lymphoid lineage, STAT-4 was subsequently shown to be expressed in the myeloid compartment, mainly in activated monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DC). Here, we have studied STAT-4 in human monocyte-derived DC, and we demonstrated that its expression can be induced by multiple stimuli, such as the ligands for TLR-4, TLR-2, and TLR-3, different pathogens, CD40 ligand, and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. It is interesting that we found that STAT-4 is tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to type I IFN but not IL-12 in human mature DC. Cloning and functional analysis of the STAT-4 promoter showed that a NF-kappaB binding site, localized at -969/-959 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site, is involved in the regulation of this gene in primary human DC. EMSAs using a probe containing this NF-kappaB binding sequence and chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that p65/p50 and p50/p50 dimers were the main NF-kappaB/Rel proteins involved in STAT-4 gene expression in maturing DC. The mutation of this kappaB site or the overexpression of the repressor IkappaBalpha exerted an inhibitory effect on a STAT-4 promoter-driven reporter as well as on STAT-4 expression. Altogether, these results indicate that STAT-4 can be finely tuned along with DC maturation through NF-kappaB activation and that its induction may be involved in preparing the DC to be receptive to the cytokine environment present in lymphoid organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Remoli
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Dullaers M, Thielemans K. From pathogen to medicine: HIV-1-derived lentiviral vectors as vehicles for dendritic cell based cancer immunotherapy. J Gene Med 2006; 8:3-17. [PMID: 16288497 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the years, the unique capacity of dendritic cells (DC) for efficient activation of naive T cells has led to their extensive use in cancer immunotherapy protocols. In order to be able to fulfil their role as antigen-presenting cells, the antigen of interest needs to be efficiently introduced and subsequently correctly processed and presented by the DC. For this purpose, a variety of both viral and non-viral antigen-delivery systems have been evaluated. Amongst those, HIV-1-derived lentiviral vectors have been used successfully to transduce DC. This review considers the use of HIV-1-derived lentiviral vectors to transduce human and murine DC for cancer immunotherapy. Lentivirally transduced DC have been shown to present antigenic peptides, prime transgene-specific T cells in vitro and elicit a protective cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response in animal models. Different parameters determining the efficacy of transduction are considered. The influence of lentiviral transduction on the DC phenotype and function is described and the induction of immune responses by lentivirally transduced DC in vitro and in vivo is discussed in detail. In addition, direct in vivo administration of lentiviral vectors aiming at the induction of antigen-specific immunity is reviewed. This strategy might overcome the need for ex vivo generation and antigen loading of DC. Finally, future perspectives towards the use of lentiviral vectors in cancer immunotherapy are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Dullaers
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology-Immunology, Medical School of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103/E, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Schweichel D, Steitz J, Tormo D, Gaffal E, Ferrer A, Büchs S, Speuser P, Limmer A, Tüting T. Evaluation of DNA vaccination with recombinant adenoviruses using bioluminescence imaging of antigen expression: impact of application routes and delivery with dendritic cells. J Gene Med 2006; 8:1243-50. [PMID: 16892456 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant DNA vaccines are able to induce strong CD8+ T cell mediated immunity and have become increasingly attractive for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and cancer. Dendritic cells (DC), which critically control cellular immune responses, have been transduced with antigen ex vivo and used as 'nature's adjuvant' to enhance vaccine efficacy. The impact of the application route on the in vivo distribution of antigen and the stimulation of CD8+ T cells have been subjects of considerable debate. Here we report the construction of vectors expressing a fusion protein between EGFP, the H2-K(b)-binding peptide OVA(aa257-264) and green click beetle luciferase as a model antigen which allows for simultaneous quantitative assessment of antigen expression using fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging in correlation with CD8+ T cell stimulation in vivo. We applied this construct to evaluate DNA vaccination with recombinant adenoviral vectors, assess the impact of using cultured DC for vaccine delivery and investigate different application routes. Antigen expression was non-invasively followed in vivo by visualizing bioluminescence with an ultrasensitive CCD camera. CD8+ T cell stimulation was detected with H2-K(b)-OVA(aa257-264) tetramers. We found that intravenous injection of adenovirus-transduced DC stimulated the strongest OVA(aa257-264)-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses although it delivered two orders of magnitude less antigen in vivo when compared to direct injection of recombinant adenovirus. We believe that our experimental approach has the potential to facilitate translational development of improved genetic immunization strategies targeting DC directly in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Schweichel
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University of Bonn, Germany
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Adema GJ, de Vries IJM, Punt CJA, Figdor CG. Migration of dendritic cell based cancer vaccines: in vivo veritas? Curr Opin Immunol 2005; 17:170-4. [PMID: 15766677 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2005.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Ex vivo generated cancer vaccines based on dendritic cells (DCs) are currently applied in the clinic. The migration of DCs from the tissues to the lymph nodes is tightly controlled and involves many different mediators and their receptors. A recent study demonstrated that the rate of migration of antigen-bearing DCs in situ from the skin to the lymph node is 100-fold higher than previously estimated. The migration of ex vivo generated DCs is rather inefficient but can be improved by pre-conditioning of the vaccine injection site with inflammatory cytokines. An alternative approach that is currently being explored is to target tumor antigens directly to DCs in situ, thereby exploiting the intricate migratory capacity of DCs in vivo. Recent advances have been made in understanding DC migration in the context of DC-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gosse J Adema
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences, and Medical Oncology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Ghadially H, Ross XL, Kerst C, Dong J, Reske-Kunz AB, Ross R. Differential Regulation of CCL22 Gene Expression in Murine Dendritic Cells and B Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:5620-9. [PMID: 15843561 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.9.5620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The activated T cell-attracting CC chemokine CCL22 is expressed by stimulated B cells and mature dendritic cells (DC). We have cloned and sequenced the complete mouse gene, including 4 kb of the 5'-flanking promoter region, and detected two distinct sites for initiation of transcription by 5'-RACE. Reporter gene assays indicate that the promoter reflects the specificity of the endogenous gene. Within the proximal promoter region, we identified potential binding sites for NF-kappaB, Ikaros, and a putative GC box. All three regions bind proteins. The NF-kappaB site was shown to specifically bind NF-kappaB subunits p50 and p65 from nuclear extracts of LPS-stimulated B cells, B cell line A20/2J, TNF-alpha-stimulated bone marrow-derived DC, and DC line XS106. Furthermore, promoter activity was affected by targeted mutagenesis of the NF-kappaB site and transactivation with p50 and p65. The region harboring the putative Ikaros site contributes to promoter activity, but the binding protein does not belong to the Ikaros family. The GC box was shown to specifically bind Sp1 using extracts from LPS-stimulated B cells and A20/2J but not from DC and DC line XS106. Additionally, Sp1 transactivated the promoter in A20/2J but not in XS106 cells, and mutation of the Sp1 site diminished transactivation. Furthermore, binding of the protein complex at the GC box is required for NF-kappaB activity, and the spatial alignment of the binding sites is of critical importance for promoter activity. Thus, identical and distinct proteins contribute to expression of CCL22 in DC and B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hormas Ghadially
- Clinical Research Unit Allergology, Department of Dermatology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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Hon H, Oran A, Brocker T, Jacob J. B Lymphocytes Participate in Cross-Presentation of Antigen following Gene Gun Vaccination. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:5233-42. [PMID: 15843519 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.9.5233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although endocytosed proteins are commonly presented via the class II MHC pathway to stimulate CD4(+) T cells, professional APCs can also cross-present Ags, whereby these exogenous peptides can be complexed with class I MHC for cross-priming of CD8(+) T cells. Whereas the ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to cross-present Ags is well documented, it is not known whether other APCs may also play a role, or what is the relative contribution of cross-priming to the induction of acquired immunity after DNA immunization. In this study, we compared immune responses generated after gene gun vaccination of mice with DNA vaccine plasmids driven by the conventional CMV promoter, the DC-specific CD11c promoter, or the keratinocyte-specific K14 promoter. The CD11c promoter achieved equivalent expression in CD11c(+) DCs in draining lymph nodes over time, as did a conventional CMV-driven plasmid. However, immunization with DC-restricted DNA vaccines failed to generate protective humoral or cellular immunity to model Ags influenza hemagglutinin and OVA, despite the ability of CD11c(+) cells isolated from lymph nodes to stimulate proliferation of Ag-specific T cells directly ex vivo. In contrast, keratinocyte-restricted vaccines elicited comparable T and B cell activity as conventional CMV promoter-driven vaccines, indicating that cross-priming plays a major role in the generation of immune responses after gene gun immunization. Furthermore, parallel studies in B cell-deficient mu-MT mice demonstrated that B lymphocytes, in addition to DCs, mediate cross-priming of Ag-specific T cells. Collectively, these data indicate that broad expression of the immunogen is required for optimal induction of protective acquired immunity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral/biosynthesis
- Antigen Presentation/genetics
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Bacterial Capsules
- Biolistics/methods
- CD11c Antigen/administration & dosage
- CD11c Antigen/genetics
- CD11c Antigen/immunology
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Differentiation/immunology
- Cross-Priming/genetics
- Cytomegalovirus/genetics
- Cytomegalovirus/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/cytology
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/metabolism
- Keratinocytes/immunology
- Keratinocytes/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation/genetics
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Mice, Transgenic
- Polysaccharides, Bacterial/administration & dosage
- Polysaccharides, Bacterial/genetics
- Polysaccharides, Bacterial/immunology
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Transfection
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Hon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Abstract
Many cell interactions depend on the assembly of cell protrusions; these include cell attachment and migration in the extracellular matrix, cell-cell communication, and the ability of cells to sense their local environment. Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that are supported internally by actin-based structures that impart mechanical stiffness. Fascin is a small, globular actin-bundling protein that has emerging roles in diverse forms of cell protrusions and in cytoplasmic actin bundles. The fascin-actin interaction is under complex regulation from the extracellular matrix, peptide factors and other actin-binding proteins. Recent developments advance our understanding of the multifaceted regulation of fascin and the roles of fascin-containing structures in cell adhesion, motility and invasion in the life of vertebrate organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine C Adams
- Dept of Cell Biology, NC1-110, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
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Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) link the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system and thus orchestrate the immune response to pathogens. A novel immune intervention strategy to control infectious diseases is based on the use of the potent immunostimulatory properties of DC for vaccination and immunotherapy. Recent advances in our understanding of DC biology and the molecular mechanisms by which DC instruct the development of an appropriate immune response to microorganisms provide means for DC-based approaches to manipulate the immune system. In experimental systems, DC vaccination has been documented to mediate protection against a wide spectrum of infectious diseases caused by viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal pathogens. The protocols for the generation, stimulation and antigen loading of DC are being optimized, and methods for DC targeting in situ are likely to become available soon, thus paving the way for clinical applications of DC-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun Moll
- Institute for Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases, University of Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, D-97070 Würzburg, Germany.
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Sudowe S, Ludwig-Portugall I, Montermann E, Ross R, Reske-Kunz AB. Transcriptional targeting of dendritic cells in gene gun-mediated DNA immunization favors the induction of type 1 immune responses. Mol Ther 2003; 8:567-75. [PMID: 14529829 DOI: 10.1016/s1525-0016(03)00242-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous dendritic cells (DC) are pivotal for the elicitation of antigen-specific immune responses following gene gun-mediated biolistic transfection of the skin. We transcriptionally targeted transgene expression to DC using vectors containing the murine fascin promoter (pFascin) to control antigen production and compared the immune response elicited with conventional DNA immunization using plasmid constructs with the ubiquitously active CMV promoter (pCMV). Biolistic transfection with pFascin initiated a marked type 1 immune response characterized by the occurrence of a large population of IFN-gamma-producing T helper (Th) cells in spleen and draining lymph nodes. Consistently, immunoglobulin production was dominated by IgG2a antibodies. In contrast, the humoral response after repeated administration of pCMV was strongly enhanced and characterized by a type 2-like isotype pattern (IgG1 > IgG2a). Cytokine production analysis in vitro indicated compartmentalization of the immune response, revealing large numbers of IL-4-producing Th cells in the lymph nodes and dominant presence of IFN-gamma-producing Th cells in the spleen. Biolistic transfection with pFascin, like immunization with pCMV, led to potent induction of cytotoxic T cells as was assessed by JAM test. Thus gene gun immunization with plasmids that focus transgene expression and antigen production specifically to DC propagates type 1-biased cellular immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Sudowe
- Clinical Research Unit Allergology, Department of Dermatology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Obere Zahlbacher Strasse 63, D-55101 Mainz, Germany.
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Bros M, Ross XL, Pautz A, Reske-Kunz AB, Ross R. The human fascin gene promoter is highly active in mature dendritic cells due to a stage-specific enhancer. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2003; 171:1825-34. [PMID: 12902483 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.171.4.1825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC), regarded as the most efficient APCs of the immune system, are capable of activating naive T cells. Thus, DC are primary targets in immunotherapy. However, little is known about gene regulation in DC, and for efficient transcriptional targeting of human DC, a suitable promoter is still missing. Recently, we successfully used the promoter of the murine actin-bundling protein fascin to transcriptionally target DC by DNA vaccination in mice. In this study, we report on isolation of the human fascin promoter and characterization of its regulatory elements. The actively expressed gene was distinguished from a conserved inactive genomic locus and a continuous region of 14 kb covering the gene and 3 kb of 5'-flanking sequences was subcloned, sequenced, and analyzed for regulatory elements. Regulatory sequences were found solely in the 5'-flanking promoter region. The promoter exerted robust activity in DC and a fascin-positive neuronal cell line, but not in the fascin-negative cells tested. Notably, promoter activity in DC markedly increased with maturation of DC. By progressive 5' deletion, we identified a core promoter region, harboring a putative GC box, a composite cAMP responsive element/AP-1 binding site and a TATA box. By internal deletion, we demonstrated functional importance of either regulatory element. Furthermore, we identified a more distal stage-specific enhancer region also containing silencer elements. Taken together, the human fascin promoter allows for transcriptional targeting of mature DC and represents a promising tool for immunotherapy. To our knowledge, this study reports for the first time on promoter activity in human monocyte-derived DC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bros
- Clinical Research Unit Allergology, Department of Dermatology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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