1
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Lee MN, Meyerson M. Antigen identification for HLA class I- and HLA class II-restricted T cell receptors using cytokine-capturing antigen-presenting cells. Sci Immunol 2021; 6:6/55/eabf4001. [PMID: 33483338 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abf4001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A major limitation to understanding the associations of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and CD8+ and CD4+ T cell receptor (TCR) genes with disease pathophysiology is the technological barrier of identifying which HLA molecules, epitopes, and TCRs form functional complexes. Here, we present a high-throughput epitope identification system that combines capture of T cell-secreted cytokines by barcoded antigen-presenting cells (APCs), cell sorting, and next-generation sequencing to identify class I- and class II-restricted epitopes starting from highly complex peptide-encoding oligonucleotide pools. We engineered APCs to express anti-cytokine antibodies, a library of DNA-encoded peptides, and multiple HLA class I or II molecules. We demonstrate that these engineered APCs link T cell activation-dependent cytokines with the DNA that encodes the presented peptide. We validated this technology by showing that we could select known targets of viral epitope-, neoepitope-, and autoimmune epitope-specific TCRs, starting from mixtures of peptide-encoding oligonucleotides. Then, starting from 10 TCRβ sequences that are found commonly in humans but lack known targets, we identified seven CD8+ or CD4+ TCR-targeted epitopes encoded by the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) genome. These included known epitopes, as well as a class I and a class II CMV epitope that have not been previously described. Thus, our cytokine capture-based assay makes use of a signal secreted by both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and allows pooled screening of thousands of encoded peptides to enable epitope discovery for orphan TCRs. Our technology may enable identification of HLA-epitope-TCR complexes relevant to disease control, etiology, or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark N Lee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA. .,Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Matthew Meyerson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA. .,Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Departments of Genetics and Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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2
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Neukirch L, Fougeroux C, Andersson AMC, Holst PJ. The potential of adenoviral vaccine vectors with altered antigen presentation capabilities. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:25-41. [PMID: 31889453 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1711054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Despite their appeal as vaccine vectors, adenoviral vectors are yet unable to induce protective immune responses against some weakly immunogenic antigens. Additionally, the maximum doses of adenovirus-based vaccines are limited by vector-induced toxicity, causing vector elimination and diminished immune responses against the target antigen. In order to increase immune responses to the transgene, while maintaining a moderate vector dose, new technologies for improved transgene presentation have been developed for adenoviral vaccine vectors.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of different genetic-fusion adjuvants that aim to improve antigen presentation in the context of adenoviral vector-based vaccines. The influence on both T cell and B cell responses are discussed, with a main focus on two technologies: MHC class II-associated invariant chain and virus-like-vaccines.Expert opinion: Different strategies have been tested to improve adenovirus-based vaccinations with varying degrees of success. The reviewed genetic adjuvants were designed to increase antigen processing and MHC presentation, or promote humoral immune responses with an improved conformational antigen display. While none of the introduced technologies is universally applicable, this review shall give an overview to identify potential improvements for future vaccination approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Neukirch
- Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cyrielle Fougeroux
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Carola Andersson
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,InProTher ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Johannes Holst
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,InProTher ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Sharbi-Yunger A, Grees M, Cafri G, Bassan D, Eichmüller SB, Tzehoval E, Utikal J, Umansky V, Eisenbach L. A universal anti-cancer vaccine: Chimeric invariant chain potentiates the inhibition of melanoma progression and the improvement of survival. Int J Cancer 2018; 144:909-921. [PMID: 30106470 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
For many years, clinicians and scientists attempt to develop methods to stimulate the immune system to target malignant cells. Recent data suggest that effective cancer vaccination requires combination immunotherapies to overcome tumor immune evasion. Through presentation of both MHC-I and II molecules, DCs-based vaccine platforms are effective in generating detectable CD4 and CD8 T cell responses against tumor-associated antigens. Several platforms include DC transfection with mRNA of the desired tumor antigen. These DCs are then delivered to the host and elicit an immune response against the antigen of interest. We have recently established an mRNA genetic platform which induced specific CD8+ cytotoxic T cell response by DC vaccination against melanoma. In our study, an MHC-II mRNA DCs vaccine platform was developed to activate CD4+ T cells and to enhance the anti-tumor response. The invariant chain (Ii) was modified and the semi-peptide CLIP was replaced with an MHC-II binding peptide sequences of melanoma antigens. These chimeric MHC-II constructs are presented by DCs and induce proliferation of tumor specific CD4+ T cells. When administered in combination with the MHC-I platform into tumor bearing mice, these constructs were able to inhibit tumor growth, and improve mouse survival. Deciphering the immunological mechanism of action, we observed an efficient CTLs killing in addition to higher levels of Th1 and Th2 subsets in the groups immunized with a combination of the MHC-I and MHC-II constructs. These universal constructs can be applied in multiple combinations and offer an attractive opportunity to improve cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Sharbi-Yunger
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mareike Grees
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Dermato-Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Gal Cafri
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Bassan
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Stefan B Eichmüller
- GMP and T Cell Therapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Esther Tzehoval
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Dermato-Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Dermato-Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lea Eisenbach
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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4
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Rosskopf S, Jutz S, Neunkirchner A, Candia MR, Jahn-Schmid B, Bohle B, Pickl WF, Steinberger P. Creation of an engineered APC system to explore and optimize the presentation of immunodominant peptides of major allergens. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31580. [PMID: 27539532 PMCID: PMC4990899 DOI: 10.1038/srep31580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We have generated engineered APC to present immunodominant peptides derived from the major aero-allergens of birch and mugwort pollen, Bet v 1142-153 and Art v 125-36, respectively. Jurkat-based T cell reporter lines expressing the cognate allergen-specific T cell receptors were used to read out the presentation of allergenic peptides on the engineered APC. Different modalities of peptide loading and presentation on MHC class II molecules were compared. Upon exogenous loading with allergenic peptides, the engineered APC elicited a dose-dependent response in the reporter T cells and the presence of chemical loading enhancers strongly increased reporter activation. Invariant chain-based MHC class II targeting strategies of endogenously expressed peptides resulted in stronger activation of the reporters than exogenous loading. Moreover, we used Bet v 1 as model allergen to study the ability of K562 cells to present antigenic peptides derived from whole proteins either taken up or endogenously expressed as LAMP-1 fusion protein. In both cases the ability of these cells to process and present peptides derived from whole proteins critically depended on the expression of HLA-DM. We have identified strategies to achieve efficient presentation of allergenic peptides on engineered APC and demonstrate their use to stimulate T cells from allergic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rosskopf
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Jutz
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alina Neunkirchner
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martín R Candia
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrice Jahn-Schmid
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bohle
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F Pickl
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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5
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Ma W, Van den Eynde BJ. Endosomal compartment: Also a dock for MHC class I peptide loading. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:650-3. [PMID: 24515851 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201444470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The endosomal compartment, which contains all the components required for loading peptides onto MHC class II molecules, is classically considered to be dedicated to the loading of MHC class II but not MHC class I molecules. However, a report in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology [Eur. J. Immunol. 2014. 44: 774-784], together with other recent studies, shows that the endosomal compartment also supports efficient loading of MHC class I molecules. These results bring a new perspective on the crosstalk between the MHC class II and MHC class I antigen-processing pathways, and may inspire new ideas for the design of vaccines against viruses and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Ma
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, de Duve Institute, WELBIO (Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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6
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Wälchli S, Kumari S, Fallang LE, Sand KMK, Yang W, Landsverk OJB, Bakke O, Olweus J, Gregers TF. Invariant chain as a vehicle to load antigenic peptides on human MHC class I for cytotoxic T-cell activation. Eur J Immunol 2013; 44:774-84. [PMID: 24293164 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201343671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 10/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Protective T-cell responses depend on efficient presentation of antigen (Ag) in the context of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) and class II (MHCII) molecules. Invariant chain (Ii) serves as a chaperone for MHCII molecules and mediates trafficking to the endosomal pathway. The genetic exchange of the class II-associated Ii peptide (CLIP) with antigenic peptides has proven efficient for loading of MHCII and activation of specific CD4(+) T cells. Here, we investigated if Ii could similarly activate human CD8(+) T cells when used as a vehicle for cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) epitopes. The results show that wild type Ii, and Ii in which CLIP was replaced by known CTL epitopes from the cancer targets MART-1 or CD20, coprecipitated with HLA-A*02:01 and mediated colocalization in the endosomal pathway. Furthermore, HLA-A*02:01-positive cells expressing CLIP-replaced Ii efficiently activated Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells in a TAP- and proteasome-independent manner. Finally, dendritic cells transfected with mRNA encoding IiMART-1 or IiCD20 primed naïve CD8(+) T cells. The results show that Ii carrying antigenic peptides in the CLIP region can promote efficient presentation of the epitopes to CTLs independently of the classical MHCI peptide loading machinery, facilitating novel vaccination strategies against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Wälchli
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway; K.G. Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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7
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Single chain MHC I trimer-based DNA vaccines for protection against Listeria monocytogenes infection. Vaccine 2012; 30:2178-86. [PMID: 22285270 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To circumvent limitations of poor antigen presentation and immunogenicity of DNA vaccines that target induction of CD8(+) T cell immunity, we have generated single chain MHC I trimers (MHC I SCTs) composed of a single polypeptide chain with a linear composition of antigenic peptide, β2-microglobulin, and heavy chain of a MHC class I molecule connected by flexible linkers. Because of its pre-assembled nature, the SCT presents enhanced expression and presentation of the antigenic peptide/MHC complexes at the cell surface. Furthermore, DNA vaccination with a plasmid DNA encoding an SCT incorporating an immunodominant viral epitope elicited protective CD8(+) T cell responses against lethal virus infection. To extend these findings, here we tested the efficacy of SCT DNA vaccines against bacterial infections. In a mouse infection model of Listeria monocytogenes, the SCT DNA vaccine encoding H-2K(d) and the immunodominant peptide LLO 91-99 generated functional primary and memory peptide-specific CD8(+) T cells that confer partial protection against L. monocytogenes infection. DNA immunization of K(d)/LLO(91-99) SCTs generated functional memory CD8(+) T cells independently of CD4(+) T cells, although the expression of cognate or non-cognate CD4(+) helper T cell epitopes further enhanced the protective efficacy of SCTs. Our study further demonstrates that the SCT serves as a potent platform for DNA vaccines against various infectious diseases.
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8
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Neunkirchner A, Leb-Reichl VM, Schmetterer KG, Mutschlechner S, Kueng HJ, Haiderer D, Schuch K, Wallner M, Jahn-Schmid B, Bohle B, Pickl WF. Human TCR transgenic Bet v 1-specific Th1 cells suppress the effector function of Bet v 1-specific Th2 cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:4077-87. [PMID: 21908735 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1003220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pollinosis to birch pollen is a common type I allergy in the Northern Hemisphere. Moreover, birch pollen-allergic individuals sensitized to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 frequently develop allergic reactions to stone fruits, hazelnuts, and certain vegetables due to immunological cross-reactivity. The major T cell epitope Bet v 1(142-153) plays an important role in cross-reactivity between the respiratory allergen Bet v 1 and its homologous food allergens. In this study, we cloned and functionally analyzed a human αβ TCR specific for the immunodominant epitope Bet v 1(142-153). cDNAs encoding TCR α- and β-chains were amplified from a Bet v 1(142-153)-specific T cell clone, introduced into Jurkat T cells and peripheral blood T lymphocytes of allergic and nonallergic individuals, and evaluated functionally. The resulting TCR transgenic (TCRtg) T cells responded in an allergen-specific and costimulation-dependent manner to APCs either pulsed with Bet v 1(142-153) peptide or coexpressing invariant chain::Bet v 1(142-153) fusion proteins. TCRtg T cells responded to Bet v 1-related food and tree pollen allergens that were processed and presented by monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Bet v 1(142-153)-presenting but not Bet v 1(4-15)-presenting artificial APCs coexpressing membrane-bound IL-12 polarized allergen-specific TCRtg T cells toward a Th1 phenotype, producing high levels of IFN-γ. Coculture of such Th1-polarized T cells with allergen-specific Th2-differentiated T cells significantly suppressed Th2 effector cytokine production. These data suggest that human allergen-specific TCR can transfer the fine specificity of the original T cell clone to heterologous T cells, which in turn can be instructed to modulate the effector function of the disease initiating/perpetuating allergen-specific Th2-differentiated T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Neunkirchner
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Immunomodulation, Vienna A-1090, Austria
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9
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Landsverk OJB, Bakke O, Gregers TF. MHC II and the endocytic pathway: regulation by invariant chain. Scand J Immunol 2009; 70:184-93. [PMID: 19703008 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2009.02301.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules perform vital functions in innate and adaptive immune responses towards invading pathogens. MHC class I molecules load peptides in the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) and display them to the T cell receptors (TcR) on CD8(+) T lymphocytes. MHC class II molecules (MHC II) acquire their peptides in endosomes and present these to the TcR on CD4+ T lymphocytes. They are vital for the generation of humoral immune responses. MHC II assembly in the ER and trafficking to endosomes is guided by a specialized MHC II chaperone termed the invariant chain (Ii). Ii self-associates into a trimer in the ER, this provides a scaffold for the assembly of three MHC II heterodimers and blocks their peptide binding grooves, thereby avoiding premature peptide binding. Ii then transports the nascent MHC II to more or less specialized compartment where they can load peptides derived from internalized pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- O J B Landsverk
- Centre for Immune Regulation, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
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10
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Leb VM, Jahn-Schmid B, Kueng HJ, Schmetterer KG, Haiderer D, Neunkirchner A, Fischer GF, Hartl A, Thalhamer J, Steinberger P, Bohle B, Seed B, Pickl WF. Modulation of allergen-specific T-lymphocyte function by virus-like particles decorated with HLA class II molecules. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009; 124:121-8. [PMID: 19500826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2008] [Revised: 03/26/2009] [Accepted: 04/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T(H)2 lymphocytes play an important role in the induction and maintenance phase of type I allergy. Modulation of the responses of T(H)2 lymphocytes by novel forms of antigen-presenting platforms may help shape the immune response to allergen and palliate allergic diseases. OBJECTIVE To present HLA class II/allergen-peptide complexes on virus-like particles (VLPs) and to evaluate their potential to modulate allergen-specific T-cell responses. METHODS Virus-like particles that express the immunodominant T-cell epitope Art v 1(25-34) of the major mugwort pollen allergen in the context of HLA-DR1 and costimulatory molecules were produced by transfection of 293 cells. The effect of VLPs on IL-2 promoter activity, proliferation, and cytokine production of allergen-specific T cells derived from donors with and without mugwort pollen allergy was determined. RESULTS Flow-cytometric analyses showed that HLA class II molecules, invariant chain::Art v 1 fusion proteins, and costimulatory molecules were expressed on 293 cells. Biochemical analyses confirmed that these molecules were efficiently targeted to VLPs. The engineered VLPs activated Art v 1-specific T cells in a costimulation-dependent manner. VLPs lacking costimulators induced T-cell unresponsiveness, which was overcome by addition of exogenous IL-2. Costimulation could be provided by CD80, CD86, or CD58 and induced distinct cytokine profiles in allergen-specific T cells. Unlike the other costimulatory molecules, CD58 induced IL-10/IFN-gamma-secreting T cells. CONCLUSION Virus-like particles represent a novel, modular, acellular antigen-presenting system able to modulate the responses of allergen-specific T cells in a costimulator-dependent fashion. Allergen-specific VLPs show promise as tools for specific immunotherapy of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M Leb
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Immunomodulation, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The major histocompatibility complex class II chaperone invariant chain (Ii) is widely used as a carrier for inserted antigenic sequences and their introduction into the class II processing pathway. The tumor-associated antigen core 2beta 1,6 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (C2GnT), a glycosyltransferase present in human pancreatic tumor cells, is not expressed by normal pancreatic tissues. METHODS A set of expression vectors was engineered where the class II binding region of Ii was replaced by C2GnT-derived sequences. We investigated in vitro whether dendritic cells transfected with Ii-C2GnT constructs were capable to stimulate proliferation of CD4 T cells. We also tested whether vaccination with Ii-C2GnT would protect mice from tumor development. RESULTS Invariant chain-C2GnT fusion proteins bind to human DR1, DR3, DR4 and to mouse I-A molecules. Our results demonstrate that the plasmid DNA encoding the C2GnT epitope embedded in Ii induces tumor-specific T-cell responses. Mice immunized with the Ii constructs showed reduced growth of Panc02 pancreatic tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, Ii clipped with the tumor-associated antigen C2GnT shows promise for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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12
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Jahn-Schmid B, Sirven P, Leb V, Pickl WF, Fischer GF, Gadermaier G, Egger M, Ebner C, Ferreira F, Maillére B, Bohle B. Characterization of HLA class II/peptide-TCR interactions of the immunodominant T cell epitope in Art v 1, the major mugwort pollen allergen. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 181:3636-42. [PMID: 18714038 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.5.3636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
More than 95% of mugwort pollen-allergic individuals are sensitized to Art v 1, the major allergen in mugwort pollen. Interestingly, the CD4 T cell response to Art v 1 involves only one single immunodominant peptide, Art v 1(25-36) (KCIEWEKAQHGA), and is highly associated with the expression of HLA-DR1. Therefore, we investigated the molecular basis of this unusual immunodominance among allergens. Using artificial APC expressing exclusively HLA-DRB1*0101 and HLA-DRA*0101, we formally showed that DR1 acts as restriction element for Art v 1(25-36)-specific T cell responses. Further assessment of binding of Art v 1(25-36) to artificial HLA-DR molecules revealed that its affinity was high for HLA-DR1. Amino acid I27 was identified as anchor residue interacting with DR molecules in pocket P1. Additionally, Art v 1(25-36) bound with high affinity to HLA-DRB1*0301 and *0401, moderately to HLA-DRB1*1301 and HLA-DRB5*0101, and weakly to HLA-DRB1*1101 and *1501. T cell activation was also inducible by Art v 1(25-36)-loaded, APC-expressing HLA molecules other than DR1, indicating degeneracy of peptide binding and promiscuity of TCR recognition. Specific binding of HLA-DRB1*0101 tetramers containing Art v 1(19-36) allowed the identification of Art v 1(25-36)-specific T cells by flow cytometry. In summary, the immunodominance of Art v 1(25-36) relies on its affinity to DR1, but is not dictated by it. Future investigations at the molecular HLA/peptide/TCR and cellular level using mugwort pollen allergy as a disease model may allow new insights into tolerance and pathomechanisms operative in type I allergy, which may instigate new, T cell-directed strategies in specific immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Jahn-Schmid
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Center of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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13
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Rice J, Ottensmeier CH, Stevenson FK. DNA vaccines: precision tools for activating effective immunity against cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2008; 8:108-20. [PMID: 18219306 DOI: 10.1038/nrc2326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
DNA vaccination has suddenly become a favoured strategy for inducing immunity. The molecular precision offered by gene-based vaccines, together with the facility to include additional genes to direct and amplify immunity, has always been attractive. However, the apparent failure to translate operational success in preclinical models to the clinic, for reasons that are now rather obvious, reduced initial enthusiasm. Recently, novel delivery systems, especially electroporation, have overcome this translational block. Here, we assess the development, current performance and potential of DNA vaccines for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Rice
- Genetic Vaccine Group, Cancer Sciences Division, University of Southampton School of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton,SO16 6YD, UK
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14
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Leb VM, Jahn-Schmid B, Schmetterer KG, Kueng HJ, Haiderer D, Neunkirchner A, Fischer GF, Nissler K, Hartl A, Thalhamer J, Bohle B, Seed B, Pickl WF. Molecular and functional analysis of the antigen receptor of Art v 1–specific helper T lymphocytes. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008; 121:64-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2007.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2007] [Revised: 10/05/2007] [Accepted: 10/08/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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15
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Hung CF, Tsai YC, He L, Wu TC. DNA vaccines encoding Ii-PADRE generates potent PADRE-specific CD4+ T-cell immune responses and enhances vaccine potency. Mol Ther 2007; 15:1211-9. [PMID: 17356542 PMCID: PMC3171992 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now clear that CD4+ T cells play a crucial role in the generation of CD8+ T effector and memory T-cell immune responses. In this study, we enhanced the CD4+ T-cell immune responses in mice by constructing a DNA vaccine encoding an invariant (Ii) chain in which the class II-associated Ii peptide (CLIP) region is replaced with a CD4+ T-helper epitope, PADRE (Ii-PADRE) (invariant Pan HLA-DR reactive epitope). C57BL/6 mice vaccinated with DNA encoding Ii-PADRE showed significantly greater PADRE-specific CD4+ T-cell immune responses than mice vaccinated with DNA encoding the Ii chain alone (Ii DNA). More important, administration of DNA encoding human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 or E7 antigen with DNA encoding Ii-PADRE led to significantly stronger E6- or E7-specific CD8+ T-cell immune responses and more potent protective and therapeutic anti-tumor effects against an E6/E7-expressing tumor model in mice than administration of E6 or E7 DNA with Ii DNA. Overall, our data indicate that administration of DNA vaccines with Ii-PADRE DNA represents an effective approach to enhancing the generation of CD4+ T cells and eliciting stronger antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell immune responses. Therefore, this strategy may be expected to have significant potential for clinical translation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Cell Line, Transformed
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytokines/analysis
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Flow Cytometry
- Interferon-gamma/analysis
- Malaria Vaccines/genetics
- Malaria Vaccines/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/prevention & control
- Peptides/immunology
- Vaccination/methods
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Viral Vaccines/genetics
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Fu Hung
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA.
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16
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Radcliffe JN, Roddick JS, Friedmann PS, Stevenson FK, Thirdborough SM. Prime-Boost with Alternating DNA Vaccines Designed to Engage Different Antigen Presentation Pathways Generates High Frequencies of Peptide-Specific CD8+ T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 177:6626-33. [PMID: 17082574 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.10.6626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The route for presentation of Ag to CD8+ or CD4+ T cells following DNA vaccination is critical for determining outcome, but the pathways involved are unclear. In this study, we compare two different DNA vaccine designs aimed to elicit CD8+ T cell responses against a specific peptide-epitope either by direct- or cross-presentation. Each carries sequences from tetanus toxin (TT) to provide essential CD4+ T cell help. In the first already proven design, the peptide-epitope is fused to the N-terminal domain of fragment C from TT. This appears to act mainly by cross-presentation. In the second design, the peptide-epitope is encoded by a minigene, with induction of Th responses mediated by coexpression of a hybrid invariant chain molecule, incorporating a single determinant from TT (p30) in exchange for class II-associated invariant chain peptide. This design appears to act mainly via direct presentation from transfected APCs. Both vaccines mediated Th-dependent priming of CD8+ T cells in mice, but the kinetics and level of the responses differed markedly, consistent with engagement of distinct pathways of Ag presentation. Importantly, the vaccines could be combined in an alternating prime-boost regime, in either order, generating substantially expanded memory CD8+ T cells, with potent effector function. Taken together, these results demonstrate that vaccination protocols involving different modes of Ag presentation at prime and boost can significantly improve the effectiveness of immunization.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigen Presentation/genetics
- Antigen Presentation/immunology
- Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte/administration & dosage
- Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/genetics
- Egg Proteins/administration & dosage
- Egg Proteins/genetics
- Egg Proteins/immunology
- H-2 Antigens/immunology
- H-2 Antigens/metabolism
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/administration & dosage
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/immunology
- Immunization, Secondary/methods
- Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis
- Lymphocyte Count
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Ovalbumin/administration & dosage
- Ovalbumin/genetics
- Ovalbumin/immunology
- Peptide Fragments/administration & dosage
- Peptide Fragments/genetics
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology
- Tetanus Toxin/administration & dosage
- Tetanus Toxin/genetics
- Tetanus Toxin/immunology
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/chemical synthesis
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna N Radcliffe
- Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton School of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
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17
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Gao M, Wang HP, Wang YN, Zhou Y, Wang QL. HCV-NS3 Th1 minigene vaccine based on invariant chain CLIP genetic substitution enhances CD4+ Th1 cell responses in vivo. Vaccine 2006; 24:5491-7. [PMID: 16725235 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2006] [Revised: 04/03/2006] [Accepted: 04/03/2006] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HCV is a major cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death of end-stage liver disease worldwide. Therapy regimen based on IFN-alpha combined with ribavirin can induce a sustained virological and biochemical response in 20-60% of treated patients depending on the HCV genotype, the virus load and the age of the patients. So the development of a preventive or a therapeutic vaccine is very desirable. METHODS Thirty female BALB/c mice of 6-8 weeks old were randomly divided into five groups of six each to receive injection with experimental vaccine (pHCV-NS3, pHCV-NS3-Th1) and experimental controls (saline, pCI-neo, pCI-neo-Ii), respectively. After the fifth immunization, humoral and cellular immune responses were estimated. The therapeutic efficacy was also evaluated with BALB/c mice carried tumor cells expressing HCV-NS3 protein. RESULTS Specific antibodies to HCV-NS3 could be detected only in pHCV-NS3 immunized group. The antibody titers reach up to 1/1024. For CD4(+) Th cell proliferation assay, only the pHCV-NS3 and pHCV-NS3-Th1 treated groups were positive according to absorbance assayed at 450nm. The absorbance of the pHCV-NS3-Th1 treated group was significant higher than that of pHCV-NS3 treated group (P<0.01, 0.002). Only the pHCV-NS3-Th1 immunized group produced detectable IFN-gamma, the concentration was 33.65pg/ml. For IL-4 detection, only pHCV-NS3 immunized group produced tiny IL-4 cytokine, the concentration was 4.55pg/ml. pHCV-NS3 and pHCV-NS3-Th1 immunized mice showed significantly lower tumorigenesis rate and higher survival rate compared to experimental controls, but no significant differences were observed in our experiment between the two vaccine immunized groups. CONCLUSIONS Minigene vaccine based on invariant chain CLIP genetic substitution might be a potential candidate for HCV therapeutic vaccine development. The results might also have some inspiring significance for the therapeutic vaccine development against other chronic infectious diseases and tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gao
- Lab of Blood-borne Viruses, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, PR China
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18
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Maksimow M, Miiluniemi M, Marttila-Ichihara F, Jalkanen S, Hänninen A. Antigen targeting to endosomal pathway in dendritic cell vaccination activates regulatory T cells and attenuates tumor immunity. Blood 2006; 108:1298-305. [PMID: 16621963 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-11-008615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphoma cells are malignant cells of the T- or B-cell lineage that often express many surface markers inappropriately, yet are not recognized as abnormal by the immune system. We modeled this situation by inoculating ovalbumin-expressing E.G7-OVA lymphoma cells into mice that expressed ovalbumin as a self antigen in pancreatic islets, and investigated the efficacy of dendritic cell (DC) vaccination in these mice. Although vaccination with DC-expressing ovalbumin induced strong cytotoxic T-cell immunity, which led to clearance of E.G7-OVA lymphoma cells in naive C57BL/6 mice, DC vaccination was ineffective in mice expressing ovalbumin as a self antigen. Antigen modification to increase its processing via the endosomal processing pathway dramatically increased CD4 T-cell activation but paradoxically, impaired the protective effect of DC vaccination even in naive mice. Depletion of CD25(+) T cells (regulatory T cells [Tregs]) prior to vaccination restored the efficacy of DC vaccination and allowed eradication of lymphoma also in mice expressing ovalbumin as a self antigen. We conclude that lymphoma cells may be eradicated using DC vaccination if activation of CD25(+) Tregs is simultaneously inhibited, and that intentionally enhanced endosomal antigen processing in DC vaccines may shift the balance from CD4 T-cell help toward stimulation of Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Maksimow
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520 Turku, Finland
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19
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Gao M, Wang HP, Wang YN, Zhou Y, Wang QL. Target HCV NS3 CD4+ Th1 epitope to major histocompatibility complex class II pathway. Biotechnol Lett 2005; 28:3-8. [PMID: 16369867 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-005-4679-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2005] [Revised: 09/13/2005] [Accepted: 09/15/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A hepatitis C virus (HCV) plasmid vaccine was constructed, based on class II-associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP) substitution which endogenously targets HCV non-structure protein 3 (NS3) CD4+ T helper 1(Th1) epitope (1248AA-1261AA) to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen. The in vitro expression results demonstrated that the vaccine was expressed efficiently in COS-7 cell line. The expressed protein could co-localize in endo-membrane system with BALB/c mouse MHC class II molecule I-Ad. The recombinant invariant chain molecule could aggregate with BALB/c mouse I-Ad molecule and form the theoretical nonomer structure in the COS-7 cell line. The assembled molecules migrate to the cell surface by exocytosis. This has implications for HCV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gao
- Lab of Blood-borne Virus, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, 27(9) Taiping Road, 100850, Beijing, China
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20
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Roy J, Martin G, Giguère JF, Bélanger D, Pétrin M, Tremblay MJ. HIV Type 1 Can Act as an APC upon Acquisition from the Host Cell of Peptide-Loaded HLA-DR and CD86 Molecules. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:4779-88. [PMID: 15814703 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.8.4779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It is well documented that a wide range of host-derived cell surface constituents is inserted within HIV type 1 (HIV-1) and located on the exterior of the virion. Although no virus-associated protein of host origin has been shown to be absolutely required for virus replication, studies have revealed that many of these proteins are functional and can affect several steps of the virus life cycle. In this study, we found that HIV-1 acquires peptide-loaded class II MHC (MHC-II) and the costimulatory CD86 molecules from the host cell. Moreover, we present evidence that virions bearing such peptide-loaded MHC-II and CD86 proteins can lead to activation of the transcription factors NF-kappa B and NF-AT in an Ag-specific human T cell line. A linear correlation was found between activation of NF-kappa B and the amount of peptide-loaded MHC-II molecules inserted within HIV-1. Finally, transcription of unintegrated and integrated HIV-1 DNA was promoted upon exposure of peptide-specific human T cells to viruses bearing both peptide-loaded MHC-II and CD86 proteins. These data suggest that HIV-1 can operate as an APC depending on the nature of virus-anchored host cell membrane components. It can be proposed that HIV-1 can manipulate one of its primary targets through the process of incorporation of host-derived proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Roy
- Research Center in Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval Research Center, and Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
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21
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Bonehill A, Heirman C, Thielemans K. Genetic approaches for the induction of a CD4+ T cell response in cancer immunotherapy. J Gene Med 2005; 7:686-95. [PMID: 15693037 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, it has become more and more obvious that not only CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, but also CD4+ T helper cells are required for the induction of an optimal, long-lasting anti-tumor immune response. CD4+ T helper cells, and in particular IFN-gamma-secreting type 1 T helper cells, have been shown to fulfill a critical function in the mounting of a cancer-specific response. Consequently, targeting antigens into MHC class II molecules would greatly enhance the efficacy of an anti-cancer vaccine. The dissection of the MHC class II presentation pathway has paved the way for rational approaches to achieve this goal: novel systems have been developed to genetically manipulate the MHC class II presentation pathway. First, different genetic approaches have been used for the delivery of known epitopes into the MHC class II processing pathway or directly onto the peptide-binding groove of the MHC molecules. Second, several strategies exist for the targeting of whole tumor antigens, containing both MHC class I and class II restricted epitopes, to the MHC class II processing pathway. We review these data and describe how this knowledge is currently applied in vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Bonehill
- 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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22
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Barry MA, Howell DPG, Andersson HA, Chen JL, Singh RAK. Expression library immunization to discover and improve vaccine antigens. Immunol Rev 2004; 199:68-83. [PMID: 15233727 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2004.00143.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic immunization is a novel method for vaccination in which DNA is delivered into the host to drive both cellular and humoral immune responses against its protein product. While genetic immunization can be potent, it requires that one have, in hand, a gene that encodes a protective protein antigen. Therefore, for many diseases, one cannot make a genetic vaccine because no protective antigen is known or no gene for this antigen is available. This lack of candidate antigens and their genes is a considerable bottleneck in developing new vaccines against old infectious agents, new emerging pathogens, and bioweapons. To address this limitation, we developed expression library immunization (ELI) as a high-throughput technology to discover vaccine candidate genes at will, by using the immune system to screen the entire genome of a pathogen for vaccine candidate. To date, ELI has discovered new vaccine candidates from a diverse set of bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. In addition, the process of applying ELI to the genome of pathogens allows one to genetically re-engineer these antigens to convert immunoevasive pathogen proteins into immunostimulatory vaccine antigens. Therefore, ELI is a potent technology to discover new vaccines and also generate genomic vaccines with amplified, multivalent immunostimulatory capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Barry
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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23
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van Santen HM, Benoist C, Mathis D. Number of T reg cells that differentiate does not increase upon encounter of agonist ligand on thymic epithelial cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 200:1221-30. [PMID: 15534371 PMCID: PMC2211925 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20041022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that the differentiation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (T reg cells) can be induced by agonist peptide/major histocompatibility complex ligands in the thymus. Exploiting a transgenic mouse line wherein expression of a particular T cell epitope can be controlled temporally and quantitatively, we found that diversion of differentiating thymocytes into the FoxP3 T reg cell pathway by this agonist ligand was essentially nonexistent. However, CD4+CD25+ thymocytes were much less sensitive than their CD4+CD25− companions, by two to three orders of magnitude, to agonist-induced clonal deletion, such that their proportion increased, giving the false impression of induced differentiation. To account for these and prior observations, one can propose that differentiation along the CD4+CD25+ pathway is induced by cues other than recognition of self-agonist cues, which are poorly read by thymocytes, whose T cell receptors are conducive to selection toward the conventional CD4+CD25− lineage. Thus, selective survival, rather than induced differentiation, may explain the apparent enrichment observed here and in previous studies.
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24
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Stevenson FK, Rice J, Ottensmeier CH, Thirdborough SM, Zhu D. DNA fusion gene vaccines against cancer: from the laboratory to the clinic. Immunol Rev 2004; 199:156-80. [PMID: 15233733 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2004.00145.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination against target antigens expressed by cancer cells has now become a realistic goal. DNA vaccines provide a direct link between identification of genetic markers in tumors and vaccine formulation. Simplicity of manufacture facilitates construction of vaccines against disease subsets or even for individual patients. To engage an immune system that exists to fight pathogens, we have developed fusion gene vaccines encoding tumor antigens fused to pathogen-derived sequences. This strategy activates high levels of T-cell help, the key to induction and maintenance of effective immunity. We have dissected the immunogenic tetanus toxin to obtain specific sequences able to activate antibody, CD4+, or CD8+ T cells to attack selected fused tumor antigens. Principles established in preclinical models are now being tested in patients. So far, objective immune responses against idiotypic antigen of neoplastic B cells have been observed in patients with B-cell malignancies and in normal transplant donors. These responses provide a platform for testing physical methods to improve DNA delivery and strategies to boost responses. For cancer, demands are high, because vaccines have to activate powerful immunity against weak antigens, often in a setting of immune damage or tolerance. Vaccination strategies against cancer and against microbes are sharing knowledge and technology for mutual benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freda K Stevenson
- Molecular Immunology Group, Tenovus Laboratory, Cancer Sciences Division, Southampton University Hospitals, Southampton, UK.
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25
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Nagata T, Aoshi T, Uchijima M, Suzuki M, Koide Y. Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-, and Helper T-Lymphocyte-Oriented DNA Vaccination. DNA Cell Biol 2004; 23:93-106. [PMID: 15000749 DOI: 10.1089/104454904322759902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccines have advantages over other types of vaccines in that they can induce strong cellular immune responses, namely cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and helper T lymphocytes (Th). DNA vaccines are therefore considered a promising alternative to attenuated live vaccines in the field of infectious diseases. So far, various DNA vaccines have been generated and tried to induce a particular cellular immune response by virtue of recombinant DNA technology. DNA vaccines have been designed for efficient transcription and translation of target genes by a variety of strategies. Also, various DNA vaccine strategies for induction of specific CTL and Th have been reported by taking into consideration antigen presentation pathways and the strategies have been shown to be effective to elicit particular T-cell responses. In this paper, we have reviewed these strategies, including our study on epitope-specific T-cell induction by DNA vaccination against Listeria monocytogenes infection. From this review, it has been surmised that, to induce strong immune responses by DNA vaccines, the immunization route and the immunization regimen, such as heterologous "prime-boost" regimen, should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshi Nagata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan.
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- Freda K Stevenson
- Molecular Immunology Group, Tenovus Laboratory, Cancer Sciences Division Southampton University Hospitals Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
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27
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Uemura Y, Senju S, Fujii S, Iwai LK, Maenaka K, Tabata H, Kanai T, Chen YZ, Nishimura Y. Specificity, degeneracy, and molecular mimicry in antigen recognition by HLA-Class II restricted T cell receptors: implications for clinical medicine. Mod Rheumatol 2003; 13:205-14. [PMID: 24387206 DOI: 10.3109/s10165-003-0225-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract In humans, increased susceptibility to specific autoimmune diseases is closely associated with specific HLA-class II alleles. CD4(+) T cells that recognize short self-peptides in the context of HLA-class II molecules via their T cell receptor (TCR) are considered to mediate the central role of pathogenesis in autoimmunity. Although both self- and nonself-peptides are presented on HLA-class II molecules under physiological conditions, several mechanisms exist to avoid the T cell response to the self-peptide/HLA-class II complex. One of the mechanisms that account for the breakdown in immune tolerance is cross-recognition by TCR between a pathogen-derived antigen and a host antigen (molecular mimicry theory). Epidemiological studies have indicated that a number of autoimmune diseases are developed or exacerbated after infections. Therefore, elucidating the recognition nature of HLA-class II restricted TCR in detail is necessary in order to understand disease processes. A large body of evidence indicates that T cell recognition is highly degenerate, and many different peptides can activate an individual T cell. Degeneracy of TCR recognition also can appear in various physiological outcomes, ranging from full activation to strong antagonism. Here, we review the clinical implications of our findings on T cell recognition, as well as a new direction of future applications for analyses in molecular mimicry. We also describe the latest developments in methods of mapping TCR epitopes for CD4(+) T cells using a peptide epitope expression library generated in the class II-associated invariant chain peptide substituted invariant chain gene format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Uemura
- Department of Immunogenetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University , 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556 , Japan
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28
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Gamerdinger K, Moulon C, Karp DR, Van Bergen J, Koning F, Wild D, Pflugfelder U, Weltzien HU. A new type of metal recognition by human T cells: contact residues for peptide-independent bridging of T cell receptor and major histocompatibility complex by nickel. J Exp Med 2003; 197:1345-53. [PMID: 12756270 PMCID: PMC2193783 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20030121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In spite of high frequencies of metal allergies, the structural basis for major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted metal recognition is among the unanswered questions in the field of T cell activation. For the human T cell clone SE9, we have identified potential Ni contact sites in the T cell receptor (TCR) and the restricting human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR structure. The specificity of this HLA-DR-promiscuous VA22/VB17+ TCR is primarily harbored in its alpha chain. Ni reactivity is neither dependent on protein processing in antigen-presenting cells nor affected by the nature of HLA-DR-associated peptides. However, SE9 activation by Ni crucially depends on Tyr29 in CDR1alpha, an N-nucleotide-encoded Tyr94 in CDR3alpha, and a conserved His81 in the HLA-DR beta chain. These data indicate that labile, nonactivating complexes between the SE9 TCR and most HLA-DR/peptide conjugates might supply sterically optimized coordination sites for Ni ions, three of which were identified in this study. In such complexes Ni may effectively bridge the TCR alpha chain to His81 of most DR molecules. Thus, in analogy to superantigens, Ni may directly link TCR and MHC in a peptide-independent manner. However, unlike superantigens, Ni requires idiotypic, i.e., CDR3alpha-determined TCR amino acids. This new type of TCR-MHC linkage might explain the high frequency of Ni-reactive T cells in the human population.
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29
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Abstract
CD4+ T cells have been shown to be able to affect tumor growth through both direct and indirect means. In addition, a requirement has been demonstrated for CD4+ T cells in the regulation and induction of T cell memory, and CD4+ suppressor T cells have been identified, stressing a role for CD4+ T cells in the induction and maintenance of antitumor immune responses. A review of the involvement of CD4+ T cells at different stages of tumor immunity is provided, and based on these data we discuss how CD4+ T cell response induction could be incorporated into tumor immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markwin P Velders
- Cancer Immunology Program, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA
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30
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Uemura Y, Senju S, Maenaka K, Iwai LK, Fujii S, Tabata H, Tsukamoto H, Hirata S, Chen YZ, Nishimura Y. Systematic analysis of the combinatorial nature of epitopes recognized by TCR leads to identification of mimicry epitopes for glutamic acid decarboxylase 65-specific TCRs. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2003; 170:947-60. [PMID: 12517961 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.170.2.947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that recognition by TCRs is far more degenerate than formerly presumed. Cross-recognition of microbial Ags by autoreactive T cells is implicated in the development of autoimmunity, and elucidating the recognition nature of TCRs has great significance for revelation of the disease process. A major drawback of currently used means, including positional scanning synthetic combinatorial peptide libraries, to analyze diversity of epitopes recognized by certain TCRs is that the systematic detection of cross-recognized epitopes considering the combinatorial effect of amino acids within the epitope is difficult. We devised a novel method to resolve this issue and used it to analyze cross-recognition profiles of two glutamic acid decarboxylase 65-autoreactive CD4(+) T cell clones, established from type I diabetes patients. We generated a DNA-based randomized epitope library based on the original glutamic acid decarboxylase epitope using class II-associated invariant chain peptide-substituted invariant chains. The epitope library was composed of seven sublibraries, in which three successive residues within the epitope were randomized simultaneously. Analysis of agonistic epitopes indicates that recognition by both TCRs was significantly affected by combinations of amino acids in the antigenic peptide, although the degree of combinatorial effect differed between the two TCRs. Protein database searching based on the TCR recognition profile proved successful in identifying several microbial and self-protein-derived mimicry epitopes. Some of the identified mimicry epitopes were actually produced from recombinant microbial proteins by APCs to stimulate T cell clones. Our data demonstrate the importance of the combinatorial nature of amino acid residues of epitopes in molecular mimicry.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Motifs
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Amino Acid Substitution/genetics
- Antigen Presentation/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Autoantigens/analysis
- Autoantigens/metabolism
- Bacterial Proteins/immunology
- Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Clone Cells
- Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques/methods
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/analysis
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/biosynthesis
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- Gene Rearrangement, alpha-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
- Gene Rearrangement, beta-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
- Glutamate Decarboxylase/analysis
- Glutamate Decarboxylase/genetics
- Glutamate Decarboxylase/metabolism
- HLA-DR Antigens/genetics
- HLA-DRB4 Chains
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/genetics
- Humans
- Isoenzymes/analysis
- Isoenzymes/genetics
- Isoenzymes/metabolism
- Ligands
- Molecular Mimicry/genetics
- Molecular Mimicry/immunology
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Peptide Library
- Peptides/genetics
- Peptides/immunology
- Peptides/isolation & purification
- Peptides/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/analysis
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/metabolism
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/enzymology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- Viral Proteins/immunology
- Viral Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Uemura
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Neuroscience and Immunology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Japan
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31
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Nagata T, Aoshi T, Suzuki M, Uchijima M, Kim YH, Yang Z, Koide Y. Induction of protective immunity to Listeria monocytogenes by immunization with plasmid DNA expressing a helper T-cell epitope that replaces the class II-associated invariant chain peptide of the invariant chain. Infect Immun 2002; 70:2676-80. [PMID: 11953411 PMCID: PMC127905 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.5.2676-2680.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2001] [Revised: 09/28/2001] [Accepted: 01/24/2002] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria epitope-specific helper T (Th) cells were able to be primed and induced in vivo by immunization with a plasmid carrying an invariant chain (Ii) gene whose class II-associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP) region was replaced by a Listeria Th epitope. Immunization of C3H/He mice with an Ii-LLO 215-226 plasmid induced specific interferon-gamma- and interleukin 2-producing Th cells and conferred significant protective immunity against listerial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshi Nagata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handa-yama, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan.
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32
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Nagata T, Higashi T, Aoshi T, Suzuki M, Uchijima M, Koide Y. Immunization with plasmid DNA encoding MHC class II binding peptide/CLIP-replaced invariant chain (Ii) induces specific helper T cells in vivo: the assessment of Ii p31 and p41 isoforms as vehicles for immunization. Vaccine 2001; 20:105-14. [PMID: 11567753 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(01)00310-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A single helper T cell (Th) epitope-specific T cell subset was successfully induced in vivo by immunization with plasmid DNA encoding MHC class II binding peptide/class II-associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP)-replaced murine Ii molecules. Spleen cells from mice immunized by gene gun bombardment with plasmid DNA for Ii p31 and p41 molecules, whose CLIP regions were replaced with an I-A(d)-restricted Th epitope, ovalbumin (OVA) 323-336, showed the specific proliferation and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production. A20-2J B cell lines having these plasmids were capable of stimulating spleen cells from the immunized mice and naïve DO10-transgenic mice bearing the epitope-specific T cell receptor (TCR) transgenes by examining the specific proliferative response and IFN-gamma production. Some mice immunized with the Ii p41-OVA323, but not with the Ii p31-OVA323 plasmid, produced the peptide-specific antibodies, suggesting the functional difference between Ii isoforms.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Base Sequence
- Cells, Cultured
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Transgenic
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Molecular Weight
- Ovalbumin/immunology
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Plasmids/genetics
- Plasmids/immunology
- Protein Isoforms/genetics
- Protein Isoforms/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology
- Transfection
- Vaccination
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- T Nagata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handa-yama, 431-3192, Hamamatsu, Japan.
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33
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Bischof F, Wienhold W, Wirblich C, Malcherek G, Zevering O, Kruisbeek AM, Melms A. Specific treatment of autoimmunity with recombinant invariant chains in which CLIP is replaced by self-epitopes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001; 98:12168-73. [PMID: 11593032 PMCID: PMC59786 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.221220998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The invariant chain (Ii) binds to newly synthesized MHC class II molecules with the CLIP region of Ii occupying the peptide-binding groove. Here we demonstrate that recombinant Ii proteins with the CLIP region replaced by antigenic self-epitopes are highly efficient in activating and silencing specific T cells in vitro and in vivo. The Ii proteins require endogenous processing by antigen-presenting cells for efficient T cell activation. An Ii protein encompassing the epitope myelin basic protein amino acids 84-96 (Ii-MBP84-96) induced the model autoimmune disease experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) with a higher severity and earlier onset than the peptide. When applied in a tolerogenic manner, Ii-MBP84-96 abolished antigen-specific T cell proliferation and suppressed peptide-induced EAE more effectively than peptide alone. Importantly, i.v. administration of Ii proteins after EAE induction completely abrogated the disease, whereas peptides only marginally suppressed disease symptoms. Ii fusion proteins are thus more efficient than peptide in modulating CD4(+) T cell-mediated autoimmunity, documenting their superior qualities for therapeutic antigen delivery in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bischof
- Division of Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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34
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Fujii S, Uemura Y, Iwai LK, Ando M, Senju S, Nishimura Y. Establishment of an expression cloning system for CD4+ T cell epitopes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 284:1140-7. [PMID: 11414702 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported an epitope presenting vector, pCI, a derivative of a human invariant chain (Ii) expression vector, in which the class II associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP, Ii p89-101) could be substituted with antigenic peptides. In the current study, we used this vector to develop a new expression cloning system to identify CD4+ T cell epitopes. We inserted double-stranded oligo DNAs of randomized sequences into this vector and prepared an epitope-presenting library which loads randomized 13-mer peptides onto HLA class II molecules coexpressed in COS-7 cells. Utilizing this library, we isolated a cross-reactive epitope recognized by a glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65-autoreactive T cell clone established from a patient with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Although the newly identified epitope (PVQLSNQWHVVGATF) was far different from the original epitope, GAD65 p116-128 (NILLQYVVKSFDR), it did have the capacity to stimulate the T cell clone comparable to that of the original GAD epitope. Our system may be applicable not only for identifying of cross-reactive epitopes for CD4+ T cells of known specificity, but also for detection of epitopes stimulatory for CD4+ T cells the epitopes of which are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fujii
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Neuroscience and Immunology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Honjo 2-2-1, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
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35
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Nishimura Y, Ito H, Fujii S, Tabata H, Tokano Y, Chen YZ, Matsuda I, Mitsuya H, Kira J, Hashimoto H, Senju S, Matsushita S. Molecular and cellular analyses of HLA class II-associated susceptibility to autoimmune diseases in the Japanese population. Mod Rheumatol 2001; 11:103-12. [PMID: 24383685 DOI: 10.3109/s101650170020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract It is well known that individuals who are positive for particular HLA class II alleles show a high risk of developing autoimmune diseases. HLA class II molecules expressed on antigen-presenting cells present antigenic peptides to CD4(+) T cells. Their extensive polymorphism affects the structures of peptides bound to HLA class II molecules to create individual differences in immune responses to antigenic peptides. In order to gain a better understanding of mechanisms of the association between HLA class II alleles and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, it is important to identify self-peptides presented by disease-susceptible HLA class II molecules and triggering disease-causative T cells. Many of the autoimmune diseases are observed in all ethnic groups, whereas the incidence of diseases, clinical manifestations and disease-susceptible HLA class II alleles are different among various ethnic groups for some autoimmune diseases. These phenomena suggest that differences in autoimmune self-peptide(s) in the context of disease-susceptible HLA class II molecules may cause these differences. Therefore, comparisons among disease-susceptible HLA class II alleles, autoantigenic peptides, and clinical manifestations of autoimmune diseases in different ethnic groups would be helpful in elucidating the pathogenesis of the diseases. In this review, we describe our recent findings on (1) the uniqueness of both clinical manifestations and the HLA-linked genetic background of Asian-type (opticospinal form) multiple sclerosis, (2) the characteristics of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) or β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) autoreactive T cells in Japanese patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or anti-β2-GPI antibody-associated autoimmunity, respectively, and (3) the generation of an efficient delivery system of peptides to the HLA class II-restricted antigen presentation path-way by utilizing a class II-associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP)-substituted invariant chain, which may be applicable to an evaluation of the "molecular mimicry hypothesis" for the activation of autoreactive T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Nishimura
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Neuroscience and Immunology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences , 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811 , Japan
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36
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Abstract
The identification of tumor antigens has generated a resurgence of interest in immunotherapy for cancer. However, both clinical and animal studies suggest that therapeutic strategies that have mainly focused on the use of CD8+ T cells (and MHC class I-restricted tumor antigens) are not effective in eliminating cancer cells. Recent interest has been directed towards the use of CD4+ T cells in generating antitumor immunity. To this end, the identification of MHC class II-restricted tumor antigens that can stimulate CD4+ T cells might provide opportunities for developing effective cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Wang
- The Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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37
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van Tienhoven EA, ten Brink CT, van Bergen J, Koning F, van Eden W, Broeren CP. Induction of antigen specific CD4+ T cell responses by invariant chain based DNA vaccines. Vaccine 2001; 19:1515-9. [PMID: 11163676 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(00)00330-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this report, the use of DNA vaccination to induce class II restricted antigen specific proliferative responses was studied. To this end, a construct encoding the invariant chain (Ii) was engineered in which the Class II associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP) sequence was replaced by an immunogenic epitope derived form Heat Shock Protein 60, HSP60 178-186. Transfection studies in vitro showed that this construct can be used to efficiently load MHC class II molecules and present epitopes to MHC class II restricted antigen specific T cells. In addition, we showed that intradermal immunisation of Lewis rats with these constructs induced antigen specific T cells in vivo. Therefore, our Ii-gene constructs can be used to immunise for defined CD4+ T cell epitope sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A van Tienhoven
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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38
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Carstens C, Newman DK, Bohlen H, König A, Koch N. Invariant chains with the class II binding site replaced by a sequence from influenza virus matrix protein constrain low-affinity sequences to MHC II presentation. Int Immunol 2000; 12:1561-8. [PMID: 11058576 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/12.11.1561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Presentation of antigenic peptides by MHC II molecules is required to initiate CD4 T(h) cell responses. Some peptides, however, because of low affinity for MHC II, are not efficiently presented. A segment of the MHC II chaperon molecule, invariant chain (Ii), is known to bind early in biosynthesis with low affinity to the peptide binding groove. Here we have exploited the properties of Ii to manipulate the MHC II-loading pathway and to present low-affinity sequences. We used a deletion mutant of Ii where the promiscuous binding site to MHC II, which is adjacent to the groove binding segment, was deleted. A recombinant Ii (rIi) chimera, derived from this construct, was made in which the class II binding segment was exchanged for wild-type or single amino acid substitution variants of an HLA-DR1-restricted sequence from influenza matrix protein (MAT), which leads to MHC II allotype-specific binding. This rIi was expressed in antigen-presenting cells (APC) and introduced the MAT sequence into the MHC II-processing pathway. As expected, rIiMAT elicited antigen-specific, DR1-restricted T cell cytokine production and proliferation. Significantly, rIiMAT, that binds the HLA-DR4 allele with low affinity, elicited DR4-restricted IL-2 production but not proliferation. In contrast, exogenously provided MAT peptide failed to elicit any responses from DR4-restricted T cells. Compatible results were obtained with a single amino acid substitution variant (MAT(T)), which binds with high affinity to DR4 but low affinity to DR1. We conclude that loading of MHC II with antigenic peptides from endogenously synthesized rIi chimeras allows presentation of low-affinity sequences that cannot be presented if provided exogenously as peptides. Ii fusion proteins containing low-affinity antigenic sequences might be useful for vaccination with tumor antigens to overcome deficiencies in antigen presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Carstens
- Division of Immunobiology, University of Bonn, Römerstrasse 164, 53117 Bonn, Germany
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39
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Koch N, van Driel IR, Gleeson PA. Hijacking a chaperone: manipulation of the MHC class II presentation pathway. IMMUNOLOGY TODAY 2000; 21:546-50. [PMID: 11094257 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-5699(00)01717-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Novel antigen delivery systems are currently being developed by genetic manipulation of the MHC class II trafficking pathway. Specific targeting of endogenously synthesized antigens to the class II loading compartment can result in massively enhanced presentation of peptide epitopes. This emerging technology holds promise for a variety of clinical applications including vaccine development, cancer therapies and control of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Koch
- Division of Immunobiology, University of Bonn, Römerstrasse 164, D53117, Bonn, Germany
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40
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Scott D, Addey C, Ellis P, James E, Mitchell MJ, Saut N, Jurcevic S, Simpson E. Dendritic cells permit identification of genes encoding MHC class II-restricted epitopes of transplantation antigens. Immunity 2000; 12:711-20. [PMID: 10894170 DOI: 10.1016/s1074-7613(00)80221-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Minor or histocompatibility (H) antigens are recognized by CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes as short polymorphic peptides associated with MHC molecules. They are the targets of graft versus host and graft versus leukemia responses following bone marrow transplantation between HLA-identical siblings. Several genes encoding class I-restricted minor H epitopes have been identified, but approaches used for these have proved difficult to adapt for cloning class II-restricted minor H genes. We have combined the unique antigen-presenting properties of dendritic cells and high levels of episomal expression following transfection of COS cells to identify a Y chromosome gene encoding two HY peptide epitopes, HYAb and HYEk.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Scott
- Transplantation Biology Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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41
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van Bergen J, Ossendorp F, Jordens R, Mommaas AM, Drijfhout JW, Koning F. Get into the groove! Targeting antigens to MHC class II. Immunol Rev 1999; 172:87-96. [PMID: 10631939 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.1999.tb01358.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The activation of MHC class II-restricted helper T cells is paramount to adaptive immune responses. Vaccine development could therefore benefit from improved ways of targeting antigens into MHC class II molecules. In recent years, the natural pathways of MHC class II antigen presentation have been exploited to achieve this goal. First, antigenic proteins and peptides have been modified to facilitate receptor-mediated uptake by professional antigen-presenting cells. Second, DNA constructs containing specific targeting sequences have been used to direct endogenously synthesized antigens to the MHC class II compartments. Both strategies proved to be highly effective. We review these data and describe how this knowledge is currently applied to the design of vaccines that activate helper T cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- J van Bergen
- Dept of Immunohematology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands.
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42
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Sponaas A, Carstens C, Koch N. C-terminal extension of the MHC class II-associated invariant chain by an antigenic sequence triggers activation of naive T cells. Gene Ther 1999; 6:1826-34. [PMID: 10602378 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In vitro and in vivo activation of T cells was investigated with invariant chain-antigen fusion protein. The CD4 T cell epitope amino acid 52-61 of hen egg lysozyme (HEL) was attached to the C-terminal end of invariant chain (Ii). Expression of this recombinant Ii HEL directs the T cell epitope to the class II processing pathway. Class II molecules of transfected antigen presenting cells (APC) are charged with this HEL epitope. The endogenously provided epitope competes with processing and presentation of exogenously added antigen. APC expressing recombinant Ii HEL stimulate a maximal IL-2 response of HEL-specific T hybridoma cells. Nonprofessional APC expressing recombinant Ii HEL and H2-Ak are also able to activate naive T cells from 3A9 TCR transgenic mice, a result not achieved with peptide pulsed APC. To elicit an in vivo immune response dendritic cells (DC) were transfected with rIi HEL cDNA: following immunization of CBA mice with transfected DC, a primary T cell response against the HEL epitope was induced. Thus the procedure described here could be used to introduce antigens into the class II processing pathway and to elicit T cell activation both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sponaas
- Division of Immunobiology, University of Bonn, Römerstrasse 164, D-53117 Bonn, Germany
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43
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Davidson HW. Direct transport of newly synthesized HLA-DR from the trans-Golgi network to major histocompatibility complex class II containing compartments (MIICS) demonstrated using a novel tyrosine-sulfated chimera. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:27315-22. [PMID: 10480952 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.38.27315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of antigenic peptides to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II glycoproteins occurs in specialized endocytic compartments of antigen-presenting cells, which in man are termed MIICs. Newly synthesized MHC class II molecules are transported from the trans-Golgi network to MIICs, but previous studies of this important step in antigen processing have failed to conclusively determine whether most immature MHC class II complexes are transported directly to the processing compartments or are first transiently exposed at the cell surface. To attempt to resolve this question, I constructed a chimeric HLA-DRalpha chain containing two optimal tyrosine sulfation motifs. When expressed in a human B lymphoblastoid cell line lacking functional DRalpha chains, the chimera was correctly incorporated into complexes containing endogenous beta and invariant chains, transported to the trans-Golgi network, and efficiently sulfated. Pulse-chase experiments showed that the sulfated complexes were rapidly transported to processing compartments with kinetics consistent with direct transport from the trans-Golgi network. The rate of maturation was not significantly altered in cells expressing a temperature-sensitive mutant of dynamin under conditions where the endocytosis of transferrin was inhibited by 95%, confirming that endocytosis was not required for delivery to MIICs. Maturation of MHC class II-containing complexes was inhibited by aluminum fluoride and brefeldin A, indicating the involvement of heterotrimeric G-proteins and ADP-ribosylation factor in the transport event(s). The procedure described provides a unique mechanism to study critical events in antigen processing and presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Davidson
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Cambridge CB2 2XY, United Kingdom.
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44
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A BCR-ABL Oncoprotein p210b2a2 Fusion Region Sequence Is Recognized by HLA-DR2a Restricted Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and Presented by HLA-DR Matched Cells Transfected With an Iib2a2 Construct. Blood 1999. [DOI: 10.1182/blood.v94.3.1038.415k22_1038_1045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides corresponding to the fusion site in 210 kD BCR-ABL protein b3a2 (p210b3a2) were previously shown to bind to several HLA class I and II alleles. We have found that b3a2 peptide-specific CD4-positive T-helper cells were able to recognize p210b3a2-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) blasts in a DR4 restricted manner. Until now, there were no reports of b2a2 breakpoint-specific human T-cell responses. Here we show that repetitive stimulation of T lymphocytes with a 17mer peptide covering the fusion region in p210b2a2 also leads to specific T-cell responses. CD4 and CD4/CD8 double-positive clones obtained from a b2a2 peptide-specific cell line were cytotoxic and proliferative in an HLA-DR2a (DRB5*0101) restricted fashion. Autologous Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformed cells, expressing BCR-ABLb2a2 on transfection, and allogeneic HLA-DR matched p210b2a2-positive cells from CML patients were, however, not lysed. BCR-ABL peptide-specific T-cell clones did respond to autologous EBV cells transfected with invariant chain (li) cDNA in which the HLA class II–associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP) was replaced by a BCR-ABL b2a2 fusion oligonucleotide sequence, illustrating the potential of these T cells to recognize an endogenous BCR-ABLb2a2ligand.
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45
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Wang RF, Wang X, Rosenberg SA. Identification of a novel major histocompatibility complex class II-restricted tumor antigen resulting from a chromosomal rearrangement recognized by CD4(+) T cells. J Exp Med 1999; 189:1659-68. [PMID: 10330445 PMCID: PMC2193637 DOI: 10.1084/jem.189.10.1659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/1999] [Revised: 03/10/1999] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4(+) T cells play an important role in antitumor immune responses and autoimmune and infectious diseases. Although many major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted tumor antigens have been identified in the last few years, little is known about MHC class II- restricted human tumor antigens recognized by CD4(+) T cells. Here, we describe the identification of a novel melanoma antigen recognized by an human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR1-restricted CD4(+) tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)1363 using a genetic cloning approach. DNA sequencing analysis indicated that this was a fusion gene generated by a low density lipid receptor (LDLR) gene in the 5' end fused to a GDP-L-fucose:beta-D-galactoside 2-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase (FUT) in an antisense orientation in the 3' end. The fusion gene encoded the first five ligand binding repeats of LDLR in the NH2 terminus followed by a new polypeptide translated in frame with LDLR from the FUT gene in an antisense direction. Southern blot analysis showed that chromosomal DNA rearrangements occurred in the 1363mel cell line. Northern blot analysis detected two fusion RNA transcripts present only in the autologous 1363mel, but not in other cell lines or normal tissues tested. Two minimal peptides were identified from the COOH terminus of the fusion protein. This represents the first demonstration that a fusion protein resulting from a chromosomal rearrangement in tumor cells serves as an immune target recognized by CD4(+) T cells.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antigens, Neoplasm/chemistry
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Base Sequence
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Chromosome Aberrations
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19
- Cloning, Molecular
- Fucosyltransferases/genetics
- Fucosyltransferases/immunology
- HLA-DR1 Antigen/genetics
- HLA-DR1 Antigen/immunology
- Humans
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Melanoma/immunology
- Molecular Sequence Data
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Galactoside 2-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Wang
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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46
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Fujii S, Senju S, Chen YZ, Ando M, Matsushita S, Nishimura Y. The CLIP-substituted invariant chain efficiently targets an antigenic peptide to HLA class II pathway in L cells. Hum Immunol 1998; 59:607-14. [PMID: 9757942 DOI: 10.1016/s0198-8859(98)00058-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The presentation of antigenic peptides by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II to CD4+ T cells is crucial to initiate immune responses. We developed a new system for delivery of an antigenic peptide to the MHC class II pathway, using the invariant chain (Ii). We designed a mutated human p33-form Ii, CLIP-substituted Ii, in which streptococcal M12p55-68 (RDLEQAYNELSGEA) was substituted for CLIP (class II associated invariant chain peptide). We examined the peptide presenting function of this construct, in comparison with the previously reported C-terminal fused Ii, in which a cathepsin cleavage site and M12p54-68 was ligated to the C-terminus of Ii. Mouse L cell transfectants expressing either of these two mutated Ii along with HLA-DR4 could process and present M12p55-68 to the peptide specific and DR4-restricted CD4+ T cell clone. CLIP-substituted Ii was much more efficient in antigen presentation than was the C-terminal fused Ii. Similar to the wild-type Ii, the CLIP-substituted Ii was associated intracellularly with DR4 molecules. These results indicate that the peptide substituted for CLIP of Ii p33 bound to the groove of DR molecules in the same manner as CLIP and it was preferentially presented to the CD4+ T cell clone in the absence of HLA-DM molecules. This system may prove useful for immunotherapy with DNA vaccines or for construction of an antigen presenting cell library with diverse peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fujii
- Department of Neuroscience and Immunology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Honjo, Japan
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47
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Abstract
The response of the human influenza hemagglutinin (HA)-specific T helper clone HA1.7 to its wild-type (wt) HA307-319 peptide ligand and related altered peptide ligands (APL) was examined over a wide range of antigen concentrations. The time course of cytokine production and surface expression of CD40 ligand and CD3 was followed at the single-cell level by flow cytometry and compared with the induction of proliferation. We observed that the APL induced responses that were indistinguishable from those induced by the wt HA ligand, albeit at higher antigen densities. Moreover, the activation parameters were induced with identical kinetics. Blocking of CD4 co-ligation inhibited the recognition of the weakly stimulatory APL, but not of the wt HA307-319 peptide. Finally, in all cases the response of the T cell clone correlated with down-regulation of surface TCR/CD3 complexes. Together, these observations support a quantitative model of T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J van Bergen
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Immunohematology and Blood Bank, The Netherlands.
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48
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Naujokas MF, Southwood S, Mathies SJ, Appella E, Sette A, Miller J. T cell recognition of flanking residues of murine invariant chain-derived CLIP peptide bound to MHC class II. Cell Immunol 1998; 188:49-54. [PMID: 9743557 DOI: 10.1006/cimm.1998.1347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The major site of interaction between MHC class II molecules and invariant chain has been mapped to occupancy of the class II peptide-binding site by the CLIP region of invariant chain. CLIP is also seen as a degradation product of invariant chain and can be found in association with class II as a processing intermediate. Here we analyzed the relative contribution of single amino acids in the murine CLIP (86-102) peptide for binding to I-Ab and I-Ad and for recognition by a CLIP-specific T cell hybridoma. Interestingly, the I-Ab-restricted murine T cell hybridoma that recognizes murine CLIP peptide (86-102) is dependent on Met 102 for activation. This amino acid is outside of the core binding region and in the CLIP/DR3 crystal structure extends outside of the class II peptide-binding site. These data suggest that a T cell epitope presented on CLIP/class II complexes can be located predominantly in flanking residues that extend out of the peptide binding groove of class II.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Naujokas
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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49
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Siebenkotten IM, Carstens C, Koch N. Identification of a Sequence That Mediates Promiscuous Binding of Invariant Chain to MHC Class II Allotypes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 1998. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.160.7.3355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The invariant chain (Ii) shows promiscuous binding to a great variety of MHC class II allotypes. In contrast, the affinities of the Ii-derived fragments, class II-associated Ii peptides, show large differences in binding to class II allotypes. The promiscuous association of Ii to all class II polypeptides therefore requires an additional contact site to stabilize the interaction to the polymorphic class II cleft. We constructed recombinant molecules containing the class II binding site of Ii (CBS) and tested their association with HLA-DR dimers. The CBS fused to the transferrin receptor mediates binding of transferrin receptor-CBS to class II dimers. Within the CBS, deletion of a sequence N-terminal to the groove-binding motif abolished binding of Ii to DR. A promiscuous class II binding site was identified by reinsertion of the N-terminal residues, amino acids 81–87, of Ii into an Ii mutant that lacks the groove-binding segment. DR allotype-dependent association of Ii was achieved by insertion of antigenic sequences. The promiscuous association, in contrast to the class II allotype-dependent binding of Ii, is important to prevent interaction of class II dimers to nascent polypeptides in the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Norbert Koch
- Division of Immunobiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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