Tubulation of endosomal structures in human dendritic cells by Toll-like receptor ligation and lymphocyte contact accompanies antigen cross-presentation

Reprogramming dendritic cells through the immunological synapse: A two-way street

Dendritic cells (DCs) bridge innate and adaptive immunity. Their main function is to present antigens to prime T cells and initiate and shape adaptive responses. Antigen presentation takes place through intimate contacts between the two cells, termed immune synapses (IS). During the formation of IS, information travels towards the T-cell side to induce and tune its activation; but it also travels in reverse via engagement of membrane receptors and within extracellular vesicles transferred to the DC. Such reverse information transfer and its consequences on DC fate have been largely neglected. Here, we review the events and effects of IS-mediated antigen presentation on DCs. In addition, we discuss novel technological advancements that enable monitoring DCs interactions with T lymphocytes, the main effects of DCs undergoing productive IS (postsynaptic DCs, or psDCs), and how reverse information transfer could be harnessed to modulate immune responses for therapeutic intervention.

Specific Tumor Localization of Immunogenic Lipid-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles following Intraperitoneal Administration in a Mouse Model of Serous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Immunogenic lipid-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (ILM) present pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on the nanoparticle surface to engage pathogen-associated receptors on immune cells. The mesoporous core is capable of loading additional immunogens, antigens or drugs. In this study, the impact of lipid composition, surface potential and intercalation of lipophilic monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL-A) in the lipid coat on nanoparticle properties and cellular interactions is presented. Loading and retention of the model antigen ovalbumin into the mesoporous silica core were found to be similar for all nanoparticle formulations, with presentation of ova peptide (SIINFEKL) by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) evaluated to facilitate the selection of an anionic nanoparticle composition. ILM were able to induce lysosomal tubulation and streaming of lysosomes towards the cell surface in dendritic cells, leading to an enhanced surface presentation of MHC. Myeloid cells robustly internalized all ILM formulations; however, non-myeloid cells selectively internalized cationic ILM in vitro in the presence of 20% serum. Interestingly, ILM administration to the peritoneal cavity of mice with disseminated ovarian cancer resulted in selective accumulation of ILM in tumor-associated tissues (>80%), regardless of nanoparticle surface charge or the presence of MPL-A. Immunofluorescence analysis of the omental tumor showed that ILMs, regardless of surface charge, were localized within clusters of CD11b+ myeloid cells 24 h post administration. Selective uptake of ILMs by myeloid cells in vivo indicates that these cells outcompete other cell populations in the ovarian tumor microenvironment, making them a strong target for therapeutic interventions.

Hypoparathyroidism-Retardation-Dysmorphism Syndrome due to a Variant in the Tubulin-Specific Chaperone E Gene as a Cause of Combined Immune Deficiency

BACKGROUND

Hypoparathyroidism-retardation-dysmorphism (HRD) syndrome is a disease composed of hypoparathyroidism, growth retardation, severe developmental delay, and typical dysmorphic features caused by the tubulin-specific chaperone E gene variant. Many patients succumb in infancy to HRD due to overwhelming infections mainly caused by Pneumococcus spp. Knowledge related to the immune system in these patients is scarce.

PURPOSE

To define the immune phenotype of a cohort of HRD patients including their cellular, humoral, and neutrophil functions.

METHODS

The study included HRD patients followed at Soroka University Medical Center. Clinical and immunological data were obtained, including immunoglobulin concentrations, specific antibody titers, lymphocyte subpopulations, lymphocyte proliferation, and neutrophil functions.

RESULTS

Nine patients (5 females and 4 males) were enrolled, aged 6 months to 15 years. All received amoxicillin prophylaxis as part of a routine established previously. Three patients had bacteremia with Klebsiella, Shigella spp., and Candida. Three patients had confirmed coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), and two of them died from this infection. All patients had normal blood counts. Patients showed high total IgA and IgE levels, low anti-pneumococcal antibodies in spite of a routine vaccination schedule, and reduced frequency of naive B cells with increased frequency of CD21lowCD27- B cells. All patients had abnormal T-cell population distributions, including reduced terminally differentiated effector memory CD8, inverted CD4/CD8 ratios, and impaired phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced lymphocyte proliferation. Neutrophil superoxide production and chemotaxis were normal in all patients tested.

CONCLUSION

HRD is a combined immunodeficiency disease with syndromic features, manifesting in severe invasive bacterial and viral infections.

Downregulated pol-miR-140-3p induces the expression of the kinesin family member 5A against Streptococcus parauberis infection in olive flounder

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that participate in various biological and cellular processes by regulating target gene expression. miRNAs are also known to play vital roles in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including infections, as well as the disease progression and defense responses. In this study, we examined the expression levels of pol-miR-140-3p and its target gene, kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A), in association with the Streptococcus parauberis (S. parauberis) infection, a major bacterial pathogen that causes streptococcosis in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). KIF5A is a heavy chain isoform of kinesin-1, which is known to be brain-specific, and this study is the first examination of KIF5A expression related to the regulation of miRNA in olive flounder (named PoKIF5A). There were significant differences in expression levels between infected and healthy olive flounder as the expression of pol-miR-140-3p in the infected fish was lower than that in the control, while the expression of PoKIF5A was higher in the infected fish than in the healthy controls. These contradictory results suggest that downregulated pol-miR-140-3p induces the expression of PoKIF5A against S. parauberis infection in olive flounder.

The effectiveness of early colchicine administration in patients over 60 years old with high risk of developing severe pulmonary complications associated with coronavirus pneumonia SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): study protocol for an investigator-driven randomized controlled clinical trial in primary health care-COLCHICOVID study

BACKGROUND

There is no strong evidence that any drug is beneficial either for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 disease or for post-exposure prophylaxis. Therefore, clinical research is crucial to generate results and evaluate strategies against COVID-19. Primary care (PC) centers, the first level of care in the health system, are in a favorable position to carry out clinical trials (CD), as they work with a large volume of patients with varied profiles (from acute to chronic pathologies). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for hospital admission and mortality is higher in people > 60 years. Therefore, this is a target population to try to reduce the serious complications and lethality of COVID pneumonia and to avoid overloading the hospital system. Given the pharmacological properties of colchicine (anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic, possible inhibition of viral replication, and inhibitory effect on coagulation activation), early treatment with colchicine may reduce the rate of death and serious pulmonary complications from COVID-19 in vulnerable patients.

METHODS

The COLCHICOVID study is a randomized, multicenter, controlled, open-label parallel group (2:1 ratio), phase III clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of early administration of colchicine in reducing the development of severe pulmonary complications associated with COVID-19 infection in patients over 60 years of age with at-risk comorbidities.

DISCUSSION

This is a pragmatic clinical trial, adapted to usual clinical practice. The demonstration that early administration of colchicine has clinical effectiveness in reducing the complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a population highly susceptible may mitigate the health crisis and prevent the collapse of the health system in the successive waves of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, colchicine is a well-known medicine, simple to use in the primary care setting and with a low cost for the health system.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04416334 . Registered on 4 June 2020. Protocol version: v 3.0, dated 22 September 2020.

Reverse Signaling by MHC-I Molecules in Immune and Non-Immune Cell Types

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules are well-known for their role in antigen (cross-) presentation, thereby functioning as key players in the communication between immune cells, for example dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells, or immune cells and their targets, such as T cells and virus-infected or tumor cells. However, much less appreciated is the fact that MHC molecules can also act as signaling receptors. In this process, here referred to as reverse MHC class I (MHC-I) signaling, ligation of MHC molecules can lead to signal-transduction and cell regulatory effects in the antigen presenting cell. In the case of MHC-I, reverse signaling can have several outcomes, including apoptosis, migration, induced or reduced proliferation and cytotoxicity towards target cells. Here, we provide an overview of studies showing the signaling pathways and cell outcomes upon MHC-I stimulation in various immune and non-immune cells. Signaling molecules like RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt1), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were common signaling molecules activated upon MHC-I ligation in multiple cell types. For endothelial and smooth muscle cells, the in vivo relevance of reverse MHC-I signaling has been established, namely in the context of adverse effects after tissue transplantation. For other cell types, the role of reverse MHC-I signaling is less clear, since aspects like the in vivo relevance, natural MHC-I ligands and the extended downstream pathways are not fully known.The existing evidence, however, suggests that reverse MHC-I signaling is involved in the regulation of the defense against bacterial and viral infections and against malignancies. Thereby, reverse MHC-I signaling is a potential target for therapies against viral and bacterial infections, cancer immunotherapies and management of organ transplantation outcomes.

The role of MHC class I recycling and Arf6 in cross-presentation by murine dendritic cells

Cross-presentation by MHC class I molecules (MHC-I) is critical for priming of cytotoxic T cells. Peptides derived from cross-presented antigens can be loaded on MHC-I in the endoplasmic reticulum and in endocytic or phagocytic compartments of murine DCs. However, the origin of MHC-I in the latter compartments is poorly understood. Recently, Rab22-dependent MHC-I recycling through a Rab11+ compartment has been suggested to be implicated in cross-presentation. We have examined the existence of MHC-I recycling and the role of Arf6, described to regulate recycling in nonprofessional antigen presenting cells, in murine DCs. We confirm folded MHC-I accumulation in a juxtanuclear Rab11+ compartment and partially localize Arf6 to this compartment. MHC-I undergo fast recycling, however, both folded and unfolded internalized MHC-I fail to recycle to the Rab11+Arf6+ compartment. Therefore, the source of MHC-I molecules in DC endocytic compartments remains to be identified. Functionally, depletion of Arf6 compromises cross-presentation of immune complexes but not of soluble, phagocytosed or mannose receptor-targeted antigen, suggesting a role of Fc receptor-regulated Arf6 trafficking in cross-presentation of immune complexes.

Endocytic Recycling of MHC Class I Molecules in Non-professional Antigen Presenting and Dendritic Cells

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules are glycoproteins that display peptide epitopes at the cell surface of nucleated cells for recognition by CD8⁺ T cells. Like other cell surface receptors, MHC class I molecules are continuously removed from the surface followed by intracellular degradation or recycling to the cell surface, in a process likely involving active quality control the mechanism of which remains unknown. The molecular players and pathways involved in internalization and recycling have previously been studied in model cell lines such as HeLa. However, dendritic cells (DCs), which rely on a specialized endocytic machinery that confers them the unique ability to “cross”-present antigens acquired by internalization, may use distinct MHC I recycling pathways and quality control mechanisms. By providing MHC I molecules cross-presenting antigens, these pathways may play an important role in one of the key functions of DCs, priming of T cell responses against pathogens and tumors. In this review, we will focus on endocytic recycling of MHC I molecules in various experimental conditions and cell types. We discuss the organization of the recycling pathway in model cell lines compared to DCs, highlighting the differences in the recycling rates and pathways of MHC I molecules between various cell types, and their putative functional consequences. Reviewing the literature, we find that conclusive evidence for significant recycling of MHC I molecules in primary DCs has yet to be demonstrated. We conclude that endocytic trafficking of MHC class I in DCs remains poorly understood and should be further studied because of its likely role in antigen cross-presentation.

Regulation of the Cell Biology of Antigen Cross-Presentation

Antigen cross-presentation is an adaptation of the cellular process of loading MHC-I molecules with endogenous peptides during their biosynthesis within the endoplasmic reticulum. Cross-presented peptides derive from internalized proteins, microbial pathogens, and transformed or dying cells. The physical separation of internalized cargo from the endoplasmic reticulum, where the machinery for assembling peptide-MHC-I complexes resides, poses a challenge. To solve this problem, deliberate rewiring of organelle communication within cells is necessary to prepare for cross-presentation, and different endocytic receptors and vesicular traffic patterns customize the emergent cross-presentation compartment to the nature of the peptide source. Three distinct pathways of vesicular traffic converge to form the ideal cross-presentation compartment, each regulated differently to supply a unique component that enables cross-presentation of a diverse repertoire of peptides. Delivery of centerpiece MHC-I molecules is the critical step regulated by microbe-sensitive Toll-like receptors. Defining the subcellular sources of MHC-I and identifying sites of peptide loading during cross-presentation remain key challenges.

BAD-LAMP controls TLR9 trafficking and signalling in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are essential components of the innate immune system. Several accessory proteins, such as UNC93B1, are required for transport and activation of nucleic acid sensing Toll-like receptors in endosomes. Here, we show that BAD-LAMP (LAMP5) controls TLR9 trafficking to LAMP1+ late endosomes in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), leading to NF-κB activation and TNF production upon DNA detection. An inducible VAMP3+/LAMP2+/LAMP1- endolysosome compartment exists in pDCs from which TLR9 activation triggers type I interferon expression. BAD-LAMP-silencing enhances TLR9 retention in this compartment and consequent downstream signalling events. Conversely, sustained BAD-LAMP expression in pDCs contributes to their lack of type I interferon production after exposure to a TGF-β-positive microenvironment or isolation from human breast tumours. Hence, BAD-LAMP limits interferon expression in pDCs indirectly, by promoting TLR9 sorting to late endosome compartments at steady state and in response to immunomodulatory cues.TLR9 is highly expressed by plasmacytoid dendritic cells and detects nucleic acids, but to discriminate between host and microbial nucleic acids TLR9 is sorted into different endosomal compartments. Here the authors show that BAD-LAMP limits type 1 interferon responses by sorting TLR9 to late endosomal compartments.

The comings and goings of MHC class I molecules herald a new dawn in cross-presentation

MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules are the centerpieces of cross-presentation. They are loaded with peptides derived from exogenous sources and displayed on the plasma membrane to communicate with CD8 T cells, relaying a message of tolerance or attack. The study of cross-presentation has been focused on the relative contributions of the vacuolar versus cytosolic pathways of antigen processing and the location where MHC-I molecules are loaded. While vacuolar processing generates peptides loaded onto vacuolar MHC-I molecules, how and where exogenous peptides generated by the proteasome and transported by TAP meet MHC-I molecules for loading has been a matter of debate. The source and trafficking of MHC-I molecules in dendritic cells have largely been ignored under the expectation that these molecules came from the Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or the plasma membrane. New studies reveal a concentrated pool of MHC-I molecules in the endocytic recycling compartment (ERC). These pools are rapidly mobilized to phagosomes carrying microbial antigens, and in a signal-dependent manner under the control of Toll-like receptors. The phagosome becomes a dynamic hub receiving traffic from multiple sources, the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment for delivering the peptide-loading machinery and the ERC for deploying MHC-I molecules that alert CD8 T cells of infection.

The Dendritic Cell Synapse: A Life Dedicated to T Cell Activation

T-cell activation within immunological synapses is a complex process whereby different types of signals are transmitted from antigen-presenting cells to T cells. The molecular strategies developed by T cells to interpret and integrate these signals have been systematically dissected in recent years and are now in large part understood. On the other side of the immune synapse, dendritic cells (DCs) participate actively in synapse formation and maintenance by remodeling of membrane receptors and intracellular content. However, the details of such changes have been only partially characterized. The DCs actin cytoskeleton has been one of the first systems to be identified as playing an important role in T-cell priming and some of the underlying mechanisms have been elucidated. Similarly, the DCs microtubule cytoskeleton undergoes major spatial changes during synapse formation that favor polarization of the DCs subcellular space toward the interacting T cell. Recently, we have begun to investigate the trafficking machinery that controls polarized delivery of endosomal vesicles at the DC–T immune synapse with the aim of understanding the functional relevance of polarized secretion of soluble factors during T-cell priming. Here, we will review the current knowledge of events occurring in DCs during synapse formation and discuss the open questions that still remain unanswered.

Atopic donor status does not influence the uptake of the major grass pollen allergen, Phl p 5, by dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are sentinels of the immune system for antigen recognition and uptake, as well as presentation to naïve T cells for stimulation or priming. Internalization and endocytic degradation of allergens by DCs are important steps required for T cell priming. In the current study we investigated binding and internalization of purified recombinant non-glycosylated grass pollen allergen, Phl p 5, and natural non-specific lipid transfer protein from sunflower, SF-nsLTP to human monocyte derived dendritic cells (MoDCs). Colocalization of Phl p 5 with low affinity (CD23) or high affinity receptor (FcεRI) was investigated by immunofluorescence staining. Likewise, localization of the allergens in early (EE) and late endosomes (LE) was detected by co-staining for early endosome antigen (EEA1) and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1). In our experimental setting we could demonstrate that Phl p 5 as well as SF-nsLTP bound to MoDCs from both, grass pollen allergic and non-allergic individuals. Competitive allergen uptake experiments demonstrated non-preferential and simultaneous uptake of Phl p 5 and SF-nsLTP by MoDCs. No overlap of signals from Phl p 5 and CD23 or FcεRI was detectable, excluding IgE-mediated uptake for this allergen. Both allergens, Phl p 5 and SF-nsLTP, were localized in early and late endosomes. The present study applied a set of methods to assess the allergen uptake by MoDCs in an in vitro model. No qualitative and quantitative differences in the allergen uptake of both, Phl p 5 and SF-nsLTP were detected in single and competitive assays.

MICAL-L1-related and unrelated mechanisms underlying elongated tubular endosomal network (ETEN) in human dendritic cells

The endosomal pathway constitutes a highly dynamic intracellular transport system, which is composed of vesicular and tubular compartments. Endosomal tubules enable geometry-based discrimination between membrane and luminal content. Extended tubular endosomes were suggested to deliver a steady stream of membrane proteins to one location more reliable and effective than vesicular endosomes. Recently, we demonstrated that human dendritic cells (DCs) form a large elongated tubular endosomal network, e.g. ETEN, upon distinct triggers. LPS-stimulation triggered late endosomal tubulation. Additional clustering of class I MHC and ICAM-1 by a cognate interaction between antigen-laden DC and antigen-specific CD8⁺ T-cells induces formation of transferrin-positive tubules emanating from the endosomal recycling compartment (ERC). We here discuss cell-biological mechanisms that are involved in membrane bending and possibly underlie initiation, elongation, and stabilization of ETEN in human DCs. Using a knock-down approach we demonstrate that MICAL-L1 is necessary for ETEN remodeling originating from ERC in human DCs.

The Role of FcRn in Antigen Presentation

Immunoglobulins are unique molecules capable of simultaneously recognizing a diverse array of antigens and themselves being recognized by a broad array of receptors. The abundance specifically of the IgG subclass and the variety of signaling receptors to which it binds render this an important immunomodulatory molecule. In addition to the classical Fcγ receptors that bind IgG at the cell surface, the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is a lifelong resident of the endolysosomal system of most hematopoietic cells where it determines the intracellular fate of both IgG and IgG-containing immune complexes (IgG IC). Cross-linking of FcRn by multivalent IgG IC within antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells initiates specific mechanisms that result in trafficking of the antigen-bearing IgG IC into compartments from which the antigen can successfully be processed into peptide epitopes compatible with loading onto both major histocompatibility complex class I and II molecules. In turn, this enables the synchronous activation of both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell responses against the cognate antigen, thereby bridging the gap between the humoral and cellular branches of the adaptive immune response. Critically, FcRn-driven T cell priming is efficient at very low doses of antigen due to the exquisite sensitivity of the IgG-mediated antigen delivery system through which it operates. FcRn-mediated antigen presentation has important consequences in tissue compartments replete with IgG and serves not only to determine homeostatic immune activation at a variety of sites but also to induce inflammatory responses upon exposure to antigens perceived as foreign. Therapeutically targeting the pathway by which FcRn enables T cell activation in response to IgG IC is thus a highly attractive prospect not only for the treatment of diseases that are driven by immune complexes but also for manipulating local immune responses against defined antigens such as those present during infections and cancer.