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MacLachlan BJ, Sullivan LC, Brooks AG, Rossjohn J, Vivian JP. Structure of the murine CD94-NKG2A receptor in complex with Qa-1 b presenting an MHC-I leader peptide. FEBS J 2024; 291:1530-1544. [PMID: 38158698 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The heterodimeric natural killer cells antigen CD94 (CD94)-NKG2-A/NKG2-B type II integral membrane protein (NKG2A) receptor family expressed on human and mouse natural killer (NK) cells monitors global major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I cell surface expression levels through binding to MHC class Ia-derived leader sequence peptides presented by HLA class I histocompatibility antigen, alpha chain E (HLA-E; in humans) or H-2 class I histocompatibility antigen, D-37 (Qa-1b; in mice). Although the molecular basis underpinning human CD94-NKG2A recognition of HLA-E is known, the equivalent interaction in the murine setting is not. By determining the high-resolution crystal structure of murine CD94-NKG2A in complex with Qa-1b presenting the Qa-1 determinant modifier peptide (QDM), we resolved the mode of binding. Compared to the human homologue, the murine CD94-NKG2A-Qa-1b-QDM displayed alterations in the distribution of interactions across CD94 and NKG2A subunits that coincide with differences in electrostatic complementarity of the ternary complex and the lack of cross-species reactivity. Nevertheless, we show that Qa-1b could be modified through W65R + N73I mutations to mimic HLA-E, facilitating binding with both human and murine CD94-NKG2A. These data underscore human and murine CD94-NKG2A cross-species heterogeneity and provide a foundation for humanising Qa-1b in immune system models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J MacLachlan
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Lucy C Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrew G Brooks
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Julian P Vivian
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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2
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Grob NM, Remarcik C, Rössler SL, Wong JYK, Wang JCK, Tao J, Smith CL, Loas A, Buchwald SL, Eaton DL, López MP, Pentelute BL. Electrophile Scanning Reveals Reactivity Hotspots for the Design of Covalent Peptide Binders. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:101-109. [PMID: 38069818 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are intriguing targets in drug discovery and development. Peptides are well suited to target PPIs, which typically present with large surface areas lacking distinct features and deep binding pockets. To improve binding interactions with these topologies and advance the development of PPI-focused therapeutics, potential ligands can be equipped with electrophilic groups to enable binding through covalent mechanisms of action. We report a strategy termed electrophile scanning to identify reactivity hotspots in a known peptide ligand and demonstrate its application in a model PPI. Cysteine mutants of a known ligand are used to install protein-reactive modifiers via a palladium oxidative addition complex (Pd-OAC). Reactivity hotspots are revealed by cross-linking reactions with the target protein under physiological conditions. In a model PPI with the 9-mer peptide antigen VL9 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I protein HLA-E, we identify two reactivity hotspots that afford up to 87% conversion to the protein-peptide conjugate within 4 h. The reactions are specific to the target protein in vitro and dependent on the peptide sequence. Moreover, the cross-linked peptide successfully inhibits molecular recognition of HLA-E by CD94-NKG2A possibly due to structural changes enacted at the PPI interface. The results illustrate the potential application of electrophile scanning as a tool for rapid discovery and development of covalent peptide binders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie M Grob
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Clint Remarcik
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, San Francisco, California 94080, United States of America
| | - Simon L Rössler
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Y K Wong
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - John C K Wang
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, San Francisco, California 94080, United States of America
| | - Jason Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Corey L Smith
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States of America
| | - Andrei Loas
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Stephen L Buchwald
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Dan L Eaton
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, San Francisco, California 94080, United States of America
| | | | - Bradley L Pentelute
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States of America
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
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3
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Middelburg J, Ghaffari S, Schoufour TAW, Sluijter M, Schaap G, Göynük B, Sala BM, Al-Tamimi L, Scheeren F, Franken KLMC, Akkermans JJLL, Cabukusta B, Joosten SA, Derksen I, Neefjes J, van der Burg SH, Achour A, Wijdeven RHM, Weidanz J, van Hall T. The MHC-E peptide ligands for checkpoint CD94/NKG2A are governed by inflammatory signals, whereas LILRB1/2 receptors are peptide indifferent. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113516. [PMID: 38048225 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint NKG2A/CD94 is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy, and its ligand major histocompatibility complex E (MHC-E) is frequently upregulated in cancer. NKG2A/CD94-mediated inhibition of lymphocytes depends on the presence of specific leader peptides in MHC-E, but when and where they are presented in situ is unknown. We apply a nanobody specific for the Qdm/Qa-1b complex, the NKG2A/CD94 ligand in mouse, and find that presentation of Qdm peptide depends on every member of the endoplasmic reticulum-resident peptide loading complex. With a turnover rate of 30 min, the Qdm peptide reflects antigen processing capacity in real time. Remarkably, Qdm/Qa-1b complexes require inflammatory signals for surface expression in situ, despite the broad presence of Qa-1b molecules in homeostasis. Furthermore, we identify LILRB1 as a functional inhibition receptor for MHC-E in steady state. These data provide a molecular understanding of NKG2A blockade in immunotherapy and assign MHC-E as a convergent ligand for multiple immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Middelburg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Soroush Ghaffari
- Department of Biology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Tom A W Schoufour
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Sluijter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gaby Schaap
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Büsra Göynük
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Benedetta M Sala
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute & Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Lejla Al-Tamimi
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute & Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Ferenc Scheeren
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kees L M C Franken
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jimmy J L L Akkermans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Birol Cabukusta
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Simone A Joosten
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ian Derksen
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jacques Neefjes
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Adnane Achour
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute & Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Ruud H M Wijdeven
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jon Weidanz
- Abexxa Biologics, Inc., Arlington, TX, USA; College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Hogan MJ, Maheshwari N, Begg BE, Nicastri A, Hedgepeth EJ, Muramatsu H, Pardi N, Miller MA, Reilly SP, Brossay L, Lynch KW, Ternette N, Eisenlohr LC. Cryptic MHC-E epitope from influenza elicits a potent cytolytic T cell response. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1933-1946. [PMID: 37828378 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01644-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The extent to which unconventional forms of antigen presentation drive T cell immunity is unknown. By convention, CD8 T cells recognize viral peptides, or epitopes, in association with classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, or MHC-Ia, but immune surveillance can, in some cases, be directed against peptides presented by nonclassical MHC-Ib, in particular the MHC-E proteins (Qa-1 in mice and HLA-E in humans); however, the overall importance of nonclassical responses in antiviral immunity remains unclear. Similarly uncertain is the importance of 'cryptic' viral epitopes, defined as those undetectable by conventional mapping techniques. Here we used an immunopeptidomic approach to search for unconventional epitopes that drive T cell responses in mice infected with influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/1934. We identified a nine amino acid epitope, termed M-SL9, that drives a co-immunodominant, cytolytic CD8 T cell response that is unconventional in two major ways: first, it is presented by Qa-1, and second, it has a cryptic origin, mapping to an unannotated alternative reading frame product of the influenza matrix gene segment. Presentation and immunogenicity of M-SL9 are dependent on the second AUG codon of the positive sense matrix RNA segment, suggesting translation initiation by leaky ribosomal scanning. During influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 infection, M-SL9-specific T cells exhibit a low level of egress from the lungs and strong differentiation into tissue-resident memory cells. Importantly, we show that M-SL9/Qa-1-specific T cells can be strongly induced by messenger RNA vaccination and that they can mediate antigen-specific cytolysis in vivo. Our results demonstrate that noncanonical translation products can account for an important fraction of the T cell repertoire and add to a growing body of evidence that MHC-E-restricted T cells could have substantial therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hogan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Nikita Maheshwari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bridget E Begg
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Annalisa Nicastri
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma J Hedgepeth
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael A Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Century Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shanelle P Reilly
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Laurent Brossay
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kristen W Lynch
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicola Ternette
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laurence C Eisenlohr
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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5
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Castaño-Núñez ÁL, Montes-Cano MA, García-Lozano JR, Ortego-Centeno N, García-Hernández FJ, Espinosa G, Graña-Gil G, Sánchez-Bursón J, Juliá MR, Solans R, Blanco R, Barnosi-Marín AC, Gómez de la Torre R, Fanlo P, Rodríguez-Carballeira M, Rodríguez-Rodríguez L, Camps T, Castañeda S, Alegre-Sancho JJ, Martín J, González-Escribano MF. The complex HLA-E-nonapeptide in Behçet disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1080047. [PMID: 37638008 PMCID: PMC10449640 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1080047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The knowledge of the aetiology of Behçet disease (BD), an immune-mediated vasculitis, is limited. HLA-B, mainly HLA-B51, and HLA-A molecules are associated with disease, but the ultimate cause of this association remains obscure. There is evidence that NK cells participate in the etiopathology of BD. NK cells have activator and inhibitor surface receptors, like the KIR and the NKG2 families. Classical HLA-class I molecules (A, B and C) are keys in the activity control of the NK because they are KIR ligands. Most NKG2 receptors bind HLA-E, which presents only nonapeptides derived from the signal peptide of other class-I molecules. Objective This study investigates the contribution of the pair HLA-E and ligand, nonapeptide derived from the 3-11 sequence of the signal peptides of class I classical molecules, to the susceptibility to BD. Methods We analyzed the frequency of the HLA-derivated nonapeptide forms in 466 BD patients and 444 controls and an HLA-E functional dimorphism in a subgroup of patients and controls. Results: In B51 negative patients, the frequency of VMAPRTLLL was lower (70.4% versus 80.0% in controls; P=0.006, Pc=0.04, OR=0.60, 95%CI 0.41-0.86), and the frequency of VMAPRTLVL was higher (81.6% versus 71.4% in controls; P=0.004, Pc=0.03, OR=1.78, 95%CI 1.20-2.63). In homozygosity, VMAPRTLLL is protective, and VMAPRTLVL confers risk. The heterozygous condition is neutral. There were no significant differences in the distribution of the HLA-E dimorphism. Discussion Our results explain the association of BD with diverse HLA-A molecules, reinforce the hypothesis of the involvement of the NK cells in the disease and do not suggest a significant contribution of the HLA-E polymorphism to disease susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Luís Castaño-Núñez
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (IBiS, CSIC, US), Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - José-Raúl García-Lozano
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (IBiS, CSIC, US), Sevilla, Spain
| | | | | | - Gerard Espinosa
- Department Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Universitari Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Genaro Graña-Gil
- Department of Rheumatology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña, Coruña, Spain
| | | | - María Rosa Juliá
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Roser Solans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Autoimmune Systemic Diseases Unit, Hospital Vall d’Hebron, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricardo Blanco
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | | | | | - Patricia Fanlo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Virgen del Camino, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | - Teresa Camps
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Santos Castañeda
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de la Princesa, IIS-Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Javier Martín
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina “López-Neyra”, CSIC, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
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6
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Battaglia NG, Murphy JD, Uccello TP, Hughson A, Gavras NW, Caldon JJ, Gerber SA, Lord EM. Combination of NKG2A and PD-1 Blockade Improves Radiotherapy Response in Radioresistant Tumors. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:629-640. [PMID: 35840162 PMCID: PMC9339479 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is commonly employed to treat solid tumors. Immune checkpoint blockade of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and CTLA-4 improves survival in RT patients, yet many fail to respond to combination therapy. Natural killer group 2 (NKG2) family receptors, particularly inhibitory NKG2A and activating NKG2D, have emerged as promising therapeutic targets to improve antitumor T cell responses; thus, we examined how these receptors and their ligands (Qa-1b and retinoic acid early inducible 1 [Rae-1], respectively) regulate the RT response in C57BL/6 mice bearing syngeneic B16F10 melanoma and MC38 colorectal adenocarcinoma tumors. RT (15 Gy) transiently reduced B16F10 tumor burden, whereas MC38 tumors exhibited durable response to RT. Intratumoral NK and CD8 T cells expressed NKG2A and NKG2D in both models, which was unaltered by RT. In vitro/in vivo RT increased tumor/stromal cell Qa-1b and Rae-1 expression in both models, especially B16F10 tumors, but IFN-γ stimulation induced both Qa-1b and Rae-1 only in B16F10 tumors. NKG2A/Qa-1b inhibition alone did not improve RT response in either model, but combined RT and NKG2A/PD-1 blockade improved survival in the B16F10 model. Depletion experiments indicate that the triple therapy efficacy is CD8 T cell-dependent with negligible NK cell contribution. RNA sequencing of CD8 T cells from triple therapy-treated B16F10 tumors showed increased proliferative capacity compared with RT and PD-1 blockade alone. Our work demonstrates that RT modulates NKG2A ligand expression, which inhibits RT-induced T cell responses in tumors that fail to respond to combined RT and PD-1 blockade. These results provide a rationale for combining NKG2A blockade with immune checkpoint blockade therapies and RT to improve clinical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G Battaglia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Joseph D Murphy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Taylor P Uccello
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Angela Hughson
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; and
| | - Nicholas W Gavras
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; and
| | | | - Scott A Gerber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; and
| | - Edith M Lord
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY;
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7
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Ghaffari S, Upchurch-Ange K, Gimlin S, Tripathi T, Sluijter M, Middelburg J, van Hall T, Weidanz J. A Single-Domain TCR-like Antibody Selective for the Qa-1 b/Qdm Peptide Complex Enhances Tumoricidal Activity of NK Cells via Blocking the NKG2A Immune Checkpoint. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:2246-2255. [PMID: 35418467 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The NKG2A/HLA-E axis is an immune checkpoint that suppresses immune effector activity in the tumor microenvironment. In mice, the ligand for the NKG2A/CD94 inhibitory receptor is the nonclassical MHC molecule Qa-1b, the HLA-E ortholog, which presents the peptide AMAPRTLLL, referred to as Qdm (for Qa-1 determinant modifier). This dominant peptide is derived from the leader sequences of murine classical MHC class I encoded by the H-2D and -L loci. To broaden our understanding of Qa-1b/Qdm peptide complex biology and its tumor protective role, we identified a TCR-like Ab from a single domain VHH library using yeast surface display. The TCR-like Ab (EXX-1) binds only to the Qa-1b/Qdm peptide complex and not to Qa-1b alone or Qa-1b loaded with control peptides. Conversely, currently available Abs to Qa-1b bind independent of peptide loaded. Flow cytometric results revealed that EXX-1 selectively bound to Qa-1b/Qdm-positive B16F10, RMA, and TC-1 mouse tumor cells but only after pretreatment with IFN-γ; no binding was observed following genetic knockdown of Qa-1b or Qdm peptide. Furthermore, EXX-1 Ab blockade promoted NK cell-mediated tumor cell lysis in vitro. Our findings show that EXX-1 has exquisite binding specificity for the Qa-1b/Qdm peptide complex, making it a valuable research tool for further investigation of the Qa-1b/Qdm peptide complex expression and regulation in healthy and diseased cells and for evaluation as an immune checkpoint blocking Ab in syngeneic mouse tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Ghaffari
- Department of Biology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
| | | | | | | | - Marjolein Sluijter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Jim Middelburg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Jon Weidanz
- Abexxa Biologics, Inc., Arlington, TX;
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
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8
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Voogd L, Ruibal P, Ottenhoff TH, Joosten SA. Antigen presentation by MHC-E: a putative target for vaccination? Trends Immunol 2022; 43:355-365. [PMID: 35370095 PMCID: PMC9058203 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The essentially monomorphic human antigen presentation molecule HLA-E is an interesting candidate target to enable vaccination irrespective of genetic diversity. Predictive HLA-E peptide-binding motifs have been refined to facilitate HLA-E peptide discovery. HLA-E can accommodate structurally divergent peptides of both self and microbial origin. Intracellular processing and presentation pathways for peptides by HLA-E for T cell receptor (TCR) recognition remain to be elucidated. Recent studies show that, unlike canonical peptides, inhibition of the transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP) is essential to allow HLA-E antigen presentation in cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and possibly also of other non-canonical peptides. We propose three alternative and TAP-independent MHC-E antigen-presentation pathways, including for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. These insights may help in designing potential HLA-E targeting vaccines against tumors and pathogens.
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9
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Chen X, Lin Y, Yue S, Yang Y, Wang X, Pan Z, Yang X, Gao L, Zhou J, Li Z, Hu L, Tang J, Wu Q, Wang Y, Tian Q, Hao Y, Xu L, Zhu B, Huang Q, Ye L. Differential expression of inhibitory receptor NKG2A distinguishes disease-specific exhausted CD8 + T cells. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e111. [PMID: 35281793 PMCID: PMC8906559 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Exhausted CD8+ T (Tex) cells are caused by persistent antigenic stimulation during chronic viral infection or tumorigenesis. Tex cells upregulate and sustain the expressions of multiple immune inhibitory receptors (IRs). Blocking IRs of Tex cells, exemplified by PD-1, can partially restore their effector functions and thus lead to viral suppression or tumor remission. Tex cells derived from chronic viral infections share the expression spectrum of IRs with Tex cells derived from tumors; however, whether any IRs are selectively expressed by tumor-derived Tex cells or virus-derived Tex cells remains to be learnt. In the study, we found that Tex cells upregulate IR natural killer cell lectin-like receptor isoform A (NKG2A) specifically in the context of tumor but not chronic viral infection. Moreover, the NKG2A expression is attributed to tumor antigen recognition and thus bias expressed by tumor-specific Tex cells in the tumor microenvironment instead of their counterparts in the periphery. Such dichotomous NKG2A expression further dictates the differential responsiveness of Tex cells to NKG2A immune checkpoint blockade. Therefore, our study highlighted NKG2A as a disease-dependent IR and provided novel insights into the distinct regulatory mechanisms underlying T cell exhaustion between tumor and chronic viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Chen
- School of Laboratory Medicine and BiotechnologySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Yao Lin
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Shuai Yue
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and BiotechnologySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Zhiwei Pan
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- Dermatology HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Leiqiong Gao
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Jing Zhou
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Zhirong Li
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Li Hu
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Jianfang Tang
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Qing Wu
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Yifei Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and BiotechnologySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qin Tian
- Dermatology HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yaxing Hao
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Lifan Xu
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Bo Zhu
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Qizhao Huang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and BiotechnologySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lilin Ye
- School of Laboratory Medicine and BiotechnologySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
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10
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Guo X, Fang Y, Guo C, Jia Q, Chi Z, Li J, Qin R, Tian J, Fan R. Qa-1b functions as an oncogenic factor in mouse melanoma cells. J Dermatol Sci 2022; 105:159-169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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11
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Peri SSS, Sabnani MK, Raza MU, Urquhart EL, Ghaffari S, Lee JS, Kim MJ, Weidanz J, Alexandrakis G. Quantification of low affinity binding interactions between natural killer cell inhibitory receptors and targeting ligands with a self-induced back-action actuated nanopore electrophoresis (SANE) sensor. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 32:045501. [PMID: 33027774 PMCID: PMC8346883 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/abbf26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A plasmonic nanopore sensor enabling detection of bimodal optical and electrical molecular signatures was fabricated and tested for its ability to characterize low affinity ligand-receptor interactions. This plasmonic nanosensor uses self-induced back-action (SIBA) for optical trapping to enable SIBA-actuated nanopore electrophoresis (SANE) through a nanopore located immediately below the optical trap volume. A natural killer (NK) cell inhibitory receptor heterodimer molecule CD94/NKG2A was synthesized to target a specific peptide-presenting Qa-1b Qdm ligand as a simplified model of low-affinity interactions between immune cells and peptide-presenting cancer cells that occurs during cancer immunotherapy. A cancer-irrelevant Qa-1b GroEL ligand was also targeted by the same receptor as a control experiment to test for non-specific binding. The analysis of different pairs of bimodal SANE sensor signatures enabled discrimination of ligand, receptor and their complexes and enabled differentiating between specific and non-specific ligand interactions. We were able to detect ligand-receptor complex binding at concentrations over 500 times lower than the free solution equilibrium binding constant (K D ). Additionally, SANE sensor measurements enabled estimation of the fast dissociation rate (k off) for this low-affinity specific ligand-receptor system, previously shown to be challenging to quantify with commercial technologies. The k off value of targeted peptide-presenting ligands is known to correlate with the subsequent activation of immune cells in vivo, suggesting the potential utility of the SANE senor as a screening tool in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Santosh Sasank Peri
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America
| | - Manoj Kumar Sabnani
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America
| | - Muhammad Usman Raza
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth L Urquhart
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America
| | - Soroush Ghaffari
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America
| | - Jung Soo Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Min Jun Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Jon Weidanz
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America
| | - George Alexandrakis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States of America
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12
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Mbiribindi B, Pena JK, Arvedson MP, Moreno Romero C, McCarthy SR, Hatton OL, Esquivel CO, Martinez OM, Krams SM. Epstein-Barr virus peptides derived from latent cycle proteins alter NKG2A + NK cell effector function. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19973. [PMID: 33203899 PMCID: PMC7673117 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76344-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells control viral infection through the interaction between inhibitory receptors and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) ligands and bound peptide. NK cells expressing the inhibitory receptor NKG2A/CD94 recognize and respond to autologous B cells latently infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The mechanism is not yet understood, thus we investigated peptides derived from seven latent proteins of EBV in the interaction of NKG2A and its ligand HLA-E. Functional analysis demonstrated that EBV peptides can bind to HLA-E and block inhibition of NK cell effector function. Moreover, analysis of DNA from 79 subjects showed sequence variations in the latent protein, LMP1, which alters NK responses to EBV. We provide evidence that peptides derived from EBV latent cycle proteins can impair the recognition of NKG2A despite being presented by HLA-E, resulting in NK cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berenice Mbiribindi
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Josselyn K Pena
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Matthew P Arvedson
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Claudia Moreno Romero
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sarah R McCarthy
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Olivia L Hatton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Carlos O Esquivel
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Olivia M Martinez
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sheri M Krams
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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13
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Ruibal P, Franken KLMC, van Meijgaarden KE, van Loon JJF, van der Steen D, Heemskerk MHM, Ottenhoff THM, Joosten SA. Peptide Binding to HLA-E Molecules in Humans, Nonhuman Primates, and Mice Reveals Unique Binding Peptides but Remarkably Conserved Anchor Residues. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2020; 205:2861-2872. [PMID: 33020145 PMCID: PMC7653511 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ag presentation via the nonclassical MHC class Ib molecule HLA-E, with nearly complete identity between the two alleles expressed in humans, HLA-E*01:01 and HLA-E*01:03, can lead to the activation of unconventional T cells in humans. Despite this virtual genetic monomorphism, differences in peptide repertoires binding to the two allelic variants have been reported. To further dissect and compare peptide binding to HLA-E*01:01 and HLA-E*01:03, we used an UV-mediated peptide exchange binding assay and an HPLC-based competition binding assay. In addition, we investigated binding of these same peptides to Mamu-E, the nonhuman primate homologue of human HLA-E, and to the HLA-E-like molecule Qa-1b in mice. We next exploited the differences and homologies in the peptide binding pockets of these four molecules to identify allele specific as well as common features of peptide binding motifs across species. Our results reveal differences in peptide binding preferences and intensities for each human HLA-E variant compared with Mamu-E and Qa-1b Using extended peptide libraries, we identified and refined the peptide binding motifs for each of the four molecules and found that they share main anchor positions, evidenced by conserved amino acid preferences across the four HLA-E molecules studied. In addition, we also identified differences in peptide binding motifs, which could explain the observed variations in peptide binding preferences and affinities for each of the four HLA-E-like molecules. Our results could help with guiding the selection of candidate pathogen-derived peptides with the capacity to target HLA-E-restricted T cells that could be mobilized in vaccination and immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Ruibal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Kees L M C Franken
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Krista E van Meijgaarden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Joeri J F van Loon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Dirk van der Steen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Tom H M Ottenhoff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; and
| | - Simone A Joosten
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; and
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14
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Borst L, van der Burg SH, van Hall T. The NKG2A-HLA-E Axis as a Novel Checkpoint in the Tumor Microenvironment. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:5549-5556. [PMID: 32409305 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The success of checkpoint blockade therapy revolutionized cancer treatment. However, we need to increase the fraction of responding patients and overcome acquired resistance to these therapies. Recently, the inhibitory receptor NKG2A received attention as a new kid on the block of immune checkpoints. This receptor is selectively expressed on cytotoxic lymphocytes, including natural killer cells and CD8 T cells, and NKG2A+ T cells are preferentially residing in tissues, like the tumor microenvironment. Its ligand, histocompatibility leucocyte antigen E (HLA-E), is a conserved nonclassical HLA class I molecule that binds a limited peptide repertoire and its expression is commonly detected in human cancer. NKG2A blockade as a standalone therapy appears poorly effective in mouse tumor models, however, in the presence of activated T cells, for example, induced by PD-1/PD-L1 blockade or cancer vaccines, exerts strongly enhanced efficacy. Clinical trials demonstrated safety of the humanized NKG2A-blocking antibody, monalizumab, and first results of phase II trials demonstrate encouraging durable response rates. Further development of this axis is clearly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Borst
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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15
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Lees JR. CD8+ T cells: The past and future of immune regulation. Cell Immunol 2020; 357:104212. [PMID: 32979764 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of the adaptive immune response is critical for health. Regulatory activity can be found in multiple components of the immune system, however, the focus on particular components of the immune regulatory network has left many aspects of this critical immune component understudied. Here we review the evidence for activities of CD8+ T cells in immune homeostasis and regulation of autoimmune reactivity. The heterogeneous nature of identified CD8+ cell types are examined, and common phenotypes associated with functional activities are defined. The varying types of antigen signal crucial for CD8+ T cell regulatory activity are identified and the implications of these activation pathways for control of adaptive responses is considered. Finally, the promising capacity for transgenic antigen receptor directed cytotoxicity as a mechanism for modulation of autoimmunity is detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Lees
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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16
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Meza Guzman LG, Keating N, Nicholson SE. Natural Killer Cells: Tumor Surveillance and Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040952. [PMID: 32290478 PMCID: PMC7226588 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in cancer immunotherapy due to their innate ability to detect and kill tumorigenic cells. The decision to kill is determined by the expression of a myriad of activating and inhibitory receptors on the NK cell surface. Cell-to-cell engagement results in either self-tolerance or a cytotoxic response, governed by a fine balance between the signaling cascades downstream of the activating and inhibitory receptors. To evade a cytotoxic immune response, tumor cells can modulate the surface expression of receptor ligands and additionally, alter the conditions in the tumor microenvironment (TME), tilting the scales toward a suppressed cytotoxic NK response. To fully harness the killing power of NK cells for clinical benefit, we need to understand what defines the threshold for activation and what is required to break tolerance. This review will focus on the intracellular signaling pathways activated or suppressed in NK cells and the roles signaling intermediates play during an NK cytotoxic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizeth G. Meza Guzman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: (L.G.M.G.); (S.E.N.); Tel.: +61-9345-2555 (S.E.N.)
| | - Narelle Keating
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sandra E. Nicholson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: (L.G.M.G.); (S.E.N.); Tel.: +61-9345-2555 (S.E.N.)
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17
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Biassoni R, Malnati MS. Human Natural Killer Receptors, Co-Receptors, and Their Ligands. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 121:e47. [PMID: 30040219 DOI: 10.1002/cpim.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the last 20 years, the study of human natural killer (NK) cells has moved from the first molecular characterizations of very few receptor molecules to the identification of a plethora of receptors displaying surprisingly divergent functions. We have contributed to the description of inhibitory receptors and their signaling pathways, important in fine regulation in many cell types, but unknown until their discovery in the NK cells. Inhibitory function is central to regulating NK-mediated cytolysis, with different molecular structures evolving during speciation to assure its persistence. More recently, it has become possible to characterize the NK triggering receptors mediating natural cytotoxicity, unveiling the existence of a network of cellular interactions between effectors of both natural and adaptive immunity. This unit reviews the contemporary history of molecular studies of receptors and ligands involved in NK cell function, characterizing the ligands of the triggering receptor and the mechanisms for finely regulating their expression in pathogen-infected or tumor cells. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Biassoni
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Genova, Italy
| | - Mauro S Malnati
- IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Unit of Human Virology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Milan, Italy
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18
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Goodall KJ, Nguyen A, Matsumoto A, McMullen JR, Eckle SB, Bertolino P, Sullivan LC, Andrews DM. Multiple receptors converge on H2-Q10 to regulate NK and γδT-cell development. Immunol Cell Biol 2019; 97:326-339. [PMID: 30537346 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Class Ib major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an extended family of molecules, which demonstrate tissue-specific expression and presentation of monomorphic antigens. These characteristics tend to imbue class Ib MHC with unique functions. H2-Q10 is potentially one such molecule that is overexpressed in the liver but its immunological function is not known. We have previously shown that H2-Q10 is a ligand for the natural killer cell receptor Ly49C and now, using H2-Q10-deficient mice, we demonstrate that H2-Q10 can also stabilize the expression of Qa-1b. In the absence of H2-Q10, the development and maturation of conventional hepatic natural killer cells is disrupted. We also provide evidence that H2-Q10 is a new high affinity ligand for CD8αα and controls the development of liver-resident CD8αα γδT cells. These data demonstrate that H2-Q10 has multiple roles in the development of immune subsets and identify an overlap of recognition within the class Ib MHC that is likely to be relevant to the regulation of immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine J Goodall
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Angela Nguyen
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aya Matsumoto
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julie R McMullen
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sidonia B Eckle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Patrick Bertolino
- Liver Immunology program Centenary Institute, AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lucy C Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel M Andrews
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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19
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Wang X, Piersma SJ, Nelson CA, Dai YN, Christensen T, Lazear E, Yang L, Sluijter M, van Hall T, Hansen TH, Yokoyama WM, Fremont DH. A herpesvirus encoded Qa-1 mimic inhibits natural killer cell cytotoxicity through CD94/NKG2A receptor engagement. eLife 2018; 7:38667. [PMID: 30575523 PMCID: PMC6320069 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A recurrent theme in viral immune evasion is the sabotage of MHC-I antigen presentation, which brings virus the concomitant issue of ‘missing-self’ recognition by NK cells that use inhibitory receptors to detect surface MHC-I proteins. Here, we report that rodent herpesvirus Peru (RHVP) encodes a Qa-1 like protein (pQa-1) via RNA splicing to counteract NK activation. While pQa-1 surface expression is stabilized by the same canonical peptides presented by murine Qa-1, pQa-1 is GPI-anchored and resistant to the activity of RHVP pK3, a ubiquitin ligase that targets MHC-I for degradation. pQa-1 tetramer staining indicates that it recognizes CD94/NKG2A receptors. Consistently, pQa-1 selectively inhibits NKG2A+ NK cells and expression of pQa-1 can protect tumor cells from NK control in vivo. Collectively, these findings reveal an innovative NK evasion strategy wherein RHVP encodes a modified Qa-1 mimic refractory to MHC-I sabotage and capable of specifically engaging inhibitory receptors to circumvent NK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Sytse J Piersma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Christopher A Nelson
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Ya-Nan Dai
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Ted Christensen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Eric Lazear
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Liping Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Marjolein Sluijter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ted H Hansen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Wayne M Yokoyama
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States.,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Daved H Fremont
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
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20
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van Montfoort N, Borst L, Korrer MJ, Sluijter M, Marijt KA, Santegoets SJ, van Ham VJ, Ehsan I, Charoentong P, André P, Wagtmann N, Welters MJP, Kim YJ, Piersma SJ, van der Burg SH, van Hall T. NKG2A Blockade Potentiates CD8 T Cell Immunity Induced by Cancer Vaccines. Cell 2018; 175:1744-1755.e15. [PMID: 30503208 PMCID: PMC6354585 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating CD8 T cells were found to frequently express the inhibitory receptor NKG2A, particularly in immune-reactive environments and after therapeutic cancer vaccination. High-dimensional cluster analysis demonstrated that NKG2A marks a unique immune effector subset preferentially co-expressing the tissue-resident CD103 molecule, but not immune checkpoint inhibitors. To examine whether NKG2A represented an adaptive resistance mechanism to cancer vaccination, we blocked the receptor with an antibody and knocked out its ligand Qa-1b, the conserved ortholog of HLA-E, in four mouse tumor models. The impact of therapeutic vaccines was greatly potentiated by disruption of the NKG2A/Qa-1b axis even in a PD-1 refractory mouse model. NKG2A blockade therapy operated through CD8 T cells, but not NK cells. These findings indicate that NKG2A-blocking antibodies might improve clinical responses to therapeutic cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine van Montfoort
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Linda Borst
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michael J Korrer
- Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Marjolein Sluijter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Koen A Marijt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia J Santegoets
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Vanessa J van Ham
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ilina Ehsan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Pornpimol Charoentong
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Marij J P Welters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Young J Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sytse J Piersma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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21
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Evidence of functional Cd94 polymorphism in a free-living house mouse population. Immunogenetics 2018; 71:321-333. [PMID: 30535636 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-018-01100-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The CD94 receptor, expressed on natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells, is known as a relatively non-polymorphic receptor with orthologues in humans, other primates, cattle, and rodents. In the house mouse (Mus musculus), a single allele is highly conserved among laboratory strains, and reports of allelic variation in lab- or wild-living mice are lacking, except for deficiency in one lab strain (DBA/2J). The non-classical MHC-I molecule Qa-1b is the ligand for mouse CD94/NKG2A, presenting alternative non-americ fragment of leader peptides (Qa-1 determinant modifier (Qdm)) from classical MHC-I molecules. Here, we report a novel allele identified in free-living house mice captured in Norway, living among individuals carrying the canonical Cd94 allele. The novel Cd94LocA allele encodes 12 amino acid substitutions in the extracellular lectin-like domain. Flow cytometric analysis of primary NK cells and transfected cells indicates that the substitutions prevent binding of CD94 mAb and Qa-1b/Qdm tetramers. Our data further indicate correlation of Cd94 polymorphism with the two major subspecies of house mice in Europe. Together, these findings suggest that the Cd94LocA/NKG2A heterodimeric receptor is widely expressed among M. musculus subspecies musculus, with ligand-binding properties different from mice of subspecies domesticus, such as the C57BL/6 strain.
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22
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Doorduijn EM, Sluijter M, Querido BJ, Seidel UJE, Oliveira CC, van der Burg SH, van Hall T. T Cells Engaging the Conserved MHC Class Ib Molecule Qa-1 b with TAP-Independent Peptides Are Semi-Invariant Lymphocytes. Front Immunol 2018; 9:60. [PMID: 29422902 PMCID: PMC5788890 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The HLA-E homolog in the mouse (Qa-1b) is a conserved MHC class Ib molecule presenting monomorphic peptides to germline-encoded natural killer receptor CD94/NKG2A. Previously, we demonstrated the replacement of this canonical peptide by a diverse peptidome upon deficiency of the TAP peptide transporter. Analysis of this Qa-1b-restricted T cell repertoire against these non-mutated neoantigens revealed characteristics of conventional hypervariable CD8+ T cells, but also of invariant T cell receptor (TCR)αβ T cells. A shared TCR Vα chain was used by this subset in combination with a variety of Vβ chains. The TCRs target peptide ligands that are conserved between mouse and man, like the identified peptide derived from the transcriptional cofactor Med15. The thymus selection was studied in a TCR-transgenic mouse and emerging naïve CD8+ T cells displayed a slightly activated phenotype, as witnessed by higher CD122 and Ly6C expression. Moreover, the Qa-1b protein was dispensable for thymus selection. Importantly, no self-reactivity was observed as reported for other MHC class Ib-restricted subsets. Naïve Qa-1b restricted T cells expanded, contracted, and formed memory cells in vivo upon peptide vaccination in a similar manner as conventional CD8+ T cells. Based on these data, the Qa-1b restricted T cell subset might be positioned closest to conventional CD8+ T cells of all MHC class Ib populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elien M Doorduijn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Sluijter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bianca J Querido
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ursula J E Seidel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Claudia C Oliveira
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
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Host Expression of the CD8 Treg/NK Cell Restriction Element Qa-1 is Dispensable for Transplant Tolerance. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11181. [PMID: 28894277 PMCID: PMC5593978 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11780-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the non-classical Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Ib molecule Qa-1 impairs CD8 Treg and natural killer (NK) cell function and promotes a lupus-like autoimmune disease. This immune perturbation would be expected to enhance anti-transplant responses and impair tolerance induction, but the effect of Qa-1 deficiency on the transplant response has not been previously reported. Qa-1 deficiency enhanced CD4 TFH and germinal center (GC) B cell numbers in naïve mice and hastened islet allograft rejection. Despite enhanced immunity in B6.Qa-1-/- mice, these mice did not generate an excessive primary CD4 TFH cell response nor an enhanced alloantibody reaction. Both CD8 Tregs and NK cells, which often regulate other cells through host Qa-1 expression, were targets of anti-CD45RB therapy that had not been previously recognized. However, B6.Qa-1-/- mice remained susceptible to anti-CD45RB mediated suppression of the alloantibody response and transplant tolerance induction to mismatched islet allografts. Overall, despite enhanced immunity as demonstrated by augmented CD4 TFH/GC B cell numbers and hastened islet allograft rejection in naïve 12-week old Qa-1 deficient mice, the CD8 Treg/NK cell restriction element Qa-1 does not regulate the primary cellular or humoral alloresponse and is not required for long-term transplant tolerance.
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Ying G, Wang J, Kumar V, Zajonc DM. Crystal structure of Qa-1a with bound Qa-1 determinant modifier peptide. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182296. [PMID: 28767728 PMCID: PMC5540586 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Qa-1 is a non-classical Major Histocompatibility (MHC) class I molecule that generally presents hydrophobic peptides including Qdm derived from the leader sequence of classical MHC I molecules for immune surveillance by NK cells. Qa-1 bound peptides derived from the TCR Vβ8.2 of activated T cells also activates CD8+ regulatory T cells to control autoimmunity and maintain self-tolerance. Four allotypes of Qa-1 (Qa-1a-d) are expressed that are highly conserved in sequence but have several variations that could affect peptide binding to Qa-1 or TCR recognition. Here, we determined the structure of Qa-1a with bound Qdm peptide. While the overall structure is very similar to that of Qa-1b, there are several amino acid differences around the peptide binding platform that could affect TCR recognition. Most notably, two amino acid substitutions are found in the pocket P2, which binds the anchor residue Met2 of the Qdm peptide. These residues affect both the size and shape of the binding pocket, as well as affect the charge at physiologic pH, suggesting Qa-1a and Qa-1b could present slightly distinct peptide reservoirs, which could presumably be recognized by different populations of CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Ying
- Division of Cell Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jing Wang
- Division of Cell Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Vipin Kumar
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Dirk M. Zajonc
- Division of Cell Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Nagarajan NA, de Verteuil DA, Sriranganadane D, Yahyaoui W, Thibault P, Perreault C, Shastri N. ERAAP Shapes the Peptidome Associated with Classical and Nonclassical MHC Class I Molecules. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:1035-43. [PMID: 27371725 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The peptide repertoire presented by classical as well as nonclassical MHC class I (MHC I) molecules is altered in the absence of the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase associated with Ag processing (ERAAP). To characterize the extent of these changes, peptides from cells lacking ERAAP were eluted from the cell surface and analyzed by high-throughput mass spectrometry. We found that most peptides found in wild-type (WT) cells were retained in the absence of ERAAP. In contrast, a subset of "ERAAP-edited" peptides was lost in WT cells, and ERAAP-deficient cells presented a unique "unedited" repertoire. A substantial fraction of MHC-associated peptides from ERAAP-deficient cells contained N-terminal extensions and had a different molecular composition than did those from WT cells. We found that the number and immunogenicity of peptides associated with nonclassical MHC I was increased in the absence of ERAAP. Conversely, only peptides presented by classical MHC I were immunogenic in ERAAP-sufficient cells. Finally, MHC I peptides were also derived from different intracellular sources in ERAAP-deficient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niranjana A Nagarajan
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720; and
| | - Danielle A de Verteuil
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Dev Sriranganadane
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Wafaa Yahyaoui
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Pierre Thibault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Claude Perreault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Nilabh Shastri
- Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720; and
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Pratheek BM, Nayak TK, Sahoo SS, Mohanty PK, Chattopadhyay S, Chakraborty NG, Chattopadhyay S. Mammalian non-classical major histocompatibility complex I and its receptors: Important contexts of gene, evolution, and immunity. INDIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS 2014; 20:129-41. [PMID: 25400340 PMCID: PMC4228563 DOI: 10.4103/0971-6866.142855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved, less-polymorphic, nonclassical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules: Qa-1 and its human homologue human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) along with HLA-F, G and H cross-talk with the T-cell receptors and also interact with natural killer T-cells and other lymphocytes. Moreover, these nonclassical MHC molecules are known to interact with CD94/NKG2 heterodimeric receptors to induce immune responses and immune regulations. This dual role of Qa-1/HLA-E in terms of innate and adaptive immunity makes them more interesting. This review highlights the new updates of the mammalian nonclassical MHC-I molecules in terms of their gene organization, evolutionary perspective and their role in immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Pratheek
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Tapas K Nayak
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Subhransu S Sahoo
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | | | - Soma Chattopadhyay
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ntiya G Chakraborty
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA
| | - Subhasis Chattopadhyay
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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27
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Chen L, Reyes-Vargas E, Dai H, Escobar H, Rudd B, Fairbanks J, Ho A, Cusick MF, Kumánovics A, Delgado J, He X, Jensen PE. Expression of the mouse MHC class Ib H2-T11 gene product, a paralog of H2-T23 (Qa-1) with shared peptide-binding specificity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2014; 193:1427-39. [PMID: 24958902 PMCID: PMC4211609 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mouse MHC class Ib gene H2-T11 is 95% identical at the DNA level to H2-T23, which encodes Qa-1, one of the most studied MHC class Ib molecules. H2-T11 mRNA was observed to be expressed widely in tissues of C57BL/6 mice, with the highest levels in thymus. To circumvent the availability of a specific mAb, cells were transduced with cDNA encoding T11 with a substituted α3 domain. Hybrid T11D3 protein was expressed at high levels similar to control T23D3 molecules on the surface of both TAP(+) and TAP(-) cells. Soluble T11D3 was generated by folding in vitro with Qa-1 determinant modifier, the dominant peptide presented by Qa-1. The circular dichroism spectrum of this protein was similar to that of other MHC class I molecules, and it was observed to bind labeled Qa-1 determinant modifier peptide with rapid kinetics. By contrast to the Qa-1 control, T11 tetramers did not react with cells expressing CD94/NKG2A, supporting the conclusion that T11 cannot replace Qa-1 as a ligand for NK cell inhibitory receptors. T11 also failed to substitute for Qa-1 in the presentation of insulin to a Qa-1-restricted T cell hybridoma. Despite divergent function, T11 was observed to share peptide-loading specificity with Qa-1. Direct analysis by tandem mass spectrometry of peptides eluted from T11D3 and T23D3 isolated from Hela cells demonstrated a diversity of peptides with a clear motif that was shared between the two molecules. Thus, T11 is a paralog of T23 encoding an MHC class Ib molecule that shares peptide-binding specificity with Qa-1 but differs in function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; and
| | | | - Hu Dai
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; and
| | | | - Brant Rudd
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; and
| | - Jared Fairbanks
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; and
| | - Alexander Ho
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; and
| | - Mathew F Cusick
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; and
| | - Attila Kumánovics
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; and ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Julio Delgado
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; and ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Xiao He
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; and
| | - Peter E Jensen
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; and ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
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Cassidy SA, Cheent KS, Khakoo SI. Effects of Peptide on NK cell-mediated MHC I recognition. Front Immunol 2014; 5:133. [PMID: 24744756 PMCID: PMC3978238 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibitory receptors for MHC class I have a central role in controlling natural killer (NK) cell activity. Soon after their discovery, it was found that these receptors have a degree of peptide selectivity. Such peptide selectivity has been demonstrated for all inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) tested to date, certain activating KIR, and also members of the C-type lectin-like family of receptors. This selectivity is much broader than the peptide specificity of T cell receptors, with NK cell receptors recognizing peptide motifs, rather than individual peptides. Inhibitory receptors on NK cells can survey the peptide:MHC complexes expressed on the surface of target cells, therefore subsequent transduction of an inhibitory signal depends on the overall peptide content of these MHC class I complexes. Functionally, KIR-expressing NK cells have been shown to be unexpectedly sensitive to changes in the peptide content of MHC class I, as peptide:MHC class I complexes that weakly engage KIR can antagonize the inhibitory signals generated by engagement of stronger KIR-binding peptide:MHC class I complexes. This property provides KIR-expressing NK cells with the potential to recognize changes in the peptide:MHC class I repertoire, which may occur during viral infections and tumorigenesis. By contrast, in the presence of HLA class I leader peptides, virus-derived peptides can induce a synergistic inhibition of CD94:NKG2A-expressing NK cells through recruitment of CD94 in the absence of NKG2A. On the other hand, CD94:NKG2A-positive NK cells can be exquisitely sensitive to changes in the levels of MHC class I. Peptide antagonism and sensitivity to changes in MHC class I levels are properties that distinguish KIR and CD94:NKG2A. The subtle difference in the properties of NK cells expressing these receptors provides a rationale for having complementary inhibitory receptor systems for MHC class I.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Salim I. Khakoo
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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29
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Kim HJ, Cantor H. Regulation of self-tolerance by Qa-1-restricted CD8(+) regulatory T cells. Semin Immunol 2012; 23:446-52. [PMID: 22136694 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2011.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Mounting an efficient immune response to pathogens while avoiding damage to host tissues is the central task of the immune system. Emerging evidence has highlighted the contribution of the CD8(+) lineage of regulatory T cells to the maintenance of self-tolerance. Specific recognition of the MHC class Ib molecule Qa-1 complexed to peptides expressed by activated CD4(+) T cells by regulatory CD8(+) T cells triggers an inhibitory interaction that prevents autoimmune responses. Conversely, defective Qa-1-restricted CD8(+) regulatory activity can result in development of systemic autoimmune disease. Here, we review recent research into the cellular and molecular basis of these regulatory T cells, their mechanism of suppressive activity and the potential application of these insights into new treatments for autoimmune disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jung Kim
- Department of Cancer Immunology & AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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30
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Zeng L, Sullivan LC, Vivian JP, Walpole NG, Harpur CM, Rossjohn J, Clements CS, Brooks AG. A structural basis for antigen presentation by the MHC class Ib molecule, Qa-1b. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2012; 188:302-10. [PMID: 22131332 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The primary function of the monomorphic MHC class Ib molecule Qa-1(b) is to present peptides derived from the leader sequences of other MHC class I molecules for recognition by the CD94-NKG2 receptors expressed by NK and T cells. Whereas the mode of peptide presentation by its ortholog HLA-E, and subsequent recognition by CD94-NKG2A, is known, the molecular basis of Qa-1(b) function is unclear. We have assessed the interaction between Qa-1(b) and CD94-NKG2A and shown that they interact with an affinity of 17 μM. Furthermore, we have determined the structure of Qa-1(b) bound to the leader sequence peptide, Qdm (AMAPRTLLL), to a resolution of 1.9 Å and compared it with that of HLA-E. The crystal structure provided a basis for understanding the restricted peptide repertoire of Qa-1(b). Whereas the Qa-1(b-AMAPRTLLL) complex was similar to that of HLA-E, significant sequence and structural differences were observed between the respective Ag-binding clefts. However, the conformation of the Qdm peptide bound by Qa-1(b) was very similar to that of peptide bound to HLA-E. Although a number of conserved innate receptors can recognize heterologous ligands from other species, the structural differences between Qa-1(b) and HLA-E manifested in CD94-NKG2A ligand recognition being species specific despite similarities in peptide sequence and conformation. Collectively, our data illustrate the structural homology between Qa-1(b) and HLA-E and provide a structural basis for understanding peptide repertoire selection and the specificity of the interaction of Qa-1(b) with CD94-NKG2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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A novel category of antigens enabling CTL immunity to tumor escape variants: Cinderella antigens. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2011; 61:119-25. [PMID: 22116347 PMCID: PMC3249164 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-1160-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Deficiencies in MHC class I antigen presentation are a common feature of tumors and allows escape from cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated killing. It is crucial to take this capacity of tumors into account for the development of T-cell-based immunotherapy, as it may strongly impair their effectiveness. A variety of escape mechanisms has been described thus far, but progress in counteracting them is poor. Here we review a novel strategy to target malignancies with defects in the antigenic processing machinery (APM). The concept is based on a unique category of CD8+ T-cell epitopes that is associated with impaired peptide processing, which we named TEIPP. We characterized this alternative peptide repertoire emerging in MHC-I on tumors lacking classical antigen processing due to defects in the peptide transporter TAP (transporter associated with peptide processing). These TEIPPs exemplify interesting parallels with the folktale figure Cinderella: they are oppressed and neglected by a stepmother (like functional TAP prevents TEIPP presentation), until the suppression is released and Cinderella/TEIPP achieves unexpected recognition. TEIPP-specific CTLs and their cognate peptide-epitopes provide a new strategy to counteract immune evasion by APM defects and bear potential to targeting escape variants observed in a wide range of cancers.
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Chen L, Jay DC, Fairbanks JD, He X, Jensen PE. An MHC class Ib-restricted CD8+ T cell response to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:6463-72. [PMID: 22084437 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Conventional MHC class Ia-restricted CD8(+) T cells play a dominant role in the host response to virus infections, but recent studies indicate that T cells with specificity for nonclassical MHC class Ib molecules may also participate in host defense. To investigate the potential role of class Ib molecules in anti-viral immune responses, K(b-/-)D(b-/-)CIITA(-/-) mice lacking expression of MHC class Ia and class II molecules were infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). These animals have a large class Ib-selected CD8(+) T cell population and they were observed to mediate partial (but incomplete) virus clearance during acute LCMV infection as compared with K(b-/-)D(b-/-)β(2)-microglobulin(-/-) mice that lack expression of both MHC class Ia and class Ib molecules. Infection was associated with expansion of splenic CD8(+) T cells and induction of granzyme B and IFN-γ effector molecules in CD8(+) T cells. Partial virus clearance was dependent on CD8(+) cells. In vitro T cell restimulation assays demonstrated induction of a population of β(2)-microglobulin-dependent, MHC class Ib-restricted CD8(+) T cells with specificity for viral Ags and yet to be defined nonclassical MHC molecules. MHC class Ib-restricted CD8(+) T cell responses were also observed after infection of K(b-/-)D(b-/-)mice despite the low number of CD8(+) T cells in these animals. Long-term infection studies demonstrated chronic infection and gradual depletion of CD8(+) T cells in K(b-/-)D(b-/-)CIITA(-/-) mice, demonstrating that class Ia molecules are required for viral clearance. These findings demonstrate that class Ib-restricted CD8(+) T cells have the potential to participate in the host immune response to LCMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Novota P, Zinöcker S, Norden J, Wang XN, Sviland L, Opitz L, Salinas-Riester G, Rolstad B, Dickinson AM, Walter L, Dressel R. Expression profiling of major histocompatibility and natural killer complex genes reveals candidates for controlling risk of graft versus host disease. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16582. [PMID: 21305040 PMCID: PMC3030590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is the most important genomic region that contributes to the risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD) after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Matching of MHC class I and II genes is essential for the success of transplantation. However, the MHC contains additional genes that also contribute to the risk of developing acute GVHD. It is difficult to identify these genes by genetic association studies alone due to linkage disequilibrium in this region. Therefore, we aimed to identify MHC genes and other genes involved in the pathophysiology of GVHD by mRNA expression profiling. Methodology/Principal Findings To reduce the complexity of the task, we used genetically well-defined rat inbred strains and a rat skin explant assay, an in-vitro-model of the graft versus host reaction (GVHR), to analyze the expression of MHC, natural killer complex (NKC), and other genes in cutaneous GVHR. We observed a statistically significant and strong up or down regulation of 11 MHC, 6 NKC, and 168 genes encoded in other genomic regions, i.e. 4.9%, 14.0%, and 2.6% of the tested genes respectively. The regulation of 7 selected MHC and 3 NKC genes was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR and in independent skin explant assays. In addition, similar regulations of most of the selected genes were observed in GVHD-affected skin lesions of transplanted rats and in human skin explant assays. Conclusions/Significance We identified rat and human MHC and NKC genes that are regulated during GVHR in skin explant assays and could therefore serve as biomarkers for GVHD. Several of the respective human genes, including HLA-DMB, C2, AIF1, SPR1, UBD, and OLR1, are polymorphic. These candidates may therefore contribute to the genetic risk of GVHD in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Novota
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Severin Zinöcker
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean Norden
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Xiao Nong Wang
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Lisbet Sviland
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland Sykehus, Section of Pathology, Gades Institute, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lennart Opitz
- Transcriptome Analysis Laboratory, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Bent Rolstad
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne M. Dickinson
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Lutz Walter
- Department of Primate Genetics, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Dressel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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van Hall T, Oliveira CC, Joosten SA, Ottenhoff THM. The other Janus face of Qa-1 and HLA-E: diverse peptide repertoires in times of stress. Microbes Infect 2010; 12:910-8. [PMID: 20670688 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2010.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2010] [Accepted: 07/15/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The non-polymorphic MHC molecule Qa-1 and its human counterpart HLA-E present monomorphic signal peptides to innate receptors and thereby regulate lymphocyte activity. Under stress, this peptide content is replaced with a surprisingly diverse repertoire of novel peptides that are associated with heat-shock proteins, infectious agents or antigen processing defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, K1-P, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands.
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35
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Oliveira CC, van Veelen PA, Querido B, de Ru A, Sluijter M, Laban S, Drijfhout JW, van der Burg SH, Offringa R, van Hall T. The nonpolymorphic MHC Qa-1b mediates CD8+ T cell surveillance of antigen-processing defects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 207:207-21. [PMID: 20038604 PMCID: PMC2812552 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20091429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The nonclassical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Qa-1b accommodates monomorphic leader peptides and functions as a ligand for germ line receptors CD94/NKG2, which are expressed by natural killer cells and CD8+ T cells. We here describe that the conserved peptides are replaced by a novel peptide repertoire of surprising diversity as a result of impairments in the antigen-processing pathway. This novel peptide repertoire represents immunogenic neoantigens for CD8+ T cells, as we found that these Qa-1b–restricted T cells dominantly participated in the response to tumors with processing deficiencies. A surprisingly wide spectrum of target cells, irrespective of transformation status, MHC background, or type of processing deficiency, was recognized by this T cell subset, complying with the conserved nature of Qa-1b. Target cell recognition depended on T cell receptor and Qa-1b interaction, and immunization with identified peptide epitopes demonstrated in vivo priming of CD8+ T cells. Our data reveal that Qa-1b, and most likely its human homologue human leukocyte antigen-E, is important for the defense against processing-deficient cells by displacing the monomorphic leader peptides, which relieves the inhibition through CD94/NKG2A on lymphocytes, and by presenting a novel repertoire of immunogenic peptides, which recruits a subset of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia C Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands
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36
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Biassoni R. Human natural killer receptors, co-receptors, and their ligands. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN IMMUNOLOGY 2009; Chapter 14:14.10.1-14.10.40. [PMID: 19235767 DOI: 10.1002/0471142735.im1410s84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In the last 20 years, the study of human natural killer (NK) cells has moved from the first molecular characterizations of very few receptor molecules to the identification of a plethora of receptors displaying surprisingly divergent functions. Our laboratory has contributed to the description of inhibitory receptors and their signaling pathways, important in fine regulation in many cell types, but unknown until their discovery in the NK cells. Inhibitory function is central to regulating NK-mediated cytolysis, with different molecular structures evolving during speciation to assure its persistence. Only in the last ten years has it become possible to characterize the NK triggering receptors mediating natural cytotoxicity, leading to an appreciation of the existence of a cellular interaction network between effectors of both natural and adaptive immunity. This report reviews the contemporary history of molecular studies of receptors and ligands involved in NK cell function, characterizing the ligands of the triggering receptor and the mechanisms for finely regulating their expression in pathogen-infected or tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Biassoni
- Instituto Giannina Gaslini, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Genova, Italy
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37
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Jay DC, Reed-Loisel LM, Jensen PE. Polyclonal MHC Ib-restricted CD8+ T cells undergo homeostatic expansion in the absence of conventional MHC-restricted T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 180:2805-14. [PMID: 18292501 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.5.2805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Naive T cells have the capacity to expand in a lymphopenic environment in a process called homeostatic expansion, where they gain a memory-like phenotype. Homeostatic expansion is dependent on competition for a number of factors, including growth factors and interactions with their selecting self-MHC molecules. In contrast to conventional T cells, it is unclear whether class Ib-restricted CD8+ T cells have a capacity to undergo homeostatic expansion. In this study, we demonstrate that polyclonal MHC Ib-restricted CD8+ T cells can undergo homeostatic expansion and that their peripheral expansion is suppressed by conventional MHC-restricted T cells. The acute depletion of CD4+ T cells in MHC class Ia-deficient Kb-/-Db-/- mice led to the substantial expansion of class Ib-restricted CD8+ T cells. Adoptive transfer of class Ib-restricted CD8+ T cells to congenic lymphopenic recipients revealed their ability to undergo homeostatic expansion in a MHC Ib-dependent manner. To further study the homeostatic expansion of MHC Ib-restricted T cells in the absence of all conventional MHC-restricted T cells, we generated mice that express only MHC Ib molecules by crossing H-2Kb-/-Db-/- with CIITA-/- mice. CD8+ T cells in these mice exhibit all of the hallmarks of naive T cells actively undergoing homeostatic expansion with constitutive memory-like surface and functional phenotype. These findings provide direct evidence that MHC Ib-restricted CD8+ T cells have the capacity to undergo homeostatic expansion. Their peripheral expansion is suppressed under normal conditions by a numerical excess of conventional MHC class Ia- and class II-restricted T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Jay
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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38
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Abstract
The NKG2x/CD94 (x = A, C, E) natural killer-cell receptors perform an important role in immunosurveillance by binding to HLA-E complexes that exclusively present peptides derived from MHC class I leader sequences, thereby monitoring MHC class I expression. We have determined the crystal structure of the NKG2A/CD94/HLA-E complex at 4.4-A resolution, revealing two critical aspects of this interaction. First, the C-terminal region of the peptide, which displays the most variability among class I leader sequences, interacts entirely with CD94, the invariant component of these receptors. Second, residues 167-170 of NKG2A/C account for the approximately 6-fold-higher affinity of the inhibitory NKG2A/CD94 receptor compared to its activating NKG2C/CD94 counterpart. These residues do not contact HLA-E or peptide directly but instead form part of the heterodimer interface with CD94. An evolutionary analysis across primates reveals that whereas CD94 is evolving under purifying selection, both NKG2A and NKG2C are evolving under positive selection. Specifically, residues at the CD94 interface have evolved under positive selection, suggesting that the evolution of these genes is driven by an interaction with pathogen-derived ligands. Consistent with this possibility, we show that NKG2C/CD94, but not NKG2A/CD94, weakly but specifically binds to the CMV MHC-homologue UL18. Thus, the evolution of the NKG2x/CD94 family of receptors has likely been shaped both by the need to bind the invariant HLA-E ligand and the need to avoid subversion by pathogen-derived decoys.
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39
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Abstract
Despite early reports that natural killer (NK) cells are non-specific or have non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)- restricted killing, it is now clear that NK cells express a panoply of receptors with defined specificity for ligands expressed on their cellular targets. The roles of these receptors in terms of physiological NK cell effector functions, such as cytotoxicity and cytokine production, are beginning to be unravelled. Inasmuch as NK cells accumulate in the uterus, an appreciation of NK cell receptor specificities and their physiological functions should provide valuable clues to the role of NK cells in the uterus and during pregnancy.
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40
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Persson CM, Assarsson E, Vahlne G, Brodin P, Chambers BJ. Critical role of Qa1b in the protection of mature dendritic cells from NK cell-mediated killing. Scand J Immunol 2007; 67:30-6. [PMID: 18028286 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2007.02034.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Molecular interactions in natural killer (NK) cell-mediated killing of dendritic cells (DC) have under recent years come under scrutiny. Upon stimulation with IFN-gamma or lipopolysaccharide, DC become relatively resistant to NK cell-mediated lysis. In the present study, we investigated the role of Qa1(b) on DC and its receptor NKG2A on NK cells in the protection of mature DC from NK cells. We demonstrate that while both NKG2A+ and NKG2A- NK cells can efficiently lyse unstimulated DC, NKG2A+ NK cells but not NKG2A- NK cells are largely impaired in their ability to lyse mature DC. Similarly, mature DC from mice expressing H-2D(b), whose leader peptide sequence binds and stabilizes Qa1(b), were resistant to NK cell-mediated killing, suggesting that stable Qa1(b) expression contributes to the protection of mature DC. This finding was further validated by the demonstration that addition of the Qdm leader peptide could protect TAP1-/- DC from NK cell-mediated lysis both in vitro and in vivo. The present data suggest that stable expression of Qa1 on the surface of mature DC contributes to the protection of DC from NK cell-mediated lysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Persson
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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41
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Lu L, Ikizawa K, Hu D, Werneck MB, Wucherpfennig KW, Cantor H. Regulation of activated CD4+ T cells by NK cells via the Qa-1-NKG2A inhibitory pathway. Immunity 2007; 26:593-604. [PMID: 17509909 PMCID: PMC3428267 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2007.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2007] [Revised: 02/26/2007] [Accepted: 03/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The ability of natural-killer cells to regulate adaptive immunity is not well understood. Here we define an interaction between the class Ib major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule Qa-1-Qdm on activated T cells responsible for adaptive immunity and CD94-NKG2A inhibitory receptors expressed by natural-killer cells by using Qa-1-deficient and Qa-1 knockin mice containing a point mutation that selectively abolishes Qa-1-Qdm binding to CD94-NKG2A receptors. The Qa-1-NKG2A interaction protected activated CD4+ T cells from lysis by a subset of NKG2A+ NK cells and was essential for T cell expansion and development of immunologic memory. Antibody-dependent blockade of this Qa-1-NKG2A interaction resulted in potent NK-dependent elimination of activated autoreactive T cells and amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. These findings extend the functional reach of the NK system to include regulation of adaptive T cell responses and suggest a new clinical strategy for elimination of antigen-activated T cells in the context of autoimmune disease and transplantation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bone Marrow/immunology
- Bone Marrow/metabolism
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Chimerin Proteins/genetics
- Chimerin Proteins/immunology
- Chimerin Proteins/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/deficiency
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/genetics
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation/immunology
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism
- Immunologic Memory/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis
- Killer Cells, Natural/cytology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lentivirus/genetics
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D/genetics
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D/metabolism
- Phenotype
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
- Signal Transduction/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Linrong Lu
- Department of Cancer Immunology & AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Koichi Ikizawa
- Department of Cancer Immunology & AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dan Hu
- Department of Cancer Immunology & AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Miriam B.F. Werneck
- Department of Cancer Immunology & AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kai W. Wucherpfennig
- Department of Cancer Immunology & AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harvey Cantor
- Department of Cancer Immunology & AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence:
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42
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van Hall T, Laban S, Koppers-Lalic D, Koch J, Precup C, Asmawidjaja P, Offringa R, Wiertz EJHJ. The varicellovirus-encoded TAP inhibitor UL49.5 regulates the presentation of CTL epitopes by Qa-1b1. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 178:657-62. [PMID: 17202325 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.178.2.657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Impairment of MHC class I Ag processing is a commonly observed mechanism that allows viruses and tumors to escape immune destruction by CTL. The peptide transporter TAP that is responsible for the delivery of MHC class I-binding peptides into the endoplasmic reticulum is a pivotal target of viral-immune evasion molecules, and expression of this transporter is frequently lost in advanced cancers. We recently described a novel population of CTL that intriguingly exhibits reactivity against such tumor-immune escape variants and that recognizes self-peptides emerging at the cell surface due to defects in the processing machinery. Investigations of this new type of CTL epitopes are hampered by the lack of an efficient inhibitor for peptide transport in mouse cells. In this article, we demonstrate that the varicellovirus protein UL49.5, in contrast to ICP47 and US6, strongly impairs the activity of the mouse transporter and mediates degradation of mouse TAP1 and TAP2. Inhibition of TAP was witnessed by a strong reduction of surface MHC class I display and a decrease in recognition of conventional tumor-specific CTL. Analysis of CTL reactivity through the nonclassical molecule Qa-1(b) revealed that the presentation of the predominant leader peptide was inhibited. Interestingly, expression of UL49.5 in processing competent tumor cells induced the presentation of the new category of peptides. Our data show that the varicellovirus UL49.5 protein is a universal TAP inhibitor that can be exploited for preclinical studies on CTL-based immune intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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43
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Tang X, Maricic I, Purohit N, Bakamjian B, Reed-Loisel LM, Beeston T, Jensen P, Kumar V. Regulation of immunity by a novel population of Qa-1-restricted CD8alphaalpha+TCRalphabeta+ T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 177:7645-55. [PMID: 17114434 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.11.7645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory mechanisms involving CD8+ T cells (CD8 regulatory T cells (Tregs)) are important in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. However, the inability to generate functional CD8 Treg clones with defined Ag specificity has precluded a direct demonstration of CD8 Treg-mediated regulation. In the present study, we describe the isolation of functional lines and clones representing a novel population of TCRalphabeta+ Tregs that control activated Vbeta8.2+ CD4 T cells mediating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. They express exclusively the CD8alphaalpha homodimer and recognize a peptide from a conserved region of the TCR Vbeta8.2 chain in the context of the Qa-1a (CD8alphaalpha Tregs). They secrete type 1 cytokines but not IL-2. CD8alphaalpha Tregs kill activated Vbeta8.2+ but not Vbeta8.2- or naive T cells. The CD8alphaalpha Tregs prevent autoimmunity upon adoptive transfer or following in vivo activation. These findings reveal an important negative feedback regulatory mechanism targeting activated T cells and have implications in the development of therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases and transplantation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CD8 Antigens/immunology
- CD8 Antigens/metabolism
- Cell Line
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Flow Cytometry
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/immunology
- Immune Tolerance
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Tang
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 3550 General Atomics Court, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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44
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Borrego F, Masilamani M, Marusina AI, Tang X, Coligan JE. The CD94/NKG2 family of receptors: from molecules and cells to clinical relevance. Immunol Res 2007; 35:263-78. [PMID: 17172651 DOI: 10.1385/ir:35:3:263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Immune responses must be tightly regulated to avoid hyporesponsiveness on one hand or excessive inflammation and the development of autoimmunity (hyperresponsiveness) on the other hand. This balance is attained through the throttling of activating signals by inhibitory signals that ideally leads to an adequate immune response against an invader without excessive and extended inflammatory signals that promote the development of autoimmunity. The CD94/NKG2 family of receptors is composed of members with activating or inhibitory potential. These receptors are expressed predominantly on NK cells and a subset of CD8+ T cells, and they have been shown to play an important role in regulating responses against infected and tumorigenic cells. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about this family of receptors, including ligand and receptor interaction, signaling, membrane dynamics, regulation of gene expression and their roles in disease regulation, infections, and cancer, and bone marrow transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Borrego
- Receptor Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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45
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Abstract
The immune system is not only well equipped to control infections but also tightly controlled to prevent autoimmune disease. Despite the negative selection of T-cell clones in the thymus, mature T cells capable of recognizing self-antigens are present in every individual. Several types of specialized regulatory cells maintain homeostasis and prevent expansion of autoreactive T cells. In this issue of Immunological Reviews, the role of CD4+ regulatory T cells is extensively discussed. Suppression of T-cell responses by CD8+ T cells has received less attention. Here, we review research on Qa-1-restricted CD8+ regulatory T cells. We focus on the role of this class Ib major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule in both CD8+ regulatory T-cell activity and protection of activated T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linrong Lu
- Department of Cancer Immunology & AIDS, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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46
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Suvas S, Azkur AK, Rouse BT. Qa-1b and CD94-NKG2a interaction regulate cytolytic activity of herpes simplex virus-specific memory CD8+ T cells in the latently infected trigeminal ganglia. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 176:1703-11. [PMID: 16424200 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.176.3.1703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
After ocular infection, HSV-specific CD8+ T cells migrate to and are specifically retained in the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal ganglia (TG) even at the time when replicating virus is no longer evident. Virus-specific CD8+ T cells maintain an activation phenotype and secrete IFN-gamma in the latent TG. In this report we demonstrated that activated virus-specific memory CD8+ T cells, although potentially cytolytic, also expressed the CD94-NK cell receptor subfamily G2a inhibitory molecule and were unable to exert cytotoxicity when engaged by Qa-1b expressing targets. Interestingly, many neurons in the latent TG expressed Qa-1b, and blocking of Qa-1b/CD94-NKG2a interaction in an ex vivo TG culture resulted in neuronal cell lysis. The expression of the inhibitory CD94-NKG2a molecule could be induced by TGF-beta1, which was shown to present as a bioactive molecule in the latent TG. Additionally, CD4+ forkhead/winged helix transcription factor 3+ T cells were also determined in the latent TG. Our results demonstrate the operation of a regulatory system in vivo that serves to protect irreplaceable neurons from destruction by the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmit Suvas
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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47
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Stewart CA, Vivier E, Colonna M. Strategies of natural killer cell recognition and signaling. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2006; 298:1-21. [PMID: 16329183 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-27743-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The participation of natural killer (NK) cells in multiple aspects of innate and adaptive immune responses is supported by the wide array of stimulatory and inhibitory receptors they bear. Here we review the receptor-ligand interactions and subsequent signaling events that culminate in NK effector responses. Whereas some receptor-ligand interactions result in activation of both NK cytotoxicity and cytokine production, others have more subtle effects, selectively activating only one pathway or having distinct context-dependent effects. Recent approaches offer ways to unravel how the integration of complex signaling networks directs the NK response.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Stewart
- Lab of NK Cells and Innate Immunity, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, INSERM-CNRS-Univ. Méditerranée, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille, France.
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48
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Guidry PA, Stroynowski I. The murine family of gut-restricted class Ib MHC includes alternatively spliced isoforms of the proposed HLA-G homolog, "blastocyst MHC". THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:5248-59. [PMID: 16210630 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.8.5248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is populated by a multitude of specialized immune cells endowed with receptors for classical (class Ia) and nonclassical (class Ib) MHC proteins. To identify class I products that engage these receptors and impact immunity/tolerance, we studied gut-transcribed class Ib loci and their polymorphism in inbred, outbred, and wild-derived mice. Intestinal tissues enriched in epithelial cells contained abundant transcripts of ubiquitously expressed and preferentially gut-restricted Q and T class I loci. The latter category included the "blastocyst Mhc" gene, H2-Bl, and its putative paralog, Tw5. Expression of H2-Bl was previously detected only at the maternal/fetal interface, where it was proposed to induce immune tolerance via interactions with CD94/NKG2A receptors. Analysis of coding region polymorphism performed here revealed two major alleles of H2-Bl with conserved residues at positions critical for class I protein folding and peptide binding. Both divergent alleles are maintained in outbred and wild mice under selection for fecundity and pathogen resistance. Surprisingly, we found that alternative splicing of H2-Bl mRNA in gut tissues is prevalent and allele-specific. It leads to strain-dependent expression of diverse repertoires of canonical and noncanonical transcripts that may give rise to distinct ligands for intestinal NK cell, T cell, and/or intraepithelial lymphocyte receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A Guidry
- Center for Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9093, USA
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49
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Gays F, Martin K, Kenefeck R, Aust JG, Brooks CG. Multiple cytokines regulate the NK gene complex-encoded receptor repertoire of mature NK cells and T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:2938-47. [PMID: 16116180 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.5.2938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Mature NK cells comprise a highly diverse population of lymphocytes that express different permutations of receptors to facilitate recognition of diseased cells and perhaps pathogens themselves. Many of these receptors, such as those belonging to the NKRP1, NKG2, and Ly49 families are encoded in the NK gene complex (NKC). It is generally thought that these NKC-encoded receptors are acquired by a poorly understood stochastic mechanism, which operates exclusively during NK cell development, and that following maturation the repertoire is fixed. However, we report a series of observations that demonstrates that the mature NK cell repertoire in mice can in fact be radically remodeled by multiple cytokines. Thus, both IL-2 and IL-15 selectively induce the de novo expression of Ly49E on the majority of mature NK cells. By contrast, IL-4 not only blocks this IL-2-induced acquisition of Ly49E, but reduces the proportion of mature NK cells that expresses pre-existing Ly49 receptors and abrogates the expression of NKG2 receptors while leaving the expression of several NKRP1 receptors unaltered. IL-21 also abrogates NKG2 expression on mature NK cells and selectively down-regulates Ly49F. IL-4 and IL-21 additionally cause dramatic and selective alterations in the NKC-encoded receptor repertoire of IL-2-activated T cells but these are quite different to the changes induced on NK cells. Collectively these findings reveal an unexpected aspect of NKC receptor expression that has important implications for our understanding of the function of these receptors and of the genetic mechanisms that control their expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Gays
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Cell and Molecular Biosciences, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle, United Kingdom
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50
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Uldrich AP, Crowe NY, Kyparissoudis K, Pellicci DG, Zhan Y, Lew AM, Bouillet P, Strasser A, Smyth MJ, Godfrey DI. NKT cell stimulation with glycolipid antigen in vivo: costimulation-dependent expansion, Bim-dependent contraction, and hyporesponsiveness to further antigenic challenge. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:3092-3101. [PMID: 16116198 PMCID: PMC1360163 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.5.3092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Activation of NKT cells using the glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) has availed many investigations into their immunoregulatory and therapeutic potential. However, it remains unclear how they respond to stimulation in vivo, which costimulatory pathways are important, and what factors (e.g., Ag availability and activation-induced cell death) limit their response. We have explored these questions in the context of an in vivo model of NKT cell dynamics spanning activation, population expansion, and subsequent contraction. Neither the B7/CD28 nor the CD40/CD40L costimulatory pathway was necessary for cytokine production by activated NKT cells, either early (2 h) or late (3 days) after initial stimulation, but both pathways were necessary for normal proliferative expansion of NKT cells in vivo. The proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bim was necessary for normal contraction of the NKT cell population between days 3-9 after stimulation, suggesting that the pool size is regulated by apoptotic death, similar to that of conventional T cells. Ag availability was not the limiting factor for NKT cell expansion in vivo, and a second alpha-GalCer injection induced a very blunted response, whereby cytokine production was reduced and further expansion did not occur. This appeared to be a form of anergy that was intrinsic to NKT cells and was not associated with inhibitory NK receptor signaling. Furthermore, NKT cells from mice pre-challenged with alpha-GalCer in vivo showed little cytokine production and reduced proliferation in vitro. In summary, this study significantly enhances our understanding of how NKT cells respond to primary and secondary antigenic challenge in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Uldrich
- Department Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Nadine Y Crowe
- Department Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Daniel G Pellicci
- Department Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Yifan Zhan
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3050 Australia
| | - Andrew M Lew
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3050 Australia
| | | | - Andreas Strasser
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3050 Australia
| | - Mark J Smyth
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, 3002, Australia
| | - Dale I Godfrey
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, 3002, Australia
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