Lack of allergy to timothy grass pollen is not a passive phenomenon but associated with the allergen-specific modulation of immune reactivity

The MegaPool Approach to Characterize Adaptive CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell Responses

Epitopes recognized by T cells are a collection of short peptide fragments derived from specific antigens or proteins. Immunological research to study T cell responses is hindered by the extreme degree of heterogeneity of epitope targets, which are usually derived from multiple antigens; within a given antigen, hundreds of different T cell epitopes can be recognized, differing from one individual to the next because T cell epitope recognition is restricted by the epitopes' ability to bind to MHC molecules, which are extremely polymorphic in different individuals. Testing large pools encompassing hundreds of peptides is technically challenging because of logistical considerations regarding solvent-induced toxicity. To address this issue, we developed the MegaPool (MP) approach based on sequential lyophilization of large numbers of peptides that can be used in a variety of assays to measure T cell responses, including ELISPOT, intracellular cytokine staining, and activation-induced marker assays, and that has been validated in the study of infectious diseases, allergies, and autoimmunity. Here, we describe the procedures for generating and testing MPs, starting with peptide synthesis and lyophilization, as well as a step-by-step guide and recommendations for their handling and experimental usage. Overall, the MP approach is a powerful strategy for studying T cell responses and understanding the immune system's role in health and disease. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Generation of peptide pools ("MegaPools") Basic Protocol 2: MegaPool testing and quantitation of antigen-specific T cell responses.

Population-wide analysis of hospital laboratory tests to assess seasonal variation and temporal reference interval modification

We identified mortality-, age-, and sex-associated differences in relation to reference intervals (RIs) for laboratory tests in population-wide data from nearly 2 million hospital patients in Denmark and comprising more than 300 million measurements. A low-parameter mathematical wave-based modification method was developed to adjust for dietary and environment influences during the year. The resulting mathematical fit allowed for improved association rates between re-classified abnormal laboratory tests, patient diagnoses, and mortality. The study highlights the need for seasonally modified RIs and presents an approach that has the potential to reduce over- and underdiagnosis, affecting both physician-patient interactions and electronic health record research as a whole.

Antigen-specificity measurements are the key to understanding T cell responses

Antigen-specific T cells play a central role in the adaptive immune response and come in a wide range of phenotypes. T cell receptors (TCRs) mediate the antigen-specificities found in T cells. Importantly, high-throughput TCR sequencing provides a fingerprint which allows tracking of specific T cells and their clonal expansion in response to particular antigens. As a result, many studies have leveraged TCR sequencing in an attempt to elucidate the role of antigen-specific T cells in various contexts. Here, we discuss the published approaches to studying antigen-specific T cells and their specific TCR repertoire. Further, we discuss how these methods have been applied to study the TCR repertoire in various diseases in order to characterize the antigen-specific T cells involved in the immune control of disease.

Ex vivo assays show human gamma-delta T cells specific for common allergens are Th1-polarized in allergic donors

Gamma-delta (γδ) T cells contribute to the pathology of many immune-related diseases; however, no ex vivo assays to study their activities are currently available. Here, we established a methodology to characterize human allergen-reactive γδ T cells in peripheral blood using an activation-induced marker assay targeting upregulated 4-1BB and CD69 expression. Broad and reproducible ex vivo allergen-reactive γδ T cell responses were detected in donors sensitized to mouse, cockroach, house dust mite, and timothy grass, but the response did not differ from that in non-allergic participants. The reactivity to 4 different allergen extracts was readily detected in 54.2%-100% of allergic subjects in a donor- and allergen-specific pattern and was abrogated by T cell receptor (TCR) blocking. Analysis of CD40L upregulation and intracellular cytokine staining revealed a T helper type 1 (Th1)-polarized response against mouse and cockroach extract stimulation. These results support the existence of allergen-reactive γδ T cells and their potential use in rebalancing dysregulated Th2 responses in allergic diseases.

Classical CD4 T cells as the cornerstone of antimycobacterial immunity

Tuberculosis is a significant health problem without an effective vaccine to combat it. A thorough understanding of the immune response and correlates of protection is needed to develop a more efficient vaccine. The immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is complex and involves all aspects of the immune system, however, the optimal protective, non‐pathogenic T cell response against Mtb is still elusive. This review will focus on discussing CD4 T cell immunity against mycobacteria and its importance in Mtb infection with a primary focus on human studies. We will in particular discuss the large heterogeneity of immune cell subsets that have been revealed by recent immunological investigations at an unprecedented level of detail. These studies have identified specific classical CD4 T cell subsets important for immune responses against Mtb in various states of infection. We further discuss the functional attributes that have been linked to the various subsets such as upregulation of activation markers and cytokine production. Another important topic to be considered is the antigenic targets of Mtb‐specific immune responses, and how antigen reactivity is influenced by both disease state and environmental exposure(s). These are key points for both vaccines and immune diagnostics development. Ultimately, these factors are holistically considered in the definition and investigations of what are the correlates on protection and resolution of disease.

B cells modulate mouse allergen-specific T cells in nonallergic laboratory animal-care workers

Understanding the mechanisms of allergen-specific immune modulation in nonallergic individuals is key to recapitulate immune tolerance and to develop novel allergy treatments. Herein, we characterized mouse-specific T cell responses in nonallergic laboratory animal-care workers before and after reexposure to mice. PBMCs were collected and stimulated with developed peptide pools identified from high-molecular-weight fractions of mouse allergen extracts. Sizable CD4 T cell responses were noted and were temporarily decreased in most subjects upon reexposure, with the magnitude of decrease positively correlated with time of reexposure but not the duration of the break. Interestingly, the suppression was specific to mouse allergens without affecting responses of bystander antigens. Further, PBMC fractioning studies illustrated that the modulation is unlikely from T cells, while B cell depletion and exchange reversed the suppression of responses, suggesting that B cells may be the key modulators. Increased levels of regulatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β1) in the cell culture supernatant and plasma mouse-specific IgG4 were also observed after reexposure, consistent with B cell–mediated modulation mechanisms. Overall, these results suggest that nonallergic status is achieved by an active, time-related, allergen-specific, B cell-dependent regulatory process upon reexposure, the mechanisms of which should be detailed by further molecular studies.

Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of allergen-specific T cells in allergy and asthma

CD4⁺ T helper (T_H) cells and regulatory T (T_reg) cells that respond to common allergens play an important role in driving and dampening airway inflammation in patients with asthma. Until recently, direct, unbiased molecular analysis of allergen-reactive T_H and T_reg cells has not been possible. To better understand the diversity of these T cell subsets in allergy and asthma, we analyzed the single-cell transcriptome of ~50,000 house dust mite (HDM) allergen-reactive T_H cells and T_reg cells from asthmatics with HDM allergy and from three control groups: asthmatics without HDM allergy and nonasthmatics with and without HDM allergy. Our analyses show that HDM allergen-reactive T_H and T_reg cells are highly heterogeneous and certain subsets are quantitatively and qualitatively different in individuals with HDM-reactive asthma. The number of interleukin-9 (IL-9)-expressing HDM-reactive T_H cells is greater in asthmatics with HDM allergy compared with nonasthmatics with HDM allergy, and this IL-9-expressing T_H subset displays enhanced pathogenic properties. More HDM-reactive T_H and T_reg cells expressing the interferon response signature (T_HIFNR and T_regIFNR) are present in asthmatics without HDM allergy compared with those with HDM allergy. In cells from these subsets (T_HIFNR and T_regIFNR), expression of TNFSF10 was enriched; its product, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, dampens activation of T_H cells. These findings suggest that the T_HIFNR and T_regIFNR subsets may dampen allergic responses, which may help explain why only some people develop T_H2 responses to nearly ubiquitous allergens.

Differential T cell reactivity to seasonal coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in community and health care workers

Herein we measured CD4+ T cell responses against common cold corona (CCC) viruses and SARS-CoV-2 in high-risk health care workers (HCW) and community controls. We observed higher levels of CCC reactive T cells in SARS-CoV-2 seronegative HCW compared to community donors, consistent with potential higher occupational exposure of HCW to CCC. We further show that SARS-CoV-2 reactivity of seronegative HCW was higher than community controls and correlation between CCC and SARS-CoV-2 responses is consistent with cross-reactivity and not associated with recent in vivo activation. Surprisingly, CCC reactivity was decreased in SARS-CoV-2 infected HCW, suggesting that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 might interfere with CCC responses, either directly or indirectly. This result was unexpected, but consistently detected in independent cohorts derived from Miami and San Diego.

Epitope prediction and identification- adaptive T cell responses in humans

Epitopes, in the context of T cell recognition, are short peptides typically derived by antigen processing, and presented on the cell surface bound to MHC molecules (HLA molecules in humans) for TCR scrutiny. The identification of epitopes is a context-dependent process, with consideration given to, for example, the source pathogen and protein, the host organism, and state of the immune reaction (e.g., following natural infection, vaccination, etc.). In the following review, we consider the various approaches used to define T cell epitopes, including both bioinformatic and experimental approaches, and discuss the concepts of immunodominance and immunoprevalence. We also discuss HLA polymorphism and epitope restriction, and the resulting impact on the identification of, and potential population coverage afforded by, epitopes or epitope-based vaccines. Finally, some examples of the practical application of T cell epitope identification are provided, showing how epitopes have been valuable for deriving novel immunological insights in the context of the immune response to various pathogens and allergens.

Selective and cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 T cell epitopes in unexposed humans

Many unknowns exist about human immune responses to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ T cells have been reported in unexposed individuals, suggesting preexisting cross-reactive T cell memory in 20 to 50% of people. However, the source of those T cells has been speculative. Using human blood samples derived before the SARS-CoV-2 virus was discovered in 2019, we mapped 142 T cell epitopes across the SARS-CoV-2 genome to facilitate precise interrogation of the SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T cell repertoire. We demonstrate a range of preexisting memory CD4+ T cells that are cross-reactive with comparable affinity to SARS-CoV-2 and the common cold coronaviruses human coronavirus (HCoV)-OC43, HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-HKU1. Thus, variegated T cell memory to coronaviruses that cause the common cold may underlie at least some of the extensive heterogeneity observed in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease.

Targets of T Cell Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus in Humans with COVID-19 Disease and Unexposed Individuals

Understanding adaptive immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is important for vaccine development, interpreting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis, and calibration of pandemic control measures. Using HLA class I and II predicted peptide "megapools," circulating SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells were identified in ∼70% and 100% of COVID-19 convalescent patients, respectively. CD4⁺ T cell responses to spike, the main target of most vaccine efforts, were robust and correlated with the magnitude of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA titers. The M, spike, and N proteins each accounted for 11%-27% of the total CD4⁺ response, with additional responses commonly targeting nsp3, nsp4, ORF3a, and ORF8, among others. For CD8⁺ T cells, spike and M were recognized, with at least eight SARS-CoV-2 ORFs targeted. Importantly, we detected SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4⁺ T cells in ∼40%-60% of unexposed individuals, suggesting cross-reactive T cell recognition between circulating "common cold" coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2.

The effect of regulatory T cells on tolerance to airborne allergens and allergen immunotherapy

Forkhead box P3-positive regulatory T (Treg) cells are essential mediators of tolerance against self-antigens and harmless exogenous antigens. Treg cell deficiencies result in multiple autoimmune and allergic syndromes in neonates. How Treg cells affect conventional allergies against aeroantigens, which are restricted to a few specific proteins released from inhaled particles, remains controversial. The hallmarks of antigen-specific loss of tolerance are allergen-specific T_H2 cells and IgE. However, difficulties in identifying the rare allergen-specific Treg cells have obscured the cellular basis of tolerance to aeroallergens, which is also a major obstacle for the rational design of novel and more efficient allergen-specific immunotherapies. Recent technological progress allowing characterization of allergen-specific effectors and Treg cells with minimal in vitro manipulation revealed their detailed contribution to tolerance. The data identified inhaled particles as immunodominant Treg cell targets in healthy and allergic subjects. Conversely, the supposed immunodominant major allergens being rapidly released from inhaled particles apparently do not actively induce tolerance but are ignored by the immune system. Here, the partially contradictory data on various allergen-specific T-cell types in healthy subjects, allergic patients, and patients undergoing allergen-specific immunotherapy are discussed and integrated into one model, postulating Treg cell-dependent and Treg cell-independent checkpoints of tolerance and allergy development.

The association of allergic sensitization patterns in early childhood with disease manifestations and immunological reactivity at 10 years of age

BACKGROUND

Allergy to German cockroach (CR) is common in urban environments and is an important allergen in children with asthma.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesize that the evolution of allergic sensitization and clinical disease is associated with distinct patterns of allergen-specific T cell reactivity. To test this hypothesis, a subset of high-risk inner-city children participating in the URECA (Urban Environment and Childhood Asthma) birth cohort were selected to evaluate CR-specific T cell reactivity from three distinct groups based on acquisition of aeroallergen sensitivity from ages 2 to 10: low atopy with minimal to no sensitivity (n = 26), early-onset allergic sensitization (n = 25) and late-onset allergic sensitization (n = 25).

METHODS

Using pools of previously identified CR-derived T cell epitopes, we characterized the allergen-specific T cell response in these 76 subjects from blood samples obtained at age 10. CR-specific production of IL-5, IFNγ and IL-10 was measured by ELISPOT following two-week in vitro culture with CR extract.

RESULTS

T cell responses were significantly higher in the early-onset atopy group compared to low atopy (P = 0.01), and a trend for higher cytokine production in the late onset compared to the low atopy cohort was also observed (P = 0.06). T cell responses were similar between early- and late-onset cohorts. Furthermore, a comparison of T cell reactivity between asthmatic and non-asthmatic individuals revealed significantly higher cytokine production in asthmatics compared to non-asthmatics (P = 0.02) within both the CR-allergic and non-allergic cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In conclusion, the present study reports that higher T cell reactivity is associated with allergen sensitization and asthma. Interestingly, no significant difference in T cell reactivity was observed in allergic children with early-onset versus late-onset atopy.

Characterization and epitope identification of the T cell response in non-allergic individuals exposed to mouse allergen

Background

Exposure to airborne allergens is a frequent trigger of respiratory allergy and asthma in atopic individuals. While allergic patients suffer hypersensitivity reactions to these allergens, non-allergic individuals do not exhibit clinical symptoms despite environmental exposure to these ubiquitous allergen sources. The aim of this study was to characterize T cell responses in non-allergic laboratory workers, who are heavily exposed to mice allergens (Exposed Non-Allergics, ENA) and compare this data to previously published T cell responses measured in mouse (MO)-allergic patients. METHODS: Peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) from ENA subjects were expanded for 2 weeks in vitro with mouse urine extract and screened for IFNγ and IL-5 cytokine production in response to mouse antigen-derived peptides by ELISPOT. Ex vivo T cell reactivity in the ENA cohort was performed after 6hr stimulation with peptide pools by intracellular staining of CD154.

Results

Vigorous responses were detected, associated with 147 epitopes derived from 16 mouse antigens. As expected, responses in ENA subjects were somewhat lower than those observed in MO-allergics for both responder frequency and overall response magnitude. While responses in allergics were polarized towards IL-5 production and associated with low IFNγ production, ENA responses were not polarized. The composition of targeted antigens and epitopes was overall similar between the two cohorts, with the majority of T cell reactivity directed against Mus m 1 and other major urinary proteins. However, kappa-casein precursor and odorant binding protein Ib were more abundantly recognized in MO-allergics compared to ENA subjects. Additionally, T cell responses against oligopeptides derived from the low molecular weight fraction of mouse urine were also assessed. Interestingly, no difference in the response frequency, magnitude or polarization between MO-allergic and ENA individuals was observed. Finally, assessment of ex vivo T cell activation also revealed T cell reactivity in the ENA cohort, with a non-significant trend for lower responses compared to MO-allergics.

Conclusion

Exposure to mouse induces potent T cell responses in non-allergic individuals, targeting similar epitopes as seen in allergic patients.

Epithelial cell-derived cytokines: more than just signaling the alarm

The epithelial cell-derived cytokines thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL-33, and IL-25 are central regulators of type 2 immunity, which drives a broad array of allergic responses. Often characterized as "alarmins" that are released by the barrier epithelium in response to external insults, these epithelial cell-derived cytokines were initially thought to act only early in allergic inflammation. Indeed, TSLP can condition dendritic cells to initiate type 2 responses, and IL-33 may influence susceptibility to asthma through its role in establishing the immune environment in the perinatal lungs. However, TSLP, IL-33, and IL-25 all regulate a broad spectrum of innate immune cell populations and are particularly potent in eliciting and activating type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) that may act throughout allergic inflammation. Recent data suggest that a TSLP/ILC axis may mediate steroid resistance in asthma. Recent identification of memory Th2 cell subsets that are characterized by high receptor expression for TSLP, IL-33, and IL-25 further supports a role for these cytokines in allergic exacerbations. There is therefore growing interest in developing biologics that target TSLP, IL-33, and IL-25. This Review provides an overview of TSLP, IL-33, and IL-25 and the development of blocking antibodies that target these epithelial cell-derived cytokines.

Variability in German Cockroach Extract Composition Greatly Impacts T Cell Potency in Cockroach-Allergic Donors

German cockroach extract is used clinically to evaluate allergen-specific sensitization and for subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy, though there are no guidelines for standardization in its manufacture. We performed an immunological evaluation of 12 different cockroach extracts prepared from different sources and their potency to induce allergen-specific T cell reactivity. PBMC from 13 cockroach allergic donors were expanded in vitro with 12 different German cockroach extracts. After culture expansion, cells were re-stimulated with the different extracts and T cell responses were assessed by FluoroSpot (IL-5, IFNγ and IL-10 production). In parallel to the extracts, single allergen peptide pools for allergens from groups 1, 2, 4, 5, and 11 were tested to determine allergen immunodominance. Furthermore, to assess allergy specificity, PBMC from 13 non-allergic donors were also tested with the most potent extract and T cell responses were compared to the allergic cohort. Dramatic variations in T cell reactivity were observed to the different cockroach extract batches. Response magnitudes varied over 3 logs within a single donor. IL-5 production in the allergic cohort was significantly higher compared to the non-allergic cohort (p=0.004). Allergen content determination by ELISA detected much lower concentrations of Bla g 5 compared to Bla g 1 and 2. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed that Bla g 5 was present in similar amounts to Bla g 1 and 2 in extracts made from whole body, whereas it was not detected in extracts made from fecal matter, suggesting that Bla g 5 is not excreted into feces. Different donors exhibit different response patterns to different extracts, potentially dependent on the donor-specific T cell allergen immunodominance pattern and the allergen content of the extract tested. These findings have dramatic implications for the selection of potent extracts used for diagnostic purposes or allergen-specific immunotherapy.

A Review on T Cell Epitopes Identified Using Prediction and Cell-Mediated Immune Models for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Bordetella pertussis

In the present review, we summarize work from our as well as other groups related to the characterization of bacterial T cell epitopes, with a specific focus on two important pathogens, namely, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), and Bordetella pertussis (BP), the bacterium that causes whooping cough. Both bacteria and their associated diseases are of large societal significance. Although vaccines exist for both pathogens, their efficacy is incomplete. It is widely thought that defects and/or alteration in T cell compartments are associated with limited vaccine effectiveness. As discussed below, a full genome-wide map was performed in the case of Mtb. For BP, our focus has thus far been on the antigens contained in the acellular vaccine; a full genome-wide screen is in the planning stage. Nevertheless, the sum-total of the results in the two different bacterial systems allows us to exemplify approaches and techniques that we believe are generally applicable to the mapping and characterization of human immune responses to bacterial pathogens. Finally, we add, as a disclaimer, that this review by design is focused on the work produced by our laboratory as an illustration of approaches to the study of T cell responses to Mtb and BP, and is not meant to be comprehensive, nor to detract from the excellent work performed by many other groups.

Cutting Edge: Transcriptional Profiling Reveals Multifunctional and Cytotoxic Antiviral Responses of Zika Virus-Specific CD8+ T Cells

Zika virus (ZIKV) constitutes an increasing public health problem. Previous studies have shown that CD8⁺ T cells play an important role in ZIKV-specific protective immunity. We have previously defined antigenic targets of the ZIKV-specific CD8⁺ T cell response in humans. In this study, we characterized the quality and phenotypes of these responses by a combined use of flow cytometry and transcriptomic methods, using PBMCs from donors deriving from different geographical locations collected in the convalescent phase of infection. We show that ZIKV-specific CD8⁺ T cells are characterized by a polyfunctional IFN-γ signature with upregulation of TNF-α, TNF receptors, and related activation markers, such as CD69, as well as a cytotoxic signature characterized by strong upregulation of GZMB and CRTAM. The signature is stable and not influenced by previous dengue virus exposure, geographical location, or time of sample collection postinfection. To our knowledge, this work elucidates the first in-depth characterization of human CD8⁺ T cells responding to ZIKV infection.

DNA and mRNA vaccination against allergies

Allergen-specific immunotherapy, which is performed by subcutaneous injection or sublingual application of allergen extracts, represents an effective treatment against type I allergic diseases. However, due to the long duration and adverse reactions, only a minority of patients decides to undergo this treatment. Alternatively, early prophylactic intervention in young children has been proposed to stop the increase in patient numbers. Plasmid DNA and mRNA vaccines encoding allergens have been shown to induce T helper 1 as well as T regulatory responses, which modulate or counteract allergic T helper 2-biased reactions. With regard to prophylactic immunization, additional safety measurements are required. In contrast to crude extracts, genetic vaccines provide the allergen at high purity. Moreover, by targeting the encoded allergen to subcellular compartments for degradation, release of native allergen can be avoided. Due to inherent safety features, mRNA vaccines could be the candidates of choice for preventive allergy immunizations. The subtle priming of T helper 1 immunity induced by this vaccine type closely resembles responses of non-allergic individuals and-by boosting via natural allergen exposure-could suffice for long-term protection from type I allergy.

Antigen-specific regulatory T-cell responses against aeroantigens and their role in allergy

The mucosal immune system of the respiratory tract is specialized to continuously monitor the external environment and to protect against invading pathogens, while maintaining tolerance to innocuous inhaled particles. Allergies result from a loss of tolerance against harmless antigens characterized by formation of allergen-specific Th2 cells and IgE. Tolerance is often described as a balance between harmful Th2 cells and various types of protective "regulatory" T cells. However, the identity of the protective T cells in healthy vs. allergic individuals or following successful allergen-specific therapy is controversially discussed. Recent technological progress enabling the identification of antigen-specific effector and regulatory T cells has significantly contributed to our understanding of tolerance. Here we discuss the experimental evidence for the various tolerance mechanisms described. We try to integrate the partially contradictory data into a new model proposing different mechanism of tolerance depending on the quality and quantity of the antigens as well as the way of antigen exposure. Understanding the basis of tolerance is essential for the rational design of novel and more efficient immunotherapies.

Peanut-specific T cell responses in patients with different clinical reactivity

Whole extract or allergen-specific IgE testing has become increasingly popular in the diagnosis of peanut allergy. However, much less is known about T cell responses in peanut allergy and how it relates to different clinical phenotypes. CD4+ T cells play a major role in the pathophysiology of peanut allergy as well as tolerance induction during oral desensitization regimens. We set out to characterize and phenotype the T cell responses and their targets in peanut sensitized patients. Using PBMC from peanut-allergic and non-allergic patients, we mapped T cell epitopes for three major peanut allergens, Ara h 1, 2 and 3 (27 from Ara h 1, 4 from Ara h 2 and 43 from Ara h 3) associated with release of IFNγ (representative Th1 cytokine) and IL5 (representative Th2 cytokine). A pool containing 19 immunodominant peptides, selected to account for 60% of the total Ara h 1-3-specific T cell response in allergics, but only 20% in non-allergics, was shown to discriminate T cell responses in peanut-sensitized, symptomatic vs non-symptomatic individuals more effectively than peanut extract. This pool elicited positive T cell responses above a defined threshold in 12/15 sensitized, symptomatic patients, whereas in the sensitized but non-symptomatic cohort only, 4/14 reacted. The reactivity against this peptide pool in symptomatic patients was dominated by IL-10, IL-17 and to a lesser extend IL-5. For four distinct epitopes, HLA class II restrictions were determined, enabling production of tetrameric reagents. Tetramer staining in four donors (2 symptomatic, 2 non-symptomatic) revealed a trend for increased numbers of peanut epitope-specific T cells in symptomatic patients compared to non-symptomatic patients, which was associated with elevated CRTh2 expression whereas cells from non-symptomatic patients exhibited higher levels of Integrin β7 expression. Our results demonstrate differences in T cell response magnitude, epitope specificity and phenotype between symptomatic and non-symptomatic peanut-sensitized patients. In addition to IgE reactivity, analysis of peanut-specific T cells may be useful to improve our understanding of different clinical manifestations in peanut allergy.

Nanoemulsion adjuvant-driven redirection of TH2 immunity inhibits allergic reactions in murine models of peanut allergy

BACKGROUND

Immunotherapy for food allergies involves progressive increased exposures to food that result in desensitization to food allergens in some subjects but not tolerance to the food. Therefore new approaches to suppress allergic immunity to food are necessary. Previously, we demonstrated that intranasal immunization with a nanoemulsion (NE) adjuvant induces robust mucosal antibody and T_H17-polarized immunity, as well as systemic T_H1-biased cellular immunity with suppression of pre-existing T_H2-biased immunity.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that immunization with food in conjunction with the nanoemulsion adjuvant could lead to modulation of allergic reactions in food allergy by altering pre-existing allergic immunity and enhancing mucosal immunity.

METHODS

Mice were sensitized to peanut with aluminum hydroxide or cholera toxin. The animals were then administered 3 monthly intranasal immunizations with peanut in the nanoemulsion adjuvant or saline. Mice were then challenged with peanut to examine allergen reactivity.

RESULTS

The NE intranasal immunizations resulted in marked decreases in T_H2 cytokine, IgG₁, and IgE levels, whereas T_H1 and mucosal T_H17 immune responses were increased. After allergen challenge, these mice showed significant reductions in allergic hypersensitivity. Additionally, the NE immunizations significantly increased antigen-specific IL-10 production and regulatory T-cell counts, and the protection induced by NE was dependent in part on IL-10. Control animals immunized with intranasal peanut in saline had no modulation of their allergic response.

CONCLUSIONS

NE adjuvant-mediated induction of mucosal T_H17 and systemic T_H1-biased immunity can suppress T_H2-mediated allergy through multiple mechanisms and protect against anaphylaxis. These results suggest the potential therapeutic utility of this approach in the setting of food allergy.

Subcutaneous immunotherapy with purified Der p1 and 2 suppresses type 2 immunity in a murine asthma model

BACKGROUND

Allergen-specific immunotherapy can induce long-term suppression of allergic symptoms, reduce medication use, and prevent exacerbations of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Current treatment is based on crude allergen extracts, which contain immunostimulatory components such as β-glucans, chitins, and endotoxin. Use of purified or recombinant allergens might therefore increase efficacy of treatment.

AIMS

Here, we test application of purified natural group 1 and 2 allergens from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) for subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) treatment in a house dust mite (HDM)-driven mouse model of allergic asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HDM-sensitized mice received SCIT with crude HDM extract, a mixture of purified Der p1 and 2 (DerP1/2), or placebo. Upon challenges, we measured specific immunoglobulin responses, allergen-induced ear swelling response (ESR), airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) and lung tissue.

RESULTS

ESR measurement shows suppression of early allergic response in HDM-SCIT- and DerP1/2-SCIT-treated mice. Both HDM-SCIT and DerP1/2-SCIT are able to suppress AHR and eosinophilic inflammation. In contrast, only DerP1/2-SCIT is able to significantly suppress type 2 cytokines in lung tissue and BAL fluid. Moreover, DerP1/2-SCIT treatment is uniquely able suppress CCL20 and showed a trend toward suppression of IL-33, CCL17 and eotaxin levels in lung tissue.

DISCUSSION

Taken together, these data show that purified DerP1/2-SCIT is able to not only suppress AHR and inflammation, but also has superior activity toward suppression of Th2 cells and HDM-induced activation of lung structural cells including airway epithelium.

CONCLUSIONS

We postulate that treatment with purified natural major allergens derived from HDM will likely increase clinical efficacy of SCIT.

Global Assessment of Dengue Virus-Specific CD4+ T Cell Responses in Dengue-Endemic Areas

Background

Dengue is a major public health problem worldwide. Assessment of adaptive immunity is important to understanding immunopathology and to define correlates of protection against dengue virus (DENV). To enable global assessment of CD4⁺ T cell responses, we mapped HLA-DRB1-restricted DENV-specific CD4⁺ T cell epitopes in individuals previously exposed to DENV in the general population of the dengue-endemic region of Managua, Nicaragua.

Methods

HLA class II epitopes in the population of Managua were identified by an in vitro IFNγ ELISPOT assay. CD4⁺ T cells purified by magnetic bead negative selection were stimulated with HLA-matched epitope pools in the presence of autologous antigen-presenting cells, followed by pool deconvolution to identify specific epitopes. The epitopes identified in this study were combined with those previously identified in the DENV endemic region of Sri Lanka, to generate a “megapool” (MP) consisting of 180 peptides specifically designed to achieve balanced HLA and DENV serotype coverage. The DENV CD4MP₁₈₀ was validated by intracellular cytokine staining assays.

Results

We detected responses directed against a total of 431 epitopes, representing all 4 DENV serotypes, restricted by 15 different HLA-DRB1 alleles. The responses were associated with a similar pattern of protein immunodominance, overall higher magnitude of responses, as compared to what was observed previously in the Sri Lanka region. Based on these epitope mapping studies, we designed a DENV CD4 MP₁₈₀ with higher and more consistent coverage, which allowed the detection of CD4⁺ T cell DENV responses ex vivo in various cohorts of DENV exposed donors worldwide, including donors from Nicaragua, Brazil, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and U.S. domestic flavivirus-naïve subjects immunized with Tetravalent Dengue Live-Attenuated Vaccine (TV005). This broad reactivity reflects that the 21 HLA-DRB1 alleles analyzed in this and previous studies account for more than 80% of alleles present with a phenotypic frequency ≥5% worldwide, corresponding to 92% phenotypic coverage of the general population (i.e., 92% of individuals express at least one of these alleles).

Conclusion

The DENV CD4 MP₁₈₀ can be utilized to measure ex vivo responses to DENV irrespective of geographical location.

Definition of Human Epitopes Recognized in Tetanus Toxoid and Development of an Assay Strategy to Detect Ex Vivo Tetanus CD4+ T Cell Responses

Despite widespread uses of tetanus toxoid (TT) as a vaccine, model antigen and protein carrier, TT epitopes have been poorly characterized. Herein we defined the human CD4⁺ T cell epitope repertoire by reevaluation of previously described epitopes and evaluation of those derived from prediction of HLA Class II binding. Forty-seven epitopes were identified following in vitro TT stimulation, with 28 epitopes accounting for 90% of the total response. Despite this diverse range of epitopes, individual responses were associated with only a few immunodominant epitopes, with each donor responding on average to 3 epitopes. For the top 14 epitopes, HLA restriction could be inferred based on HLA typing of the responding donors. HLA binding predictions re-identified the vast majority of known epitopes, and identified 24 additional novel epitopes. With these epitopes, we created a TT epitope pool, which allowed us to characterize TT responses directly ex vivo using a cytokine-independent Activation Induced Marker (AIM) assay. These TT responses were highly Th1 or Th2 polarized, which was dependent upon the original priming vaccine, either the cellular DTwP or acellular DTaP formulation. This polarization remained despite the original priming having occurred decades past and a recent booster immunization with a reduced acellular vaccine formulation. While TT responses following booster vaccination were not durably increased in magnitude, they were associated with a relative expansion of CD4⁺ effector memory T cells.

Immunodominance in allergic T-cell reactivity to Japanese cedar in different geographic cohorts

BACKGROUND

Japanese cedar (JC) pollen is a common trigger for allergic rhinitis in Japan. Pollen proteins targeted by IgE, including Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, and isoflavone reductase (IFR) have been identified.

OBJECTIVE

To compare antigen-specific IgE titers and T-cell responses to JC pollen-derived extract and peptides in cohorts with high and low pollen exposure.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from JC pollen allergic or nonallergic patients who have lived in Japan for at least 1 year and JC pollen allergic patients who have never been to Japan were tested for T-cell responses against JC pollen extract and peptide pools derived from Cry j 1, Cry j 2, or IFR. T-cell reactivity was assessed by interleukin 5 and interferon γ production by ELISPOT.

RESULTS

JC pollen-specific T-cell reactivity and IgE titers were significantly higher in the allergic compared with the nonallergic Japanese cohort, which was also associated with different patterns of polysensitization. Interestingly, a significant overlap was observed in the hierarchy of the T-cell epitopes in the allergic Japanese cohort compared with the allergic non-Japanese cohort. In all 3 cohorts, T-cell reactivity was dominantly directed against peptides from the major allergens Cry j 1 and 2, with few T-cell responses detected against IFR.

CONCLUSION

Our studies identify common denominators of T-cell reactivity in patient populations with different sensitization patterns, suggesting that generally applicable immunotherapeutic approaches might be developed irrespective of exposure modality.

Effective antigen presentation to helper T cells by human eosinophils

Although eosinophils are inflammatory cells, there is increasing attention on their immunomodulatory roles. For example, murine eosinophils can present antigen to CD4⁺ T helper (Th) cells, but it remains unclear whether human eosinophils also have this ability. This study determined whether human eosinophils present a range of antigens, including allergens, to activate Th cells, and characterized their expression of MHC class II and co-stimulatory molecules required for effective presentation. Human peripheral blood eosinophils purified from non-allergic donors were pulsed with the antigens house dust mite extract (HDM), Timothy Grass extract (TG) or Mycobacterium tuberculosis purified protein derivative (PPD), before co-culture with autologous CD4⁺ Th cells. Proliferative and cytokine responses were measured, with eosinophil expression of HLA-DR/DP/DQ and the co-stimulatory molecules CD40, CD80 and CD86 determined by flow cytometry. Eosinophils pulsed with HDM, TG or PPD drove Th cell proliferation, with the response strength dependent on antigen concentration. The cytokine responses varied with donor and antigen, and were not biased towards any particular Th subset, often including combinations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Eosinophils up-regulated surface expression of HLA-DR/DP/DQ, CD80, CD86 and CD40 in culture, increases that were sustained over 5 days when incubated with antigens, including HDM, or the major allergens it contains, Der p I or Der p II. Human eosinophils can, therefore, act as effective antigen-presenting cells to stimulate varied Th cell responses against a panel of antigens including HDM, TG or PPD, an ability that may help to determine the development of allergic disease.