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Lotze MT, Olejniczak SH, Skokos D. CD28 co-stimulation: novel insights and applications in cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01061-1. [PMID: 39054343 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01061-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Substantial progress in understanding T cell signalling, particularly with respect to T cell co-receptors such as the co-stimulatory receptor CD28, has been made in recent years. This knowledge has been instrumental in the development of innovative immunotherapies for patients with cancer, including immune checkpoint blockade antibodies, adoptive cell therapies, tumour-targeted immunostimulatory antibodies, and immunostimulatory small-molecule drugs that regulate T cell activation. Following the failed clinical trial of a CD28 superagonist antibody in 2006, targeted CD28 agonism has re-emerged as a technologically viable and clinically promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. In this Review, we explore recent insights into the molecular functions and regulation of CD28. We describe how CD28 is central to the success of current cancer immunotherapies and examine how new questions arising from studies of CD28 as a clinical target have enhanced our understanding of its biological role and may guide the development of future therapeutic strategies in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Lotze
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Scott H Olejniczak
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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2
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Wang H, Huang Y, Xu C. Charging CAR by electrostatic power. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:138-146. [PMID: 37366589 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13232] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment. CAR is a synthetic immune receptor that recognizes tumor antigen and activates T cells through multiple signaling pathways. However, the current CAR design is not as robust as T cell receptor (TCR), a natural antigen receptor with high sensitivity and efficiency. TCR signaling relies on specific molecular interactions, and thus electrostatic force, the major force of molecular interactions, play critical roles. Understanding how electrostatic charge regulates TCR/CAR signaling events will facilitate the development of next-generation T cell therapies. This review summarizes recent findings on the roles of electrostatic interactions in both natural and synthetic immune receptor signaling, specifically that in CAR clustering and effector molecule recruitments, and highlights potential strategies for engineering CAR-T cell therapy by leveraging charge-based interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haopeng Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuwei Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenqi Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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3
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Hui E. Cis Interactions of Membrane Receptors and Ligands. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2023; 39:391-408. [PMID: 37339682 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-120420-103941] [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] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is critical for the development and function of multicellular organisms. A crucial means by which cells communicate with one another is physical interactions between receptors on one cell and their ligands on a neighboring cell. Trans ligand:receptor interactions activate the receptor, ultimately leading to changes in the fate of the receptor-expressing cells. Such trans signaling is known to be critical for the functions of cells in the nervous and immune systems, among others. Historically, trans interactions are the primary conceptual framework for understanding cell-cell communication. However, cells often coexpress many receptors and ligands, and a subset of these has been reported to interact in cis and profoundly impact cell functions. Cis interactions likely constitute a fundamental, understudied regulatory mechanism in cell biology. Here, I discuss how cis interactions between membrane receptors and ligands regulate immune cell functions, and I also highlight outstanding questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enfu Hui
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
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4
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Dustin ML. Recent advances in understanding TCR signaling: a synaptic perspective. Fac Rev 2023; 12:25. [PMID: 37900153 PMCID: PMC10608137 DOI: 10.12703/r/12-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The T cell receptor is a multi-subunit complex that carries out a range of recognition tasks for multiple lymphocyte types and translates recognition into signals that regulate survival, growth, differentiation, and effector functions for innate and adaptive host defense. Recent advances include the cryo-electron microscopy-based structure of the extracellular and transmembrane components of the complex, new information about coupling to intracellular partners, lateral associations in the membrane that all add to our picture of the T cell signaling machinery, and how signal termination relates to effector function. This review endeavors to integrate structural and biochemical information through the lens of the immunological synapse- the critical interface with the antigen-presenting cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Dustin
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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5
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Zhao Y, Caron C, Chan YY, Lee CK, Xu X, Zhang J, Masubuchi T, Wu C, Bui JD, Hui E. cis-B7:CD28 interactions at invaginated synaptic membranes provide CD28 co-stimulation and promote CD8 + T cell function and anti-tumor immunity. Immunity 2023; 56:1187-1203.e12. [PMID: 37160118 PMCID: PMC10330546 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
B7 ligands (CD80 and CD86), expressed by professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), activate the main co-stimulatory receptor CD28 on T cells in trans. However, in peripheral tissues, APCs expressing B7 ligands are relatively scarce. This raises the questions of whether and how CD28 co-stimulation occurs in peripheral tissues. Here, we report that CD8+ T cells displayed B7 ligands that interacted with CD28 in cis at membrane invaginations of the immunological synapse as a result of membrane remodeling driven by phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and sorting-nexin-9 (SNX9). cis-B7:CD28 interactions triggered CD28 signaling through protein kinase C theta (PKCθ) and promoted CD8+ T cell survival, migration, and cytokine production. In mouse tumor models, loss of T cell-intrinsic cis-B7:CD28 interactions decreased intratumoral T cells and accelerated tumor growth. Thus, B7 ligands on CD8+ T cells can evoke cell-autonomous CD28 co-stimulation in cis in peripheral tissues, suggesting cis-signaling as a general mechanism for boosting T cell functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Zhao
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Christine Caron
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ya-Yuan Chan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Calvin K Lee
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xiaozheng Xu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jibin Zhang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Takeya Masubuchi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chuan Wu
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jack D Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Enfu Hui
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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KIR signaling is regulated by electrostatic interaction of its cytosolic tail with the plasma membrane despite being neutral polyampholyte. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2212987120. [PMID: 36574700 PMCID: PMC9910492 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2212987120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Many receptors signal upon phosphorylation of tyrosine-based motifs in their cytosolic tail, with intrinsic disorder as a common feature. Studies on CD3ζ and CD3ε tails, which are disordered and polybasic, suggested regulation of phosphorylation through accessibility of tyrosines, governed by electrostatic interactions with membrane anionic lipids. We noticed characteristics of intrinsic disorder and previously unappreciated features in tyrosine-based motif-bearing cytosolic tails of many, especially, inhibitory receptors. They are neutral or acidic polyampholytes, with acidic and basic residues linearly segregated. To explore roles of these electrostatic features, we studied inhibitory killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR). Its cytosolic tail is a disordered neutrally charged polyampholyte, wherein juxtamembrane and membrane distal stretches are basic, and the intervening stretch is acidic. Despite lacking net charge, it interacted electrostatically with the plasma membrane. The juxtamembrane stretch was crucial for overall binding, which sequestered tyrosines in the lipid bilayer and restrained their constitutive phosphorylation. Human leukocyte antigen-C ligand binding to KIR released its tail from the plasma membrane to initiate signaling. Tail release occurred independently of KIR polymerization, clustering, or tyrosine phosphorylation, but required acidic residues of the acidic stretch. Tail interaction with the plasma membrane dictated signaling strength of KIR. These results revealed an electrostatic protein-lipid interaction that is unusual in being governed by segregated clusters of acidic and basic residues in polyampholytic disordered region of protein. In contrast to previously known, segregated distribution of oppositely charged residues made both binding and unbinding modules inherent to receptor tail, which could make the interaction an independent signaling switch.
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Wang C, Chen Z, Yang X, Zhang W, Zhou J, Zhang H, Ding X, Ye J, Wu H, Wu Y, Zheng Y, Song X. Identification of Biomarkers Related to Regulatory T Cell Infiltration in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:2361-2376. [PMID: 35264874 PMCID: PMC8900811 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s349379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. More recently, the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors has opened up more possibilities for cancer treatment. Methods We utilized a weighted gene co-expression network and the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm in the TCGA database and identified a module highly correlated with regulatory T cell (Treg) abundance in OSCC. Subsequently, we verified the results by tissue microarrays and utilized immunohistochemical staining (IHC) to test the relationship between the expression level and clinicopathological staging. CCK-8, transwell, and wound healing assays were utilized to detect the functions of OSCC cells. Results LCK, IL10RA, and TNFRSF1B were selected as biomarkers related to regulatory T cell infiltration. IHC staining showed significantly increased expression of LCK, IL10RA or TNFRSF1B in OSCC patients, and the expression levels were associated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, pathological stage, clinical status and the overall survival. In vitro experiments showed that LCK, IL10RA or TNFRSF1B knockdown efficiently impaired the proliferative, migrative, and invasive capacity in OSCC cell lines. Conclusion We performed a series of bioinformatics analyses in OSCC and identified three oncogenic indicators: LCK, IL10RA, TNFRSF1B. These findings uncovered the potential prognostic values of hub genes, thus laying foundations for in-depth research in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihong Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueming Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junbo Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, Nanjing Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongchuang Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Xuzhou No. 1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinhai Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heming Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunong Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Yang Zheng, Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Stomatology, No.639, Zhizaoju Road, 200011, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-21-23271699, Email
| | - Xiaomeng Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Xiaomeng Song, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Stomatological Institute of Nanjing medical University, No.1, Shanghai Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-25-69593100, Email
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8
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Emerging CAR T Cell Strategies for the Treatment of AML. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051241. [PMID: 35267549 PMCID: PMC8909045 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting CD19 have emerged as a new treatment for hematological malignancies. As a “living therapy”, CARs can precisely target and eliminate tumors while proliferating inside the patient’s body. Various preclinical and clinical studies are ongoing to identify potential CAR-T cell targets for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We shed light on the continuing efforts of CAR development to overcome tumor escape, exhaustion, and toxicities. Furthermore, we summarize the recent progress of a range of putative targets exploring this unmet need to treat AML. Lastly, we discuss the advances in preclinical models that built the foundation for ongoing clinical trials. Abstract Engineered T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their cell surface can redirect antigen specificity. This ability makes CARs one of the most promising cancer therapeutic agents. CAR-T cells for treating patients with B cell hematological malignancies have shown impressive results. Clinical manifestation has yielded several trials, so far five CAR-T cell therapies have received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. However, emerging clinical data and recent findings have identified some immune-related toxicities due to CAR-T cell therapy. Given the outcome and utilization of the same proof of concept, further investigation in other hematological malignancies, such as leukemias, is warranted. This review discusses the previous findings from the pre-clinical and human experience with CAR-T cell therapy. Additionally, we describe recent developments of novel targets for adoptive immunotherapy. Here we present some of the early findings from the pre-clinical studies of CAR-T cell modification through advances in genetic engineering, gene editing, cellular programming, and formats of synthetic biology, along with the ongoing efforts to restore the function of exhausted CAR-T cells through epigenetic remodeling. We aim to shed light on the new targets focusing on acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
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9
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Ecker M, Schregle R, Kapoor-Kaushik N, Rossatti P, Betzler VM, Kempe D, Biro M, Ariotti N, Redpath GMI, Rossy J. SNX9-induced membrane tubulation regulates CD28 cluster stability and signalling. eLife 2022; 11:e67550. [PMID: 35050850 PMCID: PMC8786313 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell activation requires engagement of a cognate antigen by the T cell receptor (TCR) and the co-stimulatory signal of CD28. Both TCR and CD28 aggregate into clusters at the plasma membrane of activated T cells. While the role of TCR clustering in T cell activation has been extensively investigated, little is known about how CD28 clustering contributes to CD28 signalling. Here, we report that upon CD28 triggering, the BAR-domain protein sorting nexin 9 (SNX9) is recruited to CD28 clusters at the immunological synapse. Using three-dimensional correlative light and electron microscopy, we show that SNX9 generates membrane tubulation out of CD28 clusters. Our data further reveal that CD28 clusters are in fact dynamic structures and that SNX9 regulates their stability as well as CD28 phosphorylation and the resulting production of the cytokine IL-2. In summary, our work suggests a model in which SNX9-mediated tubulation generates a membrane environment that promotes CD28 triggering and downstream signalling events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Ecker
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Richard Schregle
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau (BITg) at the University of KonstanzKreuzlingenSwitzerland
- Department of Biology, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | - Natasha Kapoor-Kaushik
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Pascal Rossatti
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau (BITg) at the University of KonstanzKreuzlingenSwitzerland
| | - Verena M Betzler
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau (BITg) at the University of KonstanzKreuzlingenSwitzerland
| | - Daryan Kempe
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Maté Biro
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Nicholas Ariotti
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Gregory MI Redpath
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Jeremie Rossy
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau (BITg) at the University of KonstanzKreuzlingenSwitzerland
- Department of Biology, University of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
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10
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Kent A, Longino NV, Christians A, Davila E. Naturally Occurring Genetic Alterations in Proximal TCR Signaling and Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:658611. [PMID: 34012443 PMCID: PMC8126620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.658611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapies including genetically engineered T cells, adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and immune checkpoint blockade highlight the impressive anti-tumor effects of T cells. These successes have provided new hope to many cancer patients with otherwise poor prognoses. However, only a fraction of patients demonstrates durable responses to these forms of therapies and many develop significant immune-mediated toxicity. These heterogeneous clinical responses suggest that underlying nuances in T cell genetics, phenotypes, and activation states likely modulate the therapeutic impact of these approaches. To better characterize known genetic variations that may impact T cell function, we 1) review the function of early T cell receptor-specific signaling mediators, 2) offer a synopsis of known mutations and genetic alterations within the associated molecules, 3) discuss the link between these mutations and human disease and 4) review therapeutic strategies under development or in clinical testing that target each of these molecules for enhancing anti-tumor T cell activity. Finally, we discuss novel engineering approaches that could be designed based on our understanding of the function of these molecules in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kent
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Natalie V. Longino
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Allison Christians
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Eduardo Davila
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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12
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Clemens L, Kutuzov M, Bayer KV, Goyette J, Allard J, Dushek O. Determination of the molecular reach of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Biophys J 2021; 120:2054-2066. [PMID: 33781765 PMCID: PMC8204385 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune receptors signal by recruiting (or tethering) enzymes to their cytoplasmic tails to catalyze reactions on substrates within reach. This is the case for the phosphatase SHP-1, which, upon tethering to inhibitory receptors, dephosphorylates diverse substrates to control T cell activation. Precisely how tethering regulates SHP-1 activity is incompletely understood. Here, we measure binding, catalysis, and molecular reach for tethered SHP-1 reactions. We determine the molecular reach of SHP-1 to be 13.0 nm, which is longer than the estimate from the allosterically active structure (5.3 nm), suggesting that SHP-1 can achieve a longer reach by exploring multiple active conformations. Using modeling, we show that when uniformly distributed, receptor-SHP-1 complexes can only reach 15% of substrates, but this increases to 90% when they are coclustered. When within reach, we show that membrane recruitment increases the activity of SHP-1 by a 1000-fold increase in local concentration. The work highlights how molecular reach regulates the activity of membrane-recruited SHP-1 with insights applicable to other membrane-tethered reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Clemens
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Mikhail Kutuzov
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jesse Goyette
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jun Allard
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California.
| | - Omer Dushek
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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13
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Connolly A, Panes R, Tual M, Lafortune R, Bellemare-Pelletier A, Gagnon E. TMEM16F mediates bystander TCR-CD3 membrane dissociation at the immunological synapse and potentiates T cell activation. Sci Signal 2021; 14:eabb5146. [PMID: 33758060 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abb5146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Electrostatic interactions regulate many aspects of T cell receptor (TCR) activity, including enabling the dynamic binding of the TCR-associated CD3ε and CD3ζ chains to anionic lipids in the plasma membrane to prevent spontaneous phosphorylation. Substantial changes in the electrostatic potential of the plasma membrane occur at the immunological synapse, the interface between a T cell and an antigen-presenting cell. Here, we investigated how the electrostatic interactions that promote dynamic membrane binding of the TCR-CD3 cytoplasmic domains are modulated during signaling and affect T cell activation. We found that Ca2+-dependent activation of the phosphatidylserine scramblase TMEM16F, which was previously implicated in T cell activation, reduced the electrostatic potential of the plasma membrane during immunological synapse formation by locally redistributing phosphatidylserine. This, in turn, increased the dissociation of bystander TCR-CD3 cytoplasmic domains from the plasma membrane and enhanced TCR-dependent signaling and consequently T cell activation. This study establishes the molecular basis for the role of TMEM16F in bystander TCR-induced signal amplification and identifies enhancement of TMEM16F function as a potential therapeutic strategy for promoting T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Connolly
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie, 2950 Chemin de la Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec H3T1J4, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec H3T1J4, Canada
| | - Rébecca Panes
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie, 2950 Chemin de la Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec H3T1J4, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec H3T1J4, Canada
| | - Margaux Tual
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie, 2950 Chemin de la Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec H3T1J4, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec H3T1J4, Canada
| | - Raphaël Lafortune
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec H3T1J4, Canada
| | - Angélique Bellemare-Pelletier
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie, 2950 Chemin de la Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec H3T1J4, Canada
| | - Etienne Gagnon
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie, 2950 Chemin de la Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec H3T1J4, Canada.
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec H3T1J4, Canada
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14
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Fujiwara K, Kitaura M, Tsunei A, Kusabuka H, Ogaki E, Okada N. Structure of the Signal Transduction Domain in Second-Generation CAR Regulates the Input Efficiency of CAR Signals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052476. [PMID: 33804441 PMCID: PMC7957710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells that are genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) have a strong potential to eliminate tumor cells, yet the CAR-T cells may also induce severe side effects due to an excessive immune response. Although optimization of the CAR structure is expected to improve the efficacy and toxicity of CAR-T cells, the relationship between CAR structure and CAR-T cell functions remains unclear. Here, we constructed second-generation CARs incorporating a signal transduction domain (STD) derived from CD3ζ and a 2nd STD derived from CD28, CD278, CD27, CD134, or CD137, and investigated the impact of the STD structure and signaling on CAR-T cell functions. Cytokine secretion of CAR-T cells was enhanced by 2nd STD signaling. T cells expressing CAR with CD278-STD or CD137-STD proliferated in an antigen-independent manner by their STD tonic signaling. CAR-T cells incorporating CD28-STD or CD278-STD between TMD and CD3ζ-STD showed higher cytotoxicity than first-generation CAR or second-generation CARs with other 2nd STDs. The potent cytotoxicity of these CAR-T cells was not affected by inhibiting the 2nd STD signals, but was eliminated by placing the STDs after the CD3ζ-STD. Our data highlighted that CAR activity was affected by STD structure as well as by 2nd STD signaling.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- CD28 Antigens/immunology
- CD28 Antigens/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- Female
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/immunology
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/pathology
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/therapy
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/chemistry
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Signal Transduction
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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15
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Li R, Ma C, Cai H, Chen W. The CAR T-Cell Mechanoimmunology at a Glance. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2002628. [PMID: 33344135 PMCID: PMC7740088 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell transfer is a novel paradigm of adoptive T-cell immunotherapy. When coming into contact with a target cancer cell, CAR T-cell forms a nonclassical immunological synapse with the cancer cell and dynamically orchestrates multiple critical forces to commit cytotoxic immune function. Such an immunologic process involves a force transmission in the CAR and a spatiotemporal remodeling of cell cytoskeleton to facilitate CAR activation and CAR T-cell cytotoxic function. Yet, the detailed understanding of such mechanotransduction at the interface between the CAR T-cell and the target cell, as well as its molecular structure and signaling, remains less defined and is just beginning to emerge. This article summarizes the basic mechanisms and principles of CAR T-cell mechanoimmunology, and various lessons that can be comparatively learned from interrogation of mechanotransduction at the immunological synapse in normal cytotoxic T-cell. The recent development and future application of novel bioengineering tools for studying CAR T-cell mechanoimmunology is also discussed. It is believed that this progress report will shed light on the CAR T-cell mechanoimmunology and encourage future researches in revealing the less explored yet important mechanosensing and mechanotransductive mechanisms involved in CAR T-cell immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNY11201USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNY11201USA
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNY11201USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNY11201USA
| | - Haogang Cai
- Tech4Health instituteNYU Langone HealthNew YorkNY10016USA
- Department of RadiologyNYU Langone HealthNew YorkNY10016USA
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNY11201USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNew York UniversityBrooklynNY11201USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer CenterNYU Langone HealthNew YorkNY10016USA
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16
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Chandler NJ, Call MJ, Call ME. T Cell Activation Machinery: Form and Function in Natural and Engineered Immune Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7424. [PMID: 33050044 PMCID: PMC7582382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The impressive success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies in treating advanced B-cell malignancies has spurred a frenzy of activity aimed at developing CAR-T therapies for other cancers, particularly solid tumors, and optimizing engineered T cells for maximum clinical benefit in many different disease contexts. A rapidly growing body of design work is examining every modular component of traditional single-chain CARs as well as expanding out into many new and innovative engineered immunoreceptor designs that depart from this template. New approaches to immune cell and receptor engineering are being reported with rapidly increasing frequency, and many recent high-quality reviews (including one in this special issue) provide comprehensive coverage of the history and current state of the art in CAR-T and related cellular immunotherapies. In this review, we step back to examine our current understanding of the structure-function relationships in natural and engineered lymphocyte-activating receptors, with an eye towards evaluating how well the current-generation CAR designs recapitulate the most desirable features of their natural counterparts. We identify key areas that we believe are under-studied and therefore represent opportunities to further improve our grasp of form and function in natural and engineered receptors and to rationally design better therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Chandler
- Structural Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Melissa J Call
- Structural Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Matthew E Call
- Structural Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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17
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Leddon SA, Fettis MM, Abramo K, Kelly R, Oleksyn D, Miller J. The CD28 Transmembrane Domain Contains an Essential Dimerization Motif. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1519. [PMID: 32765524 PMCID: PMC7378745 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD28 plays a critical role in regulating immune responses both by enhancing effector T cell activation and differentiation and controlling the development and function of regulatory T cells. CD28 is expressed at the cell surface as a disulfide linked homodimer that is thought to bind ligand monovalently. How ligand binding triggers CD28 to induce intracellular signaling as well as the proximal signaling pathways that are induced are not well-understood. In addition, recent data suggest inside-out signaling initiated by the T cell antigen receptor can enhance CD28 ligand binding, possibly by inducing a rearrangement of the CD28 dimer interface to allow for bivalent binding. To understand how possible conformational changes during ligand-induced receptor triggering and inside-out signaling are mediated, we examined the CD28 transmembrane domain. We identified an evolutionarily conserved YxxxxT motif that is shared with CTLA-4 and resembles the transmembrane dimerization motif within CD3ζ. We show that the CD28 transmembrane domain can drive protein dimerization in a bacterial expression system at levels equivalent to the well-known glycophorin A transmembrane dimerization motif. In addition, ectopic expression of the CD28 transmembrane domain into monomeric human CD25 can drive dimerization in murine T cells as detected by an increase in FRET by flow cytometry. Mutation of the polar YxxxxT motif to hydrophobic leucine residues (Y145L/T150L) attenuated CD28 transmembrane mediated dimerization in both the bacterial and mammalian assays. Introduction of the Y145L/T150L mutation of the CD28 transmembrane dimerization motif into the endogenous CD28 locus by CRISPR resulted in a dramatic loss in CD28 cell surface expression. These data suggest that under physiological conditions the YxxxxT dimerization motif within the CD28 transmembrane domain plays a critical role in the assembly and/or expression of stable CD28 dimers at the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Leddon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Margaret M Fettis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Kristin Abramo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Ryan Kelly
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - David Oleksyn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Jim Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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18
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Hilzenrat G, Pandžić E, Yang Z, Nieves DJ, Goyette J, Rossy J, Ma Y, Gaus K. Conformational States Control Lck Switching between Free and Confined Diffusion Modes in T Cells. Biophys J 2020; 118:1489-1501. [PMID: 32097620 PMCID: PMC7091564 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor phosphorylation by Lck is an essential step in T cell activation. It is known that the conformational states of Lck control enzymatic activity; however, the underlying principles of how Lck finds its substrate over the plasma membrane remain elusive. Here, single-particle tracking is paired with photoactivatable localization microscopy to observe the diffusive modes of Lck in the plasma membrane. Individual Lck molecules switched between free and confined diffusion in both resting and stimulated T cells. Lck mutants locked in the open conformation were more confined than Lck mutants in the closed conformation. Further confinement of kinase-dead versions of Lck suggests that Lck confinement was not caused by phosphorylated substrates. Our data support a model in which confined diffusion of open Lck results in high local phosphorylation rates, and inactive, closed Lck diffuses freely to enable long-range distribution over the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geva Hilzenrat
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organization (CSIRO), Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elvis Pandžić
- BioMedical Imaging Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Zhengmin Yang
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel J Nieves
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jesse Goyette
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jérémie Rossy
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau, University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
| | - Yuanqing Ma
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katharina Gaus
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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19
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Xu X, Li H, Xu C. Structural understanding of T cell receptor triggering. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 17:193-202. [PMID: 32047259 PMCID: PMC7052162 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0367-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TCR) is one of the most complicated receptors in mammalian cells, and its triggering mechanism remains mysterious. As an octamer complex, TCR comprises an antigen-binding subunit (TCRαβ) and three CD3 signaling subunits (CD3ζζ, CD3δε, and CD3γε). Engagement of TCRαβ with an antigen peptide presented on the MHC leads to tyrosine phosphorylation of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in CD3 cytoplasmic domains (CDs), thus translating extracellular binding kinetics to intracellular signaling events. Whether conformational change plays an important role in the transmembrane signal transduction of TCR is under debate. Attracted by the complexity and functional importance of TCR, many groups have been studying TCR structure and triggering for decades using diverse biochemical and biophysical tools. Here, we synthesize these structural studies and discuss the relevance of the conformational change model in TCR triggering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Science Research Center, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Science Research Center, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenqi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Science Research Center, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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20
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Chang ZL, Hou AJ, Chen YY. Engineering primary T cells with chimeric antigen receptors for rewired responses to soluble ligands. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:1507-1524. [PMID: 32103205 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-0294-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The expression of synthetic receptors in primary T cells enables the programming of user-defined responses when designing T-cell therapies. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are synthetic receptors that have demonstrated efficacy in cancer therapy by targeting immobilized antigens on the surface of malignant cells. Recently, we showed they can also rewire T-cell responses to soluble ligands. In contrast to other synthetic receptors, CARs are not only readily engineered by rational design, but also clinically translatable, with robust function in primary human T cells. This protocol discusses design principles for CARs responsive to soluble ligands and delineates steps for producing T cells expressing synthetic receptors. Functional assays for quantifying the ability of CAR T cells to sense and respond to soluble ligands are also presented. This protocol provides a framework for proficient immune-cell researchers to test novel T-cell therapies targeting soluble ligands in <2 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZeNan L Chang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Andrew J Hou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yvonne Y Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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21
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Sun C, Shou P, Du H, Hirabayashi K, Chen Y, Herring LE, Ahn S, Xu Y, Suzuki K, Li G, Tsahouridis O, Su L, Savoldo B, Dotti G. THEMIS-SHP1 Recruitment by 4-1BB Tunes LCK-Mediated Priming of Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Redirected T Cells. Cancer Cell 2020; 37:216-225.e6. [PMID: 32004441 PMCID: PMC7397569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2019.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell costimulation mediated by CD28 and 4-1BB is essential for CAR-T cell-induced tumor regression. However, CD28 and 4-1BB differentially modulate kinetics, metabolism and persistence of CAR-T cells, and the mechanisms governing these differences are not fully understood. We found that LCK recruited into the synapse of CD28-encoding CAR by co-receptors causes antigen-independent CAR-CD3ζ phosphorylation and increased antigen-dependent T cell activation. In contrast, the synapse formed by 4-1BB-encoding CAR recruits the THEMIS-SHP1 phosphatase complex that attenuates CAR-CD3ζ phosphorylation. We further demonstrated that the CAR synapse can be engineered to recruit either LCK to enhance the kinetics of tumor killing of 4-1BB CAR-T cells or SHP1 to tune down cytokine release of CD28 CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Sun
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Peishun Shou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hongwei Du
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Koichi Hirabayashi
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yuhui Chen
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laura E Herring
- Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Ahn
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yang Xu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kyogo Suzuki
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Guangming Li
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ourania Tsahouridis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lishan Su
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Savoldo
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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22
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Thakar MS, Kearl TJ, Malarkannan S. Controlling Cytokine Release Syndrome to Harness the Full Potential of CAR-Based Cellular Therapy. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1529. [PMID: 32076597 PMCID: PMC7006459 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-based therapies offer a promising, targeted approach to effectively treat relapsed or refractory B cell malignancies. However, the treatment-related toxicity defined as cytokine-release syndrome (CRS) often develops in patients, and if uncontrolled, can be fatal. Grading systems have now been developed to further characterize and objectify clinical findings in order to provide algorithm-based guidance on CRS-related treatment decisions. The pharmacological treatments associated with these algorithms suppress inflammation through a variety of mechanisms and are paramount to improving the safety profile of CAR-based therapies. However, fatalities are still occurring, and there are downsides to these treatments, including the possibility of disrupting CAR-T cell persistence. This review article will describe the clinical presentation and current management of CRS, and through our now deeper understanding of downstream signaling pathways, will provide a molecular framework to formulate new hypotheses regarding clinical applications to contain proinflammatory cytokines responsible for CRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica S Thakar
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Tyce J Kearl
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Center of Excellence in Prostate Cancer, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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23
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Zhang Y, Clemens L, Goyette J, Allard J, Dushek O, Isaacson SA. The Influence of Molecular Reach and Diffusivity on the Efficacy of Membrane-Confined Reactions. Biophys J 2019; 117:1189-1201. [PMID: 31543263 PMCID: PMC6818170 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling by surface receptors often relies on tethered reactions whereby an enzyme bound to the cytoplasmic tail of a receptor catalyzes reactions on substrates within reach. The overall length and stiffness of the receptor tail, the enzyme, and the substrate determine a biophysical parameter termed the molecular reach of the reaction. This parameter determines the probability that the receptor-tethered enzyme will contact the substrate in the volume proximal to the membrane when separated by different distances within the membrane plane. In this work, we develop particle-based stochastic reaction-diffusion models to study the interplay between molecular reach and diffusion. We find that increasing the molecular reach can increase reaction efficacy for slowly diffusing receptors, whereas for rapidly diffusing receptors, increasing molecular reach reduces reaction efficacy. In contrast, if reactions are forced to take place within the two-dimensional plasma membrane instead of the three-dimensional volume proximal to it or if molecules diffuse in three dimensions, increasing molecular reach increases reaction efficacy for all diffusivities. We show results in the context of immune checkpoint receptors (PD-1 dephosphorylating CD28), a standard opposing kinase-phosphatase reaction, and a minimal two-particle model. The work highlights the importance of the three-dimensional nature of many two-dimensional membrane-confined interactions, illustrating a role for molecular reach in controlling biochemical reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lara Clemens
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Jesse Goyette
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jun Allard
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Omer Dushek
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Samuel A Isaacson
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
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24
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Connolly A, Gagnon E. Electrostatic interactions: From immune receptor assembly to signaling. Immunol Rev 2019; 291:26-43. [DOI: 10.1111/imr.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Connolly
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie/Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer Montréal Québec Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine Université de Montréal Montréal Québec Canada
| | - Etienne Gagnon
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie/Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer Montréal Québec Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine Université de Montréal Montréal Québec Canada
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25
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Beyond TCR Signaling: Emerging Functions of Lck in Cancer and Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143500. [PMID: 31315298 PMCID: PMC6679228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) has emerged as one of the key molecules regulating T-cell functions. Studies using Lck knock-out mice or Lck-deficient T-cell lines have shown that Lck regulates the initiation of TCR signaling, T-cell development, and T-cell homeostasis. Because of the crucial role of Lck in T-cell responses, strategies have been employed to redirect Lck activity to improve the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and to potentiate T-cell responses in cancer immunotherapy. In addition to the well-studied role of Lck in T cells, evidence has been accumulated suggesting that Lck is also expressed in the brain and in tumor cells, where it actively takes part in signaling processes regulating cellular functions like proliferation, survival and memory. Therefore, Lck has emerged as a novel druggable target molecule for the treatment of cancer and neuronal diseases. In this review, we will focus on these new functions of Lck.
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Abstract
T cells initiate and regulate adaptive immune responses that can clear infections. To do this, they use their T cell receptors (TCRs) to continually scan the surfaces of other cells for cognate peptide antigens presented on major histocompatibility complexes (pMHCs). Experimental work has established that as few 1-10 pMHCs are sufficient to activate T cells. This sensitivity is remarkable in light of a number of factors, including the observation that the TCR and pMHC are short molecules relative to highly abundant long surface molecules, such as CD45, that can hinder initial binding, and moreover, the TCR/pMHC interaction is of weak affinity with solution lifetimes of approximately 1 second. Here, we review experimental and mathematical work that has contributed to uncovering molecular mechanisms of T cell sensitivity. We organize the mechanisms by where they act in the pathway to activate T cells, namely mechanisms that (a) promote TCR/pMHC binding, (b) induce rapid TCR signaling, and (c) amplify TCR signaling. We discuss work showing that high sensitivity reduces antigen specificity unless molecular feedbacks are invoked. We conclude by summarizing a number of open questions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Omer Dushek
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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27
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Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Traditional treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have had limited efficacy, especially with late stage cancers. Cancer immunotherapy and targeted therapy have revolutionized how cancer is treated, especially in patients with late stage disease. In 2013 cancer immunotherapy was named the breakthrough of the year, partially due to the established efficacy of blockade of CTLA-4 and PD-1, both T cell co-inhibitory molecules involved in tumor-induced immunosuppression. Though early trials promised success, toxicity and tolerance to immunotherapy have hindered long-term successes. Optimizing the use of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory pathways has the potential to increase the effectiveness of T cell-mediated antitumor immune response, leading to increased efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. This review will address major T cell co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory pathways and the role they play in regulating immune responses during cancer development and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E O'Neill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Xuefang Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Signal Transduction Via Co-stimulatory and Co-inhibitory Receptors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1189:85-133. [PMID: 31758532 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9717-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated antigen-specific stimulation is essential for initiating T-cell activation. However, signaling through the TCR alone is not sufficient for inducing an effective response. In addition to TCR-mediated signaling, signaling through antigen-independent co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory receptors is critically important not only for the full activation and functional differentiation of T cells but also for the termination and suppression of T-cell responses. Many studies have investigated the signaling pathways underlying the function of each molecular component. Co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors have no kinase activity, but their cytoplasmic region contains unique functional motifs and potential phosphorylation sites. Engagement of co-stimulatory receptors leads to recruitment of specific binding partners, such as adaptor molecules, kinases, and phosphatases, via recognition of a specific motif. Consequently, each co-stimulatory receptor transduces a unique pattern of signaling pathways. This review focuses on our current understanding of the intracellular signaling pathways provided by co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules, including B7:CD28 family members, immunoglobulin, and members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily.
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29
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Salerno F, Guislain A, Freen-Van Heeren JJ, Nicolet BP, Young HA, Wolkers MC. Critical role of post-transcriptional regulation for IFN-γ in tumor-infiltrating T cells. Oncoimmunology 2018; 8:e1532762. [PMID: 30713785 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1532762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Protective T cell responses against tumors require the production of Interferon gamma (IFN-γ). However, tumor-infiltrating T cells (TILs) gradually lose their capacity to produce IFN-γ and therefore fail to clear malignant cells. Dissecting the underlying mechanisms that block cytokine production is thus key for improving T cell products. Here we show that although TILs express substantial levels of Ifng mRNA, post-transcriptional mechanisms impede the production of IFN-γ protein due to loss of mRNA stability. CD28 triggering, but not PD1 blocking antibodies, effectively restores the stability of Ifng mRNA. Intriguingly, TILs devoid of AU-rich elements within the 3'untranslated region maintain stabilized Ifng mRNA and produce more IFN-γ protein than wild-type TILs. This sustained IFN-γ production translates into effective suppression of tumor outgrowth, which is almost exclusively mediated by direct effects on the tumor cells. We therefore conclude that post-transcriptional mechanisms could be modulated to potentiate effective T cell therapies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiamma Salerno
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research/AMC Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aurelie Guislain
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research/AMC Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julian J Freen-Van Heeren
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research/AMC Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Benoit P Nicolet
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research/AMC Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Howard A Young
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Monika C Wolkers
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research/AMC Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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30
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Si W, Li C, Wei P. Synthetic immunology: T-cell engineering and adoptive immunotherapy. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2018; 3:179-185. [PMID: 30345403 PMCID: PMC6190530 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past decades, the rapidly-evolving cancer is hard to be thoroughly eliminated even though the radiotherapy and chemotherapy do exhibit efficacy in some degree. However, a breakthrough appeared when the adoptive cancer therapy [1] was developed, especially T cells armed with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) showed great potential in tumor clinical trials recently. CAR-T cells successfully elevated the efficiency and specificity of cytotoxicity. In this review, we will talk about the design of CAR and CAR-included combinatory therapeutic applications in the principles of systems and synthetic immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Si
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Cheng Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Center for Quantitative Biology and Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,The MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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31
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Rohrs JA, Zheng D, Graham NA, Wang P, Finley SD. Computational Model of Chimeric Antigen Receptors Explains Site-Specific Phosphorylation Kinetics. Biophys J 2018; 115:1116-1129. [PMID: 30197180 PMCID: PMC6139883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have recently been approved for the treatment of hematological malignancies, but our lack of understanding of the basic mechanisms that activate these proteins has made it difficult to optimize and control CAR-based therapies. In this study, we use phosphoproteomic mass spectrometry and mechanistic computational modeling to quantify the in vitro kinetics of individual tyrosine phosphorylation on a variety of CARs. We show that each of the 10 tyrosine sites on the CD28-CD3ζ CAR is phosphorylated by lymphocyte-specific protein-tyrosine kinase (LCK) with distinct kinetics. The addition of CD28 at the N-terminal of CD3ζ increases the overall rate of CD3ζ phosphorylation. Our computational model identifies that LCK phosphorylates CD3ζ through a mechanism of competitive inhibition. This model agrees with previously published data in the literature and predicts that phosphatases in this system interact with CD3ζ through a similar mechanism of competitive inhibition. This quantitative modeling framework can be used to better understand CAR signaling and T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Rohrs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dongqing Zheng
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nicholas A Graham
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Pin Wang
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Stacey D Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
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32
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Salter AI, Ivey RG, Kennedy JJ, Voillet V, Rajan A, Alderman EJ, Voytovich UJ, Lin C, Sommermeyer D, Liu L, Whiteaker JR, Gottardo R, Paulovich AG, Riddell SR. Phosphoproteomic analysis of chimeric antigen receptor signaling reveals kinetic and quantitative differences that affect cell function. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/544/eaat6753. [PMID: 30131370 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aat6753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) link an antigen recognition domain to intracellular signaling domains to redirect T cell specificity and function. T cells expressing CARs with CD28/CD3ζ or 4-1BB/CD3ζ signaling domains are effective at treating refractory B cell malignancies but exhibit differences in effector function, clinical efficacy, and toxicity that are assumed to result from the activation of divergent signaling cascades. We analyzed stimulation-induced phosphorylation events in primary human CD8+ CD28/CD3ζ and 4-1BB/CD3ζ CAR T cells by mass spectrometry and found that both CAR constructs activated similar signaling intermediates. Stimulation of CD28/CD3ζ CARs activated faster and larger-magnitude changes in protein phosphorylation, which correlated with an effector T cell-like phenotype and function. In contrast, 4-1BB/CD3ζ CAR T cells preferentially expressed T cell memory-associated genes and exhibited sustained antitumor activity against established tumors in vivo. Mutagenesis of the CAR CD28 signaling domain demonstrated that the increased CD28/CD3ζ CAR signal intensity was partly related to constitutive association of Lck with this domain in CAR complexes. Our data show that CAR signaling pathways cannot be predicted solely by the domains used to construct the receptor and that signal strength is a key determinant of T cell fate. Thus, tailoring CAR design based on signal strength may lead to improved clinical efficacy and reduced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Salter
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Richard G Ivey
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jacob J Kennedy
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Valentin Voillet
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Anusha Rajan
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Eva J Alderman
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Uliana J Voytovich
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Chenwei Lin
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Daniel Sommermeyer
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lingfeng Liu
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Whiteaker
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Raphael Gottardo
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Amanda G Paulovich
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Stanley R Riddell
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. .,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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33
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Chouaki Benmansour N, Ruminski K, Sartre AM, Phelipot MC, Salles A, Bergot E, Wu A, Chicanne G, Fallet M, Brustlein S, Billaudeau C, Formisano A, Mailfert S, Payrastre B, Marguet D, Brasselet S, Hamon Y, He HT. Phosphoinositides regulate the TCR/CD3 complex membrane dynamics and activation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4966. [PMID: 29563576 PMCID: PMC5862878 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23109-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositides (PIs) play important roles in numerous membrane-based cellular activities. However, their involvement in the mechanism of T cell receptor (TCR) signal transduction across the plasma membrane (PM) is poorly defined. Here, we investigate their role, and in particular that of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] in TCR PM dynamics and activity in a mouse T-cell hybridoma upon ectopic expression of a PM-localized inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (Inp54p). We observed that dephosphorylation of PI(4,5)P2 by the phosphatase increased the TCR/CD3 complex PM lateral mobility prior stimulation. The constitutive and antigen-elicited CD3 phosphorylation as well as the antigen-stimulated early signaling pathways were all found to be significantly augmented in cells expressing the phosphatase. Using state-of-the-art biophotonic approaches, we further showed that PI(4,5)P2 dephosphorylation strongly promoted the CD3ε cytoplasmic domain unbinding from the PM inner leaflet in living cells, thus resulting in an increased CD3 availability for interactions with Lck kinase. This could significantly account for the observed effects of PI(4,5)P2 dephosphorylation on the CD3 phosphorylation. Our data thus suggest that PIs play a key role in the regulation of the TCR/CD3 complex dynamics and activation at the PM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kilian Ruminski
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Anne-Marie Sartre
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Claire Phelipot
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Audrey Salles
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.,UTechS Photonic BioImaging (Imagopole) Citech, Institut Pasteur, Paris, 75724, France
| | - Elise Bergot
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Ambroise Wu
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Gaëtan Chicanne
- Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, Inserm U1048, Université Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Mathieu Fallet
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Brustlein
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Cyrille Billaudeau
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.,Micalis Institute, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Anthony Formisano
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Sébastien Mailfert
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Payrastre
- Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, Inserm U1048, Université Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Didier Marguet
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Brasselet
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut Fresnel, UMR 7249, 13397, Marseille, France
| | - Yannick Hamon
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
| | - Hai-Tao He
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
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34
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Rewiring T-cell responses to soluble factors with chimeric antigen receptors. Nat Chem Biol 2018; 14:317-324. [PMID: 29377003 PMCID: PMC6035732 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cells targeting surface-bound tumor antigens have yielded promising clinical outcomes, with two CD19 CAR-T cell therapies recently receiving FDA approval for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. The adoption of CARs for the recognition of soluble ligands, a distinct class of biomarkers in physiology and disease, could considerably broaden the utility of CARs in disease treatment. In this study, we demonstrate that CAR-T cells can be engineered to respond robustly to diverse soluble ligands, including the CD19 ectodomain, GFP variants, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). We additionally show that CAR signaling in response to soluble ligands relies on ligand-mediated CAR dimerization and that CAR responsiveness to soluble ligands can be fine-tuned by adjusting the mechanical coupling between the CAR's ligand-binding and signaling domains. Our results support a role for mechanotransduction in CAR signaling and demonstrate an approach for systematically engineering immune-cell responses to soluble, extracellular ligands.
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35
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Ma Y, Poole K, Goyette J, Gaus K. Introducing Membrane Charge and Membrane Potential to T Cell Signaling. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1513. [PMID: 29170669 PMCID: PMC5684113 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
While membrane models now include the heterogeneous distribution of lipids, the impact of membrane charges on regulating the association of proteins with the plasma membrane is often overlooked. Charged lipids are asymmetrically distributed between the two leaflets of the plasma membrane, resulting in the inner leaflet being negatively charged and a surface potential that attracts and binds positively charged ions, proteins, and peptide motifs. These interactions not only create a transmembrane potential but they can also facilitate the formation of charged membrane domains. Here, we reference fields outside of immunology in which consequences of membrane charge are better characterized to highlight important mechanisms. We then focus on T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, reviewing the evidence that membrane charges and membrane-associated calcium regulate phosphorylation of the TCR–CD3 complex and discuss how the immunological synapse exhibits distinct patterns of membrane charge distribution. We propose that charged lipids, ions in solution, and transient protein interactions form a dynamic equilibrium during T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqing Ma
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate Poole
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jesse Goyette
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katharina Gaus
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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36
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Dynamic regulation of CD28 conformation and signaling by charged lipids and ions. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2017; 24:1081-1092. [PMID: 29058713 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CD28 provides an essential costimulatory signal for T cell activation, and its function is critical in antitumor immunity. However, the molecular mechanism of CD28 transmembrane signaling remains elusive. Here we show that the conformation and signaling of CD28 are regulated by two counteractive charged factors, acidic phospholipids and Ca2+ ions. NMR spectroscopy analyses showed that acidic phospholipids can sequester CD28 signaling motifs within the membrane, thereby limiting CD28 basal signaling. T cell receptor (TCR) activation induced an increase in the local Ca2+ concentration around CD28, and Ca2+ directly disrupted CD28-lipid interaction, leading to opening and signaling of CD28. We observed that the TCR, Ca2+, and CD28 together form a dual-positive-feedback circuit that substantially amplifies T cell signaling and thus increases antigen sensitivity. This work unravels a new regulatory mechanism for CD28 signaling and thus contributes to the understanding of the dependence of costimulation signaling on TCR signaling and the high sensitivity of T cells.
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37
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Chen Y, Ju L, Rushdi M, Ge C, Zhu C. Receptor-mediated cell mechanosensing. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:3134-3155. [PMID: 28954860 PMCID: PMC5687017 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e17-04-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensing depicts the ability of a cell to sense mechanical cues, which under some circumstances is mediated by the surface receptors. In this review, a four-step model is described for receptor-mediated mechanosensing. Platelet GPIb, T-cell receptor, and integrins are used as examples to illustrate the key concepts and players in this process. Mechanosensing describes the ability of a cell to sense mechanical cues of its microenvironment, including not only all components of force, stress, and strain but also substrate rigidity, topology, and adhesiveness. This ability is crucial for the cell to respond to the surrounding mechanical cues and adapt to the changing environment. Examples of responses and adaptation include (de)activation, proliferation/apoptosis, and (de)differentiation. Receptor-mediated cell mechanosensing is a multistep process that is initiated by binding of cell surface receptors to their ligands on the extracellular matrix or the surface of adjacent cells. Mechanical cues are presented by the ligand and received by the receptor at the binding interface; but their transmission over space and time and their conversion into biochemical signals may involve other domains and additional molecules. In this review, a four-step model is described for the receptor-mediated cell mechanosensing process. Platelet glycoprotein Ib, T-cell receptor, and integrins are used as examples to illustrate the key concepts and players in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Chen
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332.,Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Lining Ju
- Charles Perkins Centre and Heart Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Muaz Rushdi
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332.,Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Chenghao Ge
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332.,Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332 .,Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332.,Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
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38
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Ionic CD3-Lck interaction regulates the initiation of T-cell receptor signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E5891-E5899. [PMID: 28659468 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1701990114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Antigen-triggered T-cell receptor (TCR) phosphorylation is the first signaling event in T cells to elicit adaptive immunity against invading pathogens and tumor cells. Despite its physiological importance, the underlying mechanism of TCR phosphorylation remains elusive. Here, we report a key mechanism regulating the initiation of TCR phosphorylation. The major TCR kinase Lck shows high selectivity on the four CD3 signaling proteins of TCR. CD3ε is the only CD3 chain that can efficiently interact with Lck, mainly through the ionic interactions between CD3ε basic residue-rich sequence (BRS) and acidic residues in the Unique domain of Lck. We applied a TCR reconstitution system to explicitly study the initiation of TCR phosphorylation. The ionic CD3ε-Lck interaction controls the phosphorylation level of the whole TCR upon antigen stimulation. CD3ε BRS is sequestered in the membrane, and antigen stimulation can unlock this motif. Dynamic opening of CD3ε BRS and its subsequent recruitment of Lck thus can serve as an important switch of the initiation of TCR phosphorylation.
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CARs: Synthetic Immunoreceptors for Cancer Therapy and Beyond. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:430-450. [PMID: 28416139 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are versatile synthetic receptors that provide T cells with engineered specificity. Clinical success in treating B-cell malignancies has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of CAR-T cells against cancer, and efforts are underway to expand the use of engineered T cells to the treatment of diverse medical conditions, including infections and autoimmune diseases. Here, we review current understanding of the molecular properties of CARs, how this knowledge informs the rational design and characterization of novel receptors, the successes and shortcomings of CAR-T cells in the clinic, and emerging solutions for the continued improvement of CAR-T cell therapy.
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Abstract
Triggering of cell-mediated immunity is largely dependent on the recognition of foreign or abnormal molecules by a myriad of cell surface-bound receptors. Many activating immune receptors do not possess any intrinsic signaling capacity but instead form noncovalent complexes with one or more dimeric signaling modules that communicate with a common set of kinases to initiate intracellular information-transfer pathways. This modular architecture, where the ligand binding and signaling functions are detached from one another, is a common theme that is widely employed throughout the innate and adaptive arms of immune systems. The evolutionary advantages of this highly adaptable platform for molecular recognition are visible in the variety of ligand-receptor interactions that can be linked to common signaling pathways, the diversification of receptor modules in response to pathogen challenges, and the amplification of cellular responses through incorporation of multiple signaling motifs. Here we provide an overview of the major classes of modular activating immune receptors and outline the current state of knowledge regarding how these receptors assemble, recognize their ligands, and ultimately trigger intracellular signal transduction pathways that activate immune cell effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Berry
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Matthew E Call
- Structural Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research , Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne , Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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