Proinflammatory CD20+ T cells contribute to CNS-directed autoimmunity

Trogocytosis-mediated immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment

Trogocytosis is a dynamic cellular process characterized by the exchange of the plasma membrane and associated cytosol during cell-to-cell interactions. Unlike phagocytosis, this transfer maintains the surface localization of transferred membrane molecules. For example, CD4 T cells engaging with antigen-presenting cells undergo trogocytosis, which facilitates the transfer of antigen-loaded major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules from antigen-presenting cells to CD4 T cells. This transfer results in the formation of antigen-loaded MHC class II molecule-dressed CD4 T cells. These "dressed" CD4 T cells subsequently participate in antigen presentation to other CD4 T cells. Additionally, trogocytosis enables the acquisition of immune-regulatory molecules, such as CTLA-4 and Tim3, in recipient cells, thereby modulating their anti-tumor immunity. Concurrently, donor cells undergo plasma membrane loss, and substantial loss can trigger trogocytosis-mediated cell death, termed trogoptosis. This review aims to explore the trogocytosis-mediated transfer of immune regulatory molecules and their implications within the tumor microenvironment to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of immune evasion in cancers.

Sportizumab - Multimodal progressive exercise over 10 weeks decreases Th17 frequency and CD49d expression on CD8+ T cells in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) represents a neuroinflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by the predominance of circulating T cell subsets with proinflammatory characteristics and increased central nervous system (CNS)-homing potential. Substantial evidence confirms various beneficial effects of chronic exercise interventions in MS, but it is unknown how long-term multi-modal intense exercise affects MS-associated lymphocytes that are commonly targeted by medication in persons with relapsing remitting MS (pwRRMS).

METHODS

A total of 45 participants with defined RRMS were randomized to either the exercise (n = 22) or passive waitlist-control group (n = 23). A 10-week intervention consisting of progressive resistance and strength-endurance exercises was applied (3x/week à 60 min). Blood was drawn before (T1) and after (T2) the intervention period. Flow cytometry was used for phenotyping lymphocyte subsets.

RESULTS

Relative protein expression of CD49d within CD8+ T cells, quantified via mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), is significantly associated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (p = 0.007, r = 0.440), decreased in the exercise group (p = 0.001) only, and was significantly lower in the exercise compared to the control group at T2 (p < 0.001). T helper (Th) 17 cell frequency decreased only in the exercise group (p < 0.001). CD8+CD20+ T cell frequency was significantly lower in the exercise compared to the control group at T2 (p = 0.003), without showing significant time effects.

CONCLUSION

The 10-week multimodal exercise intervention mainly affected circulating T cells harboring a pathophysiological phenotype in MS. The findings of a decreased frequency of pathogenic Th17 cells and the reduced CNS-homing potential of CD8+ T cells, indicated by reduced CD49d MFI, substantiate the positive effects of exercise on cellular biomarkers involved in disease activity and progression in MS. To confirm exercise-mediated beneficial effects on both disease domains, clinical endpoints (i.e., relapse rate, lesion formation, EDSS score) should be assessed together with these cellular and molecular markers in studies with a larger sample size and a duration of six to twelve months or longer.

The origin of human CD20+ T cells: a stolen identity?

Human T cells expressing CD20 play an important role in the defense against virus and cancer and are central in the pathogenesis of both malignancies and various autoimmune disorders. Therapeutic modulation of CD20+ T cells and the CD20 expression level is therefore of significant interest. In rodents, CD20 on T cells is likely the product of an active transfer of CD20 from a donor B cell interacting with a recipient T cell in a process termed trogocytosis. Whether the same applies to human CD20+ T cells is highly debated. Investigating this dispute showed that human CD20- T cells could achieve CD20 along with a series of other B-cell markers from B cells through trogocytosis. However, none of these B-cell markers were co-expressed with CD20 on human CD20+ T cells in blood or inflamed CSF, implying that additional mechanisms may be involved in the development of human CD20+ T cells. In support of this, we identified true naïve CD20+ T cells, measured endogenous production of CD20, and observed that CD20 could be inherited to daughter cells, contradicting that all human CD20+ T cells are a product of trogocytosis.

CD20 + T lymphocytes in isolated Hashimoto's thyroiditis and type 3 autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

CD20+ T cells represent up to 5% of circulating T lymphocytes. These cells have been shown to produce higher levels of IL-17A and IFN-γ than those of CD20- T lymphocytes. Some reports described the role of CD20+ T cells in autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis possibly due to their ability to produce these inflammatory cytokines. This study is aimed at describing the behavior of CD20+ T lymphocytes in the most frequent autoimmune disorder, i.e., Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), presenting isolated or associated to further autoaggressive disorders in a frame of poly-autoimmunity.

METHODS

The study group encompasses 65 HT patients: 23 presenting in isolated form (IT) and 42 with an associated non-endocrine autoimmune disorder [16 with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), 15 with nonsegmental vitiligo (VIT), and 11 with celiac disease (CD)]. Twenty healthy donors act as control group (HD). Chronic use of interfering drugs, severe or chronic disorders, and pregnancy and lactation were used as exclusion criteria. Whole blood samples (100 µl) were stained with fluorescent-labeled antibodies (anti-CD45, anti-CD3, anti-CD19, anti-CD16, anti-CD56, anti-CD4, anti-CD8, anti-CD20). Red blood cells were then lysed by adding 1 ml of hypotonic buffer, and samples were acquired on a Flow Cytometer.

RESULTS

CD3+CD8+CD20+ T lymphocytes' percentages, were significantly higher in the whole group of autoimmune patients compared to healthy donors (p = 0.0145). Dividing HT patients based on the type of presentation of autoimmune thyroiditis, CAG group showed the highest percentage of these cells as compared to HD and CD (p = 0.0058). IT patients showed higher percentages of CD3+ CD8+CD20+ cells than those of HD patients although not reaching statistical significance. However, dividing IT group based on thyroid function, hypothyroid patients showed higher CD8+CD20+ cell percentages than those of HD and euthyroid patients (p = 0.0111). Moreover, in IT patients, these cells were negatively correlated with FT4 levels (p = 0.0171; r = -0.4921).

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary findings indicate that CD8+CD20+ T cells are activated in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and may behave differently according to the presence of poly-autoimmunity and hypothyroidism.

Identification and characterization of circulating and adipose tissue infiltrated CD20+T cells from subjects with obesity that undergo bariatric surgery

T cells play critical roles in adipose tissue (AT) inflammation. The role of CD20+T cell in AT dysfunction and their contributing to insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes progression, is not known. The aim was to characterize CD20+T cells in omental (OAT), subcutaneous (SAT) and peripheral blood (PB) from subjects with obesity (OB, n = 42), by flow cytometry. Eight subjects were evaluated before (T1) and 12 months post (T2) bariatric/metabolic surgery (BMS). PB from subjects without obesity (nOB, n = 12) was also collected. Higher percentage of CD20+T cells was observed in OAT, compared to PB or SAT, in OB-T1. CD20 expression by PB CD4+T cells was inversely correlated with adiposity markers, while follicular-like CD20+T cells were positively correlated with impaired glucose tolerance (increased HbA1c). Notably, among OB-T1, IR establishment was marked by a lower percentage and absolute number of PB CD20+T cells, compared nOB. Obesity was associated with higher percentage of activated CD20+T cells; however, OAT-infiltrated CD20+T cells from OB-T1 with diabetes displayed the lowest activation. CD20+T cells infiltrating OAT from OB-T1 displayed a phenotype towards IFN-γ-producing Th1 and Tc1 cells. After BMS, the percentage of PB CD4+CD20+T cells increased, with reduced Th1 and increased Th17 phenotype. Whereas in OAT the percentage of CD20+T cells with Th1/17 and Tc1/17 phenotypes increased. Interestingly, OAT from OB pre/post BMS maintained higher frequency of effector memory CD20+T cells. In conclusion, CD20+T cells may play a prominent role in obesity-related AT inflammation.

A novel method for characterizing cell-cell interactions at single-cell resolution reveals unique signatures in blood T cell-monocyte complexes during infection

Communication between immune cells through direct contact is a critical feature of immune responses. Here, we developed a novel high-throughput method to study the transcriptome and adaptive immune receptor repertoire of single cells forming complexes without needing bioinformatic deconvolution. We found that T cells and monocytes forming complexes in blood during active tuberculosis (TB) and dengue hold unique transcriptomic signatures indicative of TCR/MCH-II immune synapses. Additionally, T cells in complexes showed enrichment for effector phenotypes, imaging and transcriptomic features of active TCR signaling, and increased immune activity at diagnosis compared to after anti-TB therapy. We also found evidence for bidirectional RNA exchange between T cells and monocytes, since complexes were markedly enriched for "dual-expressing" cells (i.e., co-expressing T cell and monocyte genes). Thus, studying immune cell complexes at a single-cell resolution offers novel perspectives on immune synaptic interactions occurring in blood during infection.

B Cells Influence Encephalitogenic T Cell Frequency to Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG)38-49 during Full-length MOG Protein-Induced Demyelinating Disease

Although T cells are encephalitogenic during demyelinating disease, B cell-depleting therapies are a successful treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis. Murine models of demyelinating disease utilizing myelin epitopes, such as myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35-55, induce a robust CD4 T cell response but mitigate the contribution of pathological B cells. This limits their efficacy for investigating how B cell depletion affects T cells. Furthermore, induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis with a single CD4 T cell epitope does not reflect the breadth of epitopes observed in the clinic. To better model the adaptive immune response, mice were immunized with the full-length MOG protein or the MOG1-125 extracellular domain (ECD) and compared with MOG35-55. Mature MOG-reactive B cells were generated only by full-length MOG or ECD. The CNS-localized T cell response induced by full-length MOG is characterized by a reduction in frequency and the percentage of low-affinity T cells with reactivity toward the core epitope of MOG35-55. B cell depletion with anti-CD20 before full-length MOG-induced, but not ECD-induced, demyelinating disease restored T cell reactivity toward the immunodominant epitope of MOG35-55, suggesting the B cell-mediated control of encephalitogenic epitopes. Ultimately, this study reveals that anti-CD20 treatment can influence T cell epitopes found in the CNS during demyelinating disease.

Current Knowledge about CD3+CD20+ T Cells in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation and autoimmune responses. This review explores the participation of T cells, particularly certain CD3+CD20+ T cells, in the clinical manifestations of MS and highlights their presence in diagnosed patients. These T cells show aberrant expression of CD20, normally considered a B-cell marker. In this review, relevant journal articles available in PubMed and CINAHL were identified by employing diverse search terms, such as MS, CD3+CD20+ T cells, the incidence and significance of CD3+CD20+ T cells in MS patients, and the impact of rituximab treatment. The search was limited to articles published in the ten-year period from 2014 to 2024. The results of this review suggest that most scholars agree on the presence of CD3+CD20+ T cells in cerebrospinal fluid. Emerging concepts relate to the fundamental role of CD20-expressing T cells in determining the target and efficacy of MS therapeutics and the presence of T cells in the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients. The results clearly show that CD20+ T cells indicate disease chronicity and high disease activity.

New views on the complex interplay between degeneration and autoimmunity in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a frequently disabling neurological disorder characterized by symptoms, clinical signs and imaging abnormalities that typically fluctuate over time, affecting any level of the CNS. Prominent lymphocytic inflammation, many genetic susceptibility variants involving immune pathways, as well as potent responses of the neuroinflammatory component to immunomodulating drugs, have led to the natural conclusion that this disease is driven by a primary autoimmune process. In this Hypothesis and Theory article, we discuss emerging data that cast doubt on this assumption. After three decades of therapeutic experience, what has become clear is that potent immune modulators are highly effective at suppressing inflammatory relapses, yet exhibit very limited effects on the later progressive phase of MS. Moreover, neuropathological examination of MS tissue indicates that degeneration, CNS atrophy, and myelin loss are most prominent in the progressive stage, when lymphocytic inflammation paradoxically wanes. Finally, emerging clinical observations such as "progression independent of relapse activity" and "silent progression," now thought to take hold very early in the course, together argue that an underlying "cytodegenerative" process, likely targeting the myelinating unit, may in fact represent the most proximal step in a complex pathophysiological cascade exacerbated by an autoimmune inflammatory overlay. Parallels are drawn with more traditional neurodegenerative disorders, where a progressive proteopathy with prion-like propagation of toxic misfolded species is now known to play a key role. A potentially pivotal contribution of the Epstein-Barr virus and B cells in this process is also discussed.

Effect of siponimod on lymphocyte subsets in active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and clinical implications

BACKGROUND

Circulating immune cells play a pathogenic role in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the role of specific lymphocyte subpopulations is not unveiled yet, especially in progressive stages. We aimed to investigate lymphocyte changes during siponimod treatment in active secondary progressive MS (aSPMS) and their associations with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We enrolled 46 aSPMS patients starting on siponimod treatment with at least 6 months of follow-up and two visits within the scheduled timeframes and 14 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs). Clinical and laboratory data were collected retrospectively at baseline, 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24th month for MS patients, and at baseline for HCs.

RESULTS

At baseline SPMS patients presented with increased naïve regulatory T lymphocytes (p = 0.02) vs. HCs. Over time, SPMS patients showed decreased T CD4+ (coeff. range = -24/-17, 95% CI range = -31.60 to -10.40), B lymphocyte (coeff. range = -3.77/-2.54, 95% CI range = -6.02 to -0.35), memory regulatory B cells (coeff. range = -0.78/-0.57, 95% CI range = -1.24 to -0.17) and CD4/CD8 ratio (coeff. range = -4.44/-0.67, 95% CI range = -1.61 to -0.17) from month 3 thereafter vs. baseline, and reduced CD3+CD20+ lymphocytes from month 12 thereafter (coeff. range = -0.32/-0.24, 95% CI range = -0.59 to -0.03). Patients not experiencing disability progression while on siponimod treatment showed B lymphocyte reduction from month 3 (coeff. range = -4.23/-2.32, 95% CI range = -7.53 to -0.15) and CD3+CD20+ lymphocyte reduction from month 12 (coeff. range = -0.32/-0.24, 95% CI range = -0.59 to -0.03) vs. patients experiencing progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated with siponimod showed a T and B lymphocyte reduction, especially CD4+, CD3+CD20+ and naïve regulatory T cells and memory regulatory B cells. Disability progression while on siponimod treatment was associated with a less pronounced effect on B and CD3+CD20+ lymphocytes.

Novel and Emerging Treatments to Target Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Various Phenotypes of Multiple Sclerosis

The objective is to comprehensively review novel pharmacotherapies used in multiple sclerosis (MS) and the possibilities they may carry for therapeutic improvement. Specifically, we discuss pathophysiological mechanisms worth targeting in MS, ranging from well known targets, such as autoinflammation and demyelination, to more novel and advanced targets, such as neuroaxonal damage and repair. To set the stage, a brief overview of clinical MS phenotypes is provided, followed by a comprehensive recapitulation of both clinical and paraclinical outcomes available to assess the effectiveness of treatments in achieving these targets. Finally, we discuss various promising novel and emerging treatments, including their respective hypothesized modes of action and currently available evidence from clinical trials. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This comprehensive review discusses pathophysiological mechanisms worth targeting in multiple sclerosis. Various promising novel and emerging treatments, including their respective hypothesized modes of action and currently available evidence from clinical trials, are reviewed.

Single-cell profiling indicates a high similarity between immune cells in the cerebrospinal fluid and in meningeal ectopic lymphoid tissue in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Background and objectives

B cell depleting anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (aCD20 mAbs) are highly effective in treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) but fail to halt the formation of meningeal ectopic lymphoid tissue (mELT) in the murine model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). While mELT can be examined in EAE, it is not accessible in vivo in MS patients. Our key objectives were to compare the immune cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is accessible in patients, with those in mELT, and to study the effects of aCD20 mAbs on CSF and mELT in EAE.

Methods

Applying single cell RNA sequencing, we compared gene expression profiles in immune cells from (1) CSF with mELT and (2) aCD20 mAbs treated with control treated mice in a spontaneous 2D2xTh EAE model.

Results

The immune cell composition in CSF and mELT was very similar. Gene expression profiles and pathway enrichment analysis revealed no striking differences between the two compartments. aCD20 mAbs led not only to a virtually complete depletion of B cells in the CSF but also to a reduction of naïve CD4+ T cells and marked increase of macrophages. No remarkable differences in regulated genes or pathways were observed.

Discussion

Our results suggest that immune cells in the CSF may serve as a surrogate for mELT in EAE. Future studies are required to confirm this in MS patients. The observed increase of macrophages in B cell depleted CSF is a novel finding and requires verification in CSF of aCD20 mAbs treated MS patients. Due to unresolved technical challenges, we were unable to study the effects of aCD20 mAbs on mELT. This should be addressed in future studies.

Clinical and Immunological Impact of Ocrelizumab Extended Interval Dosing in Multiple Sclerosis: A Single-Center, Real-World Experience

Ocrelizumab (OCR), an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is approved for treating relapsing remitting (RR) and primary progressive (PP) multiple sclerosis (MS). The standard interval dosing (SID) regimen requires intravenous infusions every six months. Experience of extended dosing due to COVID-19 pandemic-related issues suggests that this strategy may provide comparable efficacy while reducing treatment burden and healthcare costs. This study aimed to evaluate clinical effectiveness, changes in B- and T-cell count, and immunoglobulin dynamics associated with extended interval dosing (EID) of ocrelizumab in a real-world setting. We retrospectively included RRMS or PPMS patients treated with OCR that had already received two OCR cycles and with at least 6 months of follow up after the last infusion. EID was defined as a ≥4 weeks delay compared to SID. Clinical outcomes were occurrence of relapses, MRI activity, 6-months confirmed disability progression (CDP) and their combination (No Evidence of Disease Activity, NEDA-3). We also evaluated changes in CD19+ B cell count, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell count, immunoglobulin titers, and occurrence of hypogammaglobulinemia (hypo-Ig). Frequency tests, multivariate regression models, and survival analysis were applied as appropriate. We analyzed data on 93 subjects (75.3% RRMS) for a total of 389 infusions (272 SID, 117 EID). Clinical and MRI activity, CDP, and NEDA 3 did not significantly differ between EID and SID. EID was associated with lower rates of B-cell depletion. T-cell dynamics and incidence of hypo-Ig were comparable following EID and SID. Hypo-IgG at index infusion was associated with further occurrence of hypo-IgG; male sex and hypo-IgM at index infusion were independently associated with hypo-IgM. In conclusion, OCR EID does not impact MS clinical and radiological outcomes, although it interferes with B-cell dynamics. These findings provide support for a tailored schedule of OCR in MS.

Different lymphocyte counts of multiple sclerosis patients treated with ofatumumab and ocrelizumab: A retrospective observational study

Introduction

Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) treated with anti-CD20 (cluster of differentiation) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as ocrelizumab (OCR) and ofatumumab (OFA) show a reduction mainly of B-lymphocytes, but also other lymphocyte subsets can be affected by these treatments. There is limited data on differences between lymphocyte subset counts of pwMS after treatment initiation with OCR or OFA.

Objective

To compare lymphocyte subset counts after treatment initiation in pwMS treated with OCR and OFA.

Methods

We analyzed 22 pwMS initiated on OFA and 56 sex-, age- and MS course matched pwMS initiated on OCR from 2 prospectively collected observational MS databases (Bern [n: OFA 14, OCR 44] and Vienna [n: OFA 8, OCR 12]) statistically comparing lymphocyte subset counts (Mann Whitney Test).

Results

We found that pwMS treated with OCR showed a stronger reduction of CD20 B-lymphocytes (P = .001), and a trend towards lower counts of CD8+ T cells (P = .056) compared to pwMS treated with OFA, whereas reduction of total lymphocyte, CD4+ lymphocyte and NK cell count was equally distributed between both treatments.

Conclusion

Different effects on lymphocyte subpopulations appear to be present in pwMS after treatment initiation with different anti-CD20 mAbs. Further studies are needed to determine potential effects on anti-CD20 treatment efficacy as well as treatment associated risks such as failed vaccinations and infections.

The role of CD20+ T cells: Insights in human peripheral blood

CD20+ T cells constitute a small subset of T cells. These are found among CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD8+, CD4-CD8- T, and TCRγδ+ T cells, and have been poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to characterize peripheral blood (PB) CD20+ T cells and compare them to their PB CD20- T cell counterparts. PB from 17 healthy individuals was collected. The distribution of CD20+ T cells among maturation-associated T cells compartments (naïve, central memory, transitional memory, effector memory, and effector T cells), their polarization, activation status, and expression of immune-regulatory proteins were evaluated by flow cytometry. Their function was also assessed, by measuring IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17 production. Compared with CD20- T cells, CD20+ T cells represent a higher proportion of transitional memory cells. Furthermore, CD20+ T cells display a proinflammatory phenotype, characterized by the expansion of Th1, Th1/17, and Tc1 cell subsets , associated to a high expression of activation (CD25) and exhaustion (PD-1) markers. In addition, the simultaneous production of the proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17 was also detected in CD4+CD20+ T cells. Our results show that CD20+ T cells are phenotypically and functionally different from CD20- T cells, suggesting that these cells are a distinct subset of T cells.

Exploring the depths of IgG4: insights into autoimmunity and novel treatments

IgG4 subclass antibodies represent the rarest subclass of IgG antibodies, comprising only 3-5% of antibodies circulating in the bloodstream. These antibodies possess unique structural features, notably their ability to undergo a process known as fragment-antigen binding (Fab)-arm exchange, wherein they exchange half-molecules with other IgG4 antibodies. Functionally, IgG4 antibodies primarily block and exert immunomodulatory effects, particularly in the context of IgE isotype-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. In the context of disease, IgG4 antibodies are prominently observed in various autoimmune diseases combined under the term IgG4 autoimmune diseases (IgG4-AID). These diseases include myasthenia gravis (MG) with autoantibodies against muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK), nodo-paranodopathies with autoantibodies against paranodal and nodal proteins, pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceus with antibodies against desmoglein and encephalitis with antibodies against LGI1/CASPR2. Additionally, IgG4 antibodies are a prominent feature in the rare entity of IgG4 related disease (IgG4-RD). Intriguingly, both IgG4-AID and IgG4-RD demonstrate a remarkable responsiveness to anti-CD20-mediated B cell depletion therapy (BCDT), suggesting shared underlying immunopathologies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of B cells, antibody subclasses, and their general properties before examining the distinctive characteristics of IgG4 subclass antibodies in the context of health, IgG4-AID and IgG4-RD. Furthermore, we will examine potential therapeutic strategies for these conditions, with a special focus on leveraging insights gained from anti-CD20-mediated BCDT. Through this analysis, we aim to enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of IgG4-mediated diseases and identify promising possibilities for targeted therapeutic intervention.

CD20+ T cells in monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia: frequency, phenotype and association with disease progression

Introduction

In monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the expansion of malignant B cells disrupts the normal homeostasis and interactions between B cells and T cells, leading to immune dysregulation. CD20+ T cells are a subpopulation of T cells that appear to be involved in autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Methods

Here, we quantified and phenotypically characterized CD20+ T cells from MBL subjects and CLL patients using flow cytometry and correlated our findings with the B-cell receptor mutational status and other features of the disease.

Results and discussion

CD20+ T cells were more represented within the CD8+ T cell compartment and they showed a predominant memory Tc1 phenotype. CD20+ T cells were less represented in MBL and CLL patients vs healthy controls, particularly among those with unmutated IGVH gene. The expansion of malignant B cells was accompanied by phenotypic and functional changes in CD20+ T cells, including an increase in follicular helper CD4+ CD20+ T cells and CD20+ Tc1 cells, in addition to the expansion of the TCR Vβ 5.1 in CD4+ CD20+ T cells in CLL.

An angel or a devil? Current view on the role of CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis

BACKGROUND

Myasthenia gravis (MG) and the experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG) animal model are characterized by T-cell-induced and B-cell-dominated autoimmune diseases that affect the neuromuscular junction. Several subtypes of CD4+ T cells, including T helper (Th) 17 cells, follicular Th cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), contribute to the pathogenesis of MG. However, increasing evidence suggests that CD8+ T cells also play a critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of MG.

MAIN BODY

Herein, we review the literature on CD8+ T cells in MG, focusing on their potential effector and regulatory roles, as well as on relevant evidence (peripheral, in situ, cerebrospinal fluid, and under different treatments), T-cell receptor usage, cytokine and chemokine expression, cell marker expression, and Treg, Tc17, CD3+CD8+CD20+ T, and CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies on CD8+ T cells in MG are necessary to determine, among others, the real pattern of the Vβ gene usage of autoantigen-specific CD8+ cells in patients with MG, real images of the physiology and function of autoantigen-specific CD8+ cells from MG/EAMG, and the subset of autoantigen-specific CD8+ cells (Tc1, Tc17, and IL-17+IFN-γ+CD8+ T cells). There are many reports of CD20-expressing T (or CD20 + T) and CXCR5+ CD8 T cells on autoimmune diseases, especially on multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, up to now, there has been no report on these T cells on MG, which might be a good direction for future studies.

Neutropenia following immune-depletion, notably CD20 targeting, therapies in multiple sclerosis

Neutropenia serves as a risk factor for severe infection and is a consequence of some immune-depleting immunotherapies. This occurs in people with multiple sclerosis following chemotherapy-conditioning in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and potent B cell targeting agents. Whilst CD52 is expressed by neutrophils and may contribute to early-onset neutropenia following alemtuzumab treatment, deoxycytidine kinase and CD20 antigen required for activity of cladribine tablets, off-label rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab and ublituximab are not or only weakly expressed by neutrophils. Therefore, alternative explanations are needed for the rare occurrence of early and late-onset neutropenia following such treatments. This probably occurs due to alterations in the balance of granulopoiesis and neutrophil removal. Neutrophils are short-lived, and their removal may be influenced by drug-associated infections, the killing mechanisms of the therapies and amplified by immune dyscrasia due to influences on neutropoiesis following growth factor rerouting for B cell recovery and cytokine deficits following lymphocyte depletion. This highlights the small but evident neutropenia risks following sustained B cell depletion with some treatments.

Ocrelizumab associates with reduced cerebrospinal fluid B and CD20dim CD4+ T cells in primary progressive multiple sclerosis

The anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody ocrelizumab reduces disability progression in primary progressive multiple sclerosis. CD20 is a prototypical B-cell marker; however, subpopulations of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid also express low levels of CD20 (CD20dim). Therefore, direct targeting and depletion of these CD20dim T-cell subpopulations may contribute to the therapeutic effect of ocrelizumab. The aim of this observational cohort study was to compare CD20+ B-cell and CD20dim T-cell distributions between peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid of ocrelizumab-treated or ocrelizumab-untreated people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Ocrelizumab treatment was associated with depletion of circulating B cells and CD20dim CD4+ and CD20dim CD8+ T cells (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0016 and P = 0.0008, respectively) but, in cerebrospinal fluid, only with lower proportions of B cells and CD20dim memory CD4+ T cells (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0043, respectively). The proportional prevalence of cerebrospinal fluid CD20dim memory CD8+ T cells was not significantly reduced (P = 0.1333). Only in cerebrospinal fluid, the proportions of CD20dim cells within CD4+ and not CD8+ T cells positive for CCR5, CCR6 and CXCR3 were reduced in ocrelizumab-treated participants. The proportion of CD20dim CD4+ T cells and abundance of CD4+ relative to CD8+ T cells in cerebrospinal fluid correlated positively with age (R = 0.6799, P = 0.0150) and Age-Related Multiple Sclerosis Severity score (R = 0.8087, P = 0.0014), respectively. We conclude that, in contrast to cerebrospinal fluid CD20dim CD8+ T cells, B cells and CD20dim CD4+ T cells are reduced in cerebrospinal fluid of people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis with an ocrelizumab-associated depletion of circulating B cells and CD20dim T cells. Therefore, these cells are likely to contribute to the therapeutic effects of ocrelizumab in people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Intruders or protectors - the multifaceted role of B cells in CNS disorders

B lymphocytes are immune cells studied predominantly in the context of peripheral humoral immune responses against pathogens. Evidence has been accumulating in recent years on the diversity of immunomodulatory functions that B cells undertake, with particular relevance for pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS). This review summarizes current knowledge on B cell populations, localization, infiltration mechanisms, and function in the CNS and associated tissues. Acute and chronic neurodegenerative pathologies are examined in order to explore the complex, and sometimes conflicting, effects that B cells can have in each context, with implications for disease progression and treatment outcomes. Additional factors such as aging modulate the proportions and function of B cell subpopulations over time and are also discussed in the context of neuroinflammatory response and disease susceptibility. A better understanding of the multifactorial role of B cell populations in the CNS may ultimately lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for a variety of neurological conditions.

Inflammation as common link to progressive neurological diseases

Life expectancy has increased immensely over the past decades, bringing new challenges to the health systems as advanced age increases the predisposition for many diseases. One of those is the burden of neurologic disorders. While many hypotheses have been placed to explain aging mechanisms, it has been widely accepted that the increasing pro-inflammatory status with advanced age or "inflammaging" is a main determinant of biological aging. Furthermore, inflammaging is at the cornerstone of many age-related diseases and its involvement in neurologic disorders is an exciting hypothesis. Indeed, aging and neurologic disorders development in the elderly seem to share some basic pathways that fundamentally converge on inflammation. Peripheral inflammation significantly influences brain function and contributes to the development of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Understanding the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of progressive neurological diseases is of crucial importance for developing effective treatments and interventions that can slow down or prevent disease progression, therefore, decreasing its social and economic burden.

Intercellular Transfer of Immune Regulatory Molecules Via Trogocytosis

Trogocytosis, an active cellular process involving the transfer of plasma membrane and attached cytosol during cell-to-cell contact, has been observed prominently in CD4 T cells interacting with antigen-presenting cells carrying antigen-loaded major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Despite the inherent absence of MHC class II molecules in CD4 T cells, they actively acquire these molecules from encountered antigen-presenting cells, leading to the formation of antigen-loaded MHC class II molecules-dressed CD4 T cells. Subsequently, these dressed CD4 T cells engage in antigen presentation to other CD4 T cells, revealing a dynamic mechanism of immune communication. The transferred membrane proteins through trogocytosis retain their surface localization, thereby altering cellular functions. Concurrently, the donor cells experience a loss of membrane proteins, resulting in functional changes due to the altered membrane properties. This chapter provides a focused exploration into trogocytosis-mediated transfer of immune regulatory molecules and its consequential impact on diverse immune responses.

Review of microbiota gut brain axis and innate immunity in inflammatory and infective diseases

The microbiota gut brain (MGB) axis has been shown to play a significant role in the regulation of inflammatory and infective diseases. Exploring the structure and communication mode of MGB axis is crucial for understanding its role in diseases, and studying the signaling pathways and regulatory methods of MGB axis regulation in diseases is also of profound significance for future clinical research. This article reviews the composition, communication mechanism of MGB axis and its role in inflammatory and infective diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In addition, our investigation delved into the regulatory functions of the inflammasome, IFN-I, NF-κB, and PARK7/DJ-1 innate immune signaling pathway in the context of inflammatory and infective diseases. Ultimately, we discussed the efficacy of various interventions, including fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics, in the management of inflammatory and infective diseases. Understanding the role and mechanism of the MGB axis might make positive effects in the treatment of inflammatory and infective diseases.

Assessing Sustained B-Cell Depletion and Disease Activity in a French Multiple Sclerosis Cohort Treated by Long-Term IV Anti-CD20 Antibody Therapy

Few studies have investigated sustained B-cell depletion after long-term intravenous (IV) anti-CD20 B-cell depleting therapy (BCDT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) with respect to strict and/or minimal disease activity. The main objective of this study was to investigate how sustained B-cell depletion after BCDT influences clinical and radiological stability as defined by "no evidence of disease activity" (NEDA-3) and "minimal evidence of disease activity" (MEDA) status in MS patients at 12 and 18 months. Furthermore, we assessed the frequency of serious adverse events (SAE), and the influence of prior lymphocytopenia-inducing treatment (LIT) on lymphocyte subset counts and gammaglobulins in MS patients receiving long-term BCDT. We performed a retrospective, prospectively collected, study in a cohort of 192 MS patients of all clinical phenotypes treated by BCDT between January 2014 and September 2021. Overall, 84.2% and 96.9% of patients attained NEDA-3 and MEDA status at 18 months, respectively. Sustained CD19+ depletion was observed in 85.8% of patients at 18 months. No significant difference was observed when comparing patients achieving either NEDA-3 or MEDA at 18 months and sustained B-cell depletion. Compared to baseline levels, IgM and IgG levels on BCDT significantly decreased at 6 months and 30 months, respectively. Patients receiving LIT prior to BCDT showed significant CD4+ lymphocytopenia and lower IgG levels compared to non-LIT patients. Grade 3 or above SAEs were rare. As nearly all patients achieved MEDA at 18 months, we suggest tailoring IV BCDT after 18 months given the occurrence of lymphocytopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and SAE after this time point.

Extended interval dosing of ocrelizumab modifies the repopulation of B cells without altering the clinical efficacy in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that extended interval dosing of ocrelizumab, an anti-B cell therapy, does not affect its clinical effectiveness in most patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it remains to be established whether certain B cell subsets are differentially repopulated after different dosing intervals and whether these subsets relate to clinical efficacy.

METHODS

We performed high-dimensional single-cell characterization of the peripheral immune landscape of patients with MS after standard (SID; n = 43) or extended interval dosing (EID; n = 37) of ocrelizumab and in non-ocrelizumab-treated (control group, CG; n = 28) patients with MS, using mass cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF).

RESULTS

The first B cells that repopulate after both ocrelizumab dosing schemes were immature, transitional and regulatory CD1d+ CD5+ B cells. In addition, we observed a higher percentage of transitional, naïve and regulatory B cells after EID in comparison with SID, but not of memory B cells or plasmablasts. The majority of repopulated B cell subsets showed an increased migratory phenotype, characterized by higher expression of CD49d, CD11a, CD54 and CD162. Interestingly, after EID, repopulated B cells expressed increased CD20 levels compared to B cells in CG and after SID, which was associated with a delayed repopulation of B cells after a subsequent ocrelizumab infusion. Finally, the number of/changes in B cell subsets after both dosing schemes did not correlate with any relapses nor progression of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our data highlight that extending the dosing interval of ocrelizumab does not lead to increased repopulation of effector B cells. We show that the increase of CD20 expression on B cell subsets in EID might lead to longer depletion or less repopulation of B cells after the next infusion of ocrelizumab. Lastly, even though extending the ocrelizumab interval dosing alters B cell repopulation, it does not affect the clinical efficacy of ocrelizumab in our cohort of patients with MS.

Immune reconstitution following alemtuzumab therapy is characterized by exhausted T cells, increased regulatory control of proinflammatory T cells and reduced B cell control

Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting CD52 on the surface of immune cells, approved for the treatment of active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The purpose of this study was to analyze the repopulation of peripheral lymphocytes following alemtuzumab-induced lymphocyte depletion and investigate associations with disease activity and development of secondary autoimmunity. For this, blood samples were collected two years after initiation of alemtuzumab treatment and lymphocytes were subjected to a comprehensive flow cytometry analysis. Included in the study were 40 patients treated with alemtuzumab and 40 treatment-naïve patients with RRMS. Disease activity and development of secondary autoimmune disease was evaluated after three years of treatment. Our study confirms that alemtuzumab treatment profoundly alters the circulating lymphocyte phenotype and describes a reconstituted immune system characterized by T cell activation/exhaustion, an increased regulatory control of IL-17 producing effector T cells and CD20+ T cells, and a reduced control of B cells. There were no obvious associations between immune cell subsets and disease activity or development of secondary autoimmune disease during treatment with alemtuzumab. Our results indicate that the reconstituted immune response is skewed towards a more effective regulatory control of MS-associated proinflammatory T cell responses. Also, the enlarged pool of naïve B cells together with the apparent decrease in control of B cell activity may explain why alemtuzumab-treated patients retain the ability to mount a humoral immune response towards new antigens.

Effect of Ocrelizumab on B- and T-Cell Receptor Repertoire Diversity in Patients With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis From the Randomized Phase III OPERA Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The B cell-depleting anti-CD20 antibody ocrelizumab (OCR) effectively reduces MS disease activity and slows disability progression. Given the role of B cells as antigen-presenting cells, the primary goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of OCR on the T-cell receptor repertoire diversity.

METHODS

To examine whether OCR substantially alters the molecular diversity of the T-cell receptor repertoire, deep immune repertoire sequencing (RepSeq) of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell receptor β-chain variable regions was performed on longitudinal blood samples. The IgM and IgG heavy chain variable region repertoire was also analyzed to characterize the residual B-cell repertoire under OCR treatment.

RESULTS

Peripheral blood samples for RepSeq were obtained from 8 patients with relapsing MS enrolled in the OPERA I trial over a period of up to 39 months. Four patients each were treated with OCR or interferon β1-a during the double-blind period of OPERA I. All patients received OCR during the open-label extension. The diversity of the CD4+/CD8+ T-cell repertoires remained unaffected in OCR-treated patients. The expected OCR-associated B-cell depletion was mirrored by reduced B-cell receptor diversity in peripheral blood and a shift in immunoglobulin gene usage. Despite deep B-cell depletion, longitudinal persistence of clonally related B-cells was observed.

DISCUSSION

Our data illustrate that the diversity of CD4+/CD8+ T-cell receptor repertoires remained unaltered in OCR-treated patients with relapsing MS. Persistence of a highly diverse T-cell repertoire suggests that aspects of adaptive immunity remain intact despite extended anti-CD20 therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

This is a substudy (BE29353) of the OPERA I (WA21092; NCT01247324) trial. Date of registration, November 23, 2010; first patient enrollment, August 31, 2011.

Single-cell analysis reveals the multiple patterns of immune escape in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Single-cell transcriptomics has revolutionised our understanding of the cellular composition of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Despite this progress, a key limitation of this technique has been its inability to capture epithelial/tumour cells, which has hindered further investigation of tumour heterogeneity and immune escape in NPC.

METHODS

In this study, we aimed to address these limitations by analysing the transcriptomics and spatial characteristics of NPC tumour cells at single-cell resolution using scRNA/snRNA-seq and imaging mass cytometry techniques.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrate multiple patterns of immune escape mechanisms in NPC, including the loss of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in malignant cells, induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in fibroblast-like malignant cells and the use of hyperplastic cells in tumour nests to protect tumour cells from immune infiltration. Additionally, we identified, for the first time, a CD8+ natural killer (NK) cell cluster that is specific to the NPC TME.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide new insights into the complexity of NPC immune landscape and may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for this disease.

Trogocytosis and cross-dressing in antigen presentation

Antigen (Ag)-presenting cells capture or synthesize Ags that are processed into peptides bound and displayed on the plasma membrane by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Here, we review a mechanism that enables cells to present Ag-loaded MHC molecules that they have not produced themselves, namely trogocytosis. During trogocytosis, a cell acquires fragments from another living cell without, in most cases, affecting the viability of the donor cell. The trogocytic cell can incorporate into its own plasma membrane (becoming cross-dressed) proteins acquired from the donor cell, including intact Ag and MHC molecules. Trogocytosis and cross-dressing expand the immunological functions that immune and nonimmune cells are able to carry out, with both beneficial and deleterious consequences.

Aberrant pro-inflammatory responses of CD20+ T cells in experimental arthritis

CD20+ T cells comprise a highly inflammatory subset implicated in autoimmunity, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We sought to characterize the CD20+ T cell subset in the murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model of RA and investigate the phenotype and functional relevance of CD3+CD20+ T cells in the lymph nodes and arthritic joints using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. We demonstrate that CD3+CD4+CD20+ and CD3+CD8+CD20+ T cells are expanded in the draining lymph nodes of CIA mice, produce increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and are less susceptible to regulation by regulatory T cells. Notably, CD3+CD4+CD20+ and CD3+CD8+CD20+ T cells are enriched with CXCR5+PD-1+ T follicular helper cells and CXCR5-PD-1+ peripheral T helper cells, subsets of T cells implicated in promoting B-cell responses and antibody production within pathologically inflamed non-lymphoid tissues in RA. Our findings suggest CD20+ T cells are associated with inflammatory responses and may exacerbate pathology by promoting inflammatory B-cell responses.

Ublituximab: A new FDA-approved anti-CD20 mAb for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis

Ublituximab, an intravenous glycoengineered chimeric anti-CD20 IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), is a new FDA-approved treatment for relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Reassembling the other three anti-CD20 mAbs already in use for MS (rituximab, ocrelizumab and ofatumumab), ublituximab leads to depletion of B cells but spars long-lived plasma cells. Here, we discuss the main findings obtained during the phase 3 clinical trials (ULTIMATE I and II) for ublituximab versus teriflunomide. The current emergence and approval of new anti-CD20 mAbs with different dose regimens, routes of application, glycoengineering and mechanisms of action may contribute to different clinical outcomes.

Nanovaccines Fostering Tertiary Lymphoid Structure to Attack Mimicry Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are formed in inflamed tissues, and recent studies demonstrated that the appearance of TLSs in tumor sites is associated with a good prognosis for tumor patients. However, the process of natural TLSs' formation was slow and uncontrollable. Herein, we developed a nanovaccine consisting of Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) and a bi-adjuvant of Mn²⁺ and cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) formulated with tannic acid that significantly inhibited the development of mimicry nasopharyngeal carcinoma by fostering TLS formation. The nanovaccine activated LT-α and LT-β pathways, subsequently enhancing the expression of downstream chemokines, CCL19/CCL21, CXCL10 and CXCL13, in the tumor microenvironment. In turn, normalized blood and lymph vessels were detected in the tumor tissues of the nanovaccine group, correlated with increased infiltration of lymphocytes. Especially, the proportion of the B220⁺ CD8⁺ T, which was produced via trogocytosis between T and B cells during activation of T cells, was increased in tumors of the nanovaccine group. Furthermore, the intratumoral effector memory T cells (Tem), CD45⁺, CD3⁺, CD8⁺, CD44⁺, and CD62L^-, did not decrease after blocking the egress of T cells from tumor-draining lymph nodes by FTY-720. These results demonstrated that the nanovaccine can foster TLS formation, which thus enhances local immune responses significantly, delays tumor outgrowth, and prolongs the median survival time of murine models of mimicry nasopharyngeal carcinoma, demonstrating a promising strategy for nanovaccine development.

Current evidence of rituximab in the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. The immunopathology of MS involves both T and B lymphocytes. Rituximab is one of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapies which deplete B-cells. Although some anti-CD20 therapies have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of MS, rituximab is used off-label. Several studies have shown that rituximab has a good efficacy and safety in MS, including certain specific patient conditions such as treatment-naïve patients, treatment-switching patients, and the Asian population. However, there are still questions about the optimal dose and duration of rituximab in MS due to the different dosing regimens used in each study. Moreover, many biosimilars have become available at a lower cost with comparable physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. Thus, rituximab may be considered as a potential therapeutic option for patients without access to standard treatment. This narrative review summarized the evidence of both original and biosimilars of rituximab in MS treatment including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, safety, and dosing regimen.

Bioengineered omental transplant site promotes pancreatic islet allografts survival in non-human primates

The transplanting islets to the liver approach suffers from an immediate posttransplant loss of islets of more than 50%, progressive graft dysfunction over time, and precludes recovery of grafts should there be serious complications such as the development of teratomas with grafts that are stem cell-derived islets (SC-islets). The omentum features an attractive extrahepatic alternative site for clinical islet transplantation. We explore an approach in which allogeneic islets are transplanted onto the omentum, which is bioengineered with a plasma-thrombin biodegradable matrix in three diabetic non-human primates (NHPs). Within 1 week posttransplant, each transplanted NHP achieves normoglycemia and insulin independence and remains stable until termination of the experiment. Success was achieved in each case with islets recovered from a single NHP donor. Histology demonstrates robust revascularization and reinnervation of the graft. This preclinical study can inform the development of strategies for β cell replacement including the use of SC-islets or other types of novel cells in clinical settings.

Immune Profiling Reveals the T-Cell Effect of Ocrelizumab in Early Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Ocrelizumab (OCR), a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is highly efficient in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS). We assessed early cellular immune profiles and their association with disease activity at treatment start and under therapy, which may provide new clues on the mechanisms of action of OCR and on the disease pathophysiology.

METHODS

A first group of 42 patients with an early RR-MS, never exposed to disease-modifying therapy, was included in 11 centers participating to an ancillary study of the ENSEMBLE trial (NCT03085810) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of OCR. The phenotypic immune profile was comprehensively assessed by multiparametric spectral flow cytometry at baseline and after 24 and 48 weeks of OCR treatment on cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells and analyzed in relation to disease clinical activity. A second group of 13 untreated patients with RR-MS was included for comparative analysis of peripheral blood and CSF. The transcriptomic profile was assessed by single-cell qPCRs of 96 genes of immunologic interest.

RESULTS

Using an unbiased analysis, we found that OCR as an effect on 4 clusters of CD4⁺ T cells: one corresponding to naive CD4⁺ T cells was increased, the other clusters corresponded to effector memory (EM) CD4⁺CCR6^- T cells expressing homing and migration markers, 2 of them also expressing CCR5 and were decreased by the treatment. Of interest, one CD8⁺ T-cell cluster was decreased by OCR corresponding to EM CCR5-expressing T cells with high expression of the brain homing markers CD49d and CD11a and correlated with the time elapsed since the last relapse. These EM CD8⁺CCR5⁺ T cells were enriched in the CSF of patients with RR-MS and corresponded to activated and cytotoxic cells.

DISCUSSION

Our study provides novel insights into the mode of action of anti-CD20, pointing toward the role of EM T cells, particularly a subset of CD8 T cells expressing CCR5.

Targeting B Cells and Microglia in Multiple Sclerosis With Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: A Review

Importance

Currently, disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) use 4 mechanisms of action: immune modulation, suppressing immune cell proliferation, inhibiting immune cell migration, or cellular depletion. Over the last decades, the repertoire substantially increased because of the conceptual progress that not only T cells but also B cells play an important pathogenic role in MS, fostered by the empirical success of B cell-depleting antibodies against the surface molecule CD20. Notwithstanding this advance, a continuous absence of B cells may harbor safety risks, such as a decline in the endogenous production of immunoglobulins. Accordingly, novel B cell-directed MS therapies are in development, such as inhibitors targeting Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK).

Observations

BTK is centrally involved in the B cell receptor-mediated activation of B cells, one key requirement in the development of autoreactive B cells, but also in the activation of myeloid cells, such as macrophages and microglia. Various compounds in development differ in their binding mode, selectivity and specificity, relative inhibitory concentration, and potential to enter the central nervous system. The latter may be important in assessing whether BTK inhibition is a promising strategy to control inflammatory circuits within the brain, the key process that is assumed to drive MS progression. Accordingly, clinical trials using BTK inhibitors are currently conducted in patients with relapsing-remitting MS as well as progressive MS, so far generating encouraging data regarding efficacy and safety.

Conclusions and Relevance

While the novel approach of targeting BTK is highly promising, several questions remain unanswered, such as the long-term effects of using BTK inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory CNS disease. Potential changes in circulating antibody levels should be evaluated and compared with B cell depletion. Also important is the potential of BTK inhibitors to enter the CNS, which depends on the given compound. Remaining questions involve where BTK inhibitors fit in the landscape of MS therapeutics. A comparative analysis of their distinct properties is necessary to identify which inhibitors may be used in relapsing vs progressive forms of MS as well as to clarify which agent may be most suitable for sequential use after anti-CD20 treatment.

Immunomodulatory effects of ocrelizumab and candidate biomarkers for monitoring treatment response in multiple sclerosis

Ocrelizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to bind to the CD20 molecule, resulting in a rapid depletion of B-cells; however, it has been shown that lymphocyte subpopulations other than B-cells are affected by the drug. To review the effects of ocrelizumab on circulating lymphocytes and identify candidate biomarkers to predict and monitor treatment response. A literature search for the most relevant articles from 2006 to 2022 was conducted in PubMed and Scopus. The effect of ocrelizumab on the peripheral immune system goes beyond B-cells; it also depletes T CD20 + lymphocytes. Further, ocrelizumab reshapes the T-cell response toward a low inflammatory profile and induces an increase in T CD8 + regulatory cell percentage. A higher Body Mass Index and higher B-cell count at baseline have been associated with early B-cell reappearance. Serum neurofilament light chain reduction has been associated with treatment response. Ocrelizumab treatment exerts a broad immunomodulatory effect and may be tailored based on patients' clinical and biological profiles.

Potential biological contributers to the sex difference in multiple sclerosis progression

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that targets the myelin sheath of central nervous system (CNS) neurons leading to axon injury, neuronal death, and neurological progression. Though women are more highly susceptible to developing MS, men that develop this disease exhibit greater cognitive impairment and accumulate disability more rapidly than women. Magnetic resonance imaging and pathology studies have revealed that the greater neurological progression seen in males correlates with chronic immune activation and increased iron accumulation at the rims of chronic white matter lesions as well as more intensive whole brain and grey matter atrophy and axon loss. Studies in humans and in animal models of MS suggest that male aged microglia do not have a higher propensity for inflammation, but may become more re-active at the rim of white matter lesions as a result of the presence of pro-inflammatory T cells, greater astrocyte activation or iron release from oligodendrocytes in the males. There is also evidence that remyelination is more efficient in aged female than aged male rodents and that male neurons are more susceptible to oxidative and nitrosative stress. Both sex chromosome complement and sex hormones contribute to these sex differences in biology.

Osteopontin associates with brain TRM-cell transcriptome and compartmentalization in donors with and without multiple sclerosis

The human brain is populated by perivascular T cells with a tissue-resident memory T (T_RM)-cell phenotype, which in multiple sclerosis (MS) associate with lesions. We investigated the transcriptional and functional profile of freshly isolated T cells from white and gray matter. RNA sequencing of CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ CD69⁺ T cells revealed T_RM-cell signatures. Notably, gene expression hardly differed between lesional and normal-appearing white matter T cells in MS brains. Genes up-regulated in brain T_RM cells were MS4A1 (CD20) and SPP1 (osteopontin, OPN). OPN is also abundantly expressed by microglia and has been shown to inhibit T cell activity. In line with their parenchymal localization and the increased presence of OPN in active MS lesions, we noticed a reduced production of inflammatory cytokines IL-2, TNF, and IFNγ by lesion-derived CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells ex vivo. Our study reports traits of brain T_RM cells and reveals their tight control in MS lesions.

Timing of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Matters in People With Multiple Sclerosis on Pulsed Anti-CD20 Treatment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to investigate cellular and humoral immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination in a cohort of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) on pulsed B-cell-depleting treatment (BCDT). In particular, we intended to evaluate a possible association between immune responses and the timing of vaccination under BCDT.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study among pwMS on pulsed BCDT or without disease-modifying treatment after completed SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Samples were collected during routine clinical visits at the Multiple Sclerosis Center Dresden, Germany, between June 2021 and September 2021. Blood was analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific antibodies and interferon-γ release of CD4 and CD8 T cells on stimulation with spike protein peptide pools. Lymphocyte subpopulations and total immunoglobulin levels in the blood were measured as part of clinical routine.

RESULTS

We included 160 pwMS in our analysis, comprising 133 pwMS on BCDT (n = 132 on ocrelizumab and n = 1 on rituximab) and 27 without disease-modifying treatment. Humoral and cellular anti-SARS-CoV-2 responses were reciprocally regulated by the time between the last BCDT cycle and vaccination. Although antibody responses increased with prolonged intervals between the last BCDT cycle and vaccination, CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses were higher in pwMS vaccinated at early time points after the last BCDT cycle compared with untreated pwMS. T-cellular vaccination responses correlated with total, CD3 CD4, and partly with CD3 CD8 lymphocyte counts. Humoral responses correlated with CD19 lymphocyte counts. Status post coronavirus disease 2019 infection led to significantly increased SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell and antibody responses.

DISCUSSION

Delaying BCDT is currently discussed as a strategy to optimize humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. However, T cells represent an important line of defense against SARS-CoV-2 infection as well, especially in light of emerging variants of concern. We observed enhanced CD4 and CD8 T-cellular responses in pwMS receiving vaccination at early time points after their last BCDT cycle. These data may influence clinical decision making with respect to vaccination strategies in patients receiving BCDT.

Autoreactive lymphocytes in multiple sclerosis: Pathogenesis and treatment target

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by destruction of the myelin sheath structure. The loss of myelin leads to damage of a neuron’s axon and cell body, which is identified as brain lesions on magnetic resonance image (MRI). The pathogenesis of MS remains largely unknown. However, immune mechanisms, especially those linked to the aberrant lymphocyte activity, are mainly responsible for neuronal damage. Th1 and Th17 populations of lymphocytes were primarily associated with MS pathogenesis. These lymphocytes are essential for differentiation of encephalitogenic CD8⁺ T cell and Th17 lymphocyte crossing the blood brain barrier and targeting myelin sheath in the CNS. B-lymphocytes could also contribute to MS pathogenesis by producing anti-myelin basic protein antibodies. In later studies, aberrant function of Treg and Th9 cells was identified as contributing to MS. This review summarizes the aberrant function and count of lymphocyte, and the contributions of these cell to the mechanisms of MS. Additionally, we have outlined the novel MS therapeutics aimed to amend the aberrant function or counts of these lymphocytes.

Multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies and COVID-19 vaccines: a practical review and meta-analysis

Studies among people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) receiving disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have provided adequate evidence for an appraisal of COVID-19 vaccination policies among them. To synthesise the available evidence addressing the effect of MS DMTs on COVID-19 vaccines' immunogenicity and effectiveness, following the Cochrane guidelines, we systematically reviewed all observational studies available in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, MedRxiv and Google Scholar from January 2021 to January 2022 and extracted their relevant data. Immunogenicity data were then synthesised in a quantitative, and other data in a qualitative manner. Evidence from 28 studies suggests extensively lower B-cell responses in sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator (S1PRM) treated and anti-CD20 (aCD20) treated, and lower T-cell responses in interferon-treated, S1PRM-treated and cladribine-treated pwMS-although most T cell evidence currently comprises of low or very low certainty. With every 10-week increase in aCD20-to-vaccine period, a 1.94-fold (95% CI 1.57 to 2.41, p<0.00001) increase in the odds of seroconversion was observed. Furthermore, the evidence points out that B-cell-depleting therapies may accelerate postvaccination humoral waning, and boosters' immunogenicity is predictable with the same factors affecting the initial vaccination cycle. Four real-world studies further indicate that the comparative incidence/severity of breakthrough COVID-19 has been higher among the pwMS treated with S1PRM and aCD20-unlike the ones treated with other DMTs. S1PRM and aCD20 therapies were the only DMTs reducing the real-world effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination among pwMS. Hence, it could be concluded that optimisation of humoral immunogenicity and ensuring its durability are the necessities of an effective COVID-19 vaccination policy among pwMS who receive DMTs.

CD20+ T cells: an emerging T cell subset in human pathology

Introduction

Although CD20 is classically a B cell marker, in the last three decades, dim expression has been noted on a subset of T cells as well that has been independently verified by a number of groups. Our understanding of these cells and their function is not well established.

Methods

A thorough review of original articles on CD20⁺T cells was undertaken of Pubmed by using combination of phrases including “CD20⁺”, “CD20-positive” and “T cells”. Articles in English were considered, and there was no time restriction.

Results

CD20⁺T cells express the standard T cell markers and, in comparison to CD20¯ T cells, appear to express greater inflammatory cytokines and markers of effector function. Although the ontogeny of these cells is still being established, the current theory is that CD20 may be acquired by trogocytosis from B cells. CD20⁺T cells may be found in healthy controls and in a wide range of pathologies including autoimmune diseases, haematological and non-haematological malignancies and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. One of the best studied diseases where these cells are found is multiple sclerosis (MS) where a number of therapeutic interventions, including anti-CD20 depletion, have been shown to effectively deplete these cells.

Conclusion

This review summarises the latest understanding of CD20⁺T cells, their presence in various diseases, their putative function and how they may be an ongoing target of CD20-depleting agents. Unfortunately, our understanding of these cells is still at its infancy and ongoing study in a wider range of pathologies is required.

Breaching Brain Barriers: B Cell Migration in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) known for the manifestation of demyelinated lesions throughout the CNS, leading to neurodegeneration. To date, not all pathological mechanisms that drive disease progression are known, but the clinical benefits of anti-CD20 therapies have put B cells in the spotlight of MS research. Besides their pathological effects in the periphery in MS, B cells gain access to the CNS where they can contribute to disease pathogenesis. Specifically, B cells accumulate in perivascular infiltrates in the brain parenchyma and the subarachnoid spaces of the meninges, but are virtually absent from the choroid plexus. Hence, the possible migration of B cells over the blood-brain-, blood-meningeal-, and blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barriers appears to be a crucial step to understanding B cell-mediated pathology. To gain more insight into the molecular mechanisms that regulate B cell trafficking into the brain, we here provide a comprehensive overview of the different CNS barriers in health and in MS and how they translate into different routes for B cell migration. In addition, we review the mechanisms of action of diverse therapies that deplete peripheral B cells and/or block B cell migration into the CNS. Importantly, this review shows that studying the different routes of how B cells enter the inflamed CNS should be the next step to understanding this disease.

Identity thieves: T cells steal CD20 from B cells but mark themselves for certain death

T cells can acquire CD20 from B cells via trogocytosis, then contribute to autoimmune neurological disease while becoming targets for therapeutically effective B cell depletion.