1
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Tarabini RF, Fioravanti Vieira G, Rigo MM, de Souza APD. Mutations in glioblastoma proteins do not disrupt epitope presentation and recognition, maintaining a specific CD8 T cell immune response potential. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16721. [PMID: 39030304 PMCID: PMC11271619 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67099-2] [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: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8 T cells are extremely effective in controlling tumor growth and have been the focus of immunotherapy approaches. We leverage in silico tools to investigate whether the occurrence of mutations in proteins previously described as immunogenic and highly expressed by glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), such as Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), Phosphatase and Tensin homolog (PTEN) and Tumor Protein 53 (TP53), may be contributing to the differential presentation of immunogenic epitopes. We recovered Class I MHC binding information from wild-type and mutated proteins using the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). After that, we built peptide-MHC (pMHC-I) models in HLA-arena, followed by hierarchical clustering analysis based on electrostatic surface features from each complex. We identified point mutations that are determinants for the presentation of a set of peptides from TP53 protein. We point to structural features in the pMHC-I complexes of wild-type and mutated peptides, which may play a role in the recognition of CD8 T cells. To further explore these features, we performed 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations for the peptide pairs (wt/mut) selected. In pursuit of novel therapeutic targets for GBM treatment, we selected peptides where our predictive results indicated that mutations would not disrupt epitope presentation, thereby maintaining a specific CD8 T cell immune response. These peptides hold potential for future GBM interventions, including peptide-based or mRNA vaccine development applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Fioravanti Tarabini
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Infant Center, School of Health Science, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Fioravanti Vieira
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Health and Human Development, Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
| | - Maurício Menegatti Rigo
- Kavraki Lab, Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, USA.
| | - Ana Paula Duarte de Souza
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Infant Center, School of Health Science, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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2
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Andrade TEG, Peña MS, Fiorotti J, de Souza Bin R, Caetano AR, Connelley T, de Miranda Santos IKF. The DRB3 gene of the bovine major histocompatibility complex: discovery, diversity and distribution of alleles in commercial breeds of cattle and applications for development of vaccines. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00989-5. [PMID: 39004123 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The bovine Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), also known as the Bovine Leucocyte Antigen (BoLA) complex, is the genomic region that encodes the most important molecules for antigen presentation to initiate immune responses. The first evidence of MHC in bovines pointed to a locus containing 2 antigens, one detected by cytotoxic antiserum (MHC class I) and another studied by mixed lymphocyte culture tests (MHC class II). The most studied gene in the BoLA region is the highly polymorphic BoLA-DRB3, which encodes a β chain with a peptide groove domain involved in antigen presentation for T cells that will develop and co-stimulate cellular and humoral effector responses. BoLA-DRB3 alleles have been associated with outcomes in infectious diseases such as mastitis, trypanosomiasis, and tick loads, and with production traits. To catalog these alleles, 2 nomenclature methods were proposed, and the current use of both systems makes it difficult to list, comprehend and apply these data effectively. In this review we have organized the knowledge available in all of the reports on the frequencies of BoLA-DRB3 alleles. It covers information from studies made in at least 26 countries on more than 30 breeds; studies are lacking in countries that are important producers of cattle livestock. We highlight practical applications of BoLA studies for identification of markers associated with resistance to infectious and parasitic diseases, increased production traits and T cell epitope mapping, in addition to genetic diversity and conservation studies of commercial and creole and locally adapted breeds. Finally, we provide support for the need of studies to discover new BoLA alleles and uncover unknown roles of this locus in production traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jéssica Fiorotti
- Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renan de Souza Bin
- Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Timothy Connelley
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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3
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Rahman S, Chiou CC, Ahmad S, Islam ZU, Tanaka T, Alouffi A, Chen CC, Almutairi MM, Ali A. Subtractive Proteomics and Reverse-Vaccinology Approaches for Novel Drug Target Identification and Chimeric Vaccine Development against Bartonella henselae Strain Houston-1. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:505. [PMID: 38790371 PMCID: PMC11118080 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11050505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Bartonella henselae is a Gram-negative bacterium causing a variety of clinical symptoms, ranging from cat-scratch disease to severe systemic infections, and it is primarily transmitted by infected fleas. Its status as an emerging zoonotic pathogen and its capacity to persist within host erythrocytes and endothelial cells emphasize its clinical significance. Despite progress in understanding its pathogenesis, limited knowledge exists about the virulence factors and regulatory mechanisms specific to the B. henselae strain Houston-1. Exploring these aspects is crucial for targeted therapeutic strategies against this versatile pathogen. Using reverse-vaccinology-based subtractive proteomics, this research aimed to identify the most antigenic proteins for formulating a multi-epitope vaccine against the B. henselae strain Houston-1. One crucial virulent and antigenic protein, the PAS domain-containing sensor histidine kinase protein, was identified. Subsequently, the identification of B-cell and T-cell epitopes for the specified protein was carried out and the evaluated epitopes were checked for their antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility, MHC binding capability, and toxicity. The filtered epitopes were merged using linkers and an adjuvant to create a multi-epitope vaccine construct. The structure was then refined, with 92.3% of amino acids falling within the allowed regions. Docking of the human receptor (TLR4) with the vaccine construct was performed and demonstrated a binding energy of -1047.2 Kcal/mol with more interactions. Molecular dynamic simulations confirmed the stability of this docked complex, emphasizing the conformation and interactions between the molecules. Further experimental validation is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness against B. henselae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudais Rahman
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan;
| | - Chien-Chun Chiou
- Department of Dermatology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 600, Taiwan;
| | - Shabir Ahmad
- Institute of Chemistry and Center for Computing in Engineering and Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13084-862, Brazil;
| | - Zia Ul Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 600, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan;
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4
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Weisbrod L, Capriotti L, Hofmann M, Spieler V, Dersch H, Voedisch B, Schmidt P, Knake S. FASTMAP-a flexible and scalable immunopeptidomics pipeline for HLA- and antigen-specific T-cell epitope mapping based on artificial antigen-presenting cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386160. [PMID: 38779658 PMCID: PMC11109385 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of peptide repertoires presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and the identification of potential T-cell epitopes contribute to a multitude of immunopeptidome-based treatment approaches. Epitope mapping is essential for the development of promising epitope-based approaches in vaccination as well as for innovative therapeutics for autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. It also plays a critical role in the immunogenicity assessment of protein therapeutics with regard to safety and efficacy concerns. The main challenge emerges from the highly polymorphic nature of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules leading to the requirement of a peptide mapping strategy for a single HLA allele. As many autoimmune diseases are linked to at least one specific antigen, we established FASTMAP, an innovative strategy to transiently co-transfect a single HLA allele combined with a disease-specific antigen into a human cell line. This approach allows the specific identification of HLA-bound peptides using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Using FASTMAP, we found a comparable spectrum of endogenous peptides presented by the most frequently expressed HLA alleles in the world's population compared to what has been described in literature. To ensure a reliable peptide mapping workflow, we combined the HLA alleles with well-known human model antigens like coagulation factor VIII, acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha, protein structures of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and myelin basic protein. Using these model antigens, we have been able to identify a broad range of peptides that are in line with already published and in silico predicted T-cell epitopes of the specific HLA/model antigen combination. The transient co-expression of a single affinity-tagged MHC molecule combined with a disease-specific antigen in a human cell line in our FASTMAP pipeline provides the opportunity to identify potential T-cell epitopes/endogenously processed MHC-bound peptides in a very cost-effective, fast, and customizable system with high-throughput potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Weisbrod
- Recombinant Protein Discovery, CSL Innovation GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Luigi Capriotti
- Analytical Biochemistry, Research and Development, CSL Behring AG, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Hofmann
- Recombinant Protein Discovery, CSL Innovation GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Valerie Spieler
- Recombinant Protein Discovery, CSL Innovation GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Herbert Dersch
- Recombinant Protein Discovery, CSL Innovation GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Voedisch
- Recombinant Protein Discovery, CSL Innovation GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Peter Schmidt
- Protein Biochemistry, Bio21 Institute, CSL Limited, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Susanne Knake
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center Hessen, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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5
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Kumari K, Singh A, Chaudhary A, Singh RK, Shanker A, Kumar V, Haque R. Neoantigen Identification and Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccines for Lung Cancer Immunotherapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:498. [PMID: 38793749 PMCID: PMC11125796 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies can treat many cancers, including difficult-to-treat cases such as lung cancer. Due to its tolerability, long-lasting therapeutic responses, and efficacy in a wide spectrum of patients, immunotherapy can also help to treat lung cancer, which has few treatment choices. Tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) for cancer vaccinations and T-cell therapies are difficult to discover. Neoantigens (NeoAgs) from genetic mutations, irregular RNA splicing, protein changes, or viral genetic sequences in tumor cells provide a solution. NeoAgs, unlike TSAs, are non-self and can cause an immunological response. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics can swiftly detect and forecast tumor-specific NeoAgs. Highly immunogenic NeoAgs provide personalized or generalized cancer immunotherapies. Dendritic cells (DCs), which originate and regulate T-cell responses, are widely studied potential immunotherapeutic therapies for lung cancer and other cancers. DC vaccines are stable, reliable, and safe in clinical trials. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the current status, limitations, and prospective clinical applications of DC vaccines, as well as the identification and selection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II genes for NeoAgs. Our goal is to explain DC biology and activate DC manipulation to help researchers create extremely potent cancer vaccines for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Kumari
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India; (K.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Amarnath Singh
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Archana Chaudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India; (K.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Rakesh Kumar Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Asheesh Shanker
- Department of Bioinformatics, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Rizwanul Haque
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India; (K.K.); (A.C.)
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6
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Mortazavi B, Molaei A, Fard NA. Multi-epitopevaccines, from design to expression; an in silico approach. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110804. [PMID: 38658216 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The development of vaccines against a wide range of infectious diseases and pathogens often relies on multi-epitope strategies that can effectively stimulate both humoral and cellular immunity. Immunoinformatics tools play a pivotal role in designing such vaccines, enhancing immune response potential, and minimizing the risk of failure. This review presents a comprehensive overview of practical tools for epitope prediction and the associated immune responses. These immunoinformatics tools facilitate the selection of epitopes based on parameters such as antigenicity, absence of toxic and allergenic sequences, secondary and tertiary structures, sequence conservation, and population coverage. The chosen epitopes can be tailored for B-cells or T-cells, both of which require further assessments covered in this study. We offer a range of suitable linkers that effectively separate cytotoxic T lymphocyte and helper T lymphocyte epitopes while preserving their functionality. Additionally, we identify various adjuvants for specific purposes. We delve into the evaluation of MHC-epitope interactions, MHC clusters, and the simulation of final constructs through molecular docking techniques. We provide diverse linkers and adjuvants optimized for epitope functions to bolster immune responses through epitope attachment. By leveraging these comprehensive tools, the development of multi-epitope vaccines holds the promise of robust immunity and a significant reduction in experimental costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Mortazavi
- Department of systems Biotechnology, Faculty of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Molaei
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najaf Allahyari Fard
- Department of systems Biotechnology, Faculty of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Zhuang Z, Zhuo J, Yuan Y, Chen Z, Zhang S, Zhu A, Zhao J, Zhao J. Harnessing T-Cells for Enhanced Vaccine Development against Viral Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:478. [PMID: 38793729 PMCID: PMC11125924 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant strides in vaccine research and the availability of vaccines for many infectious diseases, the threat posed by both known and emerging infectious diseases persists. Moreover, breakthrough infections following vaccination remain a concern. Therefore, the development of novel vaccines is imperative. These vaccines must exhibit robust protective efficacy, broad-spectrum coverage, and long-lasting immunity. One promising avenue in vaccine development lies in leveraging T-cells, which play a crucial role in adaptive immunity and regulate immune responses during viral infections. T-cell recognition can target highly variable or conserved viral proteins, and memory T-cells offer the potential for durable immunity. Consequently, T-cell-based vaccines hold promise for advancing vaccine development efforts. This review delves into the latest research advancements in T-cell-based vaccines across various platforms and discusses the associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jianfen Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Yaochang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Zhao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Airu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jingxian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Jincun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
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8
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Wang Y, Zhang W, Shi R, Luo Y, Feng Z, Chen Y, Zhang Q, Zhou Y, Liang J, Ye X, Feng Q, Zhang X, Xu M. Identification of HLA-A*11:01 and A*02:01-Restricted EBV Peptides Using HLA Peptidomics. Viruses 2024; 16:669. [PMID: 38793551 PMCID: PMC11125987 DOI: 10.3390/v16050669] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is closely linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), notably prevalent in southern China. Although type II latency of EBV plays a crucial role in the development of NPC, some lytic genes and intermittent reactivation are also critical for viral propagation and tumor progression. Since T cell-mediated immunity is effective in targeted killing of EBV-positive cells, it is important to identify EBV-derived peptides presented by highly prevalent human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules throughout the EBV life cycle. Here, we constructed an EBV-positive NPC cell model to evaluate the presentation of EBV lytic phase peptides on streptavidin-tagged specific HLA-I molecules. Utilizing a mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based immunopeptidomic approach, we characterized eleven novel EBV peptides as well as two previously identified peptides. Furthermore, we determined these peptides were immunogenic and could stimulate PBMCs from EBV VCA/NA-IgA positive donors in an NPC endemic southern Chinese population. Overall, this work demonstrates that highly prevalent HLA-I-specific EBV peptides can be captured and functionally presented to elicit immune responses in an in vitro model, which provides insight into the epitopes presented during EBV lytic cycle and reactivation. It expands the range of viral targets for potential NPC early diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (X.Y.); (Q.F.)
| | - Wanlin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (X.Y.); (Q.F.)
| | - Ruona Shi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; (R.S.); (Z.F.)
| | - Yanran Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (X.Y.); (Q.F.)
| | - Zhenhuan Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; (R.S.); (Z.F.)
| | - Yanhong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (X.Y.); (Q.F.)
| | - Qiuting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (X.Y.); (Q.F.)
| | - Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (X.Y.); (Q.F.)
| | - Jingtong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (X.Y.); (Q.F.)
| | - Xiaoping Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (X.Y.); (Q.F.)
| | - Qisheng Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (X.Y.); (Q.F.)
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; (R.S.); (Z.F.)
- Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Miao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.); (X.Y.); (Q.F.)
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9
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Ma W, Zhang J, Yao H. NeoMUST: an accurate and efficient multi-task learning model for neoantigen presentation. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302255. [PMID: 38290755 PMCID: PMC10828515 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Accurate identification of neoantigens is important for advancing cancer immunotherapies. This study introduces Neoantigen MUlti-taSk Tower (NeoMUST), a model employing multi-task learning to effectively capture task-specific information across related tasks. Our results show that NeoMUST rivals existing algorithms in predicting the presentation of neoantigens via MHC-I molecules, while demonstrating a significantly shorter training time for enhanced computational efficiency. The use of multi-task learning enables NeoMUST to leverage shared knowledge and task dependencies, leading to improved performance metrics and a significant reduction in the training time. NeoMUST, implemented in Python, is freely accessible at the GitHub repository. Our model will facilitate neoantigen prediction and empower the development of effective cancer immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Ma
- Fresh Wind Biotechnologies Inc. (Tianjin), Tianjin, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Fresh Wind Biotechnologies Inc. (Tianjin), Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Yao
- Fresh Wind Biotechnologies USA Inc., Houston, TX, USA
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10
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Sohail MS, Ahmed SF, Quadeer AA, McKay MR. Cross-Reactivity Assessment of Vaccine-Derived SARS-CoV-2 T Cell Responses against BA.2.86 and JN.1. Viruses 2024; 16:473. [PMID: 38543838 PMCID: PMC10975570 DOI: 10.3390/v16030473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-variants BA.2.86 and JN.1 contain multiple mutations in the spike protein that were not present in previous variants of concern and Omicron sub-variants. Preliminary research suggests that these variants reduce the neutralizing capability of antibodies induced by vaccines, which is particularly significant for JN.1. This raises concern as many widely deployed COVID-19 vaccines are based on the spike protein of the ancestral Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2. While T cell responses have been shown to be robust against previous SARS-CoV-2 variants, less is known about the impact of mutations in BA.2.86 and JN.1 on T cell responses. We evaluate the effect of mutations specific to BA.2.86 and JN.1 on experimentally determined T cell epitopes derived from the spike protein of the ancestral Wuhan strain and the spike protein of the XBB.1.5 strain that has been recommended as a booster vaccine. Our data suggest that BA.2.86 and JN.1 affect numerous T cell epitopes in spike compared to previous variants; however, the widespread loss of T cell recognition against these variants is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saqib Sohail
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Syed Faraz Ahmed
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Ahmed Abdul Quadeer
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Matthew R. McKay
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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11
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Fasoulis R, Rigo MM, Lizée G, Antunes DA, Kavraki LE. APE-Gen2.0: Expanding Rapid Class I Peptide-Major Histocompatibility Complex Modeling to Post-Translational Modifications and Noncanonical Peptide Geometries. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1730-1750. [PMID: 38415656 PMCID: PMC10936522 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The recognition of peptides bound to class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) receptors by T-cell receptors (TCRs) is a determinant of triggering the adaptive immune response. While the exact molecular features that drive the TCR recognition are still unknown, studies have suggested that the geometry of the joint peptide-MHC (pMHC) structure plays an important role. As such, there is a definite need for methods and tools that accurately predict the structure of the peptide bound to the MHC-I receptor. In the past few years, many pMHC structural modeling tools have emerged that provide high-quality modeled structures in the general case. However, there are numerous instances of non-canonical cases in the immunopeptidome that the majority of pMHC modeling tools do not attend to, most notably, peptides that exhibit non-standard amino acids and post-translational modifications (PTMs) or peptides that assume non-canonical geometries in the MHC binding cleft. Such chemical and structural properties have been shown to be present in neoantigens; therefore, accurate structural modeling of these instances can be vital for cancer immunotherapy. To this end, we have developed APE-Gen2.0, a tool that improves upon its predecessor and other pMHC modeling tools, both in terms of modeling accuracy and the available modeling range of non-canonical peptide cases. Some of the improvements include (i) the ability to model peptides that have different types of PTMs such as phosphorylation, nitration, and citrullination; (ii) a new and improved anchor identification routine in order to identify and model peptides that exhibit a non-canonical anchor conformation; and (iii) a web server that provides a platform for easy and accessible pMHC modeling. We further show that structures predicted by APE-Gen2.0 can be used to assess the effects that PTMs have in binding affinity in a more accurate manner than just using solely the sequence of the peptide. APE-Gen2.0 is freely available at https://apegen.kavrakilab.org.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romanos Fasoulis
- Department
of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Mauricio M. Rigo
- Department
of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Gregory Lizée
- Department
of Melanoma Medical Oncology—Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Dinler A. Antunes
- Department
of Biology and Biochemistry, University
of Houston, Houston, Texas 77004, United States
| | - Lydia E. Kavraki
- Department
of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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12
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Harris CT, Cohen S. Reducing Immunogenicity by Design: Approaches to Minimize Immunogenicity of Monoclonal Antibodies. BioDrugs 2024; 38:205-226. [PMID: 38261155 PMCID: PMC10912315 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00641-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have transformed therapeutic strategies for various diseases. Their high specificity to target antigens makes them ideal therapeutic agents for certain diseases. However, a challenge to their application in clinical practice is their potential risk to induce unwanted immune response, termed immunogenicity. This challenge drives the continued efforts to deimmunize these protein therapeutics while maintaining their pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic efficacy. Because mAbs hold a central position in therapeutic strategies against an array of diseases, the importance of conducting comprehensive immunogenicity risk assessment during the drug development process cannot be overstated. Such assessment necessitates the employment of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo strategies to evaluate the immunogenicity risk of mAbs. Understanding the intricacies of the mechanisms that drive mAb immunogenicity is crucial to improving their therapeutic efficacy and safety and developing the most effective strategies to determine and mitigate their immunogenic risk. This review highlights recent advances in immunogenicity prediction strategies, with a focus on protein engineering strategies used throughout development to reduce immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal T Harris
- Department of BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080-4990, USA
| | - Sivan Cohen
- Department of BioAnalytical Sciences, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080-4990, USA.
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13
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Martinez GS, Dutt M, Kelvin DJ, Kumar A. PoxiPred: An Artificial-Intelligence-Based Method for the Prediction of Potential Antigens and Epitopes to Accelerate Vaccine Development Efforts against Poxviruses. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:125. [PMID: 38392343 PMCID: PMC10887159 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Poxviridae is a family of large, complex, enveloped, and double-stranded DNA viruses. The members of this family are ubiquitous and well known to cause contagious diseases in humans and other types of animals as well. Taxonomically, the poxviridae family is classified into two subfamilies, namely Chordopoxvirinae (affecting vertebrates) and Entomopoxvirinae (affecting insects). The members of the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily are further divided into 18 genera based on the genome architecture and evolutionary relationship. Of these 18 genera, four genera, namely Molluscipoxvirus, Orthopoxvirus, Parapoxvirus, and Yatapoxvirus, are known for infecting humans. Some of the popular members of poxviridae are variola virus, vaccine virus, Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), cowpox, etc. There is still a pressing demand for the development of effective vaccines against poxviruses. Integrated immunoinformatics and artificial-intelligence (AI)-based methods have emerged as important approaches to design multi-epitope vaccines against contagious emerging infectious diseases. Despite significant progress in immunoinformatics and AI-based techniques, limited methods are available to predict the epitopes. In this study, we have proposed a unique method to predict the potential antigens and T-cell epitopes for multiple poxviruses. With PoxiPred, we developed an AI-based tool that was trained and tested with the antigens and epitopes of poxviruses. Our tool was able to locate 3191 antigen proteins from 25 distinct poxviruses. From these antigenic proteins, PoxiPred redundantly located up to five epitopes per protein, resulting in 16,817 potential T-cell epitopes which were mostly (i.e., 92%) predicted as being reactive to CD8+ T-cells. PoxiPred is able to, on a single run, identify antigens and T-cell epitopes for poxviruses with one single input, i.e., the proteome file of any poxvirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Sganzerla Martinez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4H7, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Health Center, Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV), Halifax, NS B3H 4H7, Canada
- Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 512025, China
- BioForge Canada Limited, Halifax, B3N3B9, NS, Canada
| | - Mansi Dutt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4H7, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Health Center, Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV), Halifax, NS B3H 4H7, Canada
- Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 512025, China
- BioForge Canada Limited, Halifax, B3N3B9, NS, Canada
| | - David J Kelvin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4H7, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Health Center, Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV), Halifax, NS B3H 4H7, Canada
- Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 512025, China
- BioForge Canada Limited, Halifax, B3N3B9, NS, Canada
| | - Anuj Kumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4H7, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Health Center, Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV), Halifax, NS B3H 4H7, Canada
- Laboratory of Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 512025, China
- BioForge Canada Limited, Halifax, B3N3B9, NS, Canada
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14
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Notin P, Rollins N, Gal Y, Sander C, Marks D. Machine learning for functional protein design. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:216-228. [PMID: 38361074 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in AI coupled with the rapid accumulation of protein sequence and structure data have radically transformed computational protein design. New methods promise to escape the constraints of natural and laboratory evolution, accelerating the generation of proteins for applications in biotechnology and medicine. To make sense of the exploding diversity of machine learning approaches, we introduce a unifying framework that classifies models on the basis of their use of three core data modalities: sequences, structures and functional labels. We discuss the new capabilities and outstanding challenges for the practical design of enzymes, antibodies, vaccines, nanomachines and more. We then highlight trends shaping the future of this field, from large-scale assays to more robust benchmarks, multimodal foundation models, enhanced sampling strategies and laboratory automation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Notin
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Yarin Gal
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris Sander
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Debora Marks
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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15
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Sette A, Sidney J, Grifoni A. Pre-existing SARS-2-specific T cells are predicted to cross-recognize BA.2.86. Cell Host Microbe 2024; 32:19-24.e2. [PMID: 38070502 PMCID: PMC10843579 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Effective monitoring of evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants requires understanding the potential effect of mutations on immune evasion. Here, we predicted the impact of BA.2.86-associated mutations on SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses. First, evaluating the effect on known experimentally defined T cell epitopes, we found that 72% and 89% of the total SARS-CoV-2 CD4 and CD8 responses were 100% conserved, with lower rates (56% and 72%) for just spike, a major structural protein. Among the mutated spike epitopes, however, 96% and 62% still bound the same reported HLA-restricting alleles. Additional prediction analyses comparing the ancestral and BA.2 sequences with BA.2.86 mutations identified several potentially novel BA.2.86 epitopes. By simulating exposure with BA.2, the large number of epitopes conserved with BA.2.86 suggests that variant-specific epitopes induced following breakthrough infection or bivalent vaccination can bridge the gap between ancestral immunization and upcoming circulating variants, allowing for a more stable T cell response across viral evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Sette
- Center for Vaccine Innovation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - John Sidney
- Center for Vaccine Innovation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Alba Grifoni
- Center for Vaccine Innovation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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16
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Di Ianni A, Fraone T, Balestra P, Cowan K, Riccardi Sirtori F, Barbero L. Assessing MAPPs assay as a tool to predict the immunogenicity potential of protein therapeutics. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302095. [PMID: 37833075 PMCID: PMC10576005 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
MHC-II-associated peptide proteomics (MAPPs) is a mass spectrometry-based (MS) method to identify naturally presented MHC-II-associated peptides that could elicit CD4+T cell activation. MAPPs assay is considered one of the assays that better characterize the safety of biotherapeutics by driving the selection of the best candidates concerning their immunogenicity risk. However, there is little knowledge about the impact of bead material on the recovery of MHC-II MS-eluted ligands in MAPPs assays. Here, we firstly describe a robust MAPPs protocol by implementing streptavidin magnetic beads for the isolation of these peptides instead of commonly used NHS-activated beads. Moreover, we assessed the impact of the cell medium used for cell cultures on the morphology and recovery of the in vitro-generated APCs, and its potential implications in the amount of MHC-II isolated peptides. We also described an example of a MAPPs assay application to investigate drug-induced immunogenicity of two bispecific antibodies and compared them with monospecific trastuzumab IgG1 control. This work highlighted the importance of MAPPs in the preclinical in vitro strategy to mitigate the immunogenicity risk of biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Ianni
- https://ror.org/048tbm396 Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., An Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Tiziana Fraone
- NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., An Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Piercesare Balestra
- NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., An Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Kyra Cowan
- New Biological Entities, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (NBE-DMPK), Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Federico Riccardi Sirtori
- NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., An Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Luca Barbero
- NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., An Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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17
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Barra C, Nilsson JB, Saksager A, Carri I, Deleuran S, Garcia Alvarez HM, Høie MH, Li Y, Clifford JN, Wan YTR, Moreta LS, Nielsen M. In Silico Tools for Predicting Novel Epitopes. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2813:245-280. [PMID: 38888783 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3890-3_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Identifying antigens within a pathogen is a critical task to develop effective vaccines and diagnostic methods, as well as understanding the evolution and adaptation to host immune responses. Historically, antigenicity was studied with experiments that evaluate the immune response against selected fragments of pathogens. Using this approach, the scientific community has gathered abundant information regarding which pathogenic fragments are immunogenic. The systematic collection of this data has enabled unraveling many of the fundamental rules underlying the properties defining epitopes and immunogenicity, and has resulted in the creation of a large panel of immunologically relevant predictive (in silico) tools. The development and application of such tools have proven to accelerate the identification of novel epitopes within biomedical applications reducing experimental costs. This chapter introduces some basic concepts about MHC presentation, T cell and B cell epitopes, the experimental efforts to determine those, and focuses on state-of-the-art methods for epitope prediction, highlighting their strengths and limitations, and catering instructions for their rational use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Barra
- Section for Bioinformatics, Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
| | | | - Astrid Saksager
- Section for Bioinformatics, Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ibel Carri
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín, Argentina
| | - Sebastian Deleuran
- Section for Bioinformatics, Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Heli M Garcia Alvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín, Argentina
| | - Magnus Haraldson Høie
- Section for Bioinformatics, Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yuchen Li
- Section for Bioinformatics, Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Yat-Tsai Richie Wan
- Section for Bioinformatics, Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lys Sanz Moreta
- Section for Bioinformatics, Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten Nielsen
- Section for Bioinformatics, Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín, Argentina
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18
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Rodríguez-Domínguez MC, Montes-de-Oca-Jiménez R, Vázquez-Chagoyán JC, Rivadeneira-Barreiro PE, Zambrano-Rodríguez PC, Ruiz-Riva-Palacio ME, Gutiérrez-Castillo ADC, de-Castro-Soares S, Vieyra-Reyes P, Arteaga-Troncoso G. Bioinformatic Approach of B and T Cell Epitopes of PLD and CP40 Proteins of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis ovis Mexican Isolate 2J-L towards a Peptide-Based Vaccine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:270. [PMID: 38203441 PMCID: PMC10778833 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mapping B and T cell epitopes constitutes an important action for peptide vaccine design. PLD and CP40 virulence factors of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar ovis, a causal agent of Caseous Lymphadenitis, have been evaluated in a murine model as good candidates for vaccine development. Therefore, the goal of this work was to in silico analyze B and T cell epitopes of the PLD and CP40 proteins of a Mexican isolate of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis ovis. The Immune Epitope Data Base and Resource website was employed to predict the linear and conformational B-cell, T CD4+, and T CD8+ epitopes of PLD and CP40 proteins of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis ovis Mexican strain 2J-L. Fifty B cell epitopes for PLD 2J-L and forty-seven for CP40 2J-L were estimated. In addition, T CD4+ and CD8+ cell epitopes were predicted for PLD 2J-L (MHC I:16 epitopes, MHC II:10 epitopes) and CP40 2J-L (MHC I: 15 epitopes, MHC II: 13 epitopes). This study provides epitopes, paying particular attention to sequences selected by different predictor programs and overlap sequences as B and T cell epitopes. PLD 2J-L and CP40 2J-L protein epitopes may aid in the design of a promising peptide-based vaccine against Caseous Lymphadenitis in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carla Rodríguez-Domínguez
- Research and Advanced Studies in Animal Health Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Autonomy University of the State of Mexico, Km 15.5 Toluca Pan-American Highway Atlacomulco, Toluca C.P. 50200, State of Mexico, Mexico; (M.C.R.-D.); (J.C.V.-C.); (A.d.C.G.-C.); (P.V.-R.)
| | - Roberto Montes-de-Oca-Jiménez
- Research and Advanced Studies in Animal Health Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Autonomy University of the State of Mexico, Km 15.5 Toluca Pan-American Highway Atlacomulco, Toluca C.P. 50200, State of Mexico, Mexico; (M.C.R.-D.); (J.C.V.-C.); (A.d.C.G.-C.); (P.V.-R.)
- Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz School, Autonomy University of the State of Mexico- AMECAMECA, Amecameca de Juarez C.P. 56900, State of Mexico, Mexico;
| | - Juan Carlos Vázquez-Chagoyán
- Research and Advanced Studies in Animal Health Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Autonomy University of the State of Mexico, Km 15.5 Toluca Pan-American Highway Atlacomulco, Toluca C.P. 50200, State of Mexico, Mexico; (M.C.R.-D.); (J.C.V.-C.); (A.d.C.G.-C.); (P.V.-R.)
| | - Pilar Eliana Rivadeneira-Barreiro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Technical University of Manabí, Urbina Avenue, Portoviejo C.P. 130105, Portoviejo, Ecuador; (P.E.R.-B.); (P.C.Z.-R.)
| | - Pablo Cleomenes Zambrano-Rodríguez
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Technical University of Manabí, Urbina Avenue, Portoviejo C.P. 130105, Portoviejo, Ecuador; (P.E.R.-B.); (P.C.Z.-R.)
| | - Martha Elba Ruiz-Riva-Palacio
- Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz School, Autonomy University of the State of Mexico- AMECAMECA, Amecameca de Juarez C.P. 56900, State of Mexico, Mexico;
| | - Adriana del Carmen Gutiérrez-Castillo
- Research and Advanced Studies in Animal Health Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Autonomy University of the State of Mexico, Km 15.5 Toluca Pan-American Highway Atlacomulco, Toluca C.P. 50200, State of Mexico, Mexico; (M.C.R.-D.); (J.C.V.-C.); (A.d.C.G.-C.); (P.V.-R.)
| | - Siomar de-Castro-Soares
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Av. Frei Paulino, 30-Nossa Sra. da Abadia, Uberaba C.P. 38025-180, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| | - Patricia Vieyra-Reyes
- Research and Advanced Studies in Animal Health Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Autonomy University of the State of Mexico, Km 15.5 Toluca Pan-American Highway Atlacomulco, Toluca C.P. 50200, State of Mexico, Mexico; (M.C.R.-D.); (J.C.V.-C.); (A.d.C.G.-C.); (P.V.-R.)
| | - Gabriel Arteaga-Troncoso
- Department of Cellular Biology and Development, National Institute of Perinatology, Lomas de Chapultepec IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City C.P. 11000, Mexico;
- Military School of Health Officers, University of the Mexican Army and Air Force, SEDENA, Mexico City C.P. 11650, Mexico
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19
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Markov NS, Ren Z, Senkow KJ, Grant RA, Gao CA, Malsin ES, Sichizya L, Kihshen H, Helmin KA, Jovisic M, Arnold JM, Pérez-Leonor XG, Abdala-Valencia H, Swaminathan S, Nwaezeapu J, Kang M, Rasmussen L, Ozer EA, Lorenzo-Redondo R, Hultquist JF, Simons LM, Rios-Guzman E, Misharin AV, Wunderink RG, Budinger GS, Singer BD, Morales-Nebreda L. A distinctive evolution of alveolar T cell responses is associated with clinical outcomes in unvaccinated patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571479. [PMID: 38168346 PMCID: PMC10760069 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Pathogen clearance and resolution of inflammation in patients with pneumonia require an effective local T cell response. Nevertheless, local T cell activation may drive lung injury, particularly during prolonged episodes of respiratory failure characteristic of severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. While T cell responses in the peripheral blood are well described, the evolution of T cell phenotypes and molecular signatures in the distal lung of patients with severe pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 or other pathogens is understudied. Accordingly, we serially obtained 432 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from 273 patients with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, including 74 unvaccinated patients with COVID-19, and performed flow cytometry, transcriptional, and T cell receptor profiling on sorted CD8+ and CD4+ T cell subsets. In patients with COVID-19 but not pneumonia secondary to other pathogens, we found that early and persistent enrichment in CD8+ and CD4+ T cell subsets correlated with survival to hospital discharge. Activation of interferon signaling pathways early after intubation for COVID-19 was associated with favorable outcomes, while activation of NF-κB-driven programs late in disease was associated with poor outcomes. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia whose alveolar T cells preferentially targeted the Spike and Nucleocapsid proteins tended to experience more favorable outcomes than patients whose T cells predominantly targeted the ORF1ab polyprotein complex. These results suggest that in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, alveolar T cell interferon responses targeting structural SARS-CoV-2 proteins characterize patients who recover, yet these responses progress to NF-κB activation against non-structural proteins in patients who go on to experience poor clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay S. Markov
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Ziyou Ren
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Karolina J. Senkow
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Rogan A. Grant
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Catherine A. Gao
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Elizabeth S. Malsin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Lango Sichizya
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Hermon Kihshen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Kathryn A. Helmin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Milica Jovisic
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Jason M. Arnold
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | | | - Hiam Abdala-Valencia
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Suchitra Swaminathan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Julu Nwaezeapu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Mengjia Kang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Luke Rasmussen
- Division of Health and Biomedical Informatics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Egon A. Ozer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Ramon Lorenzo-Redondo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Judd F. Hultquist
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Lacy M. Simons
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Estefany Rios-Guzman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Alexander V. Misharin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Richard G. Wunderink
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - G.R. Scott Budinger
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Benjamin D. Singer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Luisa Morales-Nebreda
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
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Federico L, Malone B, Tennøe S, Chaban V, Osen JR, Gainullin M, Smorodina E, Kared H, Akbar R, Greiff V, Stratford R, Clancy T, Munthe LA. Experimental validation of immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 T cell epitopes identified by artificial intelligence. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1265044. [PMID: 38045681 PMCID: PMC10691274 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1265044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic we utilized an AI-driven T cell epitope prediction tool, the NEC Immune Profiler (NIP) to scrutinize and predict regions of T cell immunogenicity (hotspots) from the entire SARS-CoV-2 viral proteome. These immunogenic regions offer potential for the development of universally protective T cell vaccine candidates. Here, we validated and characterized T cell responses to a set of minimal epitopes from these AI-identified universal hotspots. Utilizing a flow cytometry-based T cell activation-induced marker (AIM) assay, we identified 59 validated screening hits, of which 56% (33 peptides) have not been previously reported. Notably, we found that most of these novel epitopes were derived from the non-spike regions of SARS-CoV-2 (Orf1ab, Orf3a, and E). In addition, ex vivo stimulation with NIP-predicted peptides from the spike protein elicited CD8+ T cell response in PBMC isolated from most vaccinated donors. Our data confirm the predictive accuracy of AI platforms modelling bona fide immunogenicity and provide a novel framework for the evaluation of vaccine-induced T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Federico
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Viktoriia Chaban
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Julie Røkke Osen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Murat Gainullin
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva Smorodina
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hassen Kared
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rahmad Akbar
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Ludvig Andre Munthe
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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21
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Lewis SA, Sutherland A, Soldevila F, Westernberg L, Aoki M, Frazier A, Maiche S, Erlewyn-Lajeunesse M, Arshad H, Leonard S, Laubach S, Dantzer JA, Wood RA, Sette A, Seumois G, Vijayanand P, Peters B. Identification of cow milk epitopes to characterize and quantify disease-specific T cells in allergic children. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:1196-1209. [PMID: 37604312 PMCID: PMC10846667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cow milk (CM) allergy is the most prevalent food allergy in young children in the United States and Great Britain. Current diagnostic tests are either unreliable (IgE test and skin prick test) or resource-intensive with risks (food challenges). OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether allergen-specific T cells in CM-allergic (CMA) patients have a distinct quality and/or quantity that could potentially be used as a diagnostic marker. METHODS Using PBMCs from 147 food-allergic pediatric subjects, we mapped T-cell responses to a set of reactive epitopes in CM that we compiled in a peptide pool. This pool induced cytokine responses in in vitro cultured cells distinguishing subjects with CMA from subjects without CMA. We further used the pool to isolate and characterize antigen-specific CD4 memory T cells using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA/TCR sequencing assays. RESULTS We detected significant changes in the transcriptional program and clonality of CM antigen-specific (CM+) T cells elicited by the pool in subjects with CMA versus subjects without CMA ex vivo. CM+ T cells from subjects with CMA had increased percentages of FOXP3+ cells over FOXP3- cells. FOXP3+ cells are often equated with regulatory T cells that have suppressive activity, but CM+ FOXP3+ cells from subjects with CMA showed significant expression of interferon-responsive genes and dysregulated chemokine receptor expression compared with subjects without CMA, suggesting that these are not conventional regulatory T cells. The CM+ FOXP3+ cells were also more clonally expanded than the FOXP3- population. We were further able to use surface markers (CD25, CD127, and CCR7) in combination with our peptide pool stimulation to quantify these CM+ FOXP3+ cells by a simple flow-cytometry assay. We show increased percentages of CM+ CD127-CD25+ cells from subjects with CMA in an independent cohort, which could be used for diagnostic purposes. Looking specifically for TH2 cells normally associated with allergic diseases, we found a small population of clonally expanded CM+ cells that were significantly increased in subjects with CMA and that had high expression of TH2 cytokines and pathogenic TH2/T follicular helper markers. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings suggest that there are several differences in the phenotypes of CM+ T cells with CM allergy and that the increase in CM+ FOXP3+ cells is a potential diagnostic marker of an allergic state. Such markers have promising applications in monitoring natural disease outgrowth and/or the efficacy of immunotherapy that will need to be validated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Minori Aoki
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, Calif
| | | | | | - Mich Erlewyn-Lajeunesse
- University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Hasan Arshad
- University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Leonard
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, Calif
| | - Susan Laubach
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, Calif
| | - Jennifer A Dantzer
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Robert A Wood
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Alessandro Sette
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, Calif; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, Calif
| | | | - Pandurangan Vijayanand
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, Calif; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, Calif
| | - Bjoern Peters
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, Calif; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, Calif.
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22
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Neto TAP, Sidney J, Grifoni A, Sette A. Correlative CD4 and CD8 T-cell immunodominance in humans and mice: Implications for preclinical testing. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1328-1338. [PMID: 37726420 PMCID: PMC10616275 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01083-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antigen-specific T-cell recognition is restricted by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, and differences between CD4 and CD8 immunogenicity in humans and animal species used in preclinical vaccine testing are yet to be fully understood. In this study, we addressed this matter by analyzing experimentally identified epitopes based on published data curated in the Immune Epitopes DataBase (IEDB) database. We first analyzed SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleoprotein (N), which are two common targets of the immune response and well studied in both human and mouse systems. We observed a weak but statistically significant correlation between human and H-2b mouse T-cell responses (CD8 S specific (r = 0.206, p = 1.37 × 10-13); CD4 S specific (r = 0.118, p = 2.63 × 10-5) and N specific (r = 0.179, p = 2.55 × 10-4)). Due to intrinsic differences in MHC molecules across species, we also investigated the association between the immunodominance of common Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles for which HLA transgenic mice are available, namely, A*02:01, B*07:02, DRB1*01:01, and DRB1*04:01, and found higher significant correlations for both CD8 and CD4 (maximum r = 0.702, p = 1.36 × 10-31 and r = 0.594, p = 3.04-122, respectively). Our results further indicated that some regions are commonly immunogenic between humans and mice (either H-2b or HLA transgenic) but that others are human specific. Finally, we noted a significant correlation between CD8 and CD4 S- (r = 0.258, p = 7.33 × 1021) and N-specific (r = 0.369, p = 2.43 × 1014) responses, suggesting that discrete protein subregions can be simultaneously recognized by T cells. These findings were confirmed in other viral systems, providing general guidance for the use of murine models to test T-cell immunogenicity of viral antigens destined for human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tertuliano Alves Pereira Neto
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - John Sidney
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Alba Grifoni
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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23
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Barry PA, Iyer SS, Gibson L. Re-Evaluating Human Cytomegalovirus Vaccine Design: Prediction of T Cell Epitopes. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1629. [PMID: 38005961 PMCID: PMC10674879 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
HCMV vaccine development has traditionally focused on viral antigens identified as key targets of neutralizing antibody (NAb) and/or T cell responses in healthy adults with chronic HCMV infection, such as glycoprotein B (gB), the glycoprotein H-anchored pentamer complex (PC), and the unique long 83 (UL83)-encoded phosphoprotein 65 (pp65). However, the protracted absence of a licensed HCMV vaccine that reduces the risk of infection in pregnancy regardless of serostatus warrants a systematic reassessment of assumptions informing vaccine design. To illustrate this imperative, we considered the hypothesis that HCMV proteins infrequently detected as targets of T cell responses may contain important vaccine antigens. Using an extant dataset from a T cell profiling study, we tested whether HCMV proteins recognized by only a small minority of participants encompass any T cell epitopes. Our analyses demonstrate a prominent skewing of T cell responses away from most viral proteins-although they contain robust predicted CD8 T cell epitopes-in favor of a more restricted set of proteins. Our findings raise the possibility that HCMV may benefit from evading the T cell recognition of certain key proteins and that, contrary to current vaccine design approaches, including them as vaccine antigens could effectively take advantage of this vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Barry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Smita S. Iyer
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
| | - Laura Gibson
- Departments of Medicine and of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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24
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Cao J, Gu H, Zhang X, Yun H, Li J, Si CY, Zhang J, Wang H. Intranasal inoculation of female BALB/c mice with replication-deficient human adenovirus type 5 expressing SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein aggravates lung pathology upon re-encountering the antigen. Virus Res 2023; 335:199201. [PMID: 37595663 PMCID: PMC10470087 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical studies indicate that SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N)-based vaccines, along with other viral protein(s), confer protection in various animal models against infection by SARS-CoV-2 ancestral virus and variants of concern. However, the optimal vaccination procedure and the role of N-specific host adaptive immune responses remain elusive. Here, we report that intranasal inoculation with replication-deficient human adenovirus type 5 expressing SARS-CoV-2 N protein (Ad5-N) conferred no protection in the lung of female BALB/c mice upon re-encountering the antigen, either by 10-fold Ad5-N re-exposure or sublethal infection of mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2. By contrast, this procedure led to aggravated lung pathology with more necroptotic CD3+ T cells and Ly6G+ granulocytes, which was associated with the accumulation of IFN-γ-expressing antigen-experienced CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. These findings pre-caution the clinical application of this vaccination procedure. Furthermore, our data suggest that excessive host adaptive immune responses against N protein contributes to COVID-19 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxia Cao
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hongjing Gu
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xueting Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hongfang Yun
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jiarong Li
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China; University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Chuan-Yimu Si
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jiyan Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China; University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, Hengyang 421001, China; Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
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25
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Di Ianni A, Barbero L, Fraone T, Cowan K, Sirtori FR. Preclinical risk assessment strategy to mitigate the T-cell dependent immunogenicity of protein biotherapeutics: State of the art, challenges and future perspectives. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 234:115500. [PMID: 37311374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Protein therapeutics hold a prominent role and have brought significant diversity in efficacious medicinal products. Not just monoclonal antibodies and different antibody formats (pegylated antigen-binding fragments, bispecifics, antibody-drug conjugates, single chain variable fragments, nanobodies, dia-, tria- and tetrabodies), but also purified blood products, growth factors, recombinant cytokines, enzyme replacement factors, fusion proteins are all good instances of therapeutic proteins that have been developed in the past decades and approved for their value in oncology, immune-oncology, and autoimmune diseases discovery programs. Although there was an ingrained belief that fully humanized proteins were expected to have limited immunogenicity, adverse effects associated with immune responses to biological therapies raised some concern in biotech companies. Consequently, drug developers are designing strategies to assess potential immune responses to protein therapeutics during both the preclinical and clinical phases of development. Despite the many factors that can contribute to protein immunogenicity, T cell- (thymus-) dependent (Td) immunogenicity seems to play a crucial role in the development of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) to biologics. A broad range of methodologies to predict and rationally assess Td immune responses to protein drugs has been developed. This review aims to briefly summarize the preclinical immunogenicity risk assessment strategy to mitigate the risk of potential immunogenic candidates coming towards clinical phases, discussing the advantages and limitations of these technologies, and suggesting a rational approach for assessing and mitigating Td immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Ianni
- University of Turin, Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Via Ribes 1, 10010 Colleretto Giacosa (TO), Italy
| | - Luca Barbero
- NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Via Ribes 1, 10010 Colleretto Giacosa (TO), Italy
| | - Tiziana Fraone
- NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Via Ribes 1, 10010 Colleretto Giacosa (TO), Italy
| | - Kyra Cowan
- New Biological Entities, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (NBE-DMPK), Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Frankfurterstrasse 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Federico Riccardi Sirtori
- NBE-DMPK Innovative BioAnalytics, Merck Serono RBM S.p.A., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Via Ribes 1, 10010 Colleretto Giacosa (TO), Italy.
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26
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Lefin N, Herrera-Belén L, Farias JG, Beltrán JF. Review and perspective on bioinformatics tools using machine learning and deep learning for predicting antiviral peptides. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10718-3. [PMID: 37626205 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10718-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Viruses constitute a constant threat to global health and have caused millions of human and animal deaths throughout human history. Despite advances in the discovery of antiviral compounds that help fight these pathogens, finding a solution to this problem continues to be a task that consumes time and financial resources. Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many areas of the biological sciences, making it possible to decipher patterns in amino acid sequences that encode different functions and activities. Within the field of AI, machine learning, and deep learning algorithms have been used to discover antimicrobial peptides. Due to their effectiveness and specificity, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold excellent promise for treating various infections caused by pathogens. Antiviral peptides (AVPs) are a specific type of AMPs that have activity against certain viruses. Unlike the research focused on the development of tools and methods for the prediction of antimicrobial peptides, those related to the prediction of AVPs are still scarce. Given the significance of AVPs as potential pharmaceutical options for human and animal health and the ongoing AI revolution, we have reviewed and summarized the current machine learning and deep learning-based tools and methods available for predicting these types of peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Lefin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of La Frontera, Ave. Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Lisandra Herrera-Belén
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jorge G Farias
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of La Frontera, Ave. Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jorge F Beltrán
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of La Frontera, Ave. Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile.
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27
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Guarra F, Colombo G. Computational Methods in Immunology and Vaccinology: Design and Development of Antibodies and Immunogens. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:5315-5333. [PMID: 37527403 PMCID: PMC10448727 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
The design of new biomolecules able to harness immune mechanisms for the treatment of diseases is a prime challenge for computational and simulative approaches. For instance, in recent years, antibodies have emerged as an important class of therapeutics against a spectrum of pathologies. In cancer, immune-inspired approaches are witnessing a surge thanks to a better understanding of tumor-associated antigens and the mechanisms of their engagement or evasion from the human immune system. Here, we provide a summary of the main state-of-the-art computational approaches that are used to design antibodies and antigens, and in parallel, we review key methodologies for epitope identification for both B- and T-cell mediated responses. A special focus is devoted to the description of structure- and physics-based models, privileged over purely sequence-based approaches. We discuss the implications of novel methods in engineering biomolecules with tailored immunological properties for possible therapeutic uses. Finally, we highlight the extraordinary challenges and opportunities presented by the possible integration of structure- and physics-based methods with emerging Artificial Intelligence technologies for the prediction and design of novel antigens, epitopes, and antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Guarra
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Colombo
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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28
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Buonaguro L, Tagliamonte M. Peptide-based vaccine for cancer therapies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1210044. [PMID: 37654484 PMCID: PMC10467431 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1210044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Different strategies based on peptides are available for cancer treatment, in particular to counter-act the progression of tumor growth and disease relapse. In the last decade, in the context of therapeutic strategies against cancer, peptide-based vaccines have been evaluated in different tumor models. The peptides selected for cancer vaccine development can be classified in two main type: tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), which are captured, internalized, processed and presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to cell-mediated immunity. Peptides loaded onto MHC class I are recognized by a specific TCR of CD8+ T cells, which are activated to exert their cytotoxic activity against tumor cells presenting the same peptide-MHC-I complex. This process is defined as active immunotherapy as the host's immune system is either de novo activated or restimulated to mount an effective, tumor-specific immune reaction that may ultimately lead to tu-mor regression. However, while the preclinical data have frequently shown encouraging results, therapeutic cancer vaccines clinical trials, including those based on peptides have not provided satisfactory data to date. The limited efficacy of peptide-based cancer vaccines is the consequence of several factors, including the identification of specific target tumor antigens, the limited immunogenicity of peptides and the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). An effective cancer vaccine can be developed only by addressing all such different aspects. The present review describes the state of the art for each of such factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Tagliamonte
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - “Fond G. Pascale”, Naples, Italy
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29
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da Silva Antunes R, Grifoni A, Frazier A, Weiskopf D, Sette A. An update on studies characterizing adaptive immune responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. Int Immunol 2023; 35:353-359. [PMID: 37148294 PMCID: PMC10406159 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxad014] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this brief opinion piece, we highlight our studies characterizing adaptive SARS-CoV-2 immune responses in infection and vaccination, and the ability of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells to recognize emerging variants of concern, and the role of pre-existing cross-reactive T cells. In the context of the debate on correlates of protection, the pandemic's progression in the past 3 years underlined the need to consider how different adaptive immune responses might differentially contribute to protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection versus COVID-19 disease. Lastly, we discuss how cross-reactive T cell responses may be useful in generating a broad adaptive immunity, recognizing different variants and viral families. Considering vaccines with broadly conserved antigens could improve preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo da Silva Antunes
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Alba Grifoni
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - April Frazier
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Daniela Weiskopf
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI); La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
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30
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Sivelle C, Sierocki R, Lesparre Y, Lomet A, Quintilio W, Dubois S, Correia E, Moro AM, Maillère B, Nozach H. Combining deep mutational scanning to heatmap of HLA class II binding of immunogenic sequences to preserve functionality and mitigate predicted immunogenicity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197919. [PMID: 37575221 PMCID: PMC10416631 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Removal of CD4 T cell epitopes from therapeutic antibody sequences is expected to mitigate their potential immunogenicity, but its application is complicated by the location of their T cell epitopes, which mainly overlap with complementarity-determining regions. We therefore evaluated the flexibility of antibody sequences to reduce the predicted affinity of corresponding peptides for HLA II molecules and to maintain antibody binding to its target in order to guide antibody engineering for mitigation of predicted immunogenicity. Permissive substitutions to reduce affinity of peptides for HLA II molecules were identified by establishing a heatmap of HLA class II binding using T-cell epitope prediction tools, while permissive substitutions preserving binding to the target were identified by means of deep mutational scanning and yeast surface display. Combinatorial libraries were then designed to identify active clones. Applied to adalimumab, an anti-TNFα human antibody, this approach identified 200 mutants with a lower HLA binding score than adalimumab. Three mutants were produced as full-length antibodies and showed a higher affinity for TNFα and neutralization ability than adalimumab. This study also sheds light on the permissiveness of antibody sequences with regard to functionality and predicted T cell epitope content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coline Sivelle
- Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Raphael Sierocki
- Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Deeptope SAS, Orsay, France
| | | | - Aurore Lomet
- CEA List, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau, France
| | - Wagner Quintilio
- Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Steven Dubois
- Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Evelyne Correia
- Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Ana Maria Moro
- Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bernard Maillère
- Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Hervé Nozach
- Université de Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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31
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Stražar M, Park J, Abelin JG, Taylor HB, Pedersen TK, Plichta DR, Brown EM, Eraslan B, Hung YM, Ortiz K, Clauser KR, Carr SA, Xavier RJ, Graham DB. HLA-II immunopeptidome profiling and deep learning reveal features of antigenicity to inform antigen discovery. Immunity 2023; 56:1681-1698.e13. [PMID: 37301199 PMCID: PMC10519123 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
CD4+ T cell responses are exquisitely antigen specific and directed toward peptide epitopes displayed by human leukocyte antigen class II (HLA-II) on antigen-presenting cells. Underrepresentation of diverse alleles in ligand databases and an incomplete understanding of factors affecting antigen presentation in vivo have limited progress in defining principles of peptide immunogenicity. Here, we employed monoallelic immunopeptidomics to identify 358,024 HLA-II binders, with a particular focus on HLA-DQ and HLA-DP. We uncovered peptide-binding patterns across a spectrum of binding affinities and enrichment of structural antigen features. These aspects underpinned the development of context-aware predictor of T cell antigens (CAPTAn), a deep learning model that predicts peptide antigens based on their affinity to HLA-II and full sequence of their source proteins. CAPTAn was instrumental in discovering prevalent T cell epitopes from bacteria in the human microbiome and a pan-variant epitope from SARS-CoV-2. Together CAPTAn and associated datasets present a resource for antigen discovery and the unraveling genetic associations of HLA alleles with immunopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stražar
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jihye Park
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Hannah B Taylor
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Thomas K Pedersen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Eric M Brown
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Basak Eraslan
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Yuan-Mao Hung
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kayla Ortiz
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Karl R Clauser
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Steven A Carr
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ramnik J Xavier
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Daniel B Graham
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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Nakamura Y, Moi ML, Shiina T, Shin-I T, Suzuki R. Idiotope-Driven T-Cell/B-Cell Collaboration-Based T-Cell Epitope Prediction Using B-Cell Receptor Repertoire Sequences in Infectious Diseases. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051186. [PMID: 37243272 DOI: 10.3390/v15051186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell recognition of antigen epitopes is a crucial step for the induction of adaptive immune responses, and the identification of such T-cell epitopes is, therefore, important for understanding diverse immune responses and controlling T-cell immunity. A number of bioinformatic tools exist that predict T-cell epitopes; however, many of these methods highly rely on evaluating conventional peptide presentation by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, but they ignore epitope sequences recognized by T-cell receptor (TCR). Immunogenic determinant idiotopes are present on the variable regions of immunoglobulin molecules expressed on and secreted by B-cells. In idiotope-driven T-cell/B-cell collaboration, B-cells present the idiotopes on MHC molecules for recognition by idiotope-specific T-cells. According to the idiotype network theory formulated by Niels Jerne, such idiotopes found on anti-idiotypic antibodies exhibit molecular mimicry of antigens. Here, by combining these concepts and defining the patterns of TCR-recognized epitope motifs (TREMs), we developed a T-cell epitope prediction method that identifies T-cell epitopes derived from antigen proteins by analyzing B-cell receptor (BCR) sequences. This method allowed us to identify T-cell epitopes that contain the same TREM patterns between BCR and viral antigen sequences in two different infectious diseases caused by dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The identified epitopes were among the T-cell epitopes detected in previous studies, and T-cell stimulatory immunogenicity was confirmed. Thus, our data support this method as a powerful tool for the discovery of T-cell epitopes from BCR sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meng Ling Moi
- Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takashi Shiina
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | | | - Ryuji Suzuki
- Repertoire Genesis Inc., Osaka 567-0085, Japan
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Research Center for Rheumatology and Allergy, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Kanagawa 252-0392, Japan
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33
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Chen Z, Wang X, Chen X, Huang J, Wang C, Wang J, Wang Z. Accelerating therapeutic protein design with computational approaches toward the clinical stage. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2909-2926. [PMID: 38213894 PMCID: PMC10781723 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic protein, represented by antibodies, is of increasing interest in human medicine. However, clinical translation of therapeutic protein is still largely hindered by different aspects of developability, including affinity and selectivity, stability and aggregation prevention, solubility and viscosity reduction, and deimmunization. Conventional optimization of the developability with widely used methods, like display technologies and library screening approaches, is a time and cost-intensive endeavor, and the efficiency in finding suitable solutions is still not enough to meet clinical needs. In recent years, the accelerated advancement of computational methodologies has ushered in a transformative era in the field of therapeutic protein design. Owing to their remarkable capabilities in feature extraction and modeling, the integration of cutting-edge computational strategies with conventional techniques presents a promising avenue to accelerate the progression of therapeutic protein design and optimization toward clinical implementation. Here, we compared the differences between therapeutic protein and small molecules in developability and provided an overview of the computational approaches applicable to the design or optimization of therapeutic protein in several developability issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xinpei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Juyang Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- Shenzhen Qiyu Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Junqing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
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34
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Kheradmand F, Zhang Y, Corry DB. Contribution of adaptive immunity to human COPD and experimental models of emphysema. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1059-1093. [PMID: 36201635 PMCID: PMC9886356 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00036.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the undisputed role of innate immune cells in this condition have dominated the field in the basic research arena for many years. Recently, however, compelling data suggesting that adaptive immune cells may also contribute to the progressive nature of lung destruction associated with COPD in smokers have gained considerable attention. The histopathological changes in the lungs of smokers can be limited to the large or small airways, but alveolar loss leading to emphysema, which occurs in some individuals, remains its most significant and irreversible outcome. Critically, however, the question of why emphysema progresses in a subset of former smokers remained a mystery for many years. The recognition of activated and organized tertiary T- and B-lymphoid aggregates in emphysematous lungs provided the first clue that adaptive immune cells may play a crucial role in COPD pathophysiology. Based on these findings from human translational studies, experimental animal models of emphysema were used to determine the mechanisms through which smoke exposure initiates and orchestrates adaptive autoreactive inflammation in the lungs. These models have revealed that T helper (Th)1 and Th17 subsets promote a positive feedback loop that activates innate immune cells, confirming their role in emphysema pathogenesis. Results from genetic studies and immune-based discoveries have further provided strong evidence for autoimmunity induction in smokers with emphysema. These new findings offer a novel opportunity to explore the mechanisms underlying the inflammatory landscape in the COPD lung and offer insights for development of precision-based treatment to halt lung destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrah Kheradmand
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - David B Corry
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
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35
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Peng X, Lei Y, Feng P, Jia L, Ma J, Zhao D, Zeng J. Characterizing the interaction conformation between T-cell receptors and epitopes with deep learning. NAT MACH INTELL 2023. [DOI: 10.1038/s42256-023-00634-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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36
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Autocatalytic base editing for RNA-responsive translational control. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1339. [PMID: 36906659 PMCID: PMC10008589 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36851-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic circuits that control transgene expression in response to pre-defined transcriptional cues would enable the development of smart therapeutics. To this end, here we engineer programmable single-transcript RNA sensors in which adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) autocatalytically convert target hybridization into a translational output. Dubbed DART VADAR (Detection and Amplification of RNA Triggers via ADAR), our system amplifies the signal from editing by endogenous ADAR through a positive feedback loop. Amplification is mediated by the expression of a hyperactive, minimal ADAR variant and its recruitment to the edit site via an orthogonal RNA targeting mechanism. This topology confers high dynamic range, low background, minimal off-target effects, and a small genetic footprint. We leverage DART VADAR to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms and modulate translation in response to endogenous transcript levels in mammalian cells.
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37
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Yang G, Wang J, Sun P, Qin J, Yang X, Chen D, Zhang Y, Zhong N, Wang Z. SARS-CoV-2 epitope-specific T cells: Immunity response feature, TCR repertoire characteristics and cross-reactivity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1146196. [PMID: 36969254 PMCID: PMC10036809 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1146196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The devastating COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 and multiple variants or subvariants remains an ongoing global challenge. SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses play a critical role in early virus clearance, disease severity control, limiting the viral transmission and underpinning COVID-19 vaccine efficacy. Studies estimated broad and robust T cell responses in each individual recognized at least 30 to 40 SARS-CoV-2 antigen epitopes and associated with COVID-19 clinical outcome. Several key immunodominant viral proteome epitopes, including S protein- and non-S protein-derived epitopes, may primarily induce potent and long-lasting antiviral protective effects. In this review, we summarized the immune response features of immunodominant epitope-specific T cells targeting different SRAS-CoV-2 proteome structures after infection and vaccination, including abundance, magnitude, frequency, phenotypic features and response kinetics. Further, we analyzed the epitopes immunodominance hierarchy in combination with multiple epitope-specific T cell attributes and TCR repertoires characteristics, and discussed the significant implications of cross-reactive T cells toward HCoVs, SRAS-CoV-2 and variants of concern, especially Omicron. This review may be essential for mapping the landscape of T cell responses toward SARS-CoV-2 and optimizing the current vaccine strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Yang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Junxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Sun
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Jian Qin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yang
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daxiang Chen
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongfang Wang, ; Nanshan Zhong, ; Yunhui Zhang,
| | - Nanshan Zhong
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongfang Wang, ; Nanshan Zhong, ; Yunhui Zhang,
| | - Zhongfang Wang
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongfang Wang, ; Nanshan Zhong, ; Yunhui Zhang,
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38
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Contemplating immunopeptidomes to better predict them. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101708. [PMID: 36621290 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The identification of T-cell epitopes is key for a complete molecular understanding of immune recognition mechanisms in infectious diseases, autoimmunity and cancer. T-cell epitopes further provide targets for personalized vaccines and T-cell therapy, with several therapeutic applications in cancer immunotherapy and elsewhere. T-cell epitopes consist of short peptides displayed on Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. The recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS) based technologies to profile the ensemble of peptides displayed on MHC molecules - the so-called immunopeptidome - had a major impact on our understanding of antigen presentation and MHC ligands. On the one hand, these techniques enabled researchers to directly identify hundreds of thousands of peptides presented on MHC molecules, including some that elicited T-cell recognition. On the other hand, the data collected in these experiments revealed fundamental properties of antigen presentation pathways and significantly improved our ability to predict naturally presented MHC ligands and T-cell epitopes across the wide spectrum of MHC alleles found in human and other organisms. Here we review recent computational developments to analyze experimentally determined immunopeptidomes and harness these data to improve our understanding of antigen presentation and MHC binding specificities, as well as our ability to predict MHC ligands. We further discuss the strengths and limitations of the latest approaches to move beyond predictions of antigen presentation and tackle the challenges of predicting TCR recognition and immunogenicity.
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39
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Schroeder SM, Nelde A, Walz JS. Viral T-cell epitopes - Identification, characterization and clinical application. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101725. [PMID: 36706520 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
T-cell immunity, mediated by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, represents a cornerstone in the control of viral infections. Virus-derived T-cell epitopes are represented by human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-presented viral peptides on the surface of virus-infected cells. They are the prerequisite for the recognition of infected cells by T cells. Knowledge of viral T-cell epitopes provides on the one hand a diagnostic tool to decipher protective T-cell immune responses in the human population and on the other hand various prophylactic and therapeutic options including vaccination approaches and the transfer of virus-specific T cells. Such approaches have already been proven to be effective against various viral infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients lacking sufficient humoral, antibody-based immune response. This review provides an overview on the state of the art as well as current studies regarding the identification and characterization of viral T-cell epitopes and approaches of clinical application. In the first chapter in silico prediction tools and direct, mass spectrometry-based identification of viral T-cell epitopes is compared. The second chapter provides an overview of commonly used assays for further characterization of T-cell responses and phenotypes. The final chapter presents an overview of clinical application of viral T-cell epitopes with a focus on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), being representatives of relevant viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Schroeder
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annika Nelde
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juliane S Walz
- Department of Peptide-based Immunotherapy, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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40
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Zhang Z, Li XM, Wang H, Lin H, Xiao H, Li Z. Seafood allergy: Allergen, epitope mapping and immunotherapy strategy. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 63:1314-1338. [PMID: 36825451 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2181755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Seafoods are fashionable delicacies with high nutritional values and culinary properties, while seafood belongs to worldwide common food allergens. In recent years, many seafood allergens have been identified, while the diversity of various seafood species give a great challenge in identifying and characterizing seafood allergens, mapping IgE-binding epitopes and allergen immunotherapy development, which are critical for allergy diagnostics and immunotherapy treatments. This paper reviewed the recent progress on seafood (fish, crustacean, and mollusk) allergens, IgE-binding epitopes and allergen immunotherapy for seafood allergy. In recent years, many newly identified seafood allergens were reported, this work concluded the current situation of seafood allergen identification and designation by the World Health Organization (WHO)/International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee. Moreover, this review represented the recent advances in identifying the IgE-binding epitopes of seafood allergens, which were helpful to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment for seafood allergy. Furthermore, the allergen immunotherapy could alleviate seafood allergy and provide promising approaches for seafood allergy treatment. This review represents the recent advances and future outlook on seafood allergen identification, IgE-binding epitope mapping and allergen immunotherapy strategies for seafood allergy prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziye Zhang
- Laboratory of Food Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiu-Min Li
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- Laboratory of Food Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Lin
- Laboratory of Food Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Hang Xiao
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zhenxing Li
- Laboratory of Food Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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Lin F, Lin X, Fu B, Xiong Y, Zaky MY, Wu H. Functional studies of HLA and its role in SARS-CoV-2: Stimulating T cell response and vaccine development. Life Sci 2023; 315:121374. [PMID: 36621539 PMCID: PMC9815883 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In the biological immune process, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays an indispensable role in the expression of HLA molecules in the human body when viral infection activates the T-cell response to remove the virus. Since the first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in 2019, how to address and prevent SARS-CoV-2 has become a common problem facing all mankind. The T-cell immune response activated by MHC peptides is a way to construct a defense line and reduce the transmission and harm of the virus. Presentation of SARS-CoV-2 antigen is associated with different types of HLA phenotypes, and different HLA phenotypes induce different immune responses. The prediction of SARS-CoV-2 mutation information and the design of vaccines based on HLAs can effectively activate autoimmunity and cope with virus mutations, which can provide some references for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing, China.
| | - Beibei Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Mohamed Y Zaky
- Molecular Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt; Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Haibo Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing, China.
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Gomari MM, Tarighi P, Choupani E, Abkhiz S, Mohamadzadeh M, Rostami N, Sadroddiny E, Baammi S, Uversky VN, Dokholyan NV. Structural evolution of Delta lineage of SARS-CoV-2. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 226:1116-1140. [PMID: 36435470 PMCID: PMC9683856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.227] [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] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
One of the main obstacles in prevention and treatment of COVID-19 is the rapid evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Given that Spike is the main target of common treatments of COVID-19, mutations occurring at this virulent factor can affect the effectiveness of treatments. The B.1.617.2 lineage of SARS-CoV-2, being characterized by many Spike mutations inside and outside of its receptor-binding domain (RBD), shows high infectivity and relative resistance to existing cures. Here, utilizing a wide range of computational biology approaches, such as immunoinformatics, molecular dynamics (MD), analysis of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), protein-protein interaction analyses, residue scanning, and free energy calculations, we examine the structural and biological attributes of the B.1.617.2 Spike protein. Furthermore, the antibody design protocol of Rosetta was implemented for evaluation the stability and affinity improvement of the Bamlanivimab (LY-CoV55) antibody, which is not capable of interactions with the B.1.617.2 Spike. We observed that the detected mutations in the Spike of the B1.617.2 variant of concern can cause extensive structural changes compatible with the described variation in immunogenicity, secondary and tertiary structure, oligomerization potency, Furin cleavability, and drug targetability. Compared to the Spike of Wuhan lineage, the B.1.617.2 Spike is more stable and binds to the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with higher affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahmoudi Gomari
- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Parastoo Tarighi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Edris Choupani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Shadi Abkhiz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Masoud Mohamadzadeh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas 7916193145, Iran
| | - Neda Rostami
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Arak University, Arak 3848177584, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Sadroddiny
- Medical Biotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
| | - Soukayna Baammi
- African Genome Centre (AGC), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir 43150, Morocco
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA,Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia,Correspondence to: V.N. Uversky, Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 16802, USA,Corresponding author
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Vijver SV, Danklmaier S, Pipperger L, Gronauer R, Floriani G, Hackl H, Das K, Wollmann G. Prediction and validation of murine MHC class I epitopes of the recombinant virus VSV-GP. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1100730. [PMID: 36741416 PMCID: PMC9893851 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1100730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are currently tested as a novel platform for cancer therapy. These viruses preferentially replicate in and kill malignant cells. Due to their microbial origin, treatment with oncolytic viruses naturally results in anti-viral responses and general immune activation. Consequently, the oncolytic virus treatment also induces anti-viral T cells. Since these can constitute the dominant activated T cell pool, monitoring of the anti-viral T cell response may aid in better understanding of the immune responses post oncolytic virotherapy. This study aimed to identify the anti-viral T cells raised by VSV-GP virotherapy in C57BL/6J mice, one of the most widely used models for preclinical studies. VSV-GP is a novel oncolytic agent that recently entered a clinical phase I study. To identify the VSV-GP epitopes to which mouse anti-viral T cells react, we used a multilevel adapted bioinformatics viral epitope prediction approach based on the tools netMHCpan, MHCflurry and netMHCstabPan, which are commonly used in neoepitope identification. Predicted viral epitopes were ranked based on consensus binding strength categories, predicted stability, and dissimilarity to the mouse proteome. The top ranked epitopes were selected and included in the peptide candidate matrix in order to use a matrix deconvolution approach. Using ELISpot, we showed which viral epitopes presented on C57BL/6J mouse MHC-I alleles H2-Db and H2-Kb trigger IFN-γ secretion due to T cell activation. Furthermore, we validated these findings using an intracellular cytokine staining. Collectively, identification of the VSV-GP T cell epitopes enables monitoring of the full range of anti-viral T cell responses upon VSV-GP virotherapy in future studies with preclinical mouse models to more comprehensively delineate anti-viral from anti-tumor T cell responses. These findings also support the development of novel VSV-GP variants expressing immunomodulatory transgenes and can improve the assessment of anti-viral immunity in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia V. Vijver
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Viral Immunotherapy of Cancer, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sarah Danklmaier
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Viral Immunotherapy of Cancer, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lisa Pipperger
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Viral Immunotherapy of Cancer, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raphael Gronauer
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gabriel Floriani
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubert Hackl
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Guido Wollmann
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Viral Immunotherapy of Cancer, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Gfeller D, Schmidt J, Croce G, Guillaume P, Bobisse S, Genolet R, Queiroz L, Cesbron J, Racle J, Harari A. Improved predictions of antigen presentation and TCR recognition with MixMHCpred2.2 and PRIME2.0 reveal potent SARS-CoV-2 CD8 + T-cell epitopes. Cell Syst 2023; 14:72-83.e5. [PMID: 36603583 PMCID: PMC9811684 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The recognition of pathogen or cancer-specific epitopes by CD8+ T cells is crucial for the clearance of infections and the response to cancer immunotherapy. This process requires epitopes to be presented on class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA-I) molecules and recognized by the T-cell receptor (TCR). Machine learning models capturing these two aspects of immune recognition are key to improve epitope predictions. Here, we assembled a high-quality dataset of naturally presented HLA-I ligands and experimentally verified neo-epitopes. We then integrated these data in a refined computational framework to predict antigen presentation (MixMHCpred2.2) and TCR recognition (PRIME2.0). The depth of our training data and the algorithmic developments resulted in improved predictions of HLA-I ligands and neo-epitopes. Prospectively applying our tools to SARS-CoV-2 proteins revealed several epitopes. TCR sequencing identified a monoclonal response in effector/memory CD8+ T cells against one of these epitopes and cross-reactivity with the homologous peptides from other coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gfeller
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Agora Cancer Research Centre, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland,Corresponding author
| | - Julien Schmidt
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giancarlo Croce
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Agora Cancer Research Centre, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Guillaume
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sara Bobisse
- Agora Cancer Research Centre, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland,Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Genolet
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lise Queiroz
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Cesbron
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Racle
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Agora Cancer Research Centre, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Harari
- Agora Cancer Research Centre, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland,Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Frentzen A, Greenbaum JA, Kim H, Peters B, Koşaloğlu-Yalçın Z. Estimating tissue-specific peptide abundance from public RNA-Seq data. Front Genet 2023; 14:1082168. [PMID: 36713080 PMCID: PMC9878344 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1082168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Several novel MHC class I epitope prediction tools additionally incorporate the abundance levels of the peptides' source antigens and have shown improved performance for predicting immunogenicity. Such tools require the user to input the MHC alleles and peptide sequences of interest, as well as the abundance levels of the peptides' source proteins. However, such expression data is often not directly available to users, and retrieving the expression level of a peptide's source antigen from public databases is not trivial. We have developed the Peptide eXpression annotator (pepX), which takes a peptide as input, identifies from which proteins the peptide can be derived, and returns an estimate of the expression level of those source proteins from selected public databases. We have also investigated how the abundance level of a peptide can be best estimated in cases when it can originate from multiple transcripts and proteins and found that summing up transcript-level expression values performs best in distinguishing ligands from decoy peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Frentzen
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jason A. Greenbaum
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Haeuk Kim
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Bjoern Peters
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, CA, United States,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Zeynep Koşaloğlu-Yalçın
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Zeynep Koşaloğlu-Yalçın,
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46
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Ponticelli C, Calatroni M, Moroni G. Anti-glomerular basement membrane vasculitis. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103212. [PMID: 36252931 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Antiglomerular basement membrane disease (anti-GBM) is a rare life-threatening autoimmune vasculitis that involves small vessels and it is characterized by circulating autoantibodies directed against type IV collagen antigens expressed in glomerular and alveolar basement membrane. The typical clinical manifestations are the rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and the alveolar hemorrhage. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by the detection of anti-GBM circulating antibodies. If not rapidly recognized, anti-GBM disease can lead to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). An early diagnosis and prompt treatment with immunosuppressive therapies and plasmapheresis are crucial to prevent a poor outcome. In this review, we discuss the primary form of anti-GBM (the so called Goodpasture syndrome) but also cases associated with other autoimmune diseases such as antineutrophil-cytoplasmic-antibody (ANCA) vasculitis, membranous nephropathy, IgA nephritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as the few cases of anti-GBM vasculitis complicating kidney transplantation in the Alport syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Calatroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Nephrology and Dialysis Division, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Moroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Nephrology and Dialysis Division, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Pal A, Pyne N, Paul S. In-Silico Designing of a Multi-Epitope Vaccine against SARS-CoV2 and Studying the Interaction of the Vaccine with Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron Variants of Concern. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2023; 20:67-88. [PMID: 36093818 DOI: 10.2174/1570163819666220909114900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sudden appearance of the SARS-CoV2 virus has almost changed the future of vaccine development. There have been many different approaches to vaccination; among them, computational vaccinology in the form of multi-epitope vaccines with excellent immunological properties and minimal contamination or other adverse reactions has emerged as a promising strategy with a lot of room for further study in this area. OBJECTIVE Designing a multi-epitope vaccine from the spike protein of SARS-CoV2 based on immunoinformatics and in-silico techniques. Evaluating the binding affinity of the constructed vaccine against the major variants of concern (alpha, beta, delta, and omicron) using docking studies. METHODS The potential antigenic, immunogenic, and non-allergic T-cell epitopes were thoroughly explored using IEDB, NetCTL1.2, and NetMHCII pan 3.2 servers. The best suitable linker was identified using the ExPASy Protparam tool and VERIFY 3D. The 3D model of the vaccine was developed by RaptorX and the model was validated using ERRAT, Z-score, and Ramachandran Plot. Docking studies of the vaccine with TLR-2, 3, 4, and 7 and alpha, beta, delta, and omicron variants were performed using HADDOCK 2.4. RESULTS The vaccine construct showed good antigenic and immunogenic scores and was non-allergic as well. The model was capable of binding to all four selected Toll-like receptors. Docking scores with variants were also promising. CONCLUSION All the variants showed good binding ability with the vaccine construct. Interaction with the alpha variant was found to be the most intense, followed by delta, beta, and omicron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranya Pal
- Department of Botany, Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Centre of Advanced Study, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Nibedita Pyne
- Department of Botany, Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Centre of Advanced Study, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Santanu Paul
- Department of Botany, Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Centre of Advanced Study, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
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48
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Ewaisha R, Anderson KS. Immunogenicity of CRISPR therapeutics-Critical considerations for clinical translation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1138596. [PMID: 36873375 PMCID: PMC9978118 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1138596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR offers new hope for many patients and promises to transform the way we think of future therapies. Ensuring safety of CRISPR therapeutics is a top priority for clinical translation and specific recommendations have been recently released by the FDA. Rapid progress in the preclinical and clinical development of CRISPR therapeutics leverages years of experience with gene therapy successes and failures. Adverse events due to immunogenicity have been a major setback that has impacted the field of gene therapy. As several in vivo CRISPR clinical trials make progress, the challenge of immunogenicity remains a significant roadblock to the clinical availability and utility of CRISPR therapeutics. In this review, we examine what is currently known about the immunogenicity of CRISPR therapeutics and discuss several considerations to mitigate immunogenicity for the design of safe and clinically translatable CRISPR therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Ewaisha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University, Newgiza, Egypt
| | - Karen S Anderson
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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49
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Karnaukhov V, Paes W, Woodhouse IB, Partridge T, Nicastri A, Brackenridge S, Shcherbinin D, Chudakov DM, Zvyagin IV, Ternette N, Koohy H, Borrow P, Shugay M. HLA variants have different preferences to present proteins with specific molecular functions which are complemented in frequent haplotypes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1067463. [PMID: 36605212 PMCID: PMC9808399 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1067463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are the most polymorphic loci in the human genome and code for proteins that play a key role in guiding adaptive immune responses by presenting foreign and self peptides (ligands) to T cells. Each person carries up to 6 HLA class I variants (maternal and paternal copies of HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C genes) and also multiple HLA class II variants, which cumulatively define the landscape of peptides presented to T cells. Each HLA variant has its own repertoire of presented peptides with a certain sequence motif which is mainly defined by peptide anchor residues (typically the second and the last positions for HLA class I ligands) forming key interactions with the peptide-binding groove of HLA. In this study, we aimed to characterize HLA binding preferences in terms of molecular functions of presented proteins. To focus on the ligand presentation bias introduced specifically by HLA-peptide interaction we performed large-scale in silico predictions of binding of all peptides from human proteome for a wide range of HLA variants and established which functions are characteristic for proteins that are more or less preferentially presented by different HLA variants using statistical calculations and gene ontology (GO) analysis. We demonstrated marked distinctions between HLA variants in molecular functions of preferentially presented proteins (e.g. some HLA variants preferentially present membrane and receptor proteins, while others - ribosomal and DNA-binding proteins) and reduced presentation of extracellular matrix and collagen proteins by the majority of HLA variants. To explain these observations we demonstrated that HLA preferentially presents proteins enriched in amino acids which are required as anchor residues for the particular HLA variant. Our observations can be extrapolated to explain the protective effect of certain HLA alleles in infectious diseases, and we hypothesize that they can also explain susceptibility to certain autoimmune diseases and cancers. We demonstrate that these differences lead to differential presentation of HIV, influenza virus, SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 proteins by various HLA alleles. Taking into consideration that HLA alleles are inherited in haplotypes, we hypothesized that haplotypes composed of a combination of HLA variants with different presentation preferences should be more advantageous as they allow presenting a larger repertoire of peptides and avoiding holes in immunopeptidome. Indeed, we demonstrated that HLA-A/HLA-B and HLA-A/HLA-C haplotypes which have a high frequency in the human population are comprised of HLA variants that are more distinct in terms of functions of preferentially presented proteins than the control pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Karnaukhov
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Wayne Paes
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Isaac B. Woodhouse
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM) Centre for Computational Biology, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Partridge
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Annalisa Nicastri
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Brackenridge
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dmitrii Shcherbinin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry M. Chudakov
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan V. Zvyagin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nicola Ternette
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hashem Koohy
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM) Centre for Computational Biology, Medical Research Council (MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Persephone Borrow
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mikhail Shugay
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia,*Correspondence: Mikhail Shugay,
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Grifoni A, Zhang Y, Tarke A, Sidney J, Rubiro P, Reina-Campos M, Filaci G, Dan JM, Scheuermann RH, Sette A. Defining antigen targets to dissect vaccinia virus and monkeypox virus-specific T cell responses in humans. Cell Host Microbe 2022; 30:1662-1670.e4. [PMID: 36463861 PMCID: PMC9718645 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak confirmed in May 2022 in non-endemic countries is raising concern about the pandemic potential of novel orthopoxviruses. Little is known regarding MPXV immunity in the context of MPXV infection or vaccination with vaccinia-based vaccines (VACV). As with vaccinia, T cells are likely to provide an important contribution to overall immunity to MPXV. Here, we leveraged the epitope information available in the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) on VACV to predict potential MPXV targets recognized by CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. We found a high degree of conservation between VACV epitopes and MPXV and defined T cell immunodominant targets. These analyses enabled the design of peptide pools able to experimentally detect VACV-specific T cell responses and MPXV cross-reactive T cells in a cohort of vaccinated individuals. Our findings will facilitate the monitoring of cellular immunity following MPXV infection and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Grifoni
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Informatics, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Alison Tarke
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - John Sidney
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Paul Rubiro
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Maria Reina-Campos
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa 16132, Italy,Biotherapy Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Jennifer M. Dan
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Richard H. Scheuermann
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA,Department of Informatics, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA,Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA,Corresponding author
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