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Marrocco R, Bernard I, Joulia E, Barascud R, Dejean AS, Lesourne R, Saoudi A. Positive regulation of Vav1 by Themis controls CD4 T cell pathogenicity in a mouse model of central nervous system inflammation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:161. [PMID: 38565808 PMCID: PMC10987373 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05203-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The susceptibility to autoimmune diseases is conditioned by the association of modest genetic alterations which altogether weaken self-tolerance. The mechanism whereby these genetic interactions modulate T-cell pathogenicity remains largely uncovered. Here, we investigated the epistatic interaction of two interacting proteins involved in T Cell Receptor signaling and which were previously associated with the development of Multiple Sclerosis. To this aim, we used mice expressing an hypomorphic variant of Vav1 (Vav1R63W), combined with a T cell-conditional deletion of Themis. We show that the combined mutations in Vav1 and Themis induce a strong attenuation of the severity of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), contrasting with the moderate effect of the single mutation in each of those two proteins. This genotype-dependent gradual decrease of EAE severity correlates with decreased quantity of phosphorylated Vav1 in CD4 T cells, establishing that Themis promotes the development of encephalitogenic Tconv response by enhancing Vav1 activity. We also show that the cooperative effect of Themis and Vav1 on EAE severity is independent of regulatory T cells and unrelated to the impact of Themis on thymic selection. Rather, it results from decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-17, TNF and GM-CSF) and reduced T cell infiltration in the CNS. Together, our results provide a rationale to study combination of related genes, in addition to single gene association, to better understand the genetic bases of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi Marrocco
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses Et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), INSERM U1291, Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU Purpan, BP 3028, 31024, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
- Division of Immune Regulation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Isabelle Bernard
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses Et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), INSERM U1291, Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU Purpan, BP 3028, 31024, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Emeline Joulia
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses Et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), INSERM U1291, Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU Purpan, BP 3028, 31024, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Rebecca Barascud
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses Et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), INSERM U1291, Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU Purpan, BP 3028, 31024, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Anne S Dejean
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses Et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), INSERM U1291, Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU Purpan, BP 3028, 31024, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Renaud Lesourne
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses Et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), INSERM U1291, Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU Purpan, BP 3028, 31024, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Abdelhadi Saoudi
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses Et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), INSERM U1291, Université Paul Sabatier (UPS), CHU Purpan, BP 3028, 31024, Toulouse Cedex 3, France.
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2
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Rosenberg AM, Ayres CM, Medina-Cucurella AV, Whitehead TA, Baker BM. Enhanced T cell receptor specificity through framework engineering. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1345368. [PMID: 38545094 PMCID: PMC10967027 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1345368] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Development of T cell receptors (TCRs) as immunotherapeutics is hindered by inherent TCR cross-reactivity. Engineering more specific TCRs has proven challenging, as unlike antibodies, improving TCR affinity does not usually improve specificity. Although various protein design approaches have been explored to surmount this, mutations in TCR binding interfaces risk broadening specificity or introducing new reactivities. Here we explored if TCR specificity could alternatively be tuned through framework mutations distant from the interface. Studying the 868 TCR specific for the HIV SL9 epitope presented by HLA-A2, we used deep mutational scanning to identify a framework mutation above the mobile CDR3β loop. This glycine to proline mutation had no discernable impact on binding affinity or functional avidity towards the SL9 epitope but weakened recognition of SL9 escape variants and led to fewer responses in a SL9-derived positional scanning library. In contrast, an interfacial mutation near the tip of CDR3α that also did not impact affinity or functional avidity towards SL9 weakened specificity. Simulations indicated that the specificity-enhancing mutation functions by reducing the range of loop motions, limiting the ability of the TCR to adjust to different ligands. Although our results are likely to be TCR dependent, using framework engineering to control TCR loop motions may be a viable strategy for improving the specificity of TCR-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Rosenberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Cory M. Ayres
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | | | - Timothy A. Whitehead
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Brian M. Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
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3
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Zhao J, Bang S, Furutani K, McGinnis A, Jiang C, Roberts A, Donnelly CR, He Q, James ML, Berger M, Ko MC, Wang H, Palmiter RD, Ji RR. PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint pathway regulates hippocampal neuronal excitability and learning and memory behavior. Neuron 2023; 111:2709-2726.e9. [PMID: 37348508 PMCID: PMC10529885 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 constitute an immune checkpoint pathway. We report that neuronal PD-1 signaling regulates learning/memory in health and disease. Mice lacking PD-1 (encoded by Pdcd1) exhibit enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory. Intraventricular administration of anti-mouse PD-1 monoclonal antibody (RMP1-14) potentiated learning and memory. Selective deletion of PD-1 in excitatory neurons (but not microglia) also enhances LTP and memory. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) impairs learning and memory, which is rescued by Pdcd1 deletion or intraventricular PD-1 blockade. Conversely, re-expression of Pdcd1 in PD-1-deficient hippocampal neurons suppresses memory and LTP. Exogenous PD-L1 suppresses learning/memory in mice and the excitability of mouse and NHP hippocampal neurons through PD-1. Notably, neuronal activation suppresses PD-L1 secretion, and PD-L1/PD-1 signaling is distinctly regulated by learning and TBI. Thus, conditions that reduce PD-L1 levels or PD-1 signaling could promote memory in both physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junli Zhao
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sangsu Bang
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kenta Furutani
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Aidan McGinnis
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Changyu Jiang
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alexus Roberts
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Christopher R Donnelly
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Qianru He
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Michael L James
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Miles Berger
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Haichen Wang
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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4
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Schmidt J, Chiffelle J, Perez MAS, Magnin M, Bobisse S, Arnaud M, Genolet R, Cesbron J, Barras D, Navarro Rodrigo B, Benedetti F, Michel A, Queiroz L, Baumgaertner P, Guillaume P, Hebeisen M, Michielin O, Nguyen-Ngoc T, Huber F, Irving M, Tissot-Renaud S, Stevenson BJ, Rusakiewicz S, Dangaj Laniti D, Bassani-Sternberg M, Rufer N, Gfeller D, Kandalaft LE, Speiser DE, Zoete V, Coukos G, Harari A. Neoantigen-specific CD8 T cells with high structural avidity preferentially reside in and eliminate tumors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3188. [PMID: 37280206 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38946-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The success of cancer immunotherapy depends in part on the strength of antigen recognition by T cells. Here, we characterize the T cell receptor (TCR) functional (antigen sensitivity) and structural (monomeric pMHC-TCR off-rates) avidities of 371 CD8 T cell clones specific for neoantigens, tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) or viral antigens isolated from tumors or blood of patients and healthy donors. T cells from tumors exhibit stronger functional and structural avidity than their blood counterparts. Relative to TAA, neoantigen-specific T cells are of higher structural avidity and, consistently, are preferentially detected in tumors. Effective tumor infiltration in mice models is associated with high structural avidity and CXCR3 expression. Based on TCR biophysicochemical properties, we derive and apply an in silico model predicting TCR structural avidity and validate the enrichment in high avidity T cells in patients' tumors. These observations indicate a direct relationship between neoantigen recognition, T cell functionality and tumor infiltration. These results delineate a rational approach to identify potent T cells for personalized cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Schmidt
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Chiffelle
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marta A S Perez
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Morgane Magnin
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sara Bobisse
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marion Arnaud
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Genolet
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Cesbron
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Barras
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Blanca Navarro Rodrigo
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Benedetti
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Michel
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lise Queiroz
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Petra Baumgaertner
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Guillaume
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hebeisen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Michielin
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tu Nguyen-Ngoc
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Huber
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Tissot-Renaud
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Brian J Stevenson
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvie Rusakiewicz
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Denarda Dangaj Laniti
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michal Bassani-Sternberg
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Rufer
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Gfeller
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lana E Kandalaft
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Speiser
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Zoete
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Harari
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Center for Cell Therapy, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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5
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Deng D, Xu F, Ma L, Zhang T, Wang Y, Huang S, Zhao W, Chen X. Electroacupuncture Alleviates CFA-Induced Inflammatory Pain via PD-L1/PD-1-SHP-1 Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2922-2936. [PMID: 36753045 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03233-x] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory pain is difficult to treat clinically, but electroacupuncture (EA) has been demonstrated to be effective in alleviating inflammatory pain. Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and its downstream signal, Src homology region two domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) have a critical role in relieving inflammatory pain. However, whether the PD-L1/PD-1-SHP-1 pathway mediates the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of EA in inflammatory pain remains unclear. Here, we observed that EA reversed the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced hyperalgesia. EA reduced the expression of IL-6, iNOS, and NF-κB pathway in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) on day 7 after CFA injection but had no effect on the expression of IL-6, iNOS, and NF-κB PP65 on day 21 after CFA injection. Moreover, EA upregulated the protein levels of the PD-L1/PD-1-SHP-1 pathway on day 7 and day 21 after CFA injection. Furthermore, EA upregulated PD-L1 expression in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)+ but not in isohaemagglutinin B4 (IB4)+ and NF200+ neurons on day 7 and day 21 after CFA injection. Intrathecal injection of the PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitor BMS-1 (50 or 100 µg) blocked the EA-induced analgesic effect, significantly increased IL-6 and iNOS levels, and reduced the levels of PD-L1/PD-1-SHP-1. BMS-1 (50 or 100 µg) significantly reduced the expression of PD-L1 in IB4+, CGRP+, and NF200+ neurons. Our results show that EA's anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are associated with activating the PD-L1/PD-1-SHP-1 pathway and suppressing its regulated neuroinflammation. This study provides a new potential therapeutic target for treating inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daling Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lulin Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Tianhao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yafeng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shiqian Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiangdong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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6
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Laletin V, Bernard PL, Costa da Silva C, Guittard G, Nunes JA. Negative intracellular regulators of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling as potential antitumor immunotherapy targets. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005845. [PMID: 37217244 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005845] [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] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy strategies aim to mobilize immune defenses against tumor cells by targeting mainly T cells. Co-inhibitory receptors or immune checkpoints (ICPs) (such as PD-1 and CTLA4) can limit T cell receptor (TCR) signal propagation in T cells. Antibody-based blocking of immune checkpoints (immune checkpoint inhibitors, ICIs) enable escape from ICP inhibition of TCR signaling. ICI therapies have significantly impacted the prognosis and survival of patients with cancer. However, many patients remain refractory to these treatments. Thus, alternative approaches for cancer immunotherapy are needed. In addition to membrane-associated inhibitory molecules, a growing number of intracellular molecules may also serve to downregulate signaling cascades triggered by TCR engagement. These molecules are known as intracellular immune checkpoints (iICPs). Blocking the expression or the activity of these intracellular negative signaling molecules is a novel field of action to boost T cell-mediated antitumor responses. This area is rapidly expanding. Indeed, more than 30 different potential iICPs have been identified. Over the past 5 years, several phase I/II clinical trials targeting iICPs in T cells have been registered. In this study, we summarize recent preclinical and clinical data demonstrating that immunotherapies targeting T cell iICPs can mediate regression of solid tumors including (membrane associated) immune-checkpoint inhibitor refractory cancers. Finally, we discuss how these iICPs are targeted and controlled. Thereby, iICP inhibition is a promising strategy opening new avenues for future cancer immunotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Laletin
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Louis Bernard
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Cathy Costa da Silva
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Geoffrey Guittard
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Jacques A Nunes
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
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7
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Kasmani MY, Zander R, Chung HK, Chen Y, Khatun A, Damo M, Topchyan P, Johnson KE, Levashova D, Burns R, Lorenz UM, Tarakanova VL, Joshi NS, Kaech SM, Cui W. Clonal lineage tracing reveals mechanisms skewing CD8+ T cell fate decisions in chronic infection. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20220679. [PMID: 36315049 PMCID: PMC9623343 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although recent evidence demonstrates heterogeneity among CD8+ T cells during chronic infection, developmental relationships and mechanisms underlying their fate decisions remain incompletely understood. Using single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing, we traced the clonal expansion and differentiation of CD8+ T cells during chronic LCMV infection. We identified immense clonal and phenotypic diversity, including a subset termed intermediate cells. Trajectory analyses and infection models showed intermediate cells arise from progenitor cells before bifurcating into terminal effector and exhausted subsets. Genetic ablation experiments identified that type I IFN drives exhaustion through an IRF7-dependent mechanism, possibly through an IFN-stimulated subset bridging progenitor and exhausted cells. Conversely, Zeb2 was critical for generating effector cells. Intriguingly, some T cell clones exhibited lineage bias. Mechanistically, we identified that TCR avidity correlates with an exhausted fate, whereas SHP-1 selectively restricts low-avidity effector cell accumulation. Thus, our work elucidates novel mechanisms underlying CD8+ T cell fate determination during persistent infection and suggests two potential pathways leading to exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moujtaba Y. Kasmani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Ryan Zander
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - H. Kay Chung
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Achia Khatun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Martina Damo
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Paytsar Topchyan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Kaitlin E. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Darya Levashova
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, and Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Robert Burns
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Ulrike M. Lorenz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, and Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Vera L. Tarakanova
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Nikhil S. Joshi
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Susan M. Kaech
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA
| | - Weiguo Cui
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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8
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Beppler C, Eichorst J, Marchuk K, Cai E, Castellanos CA, Sriram V, Roybal KT, Krummel MF. Hyperstabilization of T cell microvilli contacts by chimeric antigen receptors. J Cell Biol 2022; 222:213760. [PMID: 36520493 PMCID: PMC9757849 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202205118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells typically recognize their ligands using a defined cell biology-the scanning of their membrane microvilli (MV) to palpate their environment-while that same membrane scaffolds T cell receptors (TCRs) that can signal upon ligand binding. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) present both a therapeutic promise and a tractable means to study the interplay between receptor affinity, MV dynamics and T cell function. CARs are often built using single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) with far greater affinity than that of natural TCRs. We used high-resolution lattice lightsheet (LLS) and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) imaging to visualize MV scanning in the context of variations in CAR design. This demonstrated that conventional CARs hyper-stabilized microvillar contacts relative to TCRs. Reducing receptor affinity, antigen density, and/or multiplicity of receptor binding sites normalized microvillar dynamics and synapse resolution, and effector functions improved with reduced affinity and/or antigen density, highlighting the importance of understanding the underlying cell biology when designing receptors for optimal antigen engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Beppler
- Department of Pathology and ImmunoX, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Eichorst
- Biological Imaging Development CoLab, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kyle Marchuk
- Biological Imaging Development CoLab, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - En Cai
- Department of Pathology and ImmunoX, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carlos A. Castellanos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Kole T. Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA,Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew F. Krummel
- Department of Pathology and ImmunoX, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Correspondence to Matthew F. Krummel:
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9
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Ventura PMO, Gakovic M, Fischer BA, Spinelli L, Rota G, Pathak S, Khameneh HJ, Zenobi A, Thomson S, Birchmeier W, Cantrell DA, Guarda G. Concomitant deletion of Ptpn6 and Ptpn11 in T cells fails to improve anticancer responses. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e55399. [PMID: 36194675 PMCID: PMC9638855 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Anticancer T cells acquire a dysfunctional state characterized by poor effector function and expression of inhibitory receptors, such as PD-1. Blockade of PD-1 leads to T cell reinvigoration and is increasingly applied as an effective anticancer treatment. Recent work challenged the commonly held view that the phosphatase PTPN11 (known as SHP-2) is essential for PD-1 signaling in T cells, suggesting functional redundancy with the homologous phosphatase PTPN6 (SHP-1). Therefore, we investigated the effect of concomitant Ptpn6 and Ptpn11 deletion in T cells on their ability to mount antitumour responses. In vivo data show that neither sustained nor acute Ptpn6/11 deletion improves T cell-mediated tumor control. Sustained loss of Ptpn6/11 also impairs the therapeutic effects of anti-PD1 treatment. In vitro results show that Ptpn6/11-deleted CD8+ T cells exhibit impaired expansion due to a survival defect and proteomics analyses reveal substantial alterations, including in apoptosis-related pathways. These data indicate that concomitant ablation of Ptpn6/11 in polyclonal T cells fails to improve their anticancer properties, implying that caution shall be taken when considering their inhibition for immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M O Ventura
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Milica Gakovic
- Cell Signalling and Immunology Division, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Berenice A Fischer
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Laura Spinelli
- Cell Signalling and Immunology Division, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Giorgia Rota
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Shalini Pathak
- Cell Signalling and Immunology Division, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hanif J Khameneh
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Zenobi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Thomson
- Biological Services, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Walter Birchmeier
- Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Society, Berlin, Germany
| | - Doreen A Cantrell
- Cell Signalling and Immunology Division, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Greta Guarda
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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10
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Prognostic Signature Development on the Basis of Macrophage Phagocytosis-Mediated Oxidative Phosphorylation in Bladder Cancer. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4754935. [PMID: 36211821 PMCID: PMC9537622 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4754935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Macrophages are correlated with the occurrence and progression of bladder cancer (BCa). However, few research has focused on the predictive relevance of macrophage phagocytosis-mediated oxidative phosphorylation (MPOP) with BCa overall survival. Herein, we aimed to propose the targeted macrophage control based on MPOP as a treatment method for BCa immunotherapy. Methods The mRNA expression data sets and clinical data of bladder cancer originated from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set. A systematic study of several GEO data sets found differentially expressed macrophage phagocytosis regulators (DE-MPR) between BCa and normal tissues. To discover overall survival-associated DE-MPR and develop prognostic gene signature with performance validated based on receiver operating curves and Kaplan-Meier curves, researchers used univariate and Lasso Cox regression analysis (ROC). External validation was done with GSE13057 and GSE69795. To clarify its molecular mechanism and immune relevance, GO/KEGG enrichment analysis and tumor immune analysis were used. To find independent bladder cancer prognostic variables, researchers employed multivariate Cox regression analysis. Finally, using TCGA data set, a predictive nomogram was built. Results In BCa, a four-gene signature of oxidative phosphorylation composed of PTPN6, IKZF3, HDLBP, and EMC1 was found to predict overall survival. With the MPOP feature, the ROC curve showed that TCGA data set and the external validation data set performed better in predicting overall survival than the traditional AJCC stage. The four-gene signature can identify cancers from normal tissue and separate patients into the high-risk and low-risk groups with different overall survival rates. The four MPOP-gene signature was an independent predictive factor for BCa. In predicting overall survival, a nomogram integrating genetic and clinical prognostic variables outperformed AJCC staging. Multiple oncological features and invasion-associated pathways were identified in the high-risk group, which were also correlated with significantly lower levels of immune cell infiltration. Conclusion This paper found the MPOP-feature gene and developed a predictive nomogram capable of accurately predicting bladder cancer overall survival. The above discoveries can contribute to the development of personalized treatments and medical decisions.
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11
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Vazquez-Lombardi R, Jung JS, Schlatter FS, Mei A, Mantuano NR, Bieberich F, Hong KL, Kucharczyk J, Kapetanovic E, Aznauryan E, Weber CR, Zippelius A, Läubli H, Reddy ST. High-throughput T cell receptor engineering by functional screening identifies candidates with enhanced potency and specificity. Immunity 2022; 55:1953-1966.e10. [PMID: 36174557 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A major challenge in adoptive T cell immunotherapy is the discovery of natural T cell receptors (TCRs) with high activity and specificity to tumor antigens. Engineering synthetic TCRs for increased tumor antigen recognition is complicated by the risk of introducing cross-reactivity and by the poor correlation that can exist between binding affinity and activity of TCRs in response to antigen (peptide-MHC). Here, we developed TCR-Engine, a method combining genome editing, computational design, and deep sequencing to engineer the functional activity and specificity of TCRs on the surface of a human T cell line at high throughput. We applied TCR-Engine to successfully engineer synthetic TCRs for increased potency and specificity to a clinically relevant tumor-associated antigen (MAGE-A3) and validated their translational potential through multiple in vitro and in vivo assessments of safety and efficacy. Thus, TCR-Engine represents a valuable technology for engineering of safe and potent synthetic TCRs for immunotherapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Vazquez-Lombardi
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Engimmune Therapeutics AG, Hegenheimermattweg 167A, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland.
| | - Johanna S Jung
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice S Schlatter
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Mei
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Florian Bieberich
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kai-Lin Hong
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jakub Kucharczyk
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edo Kapetanovic
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erik Aznauryan
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cédric R Weber
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Zippelius
- Department of Biomedicine, Universitätsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heinz Läubli
- Department of Biomedicine, Universitätsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sai T Reddy
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
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12
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Baumgaertner P, Schmidt J, Costa-Nunes CM, Bordry N, Guillaume P, Luescher I, Speiser DE, Rufer N, Hebeisen M. CD8 T cell function and cross-reactivity explored by stepwise increased peptide-HLA versus TCR affinity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:973986. [PMID: 36032094 PMCID: PMC9399405 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.973986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recruitment and activation of CD8 T cells occur through specific triggering of T cell receptor (TCR) by peptide-bound human leucocyte antigen (HLA) ligands. Within the generated trimeric TCR-peptide:HLA complex, the molecular binding affinities between peptide and HLA, and between TCR and peptide:HLA both impact T cell functional outcomes. However, how their individual and combined effects modulate immunogenicity and overall T cell responsiveness has not been investigated systematically. Here, we established two panels of human tumor peptide variants differing in their affinity to HLA. For precise characterization, we developed the “blue peptide assay”, an upgraded cell-based approach to measure the peptide:HLA affinity. These peptide variants were then used to investigate the cross-reactivity of tumor antigen-specific CD8 T cell clonotypes derived from blood of cancer patients after vaccination with either the native or an affinity-optimized Melan-A/MART-1 epitope, or isolated from tumor infiltrated lymph nodes (TILNs). Vaccines containing the native tumor epitope generated T cells with better functionality, and superior cross-reactivity against potential low affinity escape epitopes, as compared to T cells induced by vaccines containing an HLA affinity-optimized epitope. Comparatively, Melan-A/MART-1-specific TILN cells displayed functional and cross-reactive profiles that were heterogeneous and clonotype-dependent. Finally, we took advantage of a collection of T cells expressing affinity-optimized NY-ESO-1-specific TCRs to interrogate the individual and combined impact of peptide:HLA and TCR-pHLA affinities on overall CD8 T cell responses. We found profound and distinct effects of both biophysical parameters, with additive contributions and absence of hierarchical dominance. Altogether, the biological impact of peptide:HLA and TCR-pHLA affinities on T cell responses was carefully dissected in two antigenic systems, frequently targeted in human cancer immunotherapy. Our technology and stepwise comparison open new insights into the rational design and selection of vaccine-associated tumor-specific epitopes and highlight the functional and cross-reactivity profiles that endow T cells with best tumor control capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Baumgaertner
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Michael Hebeisen, ; Petra Baumgaertner,
| | - Julien Schmidt
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Carla-Marisa Costa-Nunes
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Natacha Bordry
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Guillaume
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Immanuel Luescher
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E. Speiser
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Rufer
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hebeisen
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch - University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Michael Hebeisen, ; Petra Baumgaertner,
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13
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Liu C, Liu H, Dasgupta M, Hellman LM, Zhang X, Qu K, Xue H, Wang Y, Fan F, Chang Q, Yu D, Ge L, Zhang Y, Cui Z, Zhang P, Heller B, Zhang H, Shi B, Baker BM, Liu C. Validation and promise of a TCR mimic antibody for cancer immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12068. [PMID: 35840635 PMCID: PMC9287321 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies are at the vanguard of the most promising cancer treatments. Whereas traditional therapeutic antibodies have been limited to extracellular antigens, T cell receptor mimic (TCRm) antibodies can target intracellular antigens presented by cell surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. TCRm antibodies can therefore target a repertoire of otherwise undruggable cancer antigens. However, the consequences of off-target peptide/MHC recognition with engineered T cell therapies are severe, and thus there are significant safety concerns with TCRm antibodies. Here we explored the specificity and safety profile of a new TCRm-based T cell therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a solid tumor for which no effective treatment exists. We targeted an alpha-fetoprotein peptide presented by HLA-A*02 with a highly specific TCRm, which crystallographic structural analysis showed binds directly over the HLA protein and interfaces with the full length of the peptide. We fused the TCRm to the γ and δ subunits of a TCR, producing a signaling AbTCR construct. This was combined with an scFv/CD28 co-stimulatory molecule targeting glypican-3 for increased efficacy towards tumor cells. This AbTCR + co-stimulatory T cell therapy showed potent activity against AFP-positive cancer cell lines in vitro and an in an in vivo model and undetectable activity against AFP-negative cells. In an in-human safety assessment, no significant adverse events or cytokine release syndrome were observed and evidence of efficacy was seen. Remarkably, one patient with metastatic HCC achieved a complete remission after nine months and ultimately qualified for a liver transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Moumita Dasgupta
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Lance M Hellman
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Xiaogang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Kai Qu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui Xue
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yun Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fenling Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qi Chang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Duo Yu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Linhu Ge
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Ziyou Cui
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Pengbo Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Bradley Heller
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Bingyin Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Cheng Liu
- Eureka Therapeutics Inc., 5858 Horton Street, Suite 170, Emeryville, CA, USA.
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14
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Li Y, Xin G, Li S, Dong Y, Zhu Y, Yu X, Wan C, Li F, Wei Z, Wang Y, Zhang K, Chen Q, Niu H, Huang W. PD-L1 Regulates Platelet Activation and Thrombosis via Caspase-3/GSDME Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:921414. [PMID: 35784685 PMCID: PMC9240427 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.921414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelets play a central role in hemostasis and thrombosis, regulating the occurrence and development of thrombotic diseases, including ischemic stroke. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has recently been detected in platelet, while the function of PD-L1 in platelets remain elusive. Our data reveal a novel mechanism for the role of PD-L1 on platelet activation and arterial thrombosis. PD-L1 knockout does not affect platelet morphology, count, and mean volume under homeostasis and without risk of bleeding, which inhibits platelet activation by suppressing outside-in-activation of integrin by downregulating the Caspase-3/GSDME pathway. Platelet adoptive transfer experiments demonstrate that PD-L1 knockout inhibits thrombosis. And the absence of PD-L1 improves ischemic stroke severity and increases mice survival. Immunohistochemical staining of the internal structure of the thrombus proves that PD-L1 enhances the seriousness of the thrombus by inhibiting platelet activation. This work reveals a regulatory role of PD-L1 on platelet activation and thrombosis while providing novel platelet intervention strategies to prevent thrombosis.
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15
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Mélique S, Yang C, Lesourne R. Negative times negative equals positive, THEMIS sets the rule on thymic selection and peripheral T cell responses. Biomed J 2022; 45:334-346. [PMID: 35346866 PMCID: PMC9250082 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity of T cells is finely controlled by a set of negative regulators of T-cell antigen receptor (TCR)-mediated signaling. However, how those negative regulators are themselves controlled to prevent ineffective TCR-mediated responses remain poorly understood. Thymocyte-expressed molecule involved in selection (THEMIS) has been characterized over a decade ago as an important player of T cell development. Although the molecular function of THEMIS has long remained puzzling and subject to controversies, latest investigations suggest that THEMIS stimulates TCR-mediated signaling by repressing the tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2 which exert regulatory function on T cell activation. Recent evidences also point to a role for THEMIS in peripheral T cells beyond its role on thymic selection. Here, we present an overview of the past research on THEMIS in the context of T cell development and peripheral T cell function and discuss the possible implication of THEMIS-based mechanisms on TCR-dependent and independent signaling outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Mélique
- Infinity, University of Toulouse, CNRS5051, INSERM1291, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Cui Yang
- Infinity, University of Toulouse, CNRS5051, INSERM1291, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Renaud Lesourne
- Infinity, University of Toulouse, CNRS5051, INSERM1291, UPS, Toulouse, France.
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16
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Yu W, Shao A, Ren X, Chen Z, Xu J, Wei Q. Comparison of Immune Checkpoint Molecules PD-1 and PD-L1 in Paired Primary and Recurrent Glioma: Increasing Trend When Recurrence. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020266. [PMID: 35204029 PMCID: PMC8870329 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to investigate PD-1/PD-L1 expression patterns in paired primary and recurrent gliomas. Methods: From January 2008 to December 2014, 42 patients who underwent surgical resections of primary and recurrent gliomas were retrospectively included. PD-1/PD-L1 protein expression in tumors was evaluated through immunohistochemistry. Results: In primary gliomas, PD-1 and PD-L1 expression was evident in 9 (22.0%) and 14 (33.3%) patients. In the paired recurrent glioma, PD-1 and PD-L1 expression was evident in 25 (61.0%) and 31 (74.0%) lesions. Both PD-1 and PD-L1 showed significantly enhanced expression after recurrence (p < 0.005; p < 0.005). For PD-L1 expression in recurrent gliomas, the adjuvant therapy group showed significantly increased expression compared to primary gliomas (p < 0.005). For PD-1- primary gliomas, if the matched recurrent gliomas showed PD-1+, the PFS became worse than the remaining recurrent gliomas PD-1- (12.7 vs. 25.9 months, p = 0.032). Interestingly, for PD-L1- primary gliomas, if the matched recurrent gliomas showed PD-L1+, the OS became better than the remaining recurrent gliomas PD-L1- (33.8 vs. 17.5 months, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In the study, we found the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 increased significantly in recurrent gliomas and the elevated level of PD-L1 was tightly associated with adjuvant treatment, suggesting the potential therapeutic and predictive value of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the treatment of recurrent gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China; (W.Y.); (X.R.)
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China;
| | - Xiaoqiu Ren
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China; (W.Y.); (X.R.)
| | - Zexin Chen
- Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Statistical Analysis, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China;
| | - Jinghong Xu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China;
| | - Qichun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China; (W.Y.); (X.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-571-8778-3522; Fax: +86-571-8721-4404
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17
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Egan JR, Abu-Shah E, Dushek O, Elliott T, MacArthur BD. Fluctuations in T cell receptor and pMHC interactions regulate T cell activation. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20210589. [PMID: 35135295 PMCID: PMC8833104 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immune responses depend on interactions between T cell receptors (TCRs) and peptide major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) ligands located on the surface of T cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs), respectively. As TCRs and pMHCs are often only present at low copy numbers their interactions are inherently stochastic, yet the role of stochastic fluctuations on T cell function is unclear. Here, we introduce a minimal stochastic model of T cell activation that accounts for serial TCR-pMHC engagement, reversible TCR conformational change and TCR aggregation. Analysis of this model indicates that it is not the strength of binding between the T cell and the APC cell per se that elicits an immune response, but rather the information imparted to the T cell from the encounter, as assessed by the entropy rate of the TCR-pMHC binding dynamics. This view provides an information-theoretic interpretation of T cell activation that explains a range of experimental observations. Based on this analysis, we propose that effective T cell therapeutics may be enhanced by optimizing the inherent stochasticity of TCR-pMHC binding dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Egan
- Mathematical Sciences, Stem Cells and Regeneration, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.,Institute for Life Sciences, Stem Cells and Regeneration, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.,Centre for Cancer Immunology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.,Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Enas Abu-Shah
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.,Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Omer Dushek
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Tim Elliott
- Institute for Life Sciences, Stem Cells and Regeneration, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.,Centre for Cancer Immunology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Ben D MacArthur
- Mathematical Sciences, Stem Cells and Regeneration, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.,Institute for Life Sciences, Stem Cells and Regeneration, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.,Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.,Alan Turing Institute, London NW1 2DB, UK
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18
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Smith PL, Piadel K, Dalgleish AG. Directing T-Cell Immune Responses for Cancer Vaccination and Immunotherapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1392. [PMID: 34960140 PMCID: PMC8708201 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccination and immunotherapy revolutionised the treatment of cancer, a result of decades of research into the immune system in health and disease. However, despite recent breakthroughs in treating otherwise terminal cancer, only a minority of patients respond to cancer immunotherapy and some cancers are largely refractive to immunotherapy treatment. This is due to numerous issues intrinsic to the tumour, its microenvironment, or the immune system. CD4+ and CD8+ αβ T-cells emerged as the primary effector cells of the anti-tumour immune response but their function in cancer patients is often compromised. This review details the mechanisms by which T-cell responses are hindered in the setting of cancer and refractive to immunotherapy, and details many of the approaches under investigation to direct T-cell function and improve the efficacy of cancer vaccination and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lawrence Smith
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. Georges University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (K.P.); (A.G.D.)
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19
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Gilfillan CB, Hebeisen M, Rufer N, Speiser DE. Constant regulation for stable CD8 T-cell functional avidity and its possible implications for cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:1348-1360. [PMID: 33704770 PMCID: PMC8252569 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202049016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The functional avidity (FA) of cytotoxic CD8 T cells impacts strongly on their functional capabilities and correlates with protection from infection and cancer. FA depends on TCR affinity, downstream signaling strength, and TCR affinity-independent parameters of the immune synapse, such as costimulatory and inhibitory receptors. The functional impact of coreceptors on FA remains to be fully elucidated. Despite its importance, FA is infrequently assessed and incompletely understood. There is currently no consensus as to whether FA can be enhanced by optimized vaccine dose or boosting schedule. Recent findings suggest that FA is remarkably stable in vivo, possibly due to continued signaling modulation of critical receptors in the immune synapse. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and hypothesize that in vivo, codominant T cells constantly "equalize" their FA for similar function. We present a new model of constant FA regulation, and discuss practical implications for T-cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie B Gilfillan
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hebeisen
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Rufer
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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20
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Greenman R, Pizem Y, Haus-Cohen M, Horev G, Denkberg G, Shen-Orr S, Rubinstein J, Reiter Y. Phenotypic Models of CAR T-Cell Activation Elucidate the Pivotal Regulatory Role of CAR Downmodulation. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:946-957. [PMID: 33649103 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cell immunotherapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) showed limited potency in solid tumors, despite durable remissions for hematopoietic malignancies. Therefore, an investigation of ways to enhance the efficacy of CARs' antitumor response has been engaged upon. We previously examined the interplay between the biophysical parameters of CAR binding (i.e., affinity, avidity, and antigen density), as regulators of CAR T-cell activity and detected nonmonotonic behaviors of affinity and antigen density and an interrelation between avidity and antigen density. Here, we built an evolving phenotypic model of CAR T-cell regulation, which suggested that receptor downmodulation is a key determinant of CAR T-cell function. We verified this assumption by measuring and manipulating receptor downmodulation and intracellular signaling processes. CAR downmodulation inhibition, via actin polymerization inhibition, but not inhibition of regulatory inhibitory phosphatases, was able to increase CAR T-cell responses. In addition, we documented trogocytosis in CAR T cells that depends on actin polymerization. In summary, our study modeled the parameters that govern CAR T-cell engagement and revealed an underappreciated mechanism of T-cell regulation. These results have a potential to predict and therefore advance the rational design of CAR T cells for adoptive cell treatments.See related article on p. 872.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raanan Greenman
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yoav Pizem
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Maya Haus-Cohen
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Guy Horev
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Shai Shen-Orr
- Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jacob Rubinstein
- Faculty of Mathematics, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yoram Reiter
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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21
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Jones HF, Molvi Z, Klatt MG, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Empirical and Rational Design of T Cell Receptor-Based Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2021; 11:585385. [PMID: 33569049 PMCID: PMC7868419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.585385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of T cells reactive with intracellular tumor-associated or tumor-specific antigens has been a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapies in the past three decades, but the approach has been constrained by a limited understanding of the T cell receptor’s (TCR) complex functions and specificities. Newer TCR and T cell-based approaches are in development, including engineered adoptive T cells with enhanced TCR affinities, TCR mimic antibodies, and T cell-redirecting bispecific agents. These new therapeutic modalities are exciting opportunities by which TCR recognition can be further exploited for therapeutic benefit. In this review we summarize the development of TCR-based therapeutic strategies and focus on balancing efficacy and potency versus specificity, and hence, possible toxicity, of these powerful therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather F Jones
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Martin G Klatt
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - David A Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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22
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Johnson DK, Magoffin W, Myers SJ, Finnell JG, Hancock JC, Orton TS, Persaud SP, Christensen KA, Weber KS. CD4 Inhibits Helper T Cell Activation at Lower Affinity Threshold for Full-Length T Cell Receptors Than Single Chain Signaling Constructs. Front Immunol 2021; 11:561889. [PMID: 33542711 PMCID: PMC7851051 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.561889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells are crucial for effective repression and elimination of cancer cells. Despite a paucity of CD4+ T cell receptor (TCR) clinical studies, CD4+ T cells are primed to become important therapeutics as they help circumvent tumor antigen escape and guide multifactorial immune responses. However, because CD8+ T cells directly kill tumor cells, most research has focused on the attributes of CD8+ TCRs. Less is known about how TCR affinity and CD4 expression affect CD4+ T cell activation in full length TCR (flTCR) and TCR single chain signaling (TCR-SCS) formats. Here, we generated an affinity panel of TCRs from CD4+ T cells and expressed them in flTCR and three TCR-SCS formats modeled after chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to understand the contributions of TCR-pMHCII affinity, TCR format, and coreceptor CD4 interactions on CD4+ T cell activation. Strikingly, the coreceptor CD4 inhibited intermediate and high affinity TCR-construct activation by Lck-dependent and -independent mechanisms. These inhibition mechanisms had unique affinity thresholds dependent on the TCR format. Intracellular construct formats affected the tetramer staining for each TCR as well as IL-2 production. IL-2 production was promoted by increased TCR-pMHCII affinity and the flTCR format. Thus, CD4+ T cell therapy development should consider TCR affinity, CD4 expression, and construct format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Wyatt Magoffin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Sheldon J Myers
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Jordan G Finnell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - John C Hancock
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Taylor S Orton
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Stephen P Persaud
- Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kenneth A Christensen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - K Scott Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
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23
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Runx proteins mediate protective immunity against Leishmania donovani infection by promoting CD40 expression on dendritic cells. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009136. [PMID: 33370418 PMCID: PMC7793297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The level of CD40 expression on dendritic cells (DCs) plays a decisive role in disease protection during Leishmania donovani (LD) infection. However, current understanding of the molecular regulation of CD40 expression remains elusive. Using molecular, cellular and functional approaches, we identified a role for Runx1 and Runx3 transcription factors in the regulation of CD40 expression in DCs. In response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) or antileishmanial drug sodium antimony gluconate (SAG), both Runx1 and Runx3 translocated to the nucleus, bound to the CD40 promoter and upregulated CD40 expression on DCs. These activities of Runx proteins were mediated by the upstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway. Notably, LD infection attenuated LPS- or TNFα-induced CD40 expression in DCs by inhibiting PI3K-Akt-Runx axis via protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. In contrast, CD40 expression induced by SAG was unaffected by LD infection, as SAG by blocking LD-induced SHP-1 activation potentiated PI3K-Akt signaling to drive Runx-mediated CD40 upregulation. Adoptive transfer experiments further showed that Runx1 and Runx3 play a pivotal role in eliciting antileishmanial immune response of SAG-treated DCs in vivo by promoting CD40-mediated type-1 T cell responses. Importantly, antimony-resistant LD suppressed SAG-induced CD40 upregulation on DCs by blocking the PI3K-Akt-Runx pathway through sustained SHP-1 activation. These findings unveil an immunoregulatory role for Runx proteins during LD infection.
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24
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Castro-Sanchez P, Teagle AR, Prade S, Zamoyska R. Modulation of TCR Signaling by Tyrosine Phosphatases: From Autoimmunity to Immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:608747. [PMID: 33425916 PMCID: PMC7793860 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.608747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Early TCR signaling is dependent on rapid phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of multiple signaling and adaptor proteins, leading to T cell activation. This process is tightly regulated by an intricate web of interactions between kinases and phosphatases. A number of tyrosine phosphatases have been shown to modulate T cell responses and thus alter T cell fate by negatively regulating early TCR signaling. Mutations in some of these enzymes are associated with enhanced predisposition to autoimmunity in humans, and mouse models deficient in orthologous genes often show T cell hyper-activation. Therefore, phosphatases are emerging as potential targets in situations where it is desirable to enhance T cell responses, such as immune responses to tumors. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about tyrosine phosphatases that regulate early TCR signaling and discuss their involvement in autoimmunity and their potential as targets for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Castro-Sanchez
- Ashworth Laboratories, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra R Teagle
- Ashworth Laboratories, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sonja Prade
- Ashworth Laboratories, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rose Zamoyska
- Ashworth Laboratories, Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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25
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Liu BL, Cao QL, Zhao X, Liu HZ, Zhang YQ. Inhibition of TRPV1 by SHP-1 in nociceptive primary sensory neurons is critical in PD-L1 analgesia. JCI Insight 2020; 5:137386. [PMID: 32960817 PMCID: PMC7605531 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.137386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) receptor PD-1 was found in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and PD-L1 activates PD-1 to inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain by modulating neuronal excitability. However, the downstream signaling of PD-1 in sensory neurons remains unclear. Here, we show that PD-L1 activated Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) to downregulate transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in DRG neurons and inhibit bone cancer pain in mice. Local injection of PD-L1 produced analgesia. PD-1 in DRG neurons colocalized with TRPV1 and SHP-1. PD-L1 induced the phosphorylation of SHP-1 in DRG TRPV1 neurons and inhibited TRPV1 currents. Loss of TRPV1 in mice abolished bone cancer–induced thermal hyperalgesia and PD-L1 analgesia. Conditioned deletion of SHP-1 in NaV1.8+ neurons aggravated bone cancer pain and diminished the inhibition of PD-L1 on TRPV1 currents and pain. Together, our findings suggest that PD-L1/PD-1 signaling suppresses bone cancer pain via inhibition of TRPV1 activity. Our results also suggest that SHP-1 in sensory neurons is an endogenous pain inhibitor and delays the development of bone cancer pain via suppressing TRPV1 function. PD-L1/PD-1 signaling suppresses TRPV1 activity and alleviates pain-like behaviors via phosphorylation of SHP-1 in nociceptive primary sensory neurons in a mouse bone cancer model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Long Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Lai Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Zhu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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26
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Jiang C, Wang Z, Donnelly CR, Wang K, Andriessen AS, Tao X, Matsuda M, Zhao J, Ji RR. PD-1 Regulates GABAergic Neurotransmission and GABA-Mediated Analgesia and Anesthesia. iScience 2020; 23:101570. [PMID: 33083737 PMCID: PMC7530307 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) plays a critical role in immune regulation. Recent studies have demonstrated functional PD-1 expression in peripheral sensory neurons, which contributes to neuronal excitability, pain, and opioid analgesia. Here we report neuronal expression and function of PD-1 in the central nervous system (CNS), including the spinal cord, thalamus, and cerebral cortex. Notably, GABA-induced currents in spinal dorsal horn neurons, thalamic neurons, and cortical neurons are suppressed by the PD-1-neutralizing immunotherapeutic Nivolumab in spinal cord slices, brain slices, and dissociated cortical neurons. Reductions in GABA-mediated currents in CNS neurons were also observed in Pd1−/− mice without changes in GABA receptor expression. Mechanistically, Nivolumab binds spinal cord neurons and elicits ERK phosphorylation to suppress GABA currents. Finally, both GABA-mediated analgesia and anesthesia are impaired by Pd1 deficiency. Our findings reveal PD-1 as a CNS-neuronal inhibitor that regulates GABAergic signaling and GABA-mediated behaviors. Pd1 mRNA and PD-1 protein are widely expressed in spinal cord and brain neurons GABA-induced currents in CNS neurons are suppressed by PD-1 blockade with Nivolumab Nivolumab binds neuronal PD-1 to induce ERK activation and GABAergic inhibition GABA-mediated pain inhibition and anesthesia is impaired after Pd1 deficiency
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyu Jiang
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Zilong Wang
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Christopher R Donnelly
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kaiyuan Wang
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Amanda S Andriessen
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Xueshu Tao
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Megumi Matsuda
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Junli Zhao
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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27
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Rath JA, Arber C. Engineering Strategies to Enhance TCR-Based Adoptive T Cell Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E1485. [PMID: 32570906 PMCID: PMC7349724 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR)-based adoptive T cell therapies (ACT) hold great promise for the treatment of cancer, as TCRs can cover a broad range of target antigens. Here we summarize basic, translational and clinical results that provide insight into the challenges and opportunities of TCR-based ACT. We review the characteristics of target antigens and conventional αβ-TCRs, and provide a summary of published clinical trials with TCR-transgenic T cell therapies. We discuss how synthetic biology and innovative engineering strategies are poised to provide solutions for overcoming current limitations, that include functional avidity, MHC restriction, and most importantly, the tumor microenvironment. We also highlight the impact of precision genome editing on the next iteration of TCR-transgenic T cell therapies, and the discovery of novel immune engineering targets. We are convinced that some of these innovations will enable the field to move TCR gene therapy to the next level.
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MESH Headings
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Engineering
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/adverse effects
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/trends
- Gene Editing
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/trends
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- Safety
- Synthetic Biology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Translational Research, Biomedical
- Tumor Microenvironment/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caroline Arber
- Department of oncology UNIL CHUV, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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High-affinity oligoclonal TCRs define effective adoptive T cell therapy targeting mutant KRAS-G12D. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:12826-12835. [PMID: 32461371 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1921964117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete cancer regression occurs in a subset of patients following adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) of ex vivo expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). However, the low success rate presents a great challenge to broader clinical application. To provide insight into TIL-based immunotherapy, we studied a successful case of ACT where regression was observed against tumors carrying the hotspot mutation G12D in the KRAS oncogene. Four T cell receptors (TCRs) made up the TIL infusion and recognized two KRAS-G12D neoantigens, a nonamer and a decamer, all restricted by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) C*08:02. Three of them (TCR9a, 9b, and 9c) were nonamer-specific, while one was decamer-specific (TCR10). We show that only mutant G12D but not the wild-type peptides stabilized HLA-C*08:02 due to the formation of a critical anchor salt bridge to HLA-C. Therapeutic TCRs exhibited high affinities, ranging from nanomolar to low micromolar. Intriguingly, TCR binding affinities to HLA-C inversely correlated with their persistence in vivo, suggesting the importance of antigenic affinity in the function of therapeutic T cells. Crystal structures of TCR-HLA-C complexes revealed that TCR9a to 9c recognized G12D nonamer with multiple conserved contacts through shared CDR2β and CDR3α. This allowed CDR3β variation to confer different affinities via a variable HLA-C contact, generating an oligoclonal response. TCR10 recognized an induced and distinct G12D decamer conformation. Thus, this successful case of ACT included oligoclonal TCRs of high affinity recognizing distinct conformations of neoantigens. Our study revealed the potential of a structural approach to inform clinical efforts in targeting KRAS-G12D tumors by immunotherapy and has general implications for T cell-based immunotherapies.
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Matson CA, Singh NJ. Manipulating the TCR signaling network for cellular immunotherapy: Challenges & opportunities. Mol Immunol 2020; 123:64-73. [PMID: 32422416 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
T cells can help confer protective immunity by eliminating infections and tumors or drive immunopathology by damaging host cells. Both outcomes require a series of steps from the activation of naïve T cells to their clonal expansion, differentiation and migration to tissue sites. In addition to specific recognition of the antigen via the T cell receptor (TCR), multiple accessory signals from costimulatory molecules, cytokines and metabolites also influence each step along the progression of the T cell response. Current efforts to modify effector T cell function in many clinical contexts focus on the latter - which encompass antigen-independent and broad, contextual regulators. Not surprisingly, such approaches are often accompanied by adverse events, as they also affect T cells not relevant to the specific treatment. In contrast, fine tuning T cell responses by precisely targeting antigen-specific TCR signals has the potential to radically alter therapeutic strategies in a focused manner. Development of such approaches, however, requires a better understanding of functioning of the TCR and the biochemical signaling network coupled to it. In this article, we review some of the recent advances which highlight important roles of TCR signals throughout the activation and differentiation of T cells during an immune response. We discuss how, an appreciation of specific signaling modalities and variant ligands that influence the function of the TCR has the potential to influence design principles for the next generation of pharmacologic and cellular therapies, especially in the context of tumor immunotherapies involving adoptive cell transfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Matson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W Baltimore St, HSF1, Room 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Nevil J Singh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W Baltimore St, HSF1, Room 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States.
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The Analysis of PTPN6 for Bladder Cancer: An Exploratory Study Based on TCGA. DISEASE MARKERS 2020; 2020:4312629. [PMID: 32454905 PMCID: PMC7243021 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4312629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PTPN6 (protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 6), a tyrosine phosphatase, is known to be signaling molecules that regulate a variety of cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, mitotic cycle, and oncogenic transformation. Previous studies have demonstrated that PTPN6 expression is relatively elevated in several malignancies. However, the role of PTPN6 in bladder cancer (BC) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic value of PTPN6 in BC. RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to identify the expression level of PTPN6 in BC. The relationship between clinical pathologic features and PTPN6 were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The prognostic and predictive value of PTPN6 was evaluated by survival analysis and nomogram. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of PTPN6 in BC. Finally, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) was applied to investigate the relationship between PTPN6 and immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Results indicated that PTPN6 was overexpressed in BC tissues compared with normal bladder tissues and was significantly correlated with grade, stage, T, and N. Survival analysis showed that low expression of PTPN6 was significantly related to the poor overall survival (OS) in BC patients. Coexpression analysis showed that PTPN6 and TNFRSF14 (Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14) have a close correlation in BC. GSEA showed that multiple cancer-associated signaling pathways are differentially enriched in the PTPN6 high expression phenotype. Moreover, the expression level of PTPN6 was positively associated with the infiltration of B cells, CD4+T cells, dendritic cells, and neutrophils and negatively associated with CD8+ T cells and macrophages in BC. In conclusion, we identified that PTPN6 may be a novel prognostic biomarker in BC based on the TCGA database. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm our observations and mechanisms underlying the prognostic value of PTPN6 in BC also deserve further experimental exploration.
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Zhang S, Wang L, Li M, Zhang F, Zeng X. The PD-1/PD-L pathway in rheumatic diseases. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 120:48-59. [PMID: 32334916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Autoimmune diseases are diseases in which the body produces an abnormal immune response to self-antigens and damages its own tissues. Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligands (PD-Ls) have been discovered to be important negative regulators of the immune system, playing crucial roles in autoimmunity. METHODS We analyzed the existing scientific literature dealing with this issue. In this review, the PD-1/PD-L pathway in the genetic susceptibility to and pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases is discussed. The PD-1/PD-L pathway might be helpful for diagnosing, evaluating the disease activity of and treating rheumatic diseases. RESULTS PD-1/PD-L gene polymorphisms are associated with a genetic predisposition to rheumatic disorders, which can provide reference information for diagnosis and disease activity. The conclusion of the crucial role of the PD-1/PD-L pathway in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases is consistent, but the details remain controversial. In some animal models, manipulating the PD-1/PD-L pathway could decrease disease severity. PD-1/PD-Ls may enable us to develop new therapeutics for patients with rheumatic diseases in the future. CONCLUSION The PD-1/PD-L pathway plays crucial roles in rheumatic disease. More work is needed to provide a better mechanistic understanding of the PD-1/PD-L pathway and to facilitate the precise therapeutic manipulation of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
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Snook JP, Soedel AJ, Ekiz HA, O'Connell RM, Williams MA. Inhibition of SHP-1 Expands the Repertoire of Antitumor T Cells Available to Respond to Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:506-517. [PMID: 32075800 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The presence and activity of CD8+ T cells within the tumor microenvironment are essential for the control of tumor growth. Utilizing B16-F10 melanoma tumors that express altered peptide ligands of chicken ovalbumin, OVA257-264, we measured high- and low-affinity OVA-specific responses following adoptive transfer of OT-I CD8+ T cell into mice subsequently challenged with tumors. T-cell receptor (TCR) affinity positively correlated with the frequency of OT-I tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Differences in TCR affinity inversely corresponded to in vivo tumor growth rate. Blockade of the PD-1 and CTLA-4 checkpoints preferentially increased the frequency and antitumor function of TIL responding to high-affinity antigens, while failing to enhance the antitumor activity of low-affinity T cells. To determine whether lowering the TCR activation threshold could enhance the breadth and magnitude of the antitumor T-cell response, we inhibited Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) in OT-I T cells prior to tumor antigen exposure. SHP-1 knockdown increased the cytokine-producing potential of high- and low-affinity T cells but failed to enhance control of tumor growth. In contrast, when SHP-1 knockdown of OT-I T cells was combined with immunotherapy, we observed a significant and long-lasting suppression of tumor growth mediated by low-affinity T cells. We conclude that lowering the TCR activation threshold by targeting SHP-1 expands the repertoire of T cells available to respond to conventional checkpoint blockade, leading to enhanced control of tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy P Snook
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ashleigh J Soedel
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - H Atakan Ekiz
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ryan M O'Connell
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Matthew A Williams
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah. .,Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Carretero-Iglesia L, Couturaud B, Baumgaertner P, Schmidt J, Maby-El Hajjami H, Speiser DE, Hebeisen M, Rufer N. High Peptide Dose Vaccination Promotes the Early Selection of Tumor Antigen-Specific CD8 T-Cells of Enhanced Functional Competence. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3016. [PMID: 31969886 PMCID: PMC6960191 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8 T-cell response efficiency critically depends on the TCR binding strength to peptide-MHC, i.e., the TCR binding avidity. A current challenge in onco-immunology lies in the evaluation of vaccine protocols selecting for tumor-specific T-cells of highest avidity, offering maximal immune protection against tumor cells and clinical benefit. Here, we investigated the impact of peptide and CpG/adjuvant doses on the quality of vaccine-induced CD8 T-cells in relation to binding avidity and functional responses in treated melanoma patients. Using TCR-pMHC binding avidity measurements combined to phenotype and functional assays, we performed a comprehensive study on representative tumor antigen-specific CD8 T-cell clones (n = 454) from seven patients vaccinated with different doses of Melan-A/ELA peptide (0.1 mg vs. 0.5 mg) and CpG-B adjuvant (1–1.3 mg vs. 2.6 mg). Vaccination with high peptide dose favored the early and strong in vivo expansion and differentiation of Melan-A-specific CD8 T-cells. Consistently, T-cell clones generated from those patients showed increased TCR binding avidity (i.e., slow off-rates and CD8 binding independency) readily after 4 monthly vaccine injections (4v). In contrast, the use of low peptide or high CpG-B doses required 8 monthly vaccine injections (8v) for the enrichment of anti-tumor T-cells with high TCR binding avidity and low CD8 binding dependency. Importantly, the CD8 binding-independent vaccine-induced CD8 T-cells displayed enhanced functional avidity, reaching a plateau of maximal function. Thus, T-cell functional potency following peptide/CpG/IFA vaccination may not be further improved beyond a certain TCR binding avidity limit. Our results also indicate that while high peptide dose vaccination induced the early selection of Melan-A-specific CD8 T-cells of increased functional competence, continued serial vaccinations also promoted such high-avidity T-cells. Overall, the systematic assessment of T-cell binding avidity may contribute to optimize vaccine design for improving clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Carretero-Iglesia
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Couturaud
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Petra Baumgaertner
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Schmidt
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hélène Maby-El Hajjami
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hebeisen
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Rufer
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Monnot GC, Martinez-Usatorre A, Lanitis E, Lopes SF, Cheng WC, Ho PC, Irving M, Coukos G, Donda A, Romero P. miR-155 Overexpression in OT-1 CD8 + T Cells Improves Anti-Tumor Activity against Low-Affinity Tumor Antigen. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2019; 16:111-123. [PMID: 32021906 PMCID: PMC6994712 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Therapy by adoptive transfer of ex vivo-expanded tumor-infiltrating or genetically modified T cells may lead to impressive clinical responses. However, there is a need to improve in vivo persistence and functionality of the transferred T cells, in particular, to face the highly immunosuppressive environment of solid tumors. Here, we investigate the potential of miR-155, a microRNA known to play an important role in CD8+ T cell fitness. We show that forced expression of miR-155 in tumor antigen-specific T cells improves the tumor control of B16 tumors expressing a low-affinity antigen ligand. Importantly, miR-155-transduced T cells exhibit increased proliferation and effector functions associated with a higher glycolytic activity independent of exogenous glucose. Altogether, these data suggest that miR-155 may optimize the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred low-affinity tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), in particular, by rendering them more resistant to the glucose-deprived environment of solid tumors. Thus, transgenic expression of miR-155 may enable therapeutic targeting of self-antigen-specific T cells in addition to neoantigen-specific ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwennaëlle C Monnot
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Amaia Martinez-Usatorre
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Evripidis Lanitis
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch at the University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Ferreira Lopes
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Wan-Chen Cheng
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch at the University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Ping-Chih Ho
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch at the University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch at the University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch at the University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Alena Donda
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Romero
- Department of Fundamental Oncology and Ludwig Cancer Center, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
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He Q, Jiang X, Zhou X, Weng J. Targeting cancers through TCR-peptide/MHC interactions. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:139. [PMID: 31852498 PMCID: PMC6921533 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0812-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy has achieved dramatic success in a clinic, and the Food and Drug Administration approved two chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cell (CAR-T) therapies that target hematological cancers in 2018. A significant issue faced by CAR-T therapies is the lack of tumor-specific biomarkers on the surfaces of solid tumor cells, which hampers the application of CAR-T therapies to solid tumors. Intracellular tumor-related antigens can be presented as peptides in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the cell surface, which interact with the T cell receptors (TCR) on antigen-specific T cells to stimulate an anti-tumor response. Multiple immunotherapy strategies have been developed to eradicate tumor cells through targeting the TCR-peptide/MHC interactions. Here, we summarize the current status of TCR-based immunotherapy strategies, with particular focus on the TCR structure, activated signaling pathways, the effects and toxicity associated with TCR-based therapies in clinical trials, preclinical studies examining immune-mobilizing monoclonal TCRs against cancer (ImmTACs), and TCR-fusion molecules. We propose several TCR-based therapeutic strategies to achieve optimal clinical responses without the induction of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua He
- Department of Center Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 621 Gangwan Rd, Huangpu Qu, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Xianhan Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Xinke Zhou
- Department of Center Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 621 Gangwan Rd, Huangpu Qu, Guangzhou, 510700, China. .,Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China.
| | - Jinsheng Weng
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1414 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Gilfillan CB, Wang C, Mohsen MO, Rufer N, Hebeisen M, Allard M, Verdeil G, Irvine DJ, Bachmann MF, Speiser DE. Murine CD8 T-cell functional avidity is stable in vivo but not in vitro: Independence from homologous prime/boost time interval and antigen density. Eur J Immunol 2019; 50:505-514. [PMID: 31785153 PMCID: PMC7187562 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
It is known that for achieving high affinity antibody responses, vaccines must be optimized for antigen dose/density, and the prime/boost interval should be at least 4 weeks. Similar knowledge is lacking for generating high avidity T‐cell responses. The functional avidity (FA) of T cells, describing responsiveness to peptide, is associated with the quality of effector function and the protective capacity in vivo. Despite its importance, the FA is rarely determined in T‐cell vaccination studies. We addressed the question whether different time intervals for short‐term homologous vaccinations impact the FA of CD8 T‐cell responses. Four‐week instead of 2‐week intervals between priming and boosting with potent subunit vaccines in C57BL/6 mice did not improve FA. Equally, similar FA was observed after vaccination with virus‐like particles displaying low versus high antigen densities. Interestingly, FA was stable in vivo but not in vitro, depending on the antigen dose and the time interval since T‐cell activation, as observed in murine monoclonal T cells. Our findings suggest dynamic in vivo modulation for equal FA. We conclude that low antigen density vaccines or a minimal 4‐week prime/boost interval are not crucial for the T‐cell's FA, in contrast to antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chensu Wang
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mona O Mohsen
- Inselspital, Universitaetsklinik RIA, Immunologie, Bern, Switzerland.,Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nathalie Rufer
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Darrell J Irvine
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- Inselspital, Universitaetsklinik RIA, Immunologie, Bern, Switzerland.,Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Beyond the Cell Surface: Targeting Intracellular Negative Regulators to Enhance T cell Anti-Tumor Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235821. [PMID: 31756921 PMCID: PMC6929154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that extracellular proteins that negatively regulate T cell function, such as Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and Programmed Cell Death protein 1 (PD-1), can be effectively targeted to enhance cancer immunotherapies and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T cells). Intracellular proteins that inhibit T cell receptor (TCR) signal transduction, though less well studied, are also potentially useful therapeutic targets to enhance T cell activity against tumor. Four major classes of enzymes that attenuate TCR signaling include E3 ubiquitin kinases such as the Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proteins (Cbl-b and c-Cbl), and Itchy (Itch), inhibitory tyrosine phosphatases, such as Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatases (SHP-1 and SHP-2), inhibitory protein kinases, such as C-terminal Src kinase (Csk), and inhibitory lipid kinases such as Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (SHIP) and Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs). This review describes the mechanism of action of eighteen intracellular inhibitory regulatory proteins in T cells within these four classes, and assesses their potential value as clinical targets to enhance the anti-tumor activity of endogenous T cells and CAR-T cells.
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Duong MN, Erdes E, Hebeisen M, Rufer N. Chronic TCR-MHC (self)-interactions limit the functional potential of TCR affinity-increased CD8 T lymphocytes. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:284. [PMID: 31690351 PMCID: PMC6833194 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0773-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Affinity-optimized T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered lymphocytes targeting tumor antigens can mediate potent antitumor responses in cancer patients, but also bear substantial risks for off-target toxicities. Most preclinical studies have focused on T cell responses to antigen-specific stimulation. In contrast, little is known on the regulation of T cell responsiveness through continuous TCR triggering and consequent tonic signaling. Here, we addressed the question whether increasing the TCR affinity can lead to chronic interactions occurring directly between TCRs and MHC-(self) molecules, which may modulate the overall functional potency of tumor-redirected CD8 T cells. For this purpose, we developed two complementary human CD8 T cell models (i.e. HLA-A2 knock-in and knock-out) engineered with incremental-affinity TCRs to the HLA-A2/NY-ESO-1 tumor antigen. Methods The impact of HLA-A2 recognition, depending on TCR affinity, was assessed at the levels of the TCR/CD3 complex, regulatory receptors, and signaling, under steady-state conditions and in kinetic studies. The quality of CD8 T cell responses was further evaluated by gene expression and multiplex cytokine profiling, as well as real-time quantitative cell killing, combined with co-culture assays. Results We found that HLA-A2 per se (in absence of cognate peptide) can trigger chronic activation followed by a tolerance-like state of tumor-redirected CD8 T cells with increased-affinity TCRs. HLA-A2pos but not HLA-A2neg T cells displayed an activation phenotype, associated with enhanced upregulation of c-CBL and multiple inhibitory receptors. T cell activation preceded TCR/CD3 downmodulation, impaired TCR signaling and functional hyporesponsiveness. This stepwise activation-to-hyporesponsive state was dependent on TCR affinity and already detectable at the upper end of the physiological affinity range (KD ≤ 1 μM). Similar findings were made when affinity-increased HLA-A2neg CD8 T cells were chronically exposed to HLA-A2pos-expressing target cells. Conclusions Our observations indicate that sustained interactions between affinity-increased TCR and self-MHC can directly adjust the functional potential of T cells, even in the absence of antigen-specific stimulation. The observed tolerance-like state depends on TCR affinity and has therefore potential implications for the design of affinity-improved TCRs for adoptive T cell therapy, as several engineered TCRs currently used in clinical trials share similar affinity properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Ngoc Duong
- Department of oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, CH-1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Efe Erdes
- Department of oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, CH-1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hebeisen
- Department of oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, CH-1066, Epalinges, Switzerland.
| | - Nathalie Rufer
- Department of oncology UNIL CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, CH-1066, Epalinges, Switzerland.
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Cantarelli C, Angeletti A, Cravedi P. Erythropoietin, a multifaceted protein with innate and adaptive immune modulatory activity. Am J Transplant 2019; 19:2407-2414. [PMID: 30903735 PMCID: PMC6711804 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein produced mainly by the adult kidney in response to hypoxia and is the crucial regulator of red blood cell production. EPO receptors (EPORs), however, are not confined to erythroid cells, but are expressed by many organs including the heart, brain, retina, pancreas, and kidney, where they mediate EPO-induced, erythropoiesis-independent, tissue-protective effects. Some of these tissues also produce and locally release small amounts of EPO in response to organ injury as a mechanism of self-repair. Growing evidence shows that EPO possesses also important immune-modulating effects. Monocytes can produce EPO, and autocrine EPO/EPOR signaling in these cells is crucial in maintaining immunologic self-tolerance. New data in mice and humans also indicate that EPO has a direct inhibitory effect on effector/memory T cells, while it promotes formation of regulatory T cells. This review examines the nonerythropoietic effects of EPO, with a special emphasis on its modulating activity on innate immune cells and T cells and on how it affects transplant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cantarelli
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Andrea Angeletti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, Specialty Medicine, Nephrology, Dialysis, and Renal Transplant Unit, S. Orsola University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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40
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Hellman LM, Foley KC, Singh NK, Alonso JA, Riley TP, Devlin JR, Ayres CM, Keller GLJ, Zhang Y, Vander Kooi CW, Nishimura MI, Baker BM. Improving T Cell Receptor On-Target Specificity via Structure-Guided Design. Mol Ther 2018; 27:300-313. [PMID: 30617019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptors (TCRs) have emerged as a new class of immunological therapeutics. However, though antigen specificity is a hallmark of adaptive immunity, TCRs themselves do not possess the high specificity of monoclonal antibodies. Although a necessary function of T cell biology, the resulting cross-reactivity presents a significant challenge for TCR-based therapeutic development, as it creates the potential for off-target recognition and immune toxicity. Efforts to enhance TCR specificity by mimicking the antibody maturation process and enhancing affinity can inadvertently exacerbate TCR cross-reactivity. Here we demonstrate this concern by showing that even peptide-targeted mutations in the TCR can introduce new reactivities against peptides that bear similarity to the original target. To counteract this, we explored a novel structure-guided approach for enhancing TCR specificity independent of affinity. Tested with the MART-1-specific TCR DMF5, our approach had a small but discernible impact on cross-reactivity toward MART-1 homologs yet was able to eliminate DMF5 cross-recognition of more divergent, unrelated epitopes. Our study provides a proof of principle for the use of advanced structure-guided design techniques for improving TCR specificity, and it suggests new ways forward for enhancing TCRs for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance M Hellman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Kendra C Foley
- Department of Surgery and the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University of Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Nishant K Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Jesus A Alonso
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Timothy P Riley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Jason R Devlin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Cory M Ayres
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Grant L J Keller
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Craig W Vander Kooi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Michael I Nishimura
- Department of Surgery and the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University of Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Brian M Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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41
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Miller AM, Bahmanof M, Zehn D, Cohen EEW, Schoenberger SP. Leveraging TCR Affinity in Adoptive Immunotherapy against Shared Tumor/Self-Antigens. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 7:40-49. [PMID: 30482746 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) using T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered lymphocytes holds promise for eradication of disseminated tumors but also an inherent risk of pathologic autoimmunity if targeted antigens or antigenic mimics are expressed by normal tissues. We evaluated whether modulating TCR affinity could allow CD8+ T cells to control tumor outgrowth without inducing concomitant autoimmunity in a preclinical murine model of ACT. RIP-mOVA mice express a membrane-bound form of chicken ovalbumin (mOVA) as a self-antigen in kidney and pancreas. Such mice were implanted with OVA-expressing ID8 ovarian carcinoma cells and subsequently treated with CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTL) expressing either a high-affinity (OT-I) or low-affinity (OT-3) OVA-specific TCR. The effects on tumor growth versus organ-specific autoimmunity were subsequently monitored. High-affinity OT-I CTLs underwent activation and proliferation in both tumor-draining and pancreatic lymph nodes, leading to both rapid eradication of ID8-OVA tumors and autoimmune diabetes in all treated mice. Remarkably, the low-affinity OT-3 T cells were activated only by tumor-derived antigen and mediated transient regression of ID8-OVA tumors without concomitant autoimmunity. The OT-3 cells eventually upregulated inhibitory receptors PD-1, TIM-3, and LAG-3 and became functionally unresponsive, however, allowing the tumors in treated mice to reestablish progressive growth. Antibody-mediated blockade of the inhibitory receptors prevented exhaustion and allowed tumor clearance, but these mice also developed autoimmune diabetes. The findings reveal that low-affinity TCRs can mediate tumor regression and that functional avidity can discriminate between tumor-derived and endogenous antigen, while highlighting the risks involved in immune-checkpoint blockade on endogenous self-reactive T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Miller
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California
| | - Milad Bahmanof
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California
| | - Dietmar Zehn
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Ezra E W Cohen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California
| | - Stephen P Schoenberger
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California. .,Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California
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42
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Ormonde JVS, Li Z, Stegen C, Madrenas J. TAOK3 Regulates Canonical TCR Signaling by Preventing Early SHP-1-Mediated Inactivation of LCK. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:3431-3442. [PMID: 30373850 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Activation of LCK is required for canonical TCR signaling leading to T cell responses. LCK activation also initiates a negative feedback loop mediated by the phosphatase SHP-1 that turns off TCR signaling. In this article, we report that the thousand-and-one amino acid kinase 3 (TAOK3) is a key regulator of this feedback. TAOK3 is a serine/threonine kinase expressed in many different cell types including T cells. TAOK3-deficient human T cells had impaired LCK-dependent TCR signaling resulting in a defect in IL-2 response to canonical TCR signaling but not to bacterial superantigens, which use an LCK-independent pathway. This impairment was associated with enhanced interaction of LCK with SHP-1 after TCR engagement and rapid termination of TCR signals, a defect corrected by TAOK3 reconstitution. Thus, TAOK3 is a positive regulator of TCR signaling by preventing premature SHP-1-mediated inactivation of LCK. This mechanism may also regulate signaling by other Src family kinase-dependent receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- João V S Ormonde
- Microbiome and Disease Tolerance Centre, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada; and
| | - Zhigang Li
- Microbiome and Disease Tolerance Centre, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada; and
| | - Camille Stegen
- Microbiome and Disease Tolerance Centre, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada; and
| | - Joaquín Madrenas
- Microbiome and Disease Tolerance Centre, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada; and .,Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90277
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43
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Chen EW, Brzostek J, Gascoigne NRJ, Rybakin V. Development of a screening strategy for new modulators of T cell receptor signaling and T cell activation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10046. [PMID: 29968737 PMCID: PMC6030045 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28106-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the T cell receptor (TCR) leads to the generation of a network of signaling events critical to the developmental decision making and activation of T cells. Various experimental approaches continue to identify new signaling molecules, adaptor proteins, and other regulators of TCR signaling. We propose a screening strategy for the identification of small molecules affecting TCR signaling based on the uncoupling of TCR stimulation from cellular responses in developing thymocytes. We demonstrate that this strategy successfully identifies inhibitors of kinases already shown to act downstream of TCR engagement, as well as new inhibitors. The proposed strategy is easily scalable for high throughput screening and will contribute to the identification of new druggable targets in T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah W Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2 Blk MD4, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - Joanna Brzostek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2 Blk MD4, Singapore, 117545, Singapore
| | - Nicholas R J Gascoigne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2 Blk MD4, Singapore, 117545, Singapore.
| | - Vasily Rybakin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Science Drive 2 Blk MD4, Singapore, 117545, Singapore. .,Department of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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44
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Dolton G, Zervoudi E, Rius C, Wall A, Thomas HL, Fuller A, Yeo L, Legut M, Wheeler S, Attaf M, Chudakov DM, Choy E, Peakman M, Sewell AK. Optimized Peptide-MHC Multimer Protocols for Detection and Isolation of Autoimmune T-Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1378. [PMID: 30008714 PMCID: PMC6034003 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide–MHC (pMHC) multimers have become the “gold standard” for the detection and isolation of antigen-specific T-cells but recent evidence shows that normal use of these reagents can miss fully functional T-cells that bear T-cell receptors (TCRs) with low affinity for cognate antigen. This issue is particularly pronounced for anticancer and autoimmune T-cells as self-reactive T-cell populations are enriched for low-affinity TCRs due to the removal of cells with higher affinity receptors by immune tolerance mechanisms. Here, we stained a wide variety of self-reactive human T-cells using regular pMHC staining and an optimized technique that included: (i) protein kinase inhibitor (PKI), to prevent TCR triggering and internalization, and (ii) anti-fluorochrome antibody, to reduce reagent dissociation during washing steps. Lymphocytes derived from the peripheral blood of type 1 diabetes patients were stained with pMHC multimers made with epitopes from preproinsulin (PPI), insulin-β chain, glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65), or glucose-6-phospate catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP) presented by disease-risk allelles HLA A*02:01 or HLA*24:02. Samples from ankylosing spondylitis patients were stained with a multimerized epitope from vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptor 1 (VIPR1) presented by HLA B*27:05. Optimized procedures stained an average of 40.5-fold (p = 0.01, range between 1.4 and 198) more cells than could be detected without the inclusion of PKI and cross-linking anti-fluorochrome antibody. Higher order pMHC dextramers recovered more cells than pMHC tetramers in parallel assays, and standard staining protocols with pMHC tetramers routinely recovered less cells than functional assays. HLA A*02:01-restricted PPI-specific and HLA B*27:05-restricted VIPR1-specific T-cell clones generated using the optimized procedure could not be stained by standard pMHC tetramer staining. However, these clones responded well to exogenously supplied peptide and endogenously processed and presented epitopes. We also showed that anti-fluorochrome antibody-conjugated magnetic beads enhanced staining of self-reactive T-cells that could not be stained using standard protocols, thus enabling rapid ex vivo isolation of autoimmune T-cells. We, therefore, conclude that regular pMHC tetramer staining is generally unsuitable for recovering self-reactive T-cells from clinical samples and recommend the use of the optimized protocols described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garry Dolton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Efthalia Zervoudi
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Rius
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Wall
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah L Thomas
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Fuller
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lorraine Yeo
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mateusz Legut
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Wheeler
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Meriem Attaf
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Dmitriy M Chudakov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Centre for Data-Intensive Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Russia.,Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ernest Choy
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Peakman
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew K Sewell
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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45
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Allard M, Hebeisen M, Rufer N. Assessing T Cell Receptor Affinity and Avidity Against Tumor Antigens. Oncoimmunology 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62431-0_40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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46
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Presotto D, Erdes E, Duong MN, Allard M, Regamey PO, Quadroni M, Doucey MA, Rufer N, Hebeisen M. Fine-Tuning of Optimal TCR Signaling in Tumor-Redirected CD8 T Cells by Distinct TCR Affinity-Mediated Mechanisms. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1564. [PMID: 29187853 PMCID: PMC5694758 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Redirecting CD8 T cell immunity with self/tumor-specific affinity-matured T cell receptors (TCRs) is a promising approach for clinical adoptive T cell therapy, with the aim to improve treatment efficacy. Despite numerous functional-based studies, little is known about the characteristics of TCR signaling (i.e., intensity, duration, and amplification) and the regulatory mechanisms underlying optimal therapeutic T cell responses. Using a panel of human SUP-T1 and primary CD8 T cells engineered with incremental affinity TCRs against the cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1, we found that upon activation, T cells with optimal-affinity TCRs generated intense and sustained proximal (CD3ζ, LCK) signals associated with distal (ERK1/2) amplification-gain and increased function. In contrast, in T cells with very high affinity TCRs, signal initiation was rapid and strong yet only transient, resulting in poor MAPK activation and low proliferation potential even at high antigen stimulation dose. Under resting conditions, the levels of surface TCR/CD3ε, CD8β, and CD28 expression and of CD3ζ phosphorylation were significantly reduced in those hyporesponsive cells, suggesting the presence of TCR affinity-related activation thresholds. We also show that SHP phosphatases were involved along the TCR affinity gradient, but displayed spatially distinct regulatory roles. While PTPN6/SHP-1 phosphatase activity controlled TCR signaling initiation and subsequent amplification by counteracting CD3ζ and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, PTPN11/SHP-2 augmented MAPK activation without affecting proximal TCR signaling. Together, our findings indicate that optimal TCR signaling can be finely tuned by TCR affinity-dependent SHP-1 and SHP-2 activity, and this may readily be determined at the TCR/CD3 complex level. We propose that these TCR affinity-associated regulations represent potential protective mechanisms preventing high affinity TCR-mediated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Presotto
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Efe Erdes
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Minh Ngoc Duong
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mathilde Allard
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Olivier Regamey
- Protein Analysis Facility, Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manfredo Quadroni
- Protein Analysis Facility, Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Agnès Doucey
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Rufer
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hebeisen
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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47
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Abstract
There has been dramatic success in treating patients with adoptive transfer of autologous T cells genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor redirecting them to the antigen CD19. Despite this success, the application of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in solid malignancies has encountered many challenges that need to be overcome if similar success across other cancers is to become a reality. These challenges can be classified into 6 categories: the heterogeneity of tumor cell clones and tumor-associated antigen expression; poor T-cell trafficking into the tumor site; poor T-cell survival and persistence; the presence of suppressive immune cells; the secretion of suppressive soluble factors in the tumor microenvironment; and the upregulation of T-cell intrinsic inhibitory pathways. We outline specific representative hurdles in each of these categories and summarize the progress made in understanding them and developing strategies to overcome them.
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48
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Allard M, Couturaud B, Carretero-Iglesia L, Duong MN, Schmidt J, Monnot GC, Romero P, Speiser DE, Hebeisen M, Rufer N. TCR-ligand dissociation rate is a robust and stable biomarker of CD8+ T cell potency. JCI Insight 2017; 2:92570. [PMID: 28724801 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.92570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite influencing many aspects of T cell biology, the kinetics of T cell receptor (TCR) binding to peptide-major histocompatibility molecules (pMHC) remain infrequently determined in patient monitoring or for adoptive T cell therapy. Using specifically designed reversible fluorescent pMHC multimeric complexes, we performed a comprehensive study of TCR-pMHC off-rates combined with various functional assays on large libraries of self/tumor- and virus-specific CD8+ T cell clones from melanoma patients and healthy donors. We demonstrate that monomeric TCR-pMHC dissociation rates accurately predict the extent of cytotoxicity, cytokine production, polyfunctionality, cell proliferation, activating/inhibitory receptor expression, and in vivo antitumor potency of naturally occurring antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Our data also confirm the superior binding avidities of virus-specific T cells as compared with self/tumor-specific T cell clonotypes (n > 300). Importantly, the TCR-pMHC off-rate is a more stable and robust biomarker of CD8+ T cell potency than the frequently used functional assays/metrics that depend on the T cell's activation state, and therefore show major intra- and interexperimental variability. Taken together, our data show that the monomeric TCR-pMHC off-rate is highly useful for the ex vivo high-throughput functional assessment of antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses and a strong candidate as a biomarker of T cell therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Allard
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Couturaud
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laura Carretero-Iglesia
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Minh Ngoc Duong
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Julien Schmidt
- Ludwig Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Pedro Romero
- Ludwig Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hebeisen
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Rufer
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital Center (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.,Ludwig Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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49
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Chen G, Kim YH, Li H, Luo H, Liu DL, Zhang ZJ, Lay M, Chang W, Zhang YQ, Ji RR. PD-L1 inhibits acute and chronic pain by suppressing nociceptive neuron activity via PD-1. Nat Neurosci 2017; 20:917-926. [PMID: 28530662 PMCID: PMC5831162 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is typically produced by cancer cells and suppresses immunity through the receptor PD-1 expressed on T cells. However, the role of PD-L1 and PD-1 in regulating pain and neuronal function is unclear. Here we report that both melanoma and normal neural tissues including dorsal root ganglion (DRG) produce PD-L1 that can potently inhibit acute and chronic pain. Intraplantar injection of PD-L1 evoked analgesia in naive mice via PD-1, whereas PD-L1 neutralization or PD-1 blockade induced mechanical allodynia. Mice lacking Pd1 (Pdcd1) exhibited thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity. PD-1 activation in DRG nociceptive neurons by PD-L1 induced phosphorylation of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, inhibited sodium channels and caused hyperpolarization through activation of TREK2 K+ channels. PD-L1 also potently suppressed nociceptive neuron excitability in human DRGs. Notably, blocking PD-L1 or PD-1 elicited spontaneous pain and allodynia in melanoma-bearing mice. Our findings identify a previously unrecognized role of PD-L1 as an endogenous pain inhibitor and a neuromodulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Yong Ho Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hui Li
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Da-Lu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710
| | - Mark Lay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710
| | - Wonseok Chang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710
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50
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Kim TD, Jung HR, Seo SH, Oh SC, Ban Y, Tan X, Min Kim J, Hyun Lee S, Koh DS, Jung H, Park YJ, Ran Yoon S, Doh J, Ha SJ, Choi I, Greenberg PD. MicroRNA-150 modulates intracellular Ca 2+ levels in naïve CD8 + T cells by targeting TMEM20. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2623. [PMID: 28572627 PMCID: PMC5453935 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02697-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of intracellular Ca2+ signaling is a major determinant of CD8+ T cell responsiveness, but the mechanisms underlying this regulation of Ca2+ levels, especially in naïve CD8+ T cells, are not fully defined. Here, we showed that microRNA-150 (miR-150) controls intracellular Ca2+ levels in naïve CD8+ T cells required for activation by suppressing TMEM20, a negative regulator of Ca2+ extrusion. miR-150 deficiency increased TMEM20 expression, which resulted in increased intracellular Ca2+ levels in naïve CD8+ T cells. The subsequent increase in Ca2+ levels induced expression of anergy-inducing genes, such as Cbl-b, Egr2, and p27, through activation of NFAT1, as well as reduced cell proliferation, cytokine production, and the antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells upon antigenic stimulation. The anergy-promoting molecular milieu and function induced by miR-150 deficiency were rescued by reinstatement of miR-150. Additionally, knockdown of TMEM20 in miR-150-deficient naïve CD8+ T cells reduced intracellular Ca2+ levels. Our findings revealed that miR-150 play essential roles in controlling intracellular Ca2+ level and activation in naïve CD8+ T cells, which suggest a mechanism to overcome anergy induction by the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Don Kim
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hong-Ryul Jung
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering (I-Bio), POSTECH, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Seo
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Chan Oh
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngho Ban
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaoxia Tan
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jung Min Kim
- NAR Center, Inc., Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 22-5 Daeheung-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 34929, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Lee
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Duk-Su Koh
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Haiyoung Jung
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jun Park
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Ran Yoon
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Junsang Doh
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering (I-Bio), POSTECH, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Jun Ha
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inpyo Choi
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Philip D Greenberg
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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