1
|
Hiscox MJ, Wasmuth A, Williams CL, Foot JN, Wiedermann GE, Fadda V, Boiani S, Cornforth TV, Wikiert KA, Bruton S, Cartwright N, Anderson VE, Barnes CS, Vieira JV, Birch-Machin I, Gerry AB, Miller K, Pumphrey NJ. Selection, engineering, and in vivo testing of a human leukocyte antigen-independent T-cell receptor recognizing human mesothelin. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301175. [PMID: 38574067 PMCID: PMC10994368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canonical α/β T-cell receptors (TCRs) bind to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) displaying antigenic peptides to elicit T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. TCR-engineered T-cell immunotherapies targeting cancer-specific peptide-HLA complexes (pHLA) are generating exciting clinical responses, but owing to HLA restriction they are only able to target a subset of antigen-positive patients. More recently, evidence has been published indicating that naturally occurring α/β TCRs can target cell surface proteins other than pHLA, which would address the challenges of HLA restriction. In this proof-of-concept study, we sought to identify and engineer so-called HLA-independent TCRs (HiTs) against the tumor-associated antigen mesothelin. METHODS Using phage display, we identified a HiT that bound well to mesothelin, which when expressed in primary T cells, caused activation and cytotoxicity. We subsequently engineered this HiT to modulate the T-cell response to varying levels of mesothelin on the cell surface. RESULTS The isolated HiT shows cytotoxic activity and demonstrates killing of both mesothelin-expressing cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models. Additionally, we demonstrated that HiT-transduced T cells do not require CD4 or CD8 co-receptors and, unlike a TCR fusion construct, are not inhibited by soluble mesothelin. Finally, we showed that HiT-transduced T cells are highly efficacious in vivo, completely eradicating xenografted human solid tumors. CONCLUSION HiTs can be isolated from fully human TCR-displaying phage libraries against cell surface-expressed antigens. HiTs are able to fully activate primary T cells both in vivo and in vitro. HiTs may enable the efficacy seen with pHLA-targeting TCRs in solid tumors to be translated to cell surface antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jaelle N. Foot
- Research, Adaptimmune, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Valeria Fadda
- Research, Adaptimmune, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Boiani
- Research, Adaptimmune, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Shaun Bruton
- Research, Adaptimmune, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Cartwright
- Research, Adaptimmune, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Joao V. Vieira
- Research, Adaptimmune, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrew B. Gerry
- Research, Adaptimmune, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Miller
- Research, Adaptimmune, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Van Laethem F, Bhattacharya A, Craveiro M, Lu J, Sun PD, Singer A. MHC-independent αβT cells: Lessons learned about thymic selection and MHC-restriction. Front Immunol 2022; 13:953160. [PMID: 35911724 PMCID: PMC9331304 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.953160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the generation of an MHC-restricted T cell repertoire is the cornerstone of modern T cell immunology. The unique ability of αβT cells to only recognize peptide antigens presented by MHC molecules but not conformational antigens is referred to as MHC restriction. How MHC restriction is imposed on a very large T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire is still heavily debated. We recently proposed the selection model, which posits that newly re-arranged TCRs can structurally recognize a wide variety of antigens, ranging from peptides presented by MHC molecules to native proteins like cell surface markers. However, on a molecular level, the sequestration of the essential tyrosine kinase Lck by the coreceptors CD4 and CD8 allows only MHC-restricted TCRs to signal. In the absence of Lck sequestration, MHC-independent TCRs can signal and instruct the generation of mature αβT cells that can recognize native protein ligands. The selection model thus explains how only MHC-restricted TCRs can signal and survive thymic selection. In this review, we will discuss the genetic evidence that led to our selection model. We will summarize the selection mechanism and structural properties of MHC-independent TCRs and further discuss the various non-MHC ligands we have identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- François Van Laethem
- Lymphocyte Development Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Biological Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- *Correspondence: François Van Laethem, ,
| | - Abhisek Bhattacharya
- Lymphocyte Development Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Marco Craveiro
- Lymphocyte Development Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jinghua Lu
- Structural Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Peter D. Sun
- Structural Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Alfred Singer
- Lymphocyte Development Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Enzymatic reactions and noncovalent (i.e., supramolecular) interactions are two fundamental nongenetic attributes of life. Enzymatic noncovalent synthesis (ENS) refers to a process where enzymatic reactions control intermolecular noncovalent interactions for spatial organization of higher-order molecular assemblies that exhibit emergent properties and functions. Like enzymatic covalent synthesis (ECS), in which an enzyme catalyzes the formation of covalent bonds to generate individual molecules, ENS is a unifying theme for understanding the functions, morphologies, and locations of molecular ensembles in cellular environments. This review intends to provide a summary of the works of ENS within the past decade and emphasize ENS for functions. After comparing ECS and ENS, we describe a few representative examples where nature uses ENS, as a rule of life, to create the ensembles of biomacromolecules for emergent properties/functions in a myriad of cellular processes. Then, we focus on ENS of man-made (synthetic) molecules in cell-free conditions, classified by the types of enzymes. After that, we introduce the exploration of ENS of man-made molecules in the context of cells by discussing intercellular, peri/intracellular, and subcellular ENS for cell morphogenesis, molecular imaging, cancer therapy, and other applications. Finally, we provide a perspective on the promises of ENS for developing molecular assemblies/processes for functions. This review aims to be an updated introduction for researchers who are interested in exploring noncovalent synthesis for developing molecular science and technologies to address societal needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjian He
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Weiyi Tan
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Jiaqi Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Meihui Yi
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Adrianna N Shy
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lu J, Van Laethem F, Saba I, Chu J, Tikhonova AN, Bhattacharya A, Singer A, Sun PD. Structure of MHC-Independent TCRs and Their Recognition of Native Antigen CD155. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2020; 204:3351-3359. [PMID: 32321756 PMCID: PMC7390066 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
During normal T cell development in the thymus, αβ TCRs signal immature thymocytes to differentiate into mature T cells by binding to peptide-MHC ligands together with CD4/CD8 coreceptors. Conversely, in MHC and CD4/CD8 coreceptor-deficient mice, the thymus generates mature T cells expressing MHC-independent TCRs that recognize native conformational epitopes rather than linear antigenic-peptides presented by MHC. To date, no structural information of MHC-independent TCRs is available, and their structural recognition of non-MHC ligand remains unknown. To our knowledge in this study, we determined the first structures of two murine MHC-independent TCRs (A11 and B12A) that bind with high nanomolar affinities to mouse adhesion receptor CD155. Solution binding demonstrated the Vαβ-domain is responsible for MHC-independent B12A recognition of its ligand. Analysis of A11 and B12A sequences against various MHC-restricted and -independent TCR sequence repertoires showed that individual V-genes of A11 and B12A did not exhibit preference against MHC-restriction. Likewise, CDR3 alone did not discriminate against MHC binding, suggesting VDJ recombination together with Vα/Vβ pairing determine their MHC-independent specificity for CD155. The structures of A11 and B12A TCR are nearly identical to those of MHC-restricted TCR, including the conformations of CDR1 and 2. Mutational analysis, together with negative-staining electron microscopy images, showed that the CDR regions of A11 and B12A recognized epitopes on D1 domain of CD155, a region also involved in CD155 binding to poliovirus and Tactile in human. Taken together, MHC-independent TCRs adopt canonical TCR structures to recognize native Ags, highlighting the importance of thymic selection in determining TCR ligand specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Lu
- Structural Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Maryland 20852
| | - François Van Laethem
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Ingrid Saba
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Jonathan Chu
- Structural Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Maryland 20852
| | | | - Abhisek Bhattacharya
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Alfred Singer
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Peter D. Sun
- Structural Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Maryland 20852
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Affiliation(s)
- Pirooz Zareie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Carine Farenc
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Nicole L. La Gruta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gorabi AM, Hajighasemi S, Sathyapalan T, Sahebkar A. Cell transfer-based immunotherapies in cancer: A review. IUBMB Life 2019; 72:790-800. [PMID: 31633881 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In cell transfer therapy (CTT), immune cells such as innate immune-derived natural killer cells and dendritic cells as well as acquired immune-related T lymphocytes such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and cytokine-activated or genetically modified peripheral blood T cells are used in the management of cancer. These therapies are increasingly becoming the most used treatment modality in cancer after tumor resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In adoptive cell transfer, the lymphocytes isolated from either a donor or the patient are modified ex vivo and reinfused to target malignant cells. Transferring in vitro-manipulated immune cells produces a continuous antitumor immune response. In this review, we evaluate the recent advances in CTT for the management of various malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armita M Gorabi
- Research Center for Advanced Technologies in Cardiovascular Medicine, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Hajighasemi
- Faculty of Paramedicine, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Thozhukat Sathyapalan
- Department of Academic Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
|
9
|
Massa C, Robins H, Desmarais C, Riemann D, Fahldieck C, Fornara P, Seliger B. Identification of patient-specific and tumor-shared T cell receptor sequences in renal cell carcinoma patients. Oncotarget 2017; 8:21212-21228. [PMID: 28177902 PMCID: PMC5400578 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A major requirement for cancer immunotherapy is the development of biomarkers for prognosis and for monitoring therapy response. In an attempt to evaluate the immune response of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, tumor lesions and / or blood samples from 12 RCC patients underwent deep T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing. Despite the low number of samples, different TCR distribution patterns could be detected. Most of the RCC patients presented "patient-specific" TCR sequences, and those clonotypes were present at higher frequency in tumor lesions suggesting a specific extravasation from the blood. Comparison among the tumor samples revealed also "patient-shared" TCR patterns. Indeed, a central core of 16 different TCRs were shared by 3 patients, whereas other 6 patients shared between 4 and 6 TCR sequences, with two sub-groups sharing 12 to 17 different clonotypes. The relative frequencies of shared clonotypes were very different varying from < 1% to a maximum of 37% of the total TCR repertoire. These data confirm the presence of tumor-specific TCR within the cancer tissue and suggest the existence of shared epitopes among different patients that might be used as targets for tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saale 06112, Germany
| | - Harlan Robins
- Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | | | - Dagmar Riemann
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saale 06112, Germany
| | - Corinna Fahldieck
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saale 06112, Germany
| | - Paolo Fornara
- Clinic of Urology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saale 06112, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saale 06112, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhou J, Du X, Yamagata N, Xu B. Enzyme-Instructed Self-Assembly of Small D-Peptides as a Multiple-Step Process for Selectively Killing Cancer Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:3813-23. [PMID: 26966844 PMCID: PMC4830347 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Selective inhibition of cancer cells
remains a challenge in chemotherapy.
Here we report the molecular and cellular validation of enzyme-instructed
self-assembly (EISA) as a multiple step process for selectively killing
cancer cells that overexpress alkaline phosphatases (ALPs). We design
and synthesize two kinds of d-tetrapeptide containing one
or two phosphotyrosine residues and with the N-terminal capped by
a naphthyl group. Upon enzymatic dephosphorylation, these d-tetrapeptides turn into self-assembling molecules to form nanofibers
in water. Incubating these d-tetrapeptides with several cancer
cell lines and one normal cell line, the unphosphorylated d-tetrapeptides are innocuous to all the cell lines, the mono- and
diphosphorylated d-tetrapeptides selectively inhibit the
cancer cells, but not the normal cell. The monophosphorylated d-tetrapeptides exhibit more potent inhibitory activity than
the diphosphorylated d-tetrapeptides do; the cancer cell
lines express higher level of ALPs are more susceptible to inhibition
by the phosphorylated d-tetrapeptides; the precursors of d-tetrapeptides that possess higher self-assembling abilities
exhibit higher inhibitory activities. These results confirm the important
role of enzymatic reaction and self-assembly. Using uncompetitive
inhibitors of ALPs and fluorescent d-tetrapeptides, we delineate
that the enzyme catalyzed dephosphorylation and the self-assembly
steps, together, result in the localization of the nanofibers of d-tetrapeptides for killing the cancer cells. We find that the
cell death modality likely associates with the cell type and prove
the interactions between nanofibers and the death receptors. This
work illustrates a paradigm-shifting and biomimetic approach and contributes
useful molecular insights for the development of spatiotemporal defined
supramolecular processes/assemblies as potential anticancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University , 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
| | - Xuewen Du
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University , 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
| | - Natsuko Yamagata
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University , 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University , 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hesnard L, Legoux F, Gautreau L, Moyon M, Baron O, Devilder MC, Bonneville M, Saulquin X. Role of the MHC restriction during maturation of antigen-specific human T cells in the thymus. Eur J Immunol 2015; 46:560-9. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201545951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
12
|
Zhou J, Xu B. Enzyme-instructed self-assembly: a multistep process for potential cancer therapy. Bioconjug Chem 2015; 26:987-99. [PMID: 25933032 PMCID: PMC4533114 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5b00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The central dogma of the action of current anticancer drugs is that the drug tightly binds to its molecular target for inhibition. The reliance on tight ligand-receptor binding, however, is also the major root of drug resistance in cancer therapy. In this article, we highlight enzyme-instructed self-assembly (EISA)-the integration of enzymatic transformation and molecular self-assembly-as a multistep process for the development of cancer therapy. Using apoptosis as an example, we illustrate that the combination of enzymatic transformation and self-assembly, in fact, is an inherent feature of apoptosis. After the introduction of EISA of small molecules in the context of supramolecular hydrogelation, we describe several key studies to underscore the promises of EISA for developing cancer therapy. Particularly, we will highlight that EISA allows one to develop approaches to target "undruggable" targets or "untargetable" features of cancer cells and provides the opportunity for simultaneously interacting with multiple targets. We envision that EISA, used separately or in combination with current anticancer therapeutics, will ultimately lead to a paradigm shift for developing anticancer medicine that inhibit multiple hallmark capabilities of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Attaf M, Legut M, Cole DK, Sewell AK. The T cell antigen receptor: the Swiss army knife of the immune system. Clin Exp Immunol 2015; 181:1-18. [PMID: 25753381 PMCID: PMC4469151 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian T cell receptor (TCR) orchestrates immunity by responding to many billions of different ligands that it has never encountered before and cannot adapt to at the protein sequence level. This remarkable receptor exists in two main heterodimeric isoforms: αβ TCR and γδ TCR. The αβ TCR is expressed on the majority of peripheral T cells. Most αβ T cells recognize peptides, derived from degraded proteins, presented at the cell surface in molecular cradles called major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Recent reports have described other αβ T cell subsets. These 'unconventional' T cells bear TCRs that are capable of recognizing lipid ligands presented in the context of the MHC-like CD1 protein family or bacterial metabolites bound to the MHC-related protein 1 (MR1). γδ T cells constitute a minority of the T cell pool in human blood, but can represent up to half of total T cells in tissues such as the gut and skin. The identity of the preferred ligands for γδ T cells remains obscure, but it is now known that this receptor can also functionally engage CD1-lipid, or immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily proteins called butyrophilins in the presence of pyrophosphate intermediates of bacterial lipid biosynthesis. Interactions between TCRs and these ligands allow the host to discriminate between self and non-self and co-ordinate an attack on the latter. Here, we describe how cells of the T lymphocyte lineage and their antigen receptors are generated and discuss the various modes of antigen recognition by these extraordinarily versatile receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Attaf
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - M Legut
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - D K Cole
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - A K Sewell
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cell transfer therapy for cancer: past, present, and future. J Immunol Res 2014; 2014:525913. [PMID: 24741604 PMCID: PMC3987872 DOI: 10.1155/2014/525913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell transfer therapy for cancer has made a rapid progress recently and the immunotherapy has been recognized as the fourth anticancer modality after operation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Lymphocytes used for cell transfer therapy include dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and T lymphocytes such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). In vitro activated or engineered immune cells can traffic to cancer tissues to elicit persistent antitumor immune response which is very important especially after immunosuppressive treatments such as chemotherapy. In this review, we overviewed recent advances in the exploration of dendritic cells, NK cells, and T cells for the treatment of human cancer cells.
Collapse
|
15
|
Van Laethem F, Tikhonova AN, Pobezinsky LA, Tai X, Kimura MY, Le Saout C, Guinter TI, Adams A, Sharrow SO, Bernhardt G, Feigenbaum L, Singer A. Lck availability during thymic selection determines the recognition specificity of the T cell repertoire. Cell 2013; 154:1326-41. [PMID: 24034254 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymic selection requires signaling by the protein tyrosine kinase Lck to generate T cells expressing αβ T cell antigen receptors (TCR). For reasons not understood, the thymus selects only αβTCR that are restricted by major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded determinants. Here, we report that Lck proteins that were coreceptor associated promoted thymic selection of conventionally MHC-restricted TCR, but Lck proteins that were coreceptor free promoted thymic selection of MHC-independent TCR. Transgenic TCR with MHC-independent specificity for CD155 utilized coreceptor-free Lck to signal thymic selection in the absence of MHC, unlike any transgenic TCR previously described. Thus, the thymus can select either MHC-restricted or MHC-independent αβTCR depending on whether Lck is coreceptor associated or coreceptor free. We conclude that the intracellular state of Lck determines the specificity of thymic selection and that Lck association with coreceptor proteins during thymic selection is the mechanism by which MHC restriction is imposed on a randomly generated αβTCR repertoire.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- François Van Laethem
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Better understanding of the underlying principles of tumor biology and immunology, enhanced by recent insights into the mechanisms of immune recognition, regulation, and tumor escape has provided new approaches for cancer immunotherapy. This article reviews the current status and future directions of cancer immunotherapy, with a focus on the recent encouraging results from immune-modulating antibodies and adoptive cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumito Ito
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, 3410 Cancer Center/5932, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5932, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Eckle SBG, Rossjohn J, McCluskey J. Alloreactivity. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 1034:3-39. [PMID: 23775729 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-493-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
The alloimmune response between individuals genetically disparate for antigens encoded within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) remains a substantial barrier to transplantation of solid organs, tissues, and hematopoietic stem cells. Alloreactivity has been an immunological paradox because of its apparent contradiction to the requirement of MHC restriction for the induction of normal T lymphocyte mediated immune responses. Through crystallographic analyses and experimental systems utilizing murine CD8(+) cytolytic T cell clones, major advances have been achieved in understanding the molecular and structural basis of T cell receptor recognition of MHC-peptide complexes and the basis of T cell mediated alloreactivity. These studies have further provided an explanation for the relatively high frequencies of alloreactive T cells compared to the frequencies of T cells for microbial derived antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidonia B G Eckle
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rosenberg SA. Raising the bar: the curative potential of human cancer immunotherapy. Sci Transl Med 2012; 4:127ps8. [PMID: 22461638 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3003634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy with interleukin-2 can cure 5 to 10% of patients with metastatic melanoma and renal cancer. Recent adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapies have improved cure rates in metastatic melanoma to 20 to 40%. Genetic engineering of T cells to express conventional alpha/beta T cell receptors or antibody-based chimeric antigen receptors provides an opportunity to extend ACT to patients with common epithelial cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Rosenberg
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Van Laethem F, Tikhonova AN, Singer A. MHC restriction is imposed on a diverse T cell receptor repertoire by CD4 and CD8 co-receptors during thymic selection. Trends Immunol 2012; 33:437-41. [PMID: 22771139 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2012.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Mature αβ T cells recognize foreign antigenic peptides presented by MHC molecules but do not recognize native antigenic proteins; features known as MHC restriction. How MHC restriction is imposed on αβ T cells has intrigued immunologists for several decades. One model proposes that germline-encoded elements in the T cell receptor (TCR) variable regions are evolutionarily conserved to only recognize MHC. However, we propose an alternative model that posits that MHC restriction is imposed by CD4 and CD8 co-receptors during thymic selection. Thus, we think that TCRs are structurally able to recognize a huge diversity of ligands but only TCRs with MHC specificity survive thymic selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- François Van Laethem
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Oldham KA, Parsonage G, Bhatt RI, Wallace DMA, Deshmukh N, Chaudhri S, Adams DH, Lee SP. T lymphocyte recruitment into renal cell carcinoma tissue: a role for chemokine receptors CXCR3, CXCR6, CCR5, and CCR6. Eur Urol 2012; 61:385-94. [PMID: 22079021 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2011.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that some patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) respond to immunomodulatory therapies that activate T lymphocytes. A prerequisite for effective T cell therapy is efficient targeting of effector T cells to the tumour site, yet the molecular basis of T cell recruitment to RCC is unknown. Furthermore, some T cells that naturally infiltrate this cancer are regulatory T cells (Tregs) that may suppress antitumour immune responses. OBJECTIVE Determine the mechanisms of effector and regulatory T cell recruitment to RCC to allow targeted therapy that promotes local anti-tumour immunity. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Tumour-infiltrating and peripheral blood T cells were collected from 70 patients undergoing nephrectomy for RCC. MEASUREMENTS T cells were analysed by multicolour flow cytometry for expression of 19 chemokine receptors and 7 adhesion molecules. Receptors that were expressed at higher levels on tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) compared with matched peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were analysed further for their ability to mediate migration responses in TILs and for expression of corresponding ligands in tumour tissue. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Three chemokine receptors-CCR5, CXCR3, and CXCR6-were significantly overexpressed on TILs compared with matched PBLs (n=16 cases) and were capable of promoting migration in vitro. Their corresponding ligands CCL4-5, CXCL9-11, and CXCL16 were all detected in RCC tissue. However, since they were present in all cases studied, it was not possible to correlate ligand expression with levels of T cell infiltration. Foxp3(+) Tregs were enriched within TILs compared with matched PBLs and expressed high levels of CCR5, CXCR3, and CXCR6, as well as CCR6, the ligand for which (CCL20) was detectable in RCC tissue. CONCLUSIONS Our data support a role for CCR5, CXCR3, and CXCR6 in the selective recruitment of T cells into RCC tissue and, together with CCR6, in the recruitment of Tregs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley A Oldham
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tikhonova AN, Van Laethem F, Hanada KI, Lu J, Pobezinsky LA, Hong C, Guinter TI, Jeurling SK, Bernhardt G, Park JH, Yang JC, Sun PD, Singer A. αβ T cell receptors that do not undergo major histocompatibility complex-specific thymic selection possess antibody-like recognition specificities. Immunity 2011; 36:79-91. [PMID: 22209676 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2011.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Revised: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction is the cardinal feature of T cell antigen recognition and is thought to be intrinsic to αβ T cell receptor (TCR) structure because of germline-encoded residues that impose MHC specificity. Here, we analyzed αβTCRs from T cells that had not undergone MHC-specific thymic selection. Instead of recognizing peptide-MHC complexes, the two αβTCRs studied here resembled antibodies in recognizing glycosylation-dependent conformational epitopes on a native self-protein, CD155, and they did so with high affinity independently of MHC molecules. Ligand recognition was via the αβTCR combining site and involved the identical germline-encoded residues that have been thought to uniquely impose MHC specificity, demonstrating that these residues do not only promote MHC binding. This study demonstrates that, without MHC-specific thymic selection, αβTCRs can resemble antibodies in recognizing conformational epitopes on MHC-independent ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia N Tikhonova
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Scott-Browne JP, Crawford F, Young MH, Kappler JW, Marrack P, Gapin L. Evolutionarily conserved features contribute to αβ T cell receptor specificity. Immunity 2011; 35:526-35. [PMID: 21962492 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2011.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Revised: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) bind specifically to foreign antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex proteins (MHC) or MHC-like molecules. Accumulating evidence indicates that the germline-encoded TCR segments have features that promote binding to MHC and MHC-like molecules, suggesting coevolution between TCR and MHC molecules. Here, we assess directly the evolutionary conservation of αβ TCR specificity for MHC. Sequence comparisons showed that some Vβs from distantly related jawed vertebrates share amino acids in their complementarity determining region 2 (CDR2). Chimeric TCRs containing amphibian, bony fish, or cartilaginous fish Vβs can recognize antigens presented by mouse MHC class II and CD1d (an MHC-like protein), and this recognition is dependent upon the shared CDR2 amino acids. These results indicate that features of the TCR that control specificity for MHC and MHC-like molecules were selected early in evolution and maintained between species that last shared a common ancestor more than 400 million years ago.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James P Scott-Browne
- Integrated Department of Immunology, National Jewish Health and University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Blazing a trail in T-cell recognition. Blood 2011; 117:4681-2. [PMID: 21546465 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-03-337642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|