1
|
Scher G, Bente DA, Mears MC, Cajimat MNB, Schnell MJ. GP38 as a vaccine target for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:73. [PMID: 37210392 PMCID: PMC10199669 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00663-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus that causes severe hemorrhagic disease in humans. There is a great need for effective vaccines and therapeutics against CCHFV for humans, as none are currently internationally approved. Recently, a monoclonal antibody against the GP38 glycoprotein protected mice against lethal CCHFV challenge. To show that GP38 is required and sufficient for protection against CCHFV, we used three inactivated rhabdoviral-based CCHFV-M vaccines, with or without GP38 in the presence or absence of the other CCHFV glycoproteins. All three vaccines elicited strong antibody responses against the respective CCHFV glycoproteins. However, only vaccines containing GP38 showed protection against CCHFV challenge in mice; vaccines without GP38 were not protective. The results of this study establish the need for GP38 in vaccines targeting CCHFV-M and demonstrate the efficacy of a CCHFV vaccine candidate based on an established vector platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Scher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dennis A Bente
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Megan C Mears
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Maria N B Cajimat
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Matthias J Schnell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Jefferson Vaccine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gong Z, Huang P, Jin H, Bai Y, Li H, Qian M, Sun J, Jiao C, Zhang M, Li Y, Zhang H, Wang H. A recombinant rabies virus chimera expressing the DC-targeting molecular MAB2560 shows enhanced vaccine immunogenicity through activation of dendritic cells. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011254. [PMID: 37093869 PMCID: PMC10124880 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rabies, caused by the rabies virus (RABV), is an ancient and neglected zoonotic disease posing a large public health threat to humans and animals in developing countries. Immunization of animals with a rabies vaccine is the most effective way to control the epidemic and the occurrence of the disease in humans. Therefore, the development of cost-effective and efficient rabies vaccines is urgently needed. The activation of dendritic cells (DCs) is known to play an important role in improving the host immune response induced by rabies vaccines. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we constructed a recombinant virus, rCVS11-MAB2560, based on the reverse genetic system of the RABV CVS11 strain. The MAB2560 protein (a DC-targeting molecular) was chimeric expressed on the surface of the viral particles to help target and activate the DCs when this virus was used as inactivated vaccine. Our results demonstrated that inactivated rCVS11-MAB2560 was able to promote the recruitment and/or proliferation of DC cells, T cells and B cells in mice, and induce good immune memory after two immunizations. Moreover, the inactivated recombinant virus rCVS11-MAB2560 could produce higher levels of virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNAs) in both mice and dogs more quickly than rCVS11 post immunization. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In summary, the recombinant virus rCVS11-MAB2560 chimeric-expressing the molecular adjuvant MAB2560 can stimulate high levels of humoral and cellular immune responses in vivo and can be used as an effective inactivated rabies vaccine candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongli Jin
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Changchun Sino Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Changchun, China
| | - Yujie Bai
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hailun Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meichen Qian
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingxuan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Cuicui Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mengyao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Haili Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hualei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Natesan K, Isloor S, Vinayagamurthy B, Ramakrishnaiah S, Doddamane R, Fooks AR. Developments in Rabies Vaccines: The Path Traversed from Pasteur to the Modern Era of Immunization. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040756. [PMID: 37112668 PMCID: PMC10147034 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabies is a disease of antiquity and has a history spanning millennia ever since the first interactions between humans and dogs. The alarming fatalities caused by this disease have triggered rabies prevention strategies since the first century BC. There have been numerous attempts over the past 100 years to develop rabies vaccineswith the goal of preventing rabies in both humans and animals. Thepre-Pasteurian vaccinologists, paved the way for the actual history of rabies vaccines with the development of first generation vaccines. Further improvements for less reactive and more immunogenic vaccines have led to the expansion of embryo vaccines, tissue culture vaccines, cell culture vaccines, modified live vaccines, inactivated vaccines, and adjuvanted vaccines. The adventof recombinant technology and reverse genetics have given insight into the rabies viral genome and facilitated genome manipulations, which in turn led to the emergence of next-generation rabies vaccines, such as recombinant vaccines, viral vector vaccines, genetically modified vaccines, and nucleic acid vaccines. These vaccines were very helpful in overcoming the drawbacks of conventional rabies vaccines with increased immunogenicity and clinical efficacies. The path traversed in the development of rabies vaccines from Pasteur to the modern era vaccines, though, faced numerous challenges;these pioneering works have formed the cornerstone for the generation of thecurrent successful vaccines to prevent rabies. In the future, advancements in the scientific technologies and research focus will definitely lay the path for much more sophisticated vaccine candidates for rabies elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krithiga Natesan
- KVAFSU-CVA Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India
| | - Shrikrishna Isloor
- KVAFSU-CVA Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-9449992287
| | | | - Sharada Ramakrishnaiah
- KVAFSU-CVA Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India
| | - Rathnamma Doddamane
- KVAFSU-CVA Rabies Diagnostic Laboratory, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India
| | - Anthony R. Fooks
- APHA Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rabies Vaccine: Recent Update and Comprehensive Review of in vitro and in vivo Studies. Process Biochem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
5
|
Considerations for Novel COVID-19 Mucosal Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081173. [PMID: 35893822 PMCID: PMC9329946 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal surfaces are the first contact sites of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Most SARS-CoV-2 vaccines induce specific IgG responses but provide limited mucosal immunity. Cytokine B-cell activation factor (BAFF) and A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily play key immunological functions during B cell development and antibody production. Furthermore, homeostatic chemokines, such as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13), chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19), and CCL21, can induce B- and T-cell responses to infection and promote the formation of inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissues (iBALT), where specific local immune responses and memory cells are generated. We reviewed the role of BAFF, APRIL, CXCL13, CCL19, and CCL21 in the activation of local B-cell responses and antibody production, and the formation of iBALT in the lung following viral respiratory infections. We speculate that mucosal vaccines may offer more efficient protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection than systematic vaccines and hypothesize that a novel SARS-CoV-2 mRNA mucosal vaccine using BAFF/APRIL or CXCL13 as immunostimulants combined with the spike protein-encoding mRNA may enhance the efficiency of the local immune response and prevent the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 replication and the rapid viral clearance from the airways.
Collapse
|
6
|
Cui C, Wang S, Lu W, Wang Y, Li J, Qu K, Yang M, Wang L, Yu Y. The adjuvanticity of manganese for microbial vaccines via activating the IRF5 signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 192:114720. [PMID: 34363796 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn2+) has been reported to activate macrophages and NK cells, and to induce the production of type-I interferons (IFNs) by activating the cGAS-STING pathway. Few studies have been conducted on its adjuvanticity to microbial vaccines, and on the involvement of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 5 signaling pathway in the adjuvanticity. In this study, we demonstrated that Mn2+ could facilitate various microbial vaccines to induce enhanced antibody responses, and facilitate the influenza virus vaccine to induce protective immunity against the influenza virus challenge. When formulated in vaccines, Mn2+ could activate murine CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells and DCs, and induce the expression and phosphorylation of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and IRF5 in the splenocytes of the immunized mice, resulting in the increased expression of type-I IFNs, TNF-α, B cell-activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) and B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1). The induced TBK1 could recruit and bind the IRF5. Furthermore, the Mn2+ induced expression of IRF5 and Blimp-1 was prohibited by a IRF5 interfering oligonucleotide. The data suggest the Mn2+ could be used as a novel type of adjuvants for microbial vaccines, and the activation of IRF5 signaling pathway might involve in the adjuvanticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuiyun Cui
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wenting Lu
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Kuo Qu
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Liying Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yongli Yu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun 130021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dodds WJ. Early Life Vaccination of Companion Animal Pets. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:92. [PMID: 33513703 PMCID: PMC7910975 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of the immune system of mammalian animal species parallels that of humans and involves the innate and adaptive (acquired) immune responses acting together with the thymus gland. Consequently, issues surrounding the adequacy and safety of vaccinations to protect pet animals from their relevant infectious diseases need to be addressed just as they are for humans. Pet animals, especially canines, also have unique needs because of the wide diversity of purebred and mixed breeds that vary greatly in size, type, temperament, and even maturation rates. Furthermore, pets in early life encounter a series of changes that can affect their development and induce stressors including parasite control, new homes and environment, novel foods, and the socialization that is essential at a time when vaccinations need to be given. While recognizing that this overall need is becoming more understood, current vaccination policy guidelines for companion animals are still only adhered to by about 40% of veterinarians worldwide. Clearly, vaccination of pets should no longer be considered as "one size fits all".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Jean Dodds
- Hemopet, 11561 Salinaz Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mara K, Dai M, Brice AM, Alexander MR, Tribolet L, Layton DS, Bean AGD. Investigating the Interaction between Negative Strand RNA Viruses and Their Hosts for Enhanced Vaccine Development and Production. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9010059. [PMID: 33477334 PMCID: PMC7830660 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The current pandemic has highlighted the ever-increasing risk of human to human spread of zoonotic pathogens. A number of medically-relevant zoonotic pathogens are negative-strand RNA viruses (NSVs). NSVs are derived from different virus families. Examples like Ebola are known for causing severe symptoms and high mortality rates. Some, like influenza, are known for their ease of person-to-person transmission and lack of pre-existing immunity, enabling rapid spread across many countries around the globe. Containment of outbreaks of NSVs can be difficult owing to their unpredictability and the absence of effective control measures, such as vaccines and antiviral therapeutics. In addition, there remains a lack of essential knowledge of the host–pathogen response that are induced by NSVs, particularly of the immune responses that provide protection. Vaccines are the most effective method for preventing infectious diseases. In fact, in the event of a pandemic, appropriate vaccine design and speed of vaccine supply is the most critical factor in protecting the population, as vaccination is the only sustainable defense. Vaccines need to be safe, efficient, and cost-effective, which is influenced by our understanding of the host–pathogen interface. Additionally, some of the major challenges of vaccines are the establishment of a long-lasting immunity offering cross protection to emerging strains. Although many NSVs are controlled through immunisations, for some, vaccine design has failed or efficacy has proven unreliable. The key behind designing a successful vaccine is understanding the host–pathogen interaction and the host immune response towards NSVs. In this paper, we review the recent research in vaccine design against NSVs and explore the immune responses induced by these viruses. The generation of a robust and integrated approach to development capability and vaccine manufacture can collaboratively support the management of outbreaking NSV disease health risks.
Collapse
|
9
|
Sicard T, Kassardjian A, Julien JP. B cell targeting by molecular adjuvants for enhanced immunogenicity. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:1023-1039. [PMID: 33252273 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1857736] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adjuvants are critical components of vaccines to improve the quality and durability of immune responses. Molecular adjuvants are a specific subclass of adjuvants where ligands of known immune-modulatory receptors are directly fused to an antigen. Co-stimulation of the B cell receptor (BCR) and immune-modulatory receptors through this strategy can augment downstream signaling to improve antibody titers and/or potency, and survival in challenge models. AREAS COVERED C3d has been the most extensively studied molecular adjuvant and shown to improve immune responses to a number of antigens. Similarly, tumor necrosis superfamily ligands, such as BAFF and APRIL, as well as CD40, CD180, and immune complex ligands can also improve humoral immunity as molecular adjuvants. EXPERT OPINION However, no single strategy has emerged that improves immune outcomes in all contexts. Thus, systematic exploration of molecular adjuvants that target B cell receptors will be required to realize their full potential as next-generation vaccine technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Sicard
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute , Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto , ON, Canada
| | - Audrey Kassardjian
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute , Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto , ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Julien
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute , Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto , ON, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto , ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rohde RE, Rupprecht CE. Update on lyssaviruses and rabies: will past progress play as prologue in the near term towards future elimination? Fac Rev 2020; 9:9. [PMID: 33659941 PMCID: PMC7886060 DOI: 10.12703/b/9-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is an ancient, much-feared, and neglected infectious disease. Caused by pathogens in the family Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus, and distributed globally, this viral zoonosis results in tens of thousands of human fatalities and millions of exposures annually. All mammals are believed susceptible, but only certain taxa act as reservoirs. Dependence upon direct routing to, replication within, and passage from the central nervous system serves as a basic viral strategy for perpetuation. By a combination of stealth and subversion, lyssaviruses are quintessential neurotropic agents and cause an acute, progressive encephalitis. No treatment exists, so prevention is the key. Although not a disease considered for eradication, something of a modern rebirth has been occurring within the field as of late with regard to detection, prevention, and management as well as applied research. For example, within the past decade, new lyssaviruses have been characterized; sensitive and specific diagnostics have been optimized; pure, potent, safe, and efficacious human biologics have improved human prophylaxis; regional efforts have controlled canine rabies by mass immunization; wildlife rabies has been controlled by oral rabies vaccination over large geographic areas in Europe and North America; and debate has resumed over the controversial topic of therapy. Based upon such progress to date, there are certain expectations for the next 10 years. These include pathogen discovery, to uncover additional lyssaviruses in the Old World; laboratory-based surveillance enhancement by simplified, rapid testing; anti-viral drug appearance, based upon an improved appreciation of viral pathobiology and host response; and improvements to canine rabies elimination regionally throughout Africa, Asia, and the Americas by application of the best technical, organizational, economic, and socio-political practices. Significantly, anticipated Gavi support will enable improved access of human rabies vaccines in lesser developed countries at a national level, with integrated bite management, dose-sparing regimens, and a 1 week vaccination schedule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodney E Rohde
- Clinical Laboratory Science, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yarchoan M, Ho WJ, Mohan A, Shah Y, Vithayathil T, Leatherman J, Dennison L, Zaidi N, Ganguly S, Woolman S, Cruz K, Armstrong TD, Jaffee EM. Effects of B cell-activating factor on tumor immunity. JCI Insight 2020; 5:136417. [PMID: 32434989 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.136417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies that modulate T cell function have been firmly established as a pillar of cancer therapy, whereas the potential for B cells in the antitumor immune response is less established. B cell-activating factor (BAFF) is a B cell-activating cytokine belonging to the TNF ligand family that has been associated with autoimmunity, but little is known about its effects on cancer immunity. We find that BAFF upregulates multiple B cell costimulatory molecules; augments IL-12a expression, consistent with Be-1 lineage commitment; and enhances B cell antigen-presentation to CD4+ Th cells in vitro. In a syngeneic mouse model of melanoma, BAFF upregulates B cell CD40 and PD-L1 expression; it also modulates T cell function through increased T cell activation and TH1 polarization, enhanced expression of the proinflammatory leukocyte trafficking chemokine CCR6, and promotion of a memory phenotype, leading to enhanced antitumor immunity. Similarly, adjuvant BAFF promotes a memory phenotype of T cells in vaccine-draining lymph nodes and augments the antitumor efficacy of whole cell vaccines. BAFF also has distinct immunoregulatory functions, promoting the expansion of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs in the spleen and tumor microenvironment (TME). Human melanoma data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) demonstrate that BAFF expression is positively associated with overall survival and a TH1/IFN-γ gene signature. These data support a potential role for BAFF signaling as a cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
|