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Baiu DC, Sharma A, Schehr JL, Basu J, Smith KA, Ohashi M, Johannsen EC, Kenney SC, Gumperz JE. Human CD4 + iNKT cell adoptive immunotherapy induces anti-tumour responses against CD1d-negative EBV-driven B lymphoma. Immunology 2024; 172:627-640. [PMID: 38736328 PMCID: PMC11223969 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a conserved population of innate T lymphocytes that are uniquely suitable as off-the-shelf cellular immunotherapies due to their lack of alloreactivity. Two major subpopulations of human iNKT cells have been delineated, a CD4- subset that has a TH1/cytolytic profile, and a CD4+ subset that appears polyfunctional and can produce both regulatory and immunostimulatory cytokines. Whether these two subsets differ in anti-tumour effects is not known. Using live cell imaging, we found that CD4- iNKT cells limited growth of CD1d+ Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected B-lymphoblastoid spheroids in vitro, whereas CD4+ iNKT cells showed little or no direct anti-tumour activity. However, the effects of the two subsets were reversed when we tested them as adoptive immunotherapies in vivo using a xenograft model of EBV-driven human B cell lymphoma. We found that EBV-infected B cells down-regulated CD1d in vivo, and administering CD4- iNKT cells had no discernable impact on tumour mass. In contrast, xenotransplanted mice bearing lymphomas showed rapid reduction in tumour mass after administering CD4+ iNKT cells. Immunotherapeutic CD4+ iNKT cells trafficked to both spleen and tumour and were associated with subsequently enhanced responses of xenotransplanted human T cells against EBV. CD4+ iNKT cells also had adjuvant-like effects on monocyte-derived DCs and promoted antigen-dependent responses of human T cells in vitro. These results show that allogeneic CD4+ iNKT cellular immunotherapy leads to marked anti-tumour activity through indirect pathways that do not require tumour cell CD1d expression and that are associated with enhanced activity of antigen-specific T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana C. Baiu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Akshat Sharma
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Schehr
- Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jayati Basu
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kelsey A. Smith
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Makoto Ohashi
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Eric C. Johannsen
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Shannon C. Kenney
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jenny E. Gumperz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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2
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Saavedra-Avila NA, Pigni NB, Caldwell DR, Chena-Becerra F, Intano J, Ng TW, Chennamadhavuni D, Porcelli SA, Gascón JA, Howell AR. A Humanized Mouse Model Coupled with Computational Analysis Identifies Potent Glycolipid Agonist of Invariant NKT Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:926-937. [PMID: 38477945 PMCID: PMC11075374 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00736] [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] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells play an important role in many innate and adaptive immune responses, with potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. The glycolipid KRN7000, an α-galactosylceramide, potently activates iNKT cells but has shown limited anticancer effects in human clinical trials conducted so far. In spite of almost three decades of structure-activity relationship studies, no alternative glycolipid has yet emerged as a superior clinical candidate. One reason for the slow progress in this area is that standard mouse models do not accurately reflect the specific ligand recognition by human iNKT cells and their requirements for activation. Here we evaluated a series of KRN7000 analogues using a recently developed humanized mouse model that expresses a human αTCR chain sequence and human CD1d. In this process, a more stimulatory, previously reported but largely overlooked glycolipid was identified, and its activity was probed and rationalized via molecular simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi A. Saavedra-Avila
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA 10461
| | - Natalia B. Pigni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT USA 06269
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba (ICYTAC CONICET-UNC), Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba X5000HUA, Argentina
| | | | - Florencia Chena-Becerra
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA 10461
| | - Jose Intano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT USA 06269
| | - Tony W. Ng
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA 10461
| | | | - Steven A. Porcelli
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA 10461
| | - José A. Gascón
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT USA 06269
| | - Amy R. Howell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT USA 06269
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3
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Yang Zhou J. Innate immunity and early liver inflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175147. [PMID: 37205101 PMCID: PMC10187146 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate system constitutes a first-line defence mechanism against pathogens. 80% of the blood supply entering the human liver arrives from the splanchnic circulation through the portal vein, so it is constantly exposed to immunologically active substances and pathogens from the gastrointestinal tract. Rapid neutralization of pathogens and toxins is an essential function of the liver, but so too is avoidance of harmful and unnecessary immune reactions. This delicate balance of reactivity and tolerance is orchestrated by a diverse repertoire of hepatic immune cells. In particular, the human liver is enriched in many innate immune cell subsets, including Kupffer cells (KCs), innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) like Natural Killer (NK) cells and ILC-like unconventional T cells - namely Natural Killer T cells (NKT), γδ T cells and Mucosal-associated Invariant T cells (MAIT). These cells reside in the liver in a memory-effector state, so they respond quickly to trigger appropriate responses. The contribution of aberrant innate immunity to inflammatory liver diseases is now being better understood. In particular, we are beginning to understand how specific innate immune subsets trigger chronic liver inflammation, which ultimately results in hepatic fibrosis. In this review, we consider the roles of specific innate immune cell subsets in early inflammation in human liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Yang Zhou
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy, Regensburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jordi Yang Zhou,
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4
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Saavedra-Avila NA, Dellabona P, Casorati G, Veerapen N, Besra GS, Howell AR, Porcelli SA. A humanized mouse model for in vivo evaluation of invariant Natural Killer T cell responses. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1011209. [PMID: 36263021 PMCID: PMC9574442 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1011209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells mediate immune responses when stimulated by glycolipid agonists presented by CD1d. In extensive studies of synthetic analogues of α-galactosyl ceramides, we identified numerous examples of significant differences in the recognition of specific glycolipids in wild type mice versus human iNKT cell clones or PBMC samples. To predict human iNKT cell responses more accurately in a mouse model, we derived a mouse line in which compound genetic modifications were used to express a human-like iNKT cell TCR along with human CD1d in place of the endogenous mouse proteins. Detailed transcriptional and phenotypic profiling demonstrated that these partially humanized mice developed an expanded population of T cells recognizing CD1d-presented glycolipid antigens, among which a subset characterized by expression of chemokine receptor CXCR6 had features characteristic of authentic iNKT cells. Responses to iNKT cell activating glycolipids in these mice generated cytokine production in vitro and in vivo that showed a pattern of fine specificity that closely resembled that of cultured human iNKT cell clones. Anti-tumor responses to variants of α-galactosyl ceramide in VαKI mice also correlated with their potency for stimulating human iNKT cells. This genetically modified mouse line provides a practical model for human presentation and recognition of iNKT cell activators in the context of a normally functioning immune system, and may furnish valuable opportunities for preclinical evaluation of iNKT cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Dellabona
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Casorati
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Natacha Veerapen
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gurdyal S. Besra
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amy R. Howell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Steven A. Porcelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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5
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Bond NG, Fahlberg MD, Yu S, Rout N, Tran D, Fitzpatrick-Schmidt T, Sprehe LM, Scheef EA, Mudd JC, Schaub R, Kaur A. Immunomodulatory potential of in vivo natural killer T (NKT) activation by NKTT320 in Mauritian-origin cynomolgus macaques. iScience 2022; 25:103889. [PMID: 35243248 PMCID: PMC8866157 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103889] [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: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T-lymphocytes (iNKT) are unique immunomodulatory innate T cells with an invariant TCRα recognizing glycolipids presented on MHC class-I-like CD1d molecules. Activated iNKT rapidly secrete pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines, potentiate immunity, and modulate inflammation. Here, we report the effects of in vivo iNKT activation in Mauritian-origin cynomolgus macaques by a humanized monoclonal antibody, NKTT320, that binds to the invariant region of the iNKT TCR. NKTT320 led to rapid iNKT activation, increased polyfunctionality, and elevation of multiple plasma analytes within 24 hours. Flow cytometry and RNA-Seq confirmed downstream activation of multiple immune subsets, enrichment of JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT pathway genes, and upregulation of inflammation-modulating genes. NKTT320 also increased iNKT frequency in adipose tissue and did not cause iNKT anergy. Our data indicate that NKTT320 has a sustained effect on in vivo iNKT activation, potentiation of innate and adaptive immunity, and resolution of inflammation, which supports its future use as an immunotherapeutic. NKTT320 rapidly activates iNKT in vivo, modulating downstream immune function In vivo NKTT320 treatment modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory genes NKTT320 treatment results in activation of innate and adaptive immune subsets NKTT320 has promise as an immunotherapeutic with translational potential
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6
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Bharadwaj NS, Gumperz JE. Harnessing invariant natural killer T cells to control pathological inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:998378. [PMID: 36189224 PMCID: PMC9519390 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.998378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate T cells that are recognized for their potent immune modulatory functions. Over the last three decades, research in murine models and human observational studies have revealed that iNKT cells can act to limit inflammatory pathology in a variety of settings. Since iNKT cells are multi-functional and can promote inflammation in some contexts, understanding the mechanistic basis for their anti-inflammatory effects is critical for effectively harnessing them for clinical use. Two contrasting mechanisms have emerged to explain the anti-inflammatory activity of iNKT cells: that they drive suppressive pathways mediated by other regulatory cells, and that they may cytolytically eliminate antigen presenting cells that promote excessive inflammatory responses. How these activities are controlled and separated from their pro-inflammatory functions remains a central question. Murine iNKT cells can be divided into four functional lineages that have either pro-inflammatory (NKT1, NKT17) or anti-inflammatory (NKT2, NKT10) cytokine profiles. However, in humans these subsets are not clearly evident, and instead most iNKT cells that are CD4+ appear oriented towards polyfunctional (TH0) cytokine production, while CD4- iNKT cells appear more predisposed towards cytolytic activity. Additionally, structurally distinct antigens have been shown to induce TH1- or TH2-biased responses by iNKT cells in murine models, but human iNKT cells may respond to differing levels of TCR stimulation in a way that does not neatly separate TH1 and TH2 cytokine production. We discuss the implications of these differences for translational efforts focused on the anti-inflammatory activity of iNKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhila S Bharadwaj
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jenny E Gumperz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
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7
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Gálvez NMS, Bohmwald K, Pacheco GA, Andrade CA, Carreño LJ, Kalergis AM. Type I Natural Killer T Cells as Key Regulators of the Immune Response to Infectious Diseases. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e00232-20. [PMID: 33361143 PMCID: PMC7950362 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00232-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system must work in an orchestrated way to achieve an optimal response upon detection of antigens. The cells comprising the immune response are traditionally divided into two major subsets, innate and adaptive, with particular characteristics for each type. Type I natural killer T (iNKT) cells are defined as innate-like T cells sharing features with both traditional adaptive and innate cells, such as the expression of an invariant T cell receptor (TCR) and several NK receptors. The invariant TCR in iNKT cells interacts with CD1d, a major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-like molecule. CD1d can bind and present antigens of lipid nature and induce the activation of iNKT cells, leading to the secretion of various cytokines, such as gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin 4 (IL-4). These cytokines will aid in the activation of other immune cells following stimulation of iNKT cells. Several molecules with the capacity to bind to CD1d have been discovered, including α-galactosylceramide. Likewise, several molecules have been synthesized that are capable of polarizing iNKT cells into different profiles, either pro- or anti-inflammatory. This versatility allows NKT cells to either aid or impair the clearance of pathogens or to even control or increase the symptoms associated with pathogenic infections. Such diverse contributions of NKT cells to infectious diseases are supported by several publications showing either a beneficial or detrimental role of these cells during diseases. In this article, we discuss current data relative to iNKT cells and their features, with an emphasis on their driving role in diseases produced by pathogenic agents in an organ-oriented fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás M S Gálvez
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karen Bohmwald
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gaspar A Pacheco
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Catalina A Andrade
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leandro J Carreño
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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8
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Kharkwal SS, Johndrow CT, Veerapen N, Kharkwal H, Saavedra-Avila NA, Carreño LJ, Rothberg S, Zhang J, Garforth SJ, Jervis PJ, Zhang L, Donda A, Besra AK, Cox LR, Almo SC, Howell A, Evans EE, Zauderer M, Besra GS, Porcelli SA. Serial Stimulation of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells with Covalently Stabilized Bispecific T-cell Engagers Generates Antitumor Immunity While Avoiding Anergy. Cancer Res 2021; 81:1788-1801. [PMID: 33483371 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells) mediate strong antitumor immunity when stimulated by glycolipid agonists. However, attempts to develop effective iNKT cell agonists for clinical applications have been thwarted by potential problems with dose-limiting toxicity and by activation-induced iNKT cell anergy, which limits the efficacy of repeated administration. To overcome these issues, we developed a unique bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) based on covalent conjugates of soluble CD1d with photoreactive analogues of the glycolipid α-galactosylceramide. Here we characterize the in vivo activities of iNKT cell-specific BiTEs and assess their efficacy for cancer immunotherapy in mouse models using transplantable colorectal cancer or melanoma tumor lines engineered to express human Her2 as a tumor-associated antigen. Systemic administration of conjugated BiTEs stimulated multiple iNKT cell effector functions including cytokine release, secondary activation of NK cells, and induction of dendritic cell maturation and also initiated epitope spreading for tumor-specific CD8+ cytolytic T-cell responses. The antitumor effects of iNKT-cell activation with conjugated BiTEs were further enhanced by simultaneous checkpoint blockade with antibodies to CTLA-4, providing a potential approach for combination immunotherapy. Multiple injections of covalently stabilized iNKT cell-specific BiTEs activated iNKT cells without causing iNKT cell anergy or exhaustion, thus enabling repeated administration for effective and nontoxic cancer immunotherapy regimens. SIGNIFICANCE: Covalently stabilized conjugates that engage the antigen receptors of iNKT cells and target a tumor antigen activate potent antitumor immunity without induction of anergy or depletion of the responding iNKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalu Sharma Kharkwal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.,Elstar Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher T Johndrow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Natacha Veerapen
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Himanshu Kharkwal
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Centre, Bronx, New York
| | - Noemi A Saavedra-Avila
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Leandro J Carreño
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.,Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Samantha Rothberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Jinghang Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Scott J Garforth
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Peter J Jervis
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Lianjun Zhang
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Alena Donda
- Department of Oncology and Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amareeta K Besra
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Liam R Cox
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Gurdyal S Besra
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Steven A Porcelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
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9
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Trujillo-Ocampo A, Cho HW, Clowers M, Pareek S, Ruiz-Vazquez W, Lee SE, Im JS. IL-7 During Antigenic Stimulation Using Allogeneic Dendritic Cells Promotes Expansion of CD45RA -CD62L +CD4 + Invariant NKT Cells With Th-2 Biased Cytokine Production Profile. Front Immunol 2020; 11:567406. [PMID: 33329531 PMCID: PMC7728799 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.567406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate-like T lymphocytes cells that recognize glycolipid antigens associated with CD1d, non-classical antigen presenting proteins. They can drive either pro-inflammatory (Th-1) or anti-inflammatory (Th-2) immune microenvironment through the production of both Th-1 and Th-2 type cytokines upon activation, thus play a vital role in cancer, infection, and autoimmune diseases. Adoptive cell therapy using ex vivo expanded iNKT cells is a promising approach to enhance anti-tumor immunity or immunosuppression. However, overcoming phenotypic and functional heterogeneity and promoting in vivo persistency of iNKT cells remains to be a challenge. Here, we compared various methods for ex vivo expansion of human iNKT cells and assessed the quality of expansion, phenotype, and cytokine production profile of expanded iNKT cells. While a direct stimulation of iNKT cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells with agonist glycolipid led to the expansion of iNKT cells in varying degrees, stimulation of enriched iNKT cells by irradiated autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells or allogeneic dendritic cells resulted in consistent expansion of highly pure iNKT cells. Interestingly, the mode of antigenic stimulation influenced the dominant subtype of expanded iNKT cells. Further, we evaluated whether additional IL-7 or IL-15 during antigenic stimulation with allogeneic dendritic cells can improve the phenotypic heterogeneity and modify cytokine production profile of iNKT cells expanded from 18 consecutive donors. The presence of IL-7 or IL-15 during antigenic stimulation did not affect the fold of expansion or purity of expanded iNKT cells. However, IL-7, but not IL-15, led to a better expansion of CD4+ iNKT cells, enhanced Th-2 type cytokine production of CD4+ iNKT cells, and maintained the expansion of central memory (CD45RA-CD62L+) CD4+ iNKT cells. Our results suggest the addition of IL-7 during antigenic stimulation with allogeneic dendritic cells can promote the expansion of CD62L+Th-2+CD4+ human iNKT cells that can be used as novel immunotherapeutic to control excessive inflammation to treat various autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Trujillo-Ocampo
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hyun-Woo Cho
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Michael Clowers
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sumedha Pareek
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wilfredo Ruiz-Vazquez
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sung-Eun Lee
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Hematology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin S Im
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Hematology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
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10
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Saavedra-Avila NA, Keshipeddy S, Guberman-Pfeffer MJ, Pérez-Gallegos A, Saini NK, Schäfer C, Carreño LJ, Gascón JA, Porcelli SA, Howell AR. Amide-Linked C4″-Saccharide Modification of KRN7000 Provides Potent Stimulation of Human Invariant NKT Cells and Anti-Tumor Immunity in a Humanized Mouse Model. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:3176-3186. [PMID: 33296161 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Activation of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells by α-galactosylceramides (α-GalCers) stimulates strong immune responses and potent anti-tumor immunity. Numerous modifications of the glycolipid structure have been assessed to derive activating ligands for these T cells with altered and potentially advantageous properties in the induction of immune responses. Here, we synthesized variants of the prototypical α-GalCer, KRN7000, with amide-linked phenyl alkane substitutions on the C4″-position of the galactose ring. We show that these variants have weak iNKT cell stimulating activity in mouse models but substantially greater activity for human iNKT cells. The most active of the C4″-amides in our study showed strong anti-tumor effects in a partially humanized mouse model for iNKT cell responses. In silico analysis suggested that the tether length and degree of flexibility of the amide substituent affected the recognition by iNKT cell antigen receptors of the C4″-amide substituted glycolipids in complex with their antigen presenting molecule CD1d. Our findings establish the use of stable C4″-amide linked additions to the sugar moiety for further exploration of the immunological effects of structural modifications of iNKT cell activating glycolipids and highlight the critical need for more accurate animal models to assess these compounds for immunotherapeutic potential in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Santosh Keshipeddy
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3060, United States
| | | | | | | | - Carolina Schäfer
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Leandro J. Carreño
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - José A Gascón
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3060, United States
| | | | - Amy R. Howell
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3060, United States
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11
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Veerapen N, Kharkwal SS, Jervis P, Bhowruth V, Besra AK, North SJ, Haslam SM, Dell A, Hobrath J, Quaid PJ, Moynihan PJ, Cox LR, Kharkwal H, Zauderer M, Besra GS, Porcelli SA. Photoactivable Glycolipid Antigens Generate Stable Conjugates with CD1d for Invariant Natural Killer T Cell Activation. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:3161-3173. [PMID: 30085659 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Activation of invariant natural killer T lymphocytes (iNKT cells) by α-galactosylceramide (α-GC) elicits a range of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory immune responses. We report the synthesis and characterization of a series of α-GC analogues with acyl chains of varying length and a terminal benzophenone. These bound efficiently to the glycolipid antigen presenting protein CD1d, and upon photoactivation formed stable CD1d-glycolipid covalent conjugates. Conjugates of benzophenone α-GCs with soluble or cell-bound CD1d proteins retained potent iNKT cell activating properties, with biologic effects that were modulated by acyl chain length and the resulting affinities of conjugates for iNKT cell antigen receptors. Analysis by mass spectrometry identified a unique covalent attachment site for the glycolipid ligands in the hydrophobic ligand binding pocket of CD1d. The creation of covalent conjugates of CD1d with α-GC provides a new tool for probing the biology of glycolipid antigen presentation, as well as opportunities for developing effective immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Simon J North
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences , Imperial College London , South Kensington Campus, London , SW7 2AZ , United Kingdom
| | - Stuart M Haslam
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences , Imperial College London , South Kensington Campus, London , SW7 2AZ , United Kingdom
| | - Anne Dell
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences , Imperial College London , South Kensington Campus, London , SW7 2AZ , United Kingdom
| | - Judith Hobrath
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dow Street , Dundee , DD1 5EH , Scotland , United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Maurice Zauderer
- Vaccinex Inc. , 1895 Mount Hope Avenue , Rochester , New York 14620 , United States
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12
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Trujillo-Ocampo A, Cho HW, Herrmann AC, Ruiz-Vazquez W, Thornton AB, He H, Li D, Qazilbash MA, Ma Q, Porcelli SA, Shpall EJ, Molldrem J, Im JS. Rapid ex vivo expansion of highly enriched human invariant natural killer T cells via single antigenic stimulation for cell therapy to prevent graft-versus-host disease. Cytotherapy 2018; 20:1089-1101. [PMID: 30076070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer (iNK) T cells are rare regulatory T cells that may contribute to the immune-regulation in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Here, we sought to develop an effective strategy to expand human iNK T cells for use in cell therapy to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in ASCT. METHODS Human iNK T cells were first enriched from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using magnetic-activated cell sorting separation, then co-cultured with dendritic cells in the presence of agonist glycolipids, alpha-galactosylceramide, for 2 weeks. RESULTS The single antigenic stimulation reliably expanded iNK T cells to an average of 2.8 × 107 per 5 × 108 PBMCs in an average purity of 98.8% in 2 weeks (N = 24). The expanded iNK T cells contained a significantly higher level of CD4+ and central memory phenotype (CD45RA-CD62L+) compared with freshly isolated iNK T cells, and maintained their ability to produce both Th-1 (interferon [IFN]γ and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]α) and Th-2 type cytokines (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-5 and IL-13) upon antigenic stimulation or stimulation with Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin. Interestingly, expanded iNK T cells were highly autoreactive and produced a Th-2 polarized cytokine production profile after being co-cultured with dendritic cells alone without exogenous agonist glycolipid antigen. Lastly, expanded iNK T cells suppressed conventional T-cell proliferation and ameliorated xenograft GVHD (hazard ratio, 0.1266; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION We have demonstrated a feasible approach for obtaining ex vivo expanded, highly enriched human iNK T cells for use in adoptive cell therapy to prevent GVHD in ASCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Trujillo-Ocampo
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hyun-Woo Cho
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amanda C Herrmann
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wilfredo Ruiz-Vazquez
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew B Thornton
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hong He
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mariam A Qazilbash
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qing Ma
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Steven A Porcelli
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, and Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey Molldrem
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jin S Im
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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13
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Chennamadhavuni D, Saavedra-Avila NA, Carreño LJ, Guberman-Pfeffer MJ, Arora P, Yongqing T, Pryce R, Koay HF, Godfrey DI, Keshipeddy S, Richardson SK, Sundararaj S, Lo JH, Wen X, Gascón JA, Yuan W, Rossjohn J, Le Nours J, Porcelli SA, Howell AR. Dual Modifications of α-Galactosylceramide Synergize to Promote Activation of Human Invariant Natural Killer T Cells and Stimulate Anti-tumor Immunity. Cell Chem Biol 2018; 25:571-584.e8. [PMID: 29576533 PMCID: PMC6025895 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glycosylceramides that activate CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells have potential therapeutic applications for augmenting immune responses against cancer and infections. Previous studies using mouse models identified sphinganine variants of α-galactosylceramide as promising iNKT cell activators that stimulate cytokine responses with a strongly proinflammatory bias. However, the activities of sphinganine variants in mice have generally not translated well to studies of human iNKT cell responses. Here, we show that strongly proinflammatory and anti-tumor iNKT cell responses were achieved in mice by a variant of α-galactosylceramide that combines a sphinganine base with a hydrocinnamoyl ester on C6″ of the sugar. Importantly, the activities observed with this variant were largely preserved for human iNKT cell responses. Structural and in silico modeling studies provided a mechanistic basis for these findings and suggested basic principles for capturing useful properties of sphinganine analogs of synthetic iNKT cell activators in the design of immunotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leandro J Carreño
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Programa de Inmunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Pooja Arora
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Tang Yongqing
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Rhys Pryce
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hui-Fern Koay
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dale I Godfrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging at the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Santosh Keshipeddy
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3060, USA
| | - Stewart K Richardson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3060, USA
| | - Srinivasan Sundararaj
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jae Ho Lo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Xiangshu Wen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - José A Gascón
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3060, USA
| | - Weiming Yuan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jérôme Le Nours
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Steven A Porcelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Amy R Howell
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3060, USA.
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14
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van Puijvelde GH, Kuiper J. NKT cells in cardiovascular diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 816:47-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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15
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Paquin-Proulx D, Gibbs A, Bächle SM, Checa A, Introini A, Leeansyah E, Wheelock CE, Nixon DF, Broliden K, Tjernlund A, Moll M, Sandberg JK. Innate Invariant NKT Cell Recognition of HIV-1-Infected Dendritic Cells Is an Early Detection Mechanism Targeted by Viral Immune Evasion. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:1843-51. [PMID: 27481843 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1600556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are innate-like T cells that respond rapidly with a broad range of effector functions upon recognition of glycolipid Ags presented by CD1d. HIV-1 carries Nef- and Vpu-dependent mechanisms to interfere with CD1d surface expression, indirectly suggesting a role for iNKT cells in control of HIV-1 infection. In this study, we investigated whether iNKT cells can participate in the innate cell-mediated immune response to HIV-1. Infection of dendritic cells (DCs) with Nef- and Vpu-deficient HIV-1 induced upregulation of CD1d in a TLR7-dependent manner. Infection of DCs caused modulation of enzymes in the sphingolipid pathway and enhanced expression of the endogenous glucosylceramide Ag. Importantly, iNKT cells responded specifically to rare DCs productively infected with Nef- and Vpu-defective HIV-1. Transmitted founder viral isolates differed in their CD1d downregulation capacity, suggesting that diverse strains may be differentially successful in inhibiting this pathway. Furthermore, both iNKT cells and DCs expressing CD1d and HIV receptors resided in the female genital mucosa, a site where HIV-1 transmission occurs. Taken together, these findings suggest that innate iNKT cell sensing of HIV-1 infection in DCs is an early immune detection mechanism, which is independent of priming and adaptive recognition of viral Ag, and is actively targeted by Nef- and Vpu-dependent viral immune evasion mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Paquin-Proulx
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Gibbs
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanna M Bächle
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Checa
- Division of Physiological Chemistry II, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | - Andrea Introini
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Edwin Leeansyah
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Craig E Wheelock
- Division of Physiological Chemistry II, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | - Douglas F Nixon
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037
| | - Kristina Broliden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annelie Tjernlund
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Markus Moll
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan K Sandberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden;
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16
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Involvement of a C-terminal motif in the interference of primate lentiviral Vpu proteins with CD1d-mediated antigen presentation. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9675. [PMID: 25872908 PMCID: PMC4397644 DOI: 10.1038/srep09675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The HIV-1 accessory protein Vpu is emerging as a critical factor for viral evasion from innate immunity. We have previously shown that the Vpu proteins of two HIV-1 group M subtype B strains (NL4-3 and BaL) down-regulate CD1d from the surface of infected dendritic cells (DCs) and inhibit their crosstalk with the innate invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. In the present study, we have investigated the ability of a comprehensive set of primate lentiviral Vpu proteins to interfere with CD1d-mediated immunity. We found that CD1d down-regulation is a conserved function of Vpu proteins from HIV-1 groups M, O and P as well as their direct precursors SIVcpzPtt and SIVgor. At the group M subtype level, subtype C Vpu proteins were significantly weaker CD1d antagonists than subtype B Vpu proteins. Functional characterization of different mutants and chimeras derived from active subtype B and inactive subtype C Vpu proteins revealed that residues in the cytoplasmic domain are important for CD1d down-regulation. Specifically, we identified a C-terminal APW motif characteristic for group M subtype B Vpu proteins necessary for interference with CD1d surface expression. These findings support the notion that Vpu plays an important role in lentiviral evasion from innate immunity.
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17
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Arora P, Baena A, Yu KOA, Saini NK, Kharkwal SS, Goldberg MF, Kunnath-Velayudhan S, Carreño LJ, Venkataswamy MM, Kim J, Lazar-Molnar E, Lauvau G, Chang YT, Liu Z, Bittman R, Al-Shamkhani A, Cox LR, Jervis PJ, Veerapen N, Besra GS, Porcelli SA. A single subset of dendritic cells controls the cytokine bias of natural killer T cell responses to diverse glycolipid antigens. Immunity 2014; 40:105-16. [PMID: 24412610 PMCID: PMC3895174 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many hematopoietic cell types express CD1d and are capable of presenting glycolipid antigens to invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells). However, the question of which cells are the principal presenters of glycolipid antigens in vivo remains controversial, and it has been suggested that this might vary depending on the structure of a particular glycolipid antigen. Here we have shown that a single type of cell, the CD8α+ DEC-205+ dendritic cell, was mainly responsible for capturing and presenting a variety of different glycolipid antigens, including multiple forms of α-galactosylceramide that stimulate widely divergent cytokine responses. After glycolipid presentation, these dendritic cells rapidly altered their expression of various costimulatory and coinhibitory molecules in a manner that was dependent on the structure of the antigen. These findings show flexibility in the outcome of two-way communication between CD8α+ dendritic cells and iNKT cells, providing a mechanism for biasing toward either proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses. Complexes of antigenic glycolipids bound to CD1d have been visualized in situ A single DC subset predominates in presentation of a variety of glycolipids Antigen presentation to iNKT cells rapidly alters accessory molecules on APCs Reciprocal induction of CD70 and PD-L2 controls cytokine bias of iNKT cell responses
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Arora
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Andres Baena
- Grupo de Inmunología Celular e Inmunogenética GICIG, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No.52-21, Medellin 05001000, Colombia
| | - Karl O A Yu
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Comer Children's Hospital, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Neeraj K Saini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Shalu S Kharkwal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Michael F Goldberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Shajo Kunnath-Velayudhan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Leandro J Carreño
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | | | - John Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Eszter Lazar-Molnar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Gregoire Lauvau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Young-tae Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry Programme, National University of Singapore, and Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), Biopolis 117543, Singapore
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Queens College of CUNY, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Robert Bittman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Queens College of CUNY, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Aymen Al-Shamkhani
- Faculty of Medicine, Cancer Sciences Academic Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Liam R Cox
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Peter J Jervis
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Natacha Veerapen
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Gurdyal S Besra
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Steven A Porcelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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18
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Anderson BL, Teyton L, Bendelac A, Savage PB. Stimulation of natural killer T cells by glycolipids. Molecules 2013; 18:15662-88. [PMID: 24352021 PMCID: PMC4018217 DOI: 10.3390/molecules181215662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of T cells that recognize glycolipid antigens presented by the CD1d protein. The initial discovery of immunostimulatory glycolipids from a marine sponge and the T cells that respond to the compounds has led to extensive research by chemists and immunologists to understand how glycolipids are recognized, possible responses by NKT cells, and the structural features of glycolipids necessary for stimulatory activity. The presence of this cell type in humans and most mammals suggests that it plays critical roles in antigen recognition and the interface between innate and adaptive immunity. Both endogenous and exogenous natural antigens for NKT cells have been identified, and it is likely that glycolipid antigens remain to be discovered. Multiple series of structurally varied glycolipids have been synthesized and tested for stimulatory activity. The structural features of glycolipids necessary for NKT cell stimulation are moderately well understood, and designed compounds have proven to be much more potent antigens than their natural counterparts. Nevertheless, control over NKT cell responses by designed glycolipids has not been optimized, and further research will be required to fully reveal the therapeutic potential of this cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul B Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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19
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Bondarenko S, Catapano AL, Norata GD. The CD1d-natural killer T cell axis in atherosclerosis. J Innate Immun 2013; 6:3-12. [PMID: 23774666 DOI: 10.1159/000351034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A key role for 'lipid-sensing' CD1-restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been suggested. However, the biology of NKT cells remains poorly characterized, as in different experimental settings their activation was reported to both stimulate and suppress innate and adaptive immune responses. Most of the data from experimental models suggest that NKT cells are proatherogenic; however, it is debated whether the increase in atherosclerosis observed following NKT cell stimulation is a consequence of the inability to induce functional NKT cells rather than the proatherogenic nature of NKT cells. CD1d-expressing antigen-presenting cells and NKT cells were detected in mouse and human atherosclerotic lesions. Furthermore, several lysophospholipids and glycosphingolipids, known to accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques, are antigenic for human NKT cell clones. Lipid transfer proteins, such as apolipoprotein E and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, are central to NKT cell responses. All these data suggest a profound relation between lipid metabolism, CD1d-NKT cell axis activation and atherosclerosis. In this review, we summarize the advances and gaps in our knowledge of NKT cell biology in the context of atherosclerosis as well as the possibility of influencing NKT cell polarization toward an atheroprotective phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Bondarenko
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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20
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East JE, Kennedy AJ, Webb TJ. Raising the roof: the preferential pharmacological stimulation of Th1 and th2 responses mediated by NKT cells. Med Res Rev 2012; 34:45-76. [PMID: 23239102 DOI: 10.1002/med.21276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells serve as a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems, and manipulating their effector functions can have therapeutic significances in the treatment of autoimmunity, transplant biology, infectious disease, and cancer. NKT cells are a subset of T cells that express cell-surface markers characteristic of both natural killer cells and T cells. These unique immunologic cells have been demonstrated to serve as a link between the innate and adaptive immune systems through their potent cytokine production following the recognition of a range of lipid antigens, mediated through presentation of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I like CD1d molecule, in addition to the NKT cell's cytotoxic capabilities upon activation. Although a number of glycolipid antigens have been shown to complex with CD1d molecules, most notably the marine sponge derived glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), there has been debate as to the identity of the endogenous activating lipid presented to the T-cell receptor (TCR) via the CD1d molecule on antigen-presenting cells (APCs). This review aims to survey the use of pharmacological agents and subsequent structure-activity relationships (SAR) that have given insight into the binding interaction of glycolipids with both the CD1d molecules as well as the TCR and the subsequent immunologic response of NKT cells. These studies not only elucidate basic binding interactions but also pave the way for future pharmacological modulation of NKT cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E East
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
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21
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Liu Z, Courtney AN, Metelitsa LS, Bittman R. C-Glycosphingolipids with an exo-methylene substituent: stereocontrolled synthesis and immunostimulation of mouse and human natural killer T lymphocytes. Chembiochem 2012; 13:1733-7. [PMID: 22782839 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201200374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Queens College of The City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
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22
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López-Sagaseta J, Sibener LV, Kung JE, Gumperz J, Adams EJ. Lysophospholipid presentation by CD1d and recognition by a human Natural Killer T-cell receptor. EMBO J 2012; 31:2047-59. [PMID: 22395072 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2012.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells use highly restricted αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) to probe the repertoire of lipids presented by CD1d molecules. Here, we describe our studies of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) presentation by human CD1d and its recognition by a native, LPC-specific iNKT TCR. Human CD1d presenting LPC adopts an altered conformation from that of CD1d presenting glycolipid antigens, with a shifted α1 helix resulting in an open A' pocket. Binding of the iNKT TCR requires a 7-Å displacement of the LPC headgroup but stabilizes the CD1d-LPC complex in a closed conformation. The iNKT TCR CDR loop footprint on CD1d-LPC is anchored by the conserved positioning of the CDR3α loop, whereas the remaining CDR loops are shifted, due in part to amino-acid differences in the CDR3β and Jβ segment used by this iNKT TCR. These findings provide insight into how lysophospholipids are presented by human CD1d molecules and how this complex is recognized by some, but not all, human iNKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinto López-Sagaseta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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23
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Kerzerho J, Yu ED, Barra CM, Alari-Pahissa E, Alari-Pahisa E, Girardi E, Harrak Y, Lauzurica P, Llebaria A, Zajonc DM, Akbari O, Castaño AR. Structural and functional characterization of a novel nonglycosidic type I NKT agonist with immunomodulatory properties. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:2254-65. [PMID: 22301545 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1103049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Activation of type I NKT (iNKT) cells by CD1d-presented agonists is a potent immunotherapeutic tool. α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) is the prototypic agonist, but its excessive potency with simultaneous production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines hampers its potential therapeutic use. In search for novel agonists, we have analyzed the structure and function of HS44, a synthetic aminocyclitolic ceramide analog designed to avoid unrestrained iNKT cell activation. HS44 is a weaker agonist compared with α-GalCer in vitro, although in vivo it induces robust IFN-γ production, and highly reduced but still functional Th2 response. The characteristic cytokine storm produced upon α-GalCer activation was not induced. Consequently, HS44 induced a very efficient iNKT cell-dependent antitumoral response in B16 animal model. In addition, intranasal administration showed the capacity to induce lung inflammation and airway hyperreactivity, a cardinal asthma feature. Thus, HS44 is able to elicit functional Th1 or Th2 responses. Structural studies show that HS44 binds to CD1d with the same conformation as α-GalCer. The TCR binds to HS44 similarly as α-GalCer, but forms less contacts, thus explaining its weaker TCR affinity and, consequently, its weaker recognition by iNKT cells. The ability of this compound to activate an efficient, but not massive, tailored functional immune response makes it an attractive reagent for immune manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Kerzerho
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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24
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O'Reilly V, Zeng SG, Bricard G, Atzberger A, Hogan AE, Jackson J, Feighery C, Porcelli SA, Doherty DG. Distinct and overlapping effector functions of expanded human CD4+, CD8α+ and CD4-CD8α- invariant natural killer T cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28648. [PMID: 22174854 PMCID: PMC3236218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells have diverse immune stimulatory/regulatory activities through their ability to release cytokines and to kill or transactivate other cells. Activation of iNKT cells can protect against multiple diseases in mice but clinical trials in humans have had limited impact. Clinical studies to date have targeted polyclonal mixtures of iNKT cells and we proposed that their subset compositions will influence therapeutic outcomes. We sorted and expanded iNKT cells from healthy donors and compared the phenotypes, cytotoxic activities and cytokine profiles of the CD4(+), CD8α(+) and CD4(-)CD8α(-) double-negative (DN) subsets. CD4(+) iNKT cells expanded more readily than CD8α(+) and DN iNKT cells upon mitogen stimulation. CD8α(+) and DN iNKT cells most frequently expressed CD56, CD161 and NKG2D and most potently killed CD1d(+) cell lines and primary leukemia cells. All iNKT subsets released Th1 (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) cytokines. Relative amounts followed a CD8α>DN>CD4 pattern for Th1 and CD4>DN>CD8α for Th2. All iNKT subsets could simultaneously produce IFN-γ and IL-4, but single-positivity for IFN-γ or IL-4 was strikingly rare in CD4(+) and CD8α(+) fractions, respectively. Only CD4(+) iNKT cells produced IL-9 and IL-10; DN cells released IL-17; and none produced IL-22. All iNKT subsets upregulated CD40L upon glycolipid stimulation and induced IL-10 and IL-12 secretion by dendritic cells. Thus, subset composition of iNKT cells is a major determinant of function. Use of enriched CD8α(+), DN or CD4(+) iNKT cells may optimally harness the immunoregulatory properties of iNKT cells for treatment of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent O'Reilly
- Department of Immunology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shijuan G. Zeng
- Department of Immunology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gabriel Bricard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Ann Atzberger
- Department of Immunology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew E. Hogan
- Obesity Immunology Group, Education and Research Centre, St. Vincent's University Hospital and University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Jackson
- Department of Immunology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Conleth Feighery
- Department of Immunology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Steven A. Porcelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Derek G. Doherty
- Department of Immunology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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25
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Arora P, Venkataswamy MM, Baena A, Bricard G, Li Q, Veerapen N, Ndonye R, Park JJ, Lee JH, Seo KC, Howell AR, Chang YT, Illarionov PA, Besra GS, Chung SK, Porcelli SA. A rapid fluorescence-based assay for classification of iNKT cell activating glycolipids. J Am Chem Soc 2011; 133:5198-201. [PMID: 21425779 PMCID: PMC3072113 DOI: 10.1021/ja200070u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
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Structural variants of α-galactosylceramide (αGC) that activate invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells) are being developed as potential immunomodulatory agents for a variety of applications. Identification of specific forms of these glycolipids that bias responses to favor production of proinflammatory vs anti-inflammatory cytokines is central to current efforts, but this goal has been hampered by the lack of in vitro screening assays that reliably predict the in vivo biological activity of these compounds. Here we describe a fluorescence-based assay to identify functionally distinct αGC analogues. Our assay is based on recent findings showing that presentation of glycolipid antigens by CD1d molecules localized to plasma membrane detergent-resistant microdomains (lipid rafts) is correlated with induction of interferon-γ secretion and Th1-biased cytokine responses. Using an assay that measures lipid raft residency of CD1d molecules loaded with αGC, we screened a library of ∼200 synthetic αGC analogues and identified 19 agonists with potential Th1-biasing activity. Analysis of a subset of these novel candidate Th1 type agonists in vivo in mice confirmed their ability to induce systemic cytokine responses consistent with a Th1 type bias. These results demonstrate the predictive value of this novel in vitro assay for assessing the in vivo functionality of glycolipid agonists and provide the basis for a relatively simple high-throughput assay for identification and functional classification of iNKT cell activating glycolipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Arora
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
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