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Cloutier M, Variya B, Akbari SA, Rexhepi F, Ilangumaran S, Ramanathan S. Profibrogenic role of IL-15 through IL-15 receptor alpha-mediated trans-presentation in the carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis model. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1404891. [PMID: 38919611 PMCID: PMC11196400 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1404891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammatory cytokines play key pathogenic roles in liver fibrosis. IL-15 is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by myeloid cells. IL-15 promotes pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases. However, increased liver fibrosis has been reported in mice lacking IL-15 receptor alpha chain (IL-15Rα), suggesting an anti-fibrogenic role for IL-15. As myeloid cells are key players in liver fibrosis and IL-15 signaling can occur independently of IL-15Rα, we investigated the requirement of IL-15 and IL-15Rα in liver fibrosis. Methods We induced liver fibrosis in Il15-/- , Il15ra-/- and wildtype C57BL/6 mice by the administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Liver fibrosis was evaluated by Sirius red and Mason's trichrome staining and α-smooth muscle acting immunostaining of myofibroblasts. Gene expression of collagens, matrix modifying enzymes, cytokines and chemokines was quantified by RT-qPCR. The phenotype and the numbers of intrahepatic lymphoid and myeloid cell subsets were evaluated by flow cytometry. Results Both Il15-/- and Il15ra-/- mice developed markedly reduced liver fibrosis compared to wildtype control mice, as revealed by reduced collagen deposition and myofibroblast content. Il15ra-/- mice showed further reduction in collagen deposition compared to Il15-/- mice. However, Col1a1 and Col1a3 genes were similarly induced in the fibrotic livers of wildtype, Il15-/- and Il15ra-/- mice, although notable variations were observed in the expression of matrix remodeling enzymes and chemokines. As expected, Il15-/- and Il15ra-/- mice showed markedly reduced numbers of NK cells compared to wildtype mice. They also showed markedly less staining of CD45+ immune cells and CD68+ macrophages, and significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration into the liver, with fewer pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory monocyte subsets compared to wildtype mice. Conclusion Our findings indicate that IL-15 exerts its profibrogenic role in the liver by promoting macrophage activation and that this requires trans-presentation of IL-15 by IL-15Rα.
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Hu S, Meng K, Wang T, Qu R, Wang B, Xi Y, Yu T, Yuan Z, Cai Z, Tian Y, Zeng C, Wang X, Zou W, Fu X, Li L. Lung cancer cell-intrinsic IL-15 promotes cell migration and sensitizes murine lung tumors to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Biomark Res 2024; 12:40. [PMID: 38637902 PMCID: PMC11027539 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00586-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND IL-15 plays a vital role in enhancing NK cell- and T-cell-mediated antitumor immune responses; however, the direct effect of IL-15 on tumor cells has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we investigated the effect of IL-15 on lung adenocarcinoma cells. METHODS Silencing and overexpression techniques were used to modify endogenous IL-15 expression in tumor cells. Transwell assays were used to assess tumor cell migration and invasion; a live-cell analysis system was used to evaluate cell motility; cellular morphological changes were quantified by confocal fluorescence microscopy; the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of IL-15 on tumor cells were analyzed by western blotting; and RhoA and Cdc42 activities were evaluated by a pulldown assay. NCG and C57BL/6 mouse models were used to evaluate the functions of IL-15 in vivo. RESULTS Cancer cell-intrinsic IL-15 promoted cell motility and migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo via activation of the AKT-mTORC1 pathway; however, exogenous IL-15 inhibited cell motility and migration via suppression of the RhoA-MLC2 axis. Mechanistic analysis revealed that both the intracellular and extracellular IL-15-mediated effects required the expression of IL-15Rα by tumor cells. Detailed analyses revealed that the IL-2/IL-15Rβ and IL-2Rγ chains were undetected in the complex formed by intracellular IL-15 and IL-15Rα. However, when exogenous IL-15 engaged tumor cells, a complex containing the IL-15Rα, IL-2/IL-15Rβ, and IL-2Rγ chains was formed, indicating that the differential actions of intracellular and extracellular IL-15 on tumor cells might be caused by their distinctive modes of IL-15 receptor engagement. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) metastasis model, we showed that although IL-15 overexpression facilitated the lung metastasis of LLC cells, IL-15-overexpressing LLC tumors were more sensitive to anti-PD-L1 therapy than were IL-15-wild-type LLC tumors via an enhanced antitumor immune response, as evidenced by their increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration compared to that of their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS Cancer cell-intrinsic IL-15 and exogenous IL-15 differentially regulate cell motility and migration. Thus, cancer cell-intrinsic IL-15 acts as a double-edged sword in tumor progression. Additionally, high levels of IL-15 expressed by tumor cells might improve the responsiveness of tumors to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Hu
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kelin Meng
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tianlai Wang
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rirong Qu
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Boyu Wang
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Xi
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Taiyan Yu
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiwei Yuan
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zihao Cai
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yitao Tian
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chenxi Zeng
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenbin Zou
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangning Fu
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Lequn Li
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Skariah N, James OJ, Swamy M. Signalling mechanisms driving homeostatic and inflammatory effects of interleukin-15 on tissue lymphocytes. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 3:kyae002. [PMID: 38405398 PMCID: PMC10883678 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
There is an intriguing dichotomy in the function of cytokine interleukin-15-at low levels, it is required for the homeostasis of the immune system, yet when it is upregulated in response to pathogenic infections or in autoimmunity, IL-15 drives inflammation. IL-15 associates with the IL-15Rα within both myeloid and non-haematopoietic cells, where IL-15Rα trans-presents IL-15 in a membrane-bound form to neighboring cells. Alongside homeostatic maintenance of select lymphocyte populations such as NK cells and tissue-resident T cells, when upregulated, IL-15 also promotes inflammatory outcomes by driving effector function and cytotoxicity in NK cells and T cells. As chronic over-expression of IL-15 can lead to autoimmunity, IL-15 expression is tightly regulated. Thus, blocking dysregulated IL-15 and its downstream signalling pathways are avenues for immunotherapy. In this review we discuss the molecular pathways involved in IL-15 signalling and how these pathways contribute to both homeostatic and inflammatory functions in IL-15-dependent mature lymphoid populations, focusing on innate, and innate-like lymphocytes in tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema Skariah
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Olivia J James
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Mahima Swamy
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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Stellas D, Karaliota S, Stravokefalou V, Angel M, Nagy BA, Goldfarbmuren KC, Bergamaschi C, Felber BK, Pavlakis GN. Tumor eradication by hetIL-15 locoregional therapy correlates with an induced intratumoral CD103 intCD11b + dendritic cell population. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112501. [PMID: 37178117 PMCID: PMC10758290 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112501] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Locoregional monotherapy with heterodimeric interleukin (IL)-15 (hetIL-15) in a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) orthotopic mouse model resulted in tumor eradication in 40% of treated mice, reduction of metastasis, and induction of immunological memory against breast cancer cells. hetIL-15 re-shaped the tumor microenvironment by promoting the intratumoral accumulation of cytotoxic lymphocytes, conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s), and a dendritic cell (DC) population expressing both CD103 and CD11b markers. These CD103intCD11b+DCs share phenotypic and gene expression characteristics with both cDC1s and cDC2s, have transcriptomic profiles more similar to monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs), and correlate with tumor regression. Therefore, hetIL-15, a cytokine directly affecting lymphocytes and inducing cytotoxic cells, also has an indirect rapid and significant effect on the recruitment of myeloid cells, initiating a cascade for tumor elimination through innate and adoptive immune mechanisms. The intratumoral CD103intCD11b+DC population induced by hetIL-15 may be targeted for the development of additional cancer immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Stellas
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece.
| | - Sevasti Karaliota
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Vasiliki Stravokefalou
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Matthew Angel
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Bethany A Nagy
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Katherine C Goldfarbmuren
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Stravokefalou V, Stellas D, Karaliota S, Nagy BA, Valentin A, Bergamaschi C, Dimas K, Pavlakis GN. Heterodimeric IL-15 (hetIL-15) reduces circulating tumor cells and metastasis formation improving chemotherapy and surgery in 4T1 mouse model of TNBC. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1014802. [PMID: 36713398 PMCID: PMC9880212 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1014802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a viable approach in cancer therapy, with cytokines being of great interest. Interleukin IL-15 (IL-15), a cytokine that supports cytotoxic immune cells, has been successfully tested as an anti-cancer and anti-metastatic agent, but combinations with conventional chemotherapy and surgery protocols have not been extensively studied. We have produced heterodimeric IL-15 (hetIL-15), which has shown anti-tumor efficacy in several murine cancer models and is being evaluated in clinical trials for metastatic cancers. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of hetIL-15 in combination with chemotherapy and surgery in the 4T1 mouse model of metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). hetIL-15 monotherapy exhibited potent anti-metastatic effects by diminishing the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and by controlling tumor cells colonization of the lungs. hetIL-15 treatment in combination with doxorubicin resulted in enhanced anti-metastatic activity and extended animal survival. Systemic immune phenotype analysis showed that the chemoimmunotherapeutic regimen shifted the tumor-induced imbalance of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) in favor of cytotoxic effector cells, by simultaneously decreasing PMN-MDSCs and increasing the frequency and activation of effector (CD8+T and NK) cells. Tumor resection supported by neoadjuvant and adjuvant administration of hetIL-15, either alone or in combination with doxorubicin, resulted in the cure of approximately half of the treated animals and the development of anti-4T1 tumor immunity. Our findings demonstrate a significant anti-metastatic potential of hetIL-15 in combination with chemotherapy and surgery and suggest exploring the use of this regimen for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Stravokefalou
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitris Stellas
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,Department of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Sevasti Karaliota
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Bethany A. Nagy
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Konstantinos Dimas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece,*Correspondence: Konstantinos Dimas, ; George N. Pavlakis,
| | - George N. Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Konstantinos Dimas, ; George N. Pavlakis,
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Conlon K, Watson DC, Waldmann TA, Valentin A, Bergamaschi C, Felber BK, Peer CJ, Figg WD, Potter EL, Roederer M, McNeel DG, Thompson JA, Gupta S, Leidner R, Wang-Gillam A, Parikh NS, Long D, Kurtulus S, Ho Lee L, Chowdhury NR, Bender F, Pavlakis GN. Phase I study of single agent NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimeric IL-15 agonist, in adult patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003388. [PMID: 34799399 PMCID: PMC8606766 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NIZ985 is a recombinant heterodimer of physiologically active interleukin (IL-)15 and IL-15 receptor alpha. In preclinical models, NIZ985 promotes cytotoxic lymphocyte proliferation, killing function, and organ/tumor infiltration, with resultant anticancer effects. In this first-in-human study, we assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and immune effects of NIZ985 in patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors. Methods Single agent NIZ985 dose escalation data are reported from a phase I dose escalation/expansion study of NIZ985 as monotherapy. Adult patients (N=14) received 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 µg/kg subcutaneous NIZ985 three times weekly (TIW) for the first 2 weeks of each 28-day cycle, in an accelerated 3+3 dose escalation trial design. IL-15 and endogenous cytokines were monitored by ELISA and multiplexed electrochemiluminescent assays. Multiparameter flow cytometry assessed the frequency, phenotype and proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Preliminary antitumor activity was assessed by overall response rate (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors V.1.1). Results As of March 2, 2020, median treatment duration was 7.5 weeks (range 1.1–77.1). Thirteen patients had discontinued and one (uveal melanoma) remains on treatment with stable disease. Best clinical response was stable disease (3 of 14 patients; 21%). The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were circular erythematous injection site reactions (100%), chills (71%), fatigue (57%), and fever (50%). Treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs occurred in six participants (43%); treatment-related serious AEs (SAEs) in three (21%). The per-protocol maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Pharmacokinetic accumulation of serum IL-15 in the first week was followed by significantly lower levels in week 2, likely due to more rapid cytokine consumption by an expanding lymphocyte pool. NIZ985 treatment was associated with increases in several cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-18, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, and tumor necrosis factor-β, plus significant induction of cytotoxic lymphocyte proliferation (including natural killer and CD8+ T cells), increased CD16+ monocytes, and increased CD163+ macrophages at injection sites. Conclusions Subcutaneous NIZ985 TIW was generally well tolerated in patients with advanced cancer and produced immune activation paralleling preclinical observations, with induction of IFN-γ and proliferation of cytotoxic lymphocytes. Due to delayed SAEs at the two highest dose levels, administration is being changed to once-weekly in a revised protocol, as monotherapy and combined with checkpoint inhibitor spartalizumab. These alterations are expected to maximize the potential of NIZ985 as a novel immunotherapy. Trial registration number NCT02452268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Conlon
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dionysios C Watson
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA.,University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Cody J Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - William D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - E Lake Potter
- Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Douglas G McNeel
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Sumati Gupta
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Rom Leidner
- Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Andrea Wang-Gillam
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nehal S Parikh
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Debby Long
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sema Kurtulus
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lang Ho Lee
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Florent Bender
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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Gordon SM. Interleukin-15 in Outcomes of Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11094. [PMID: 34681751 PMCID: PMC8541205 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pleiotropic cytokine that classically acts to support the development, maintenance, and function of killer lymphocytes. IL-15 is abundant in the uterus prior to and during pregnancy, but it is subject to tight spatial and temporal regulation. Both mouse models and human studies suggest that homeostasis of IL-15 is essential for healthy pregnancy. Dysregulation of IL-15 is associated with adverse outcomes of pregnancy. Herein, we review producers of IL-15 and responders to IL-15, including non-traditional responders in the maternal uterus and fetal placenta. We also review regulation of IL-15 at the maternal-fetal interface and propose mechanisms of action of IL-15 to facilitate additional study of this critical cytokine in the context of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M. Gordon
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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8
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Bosch NC, Martin LM, Voskens CJ, Berking C, Seliger B, Schuler G, Schaft N, Dörrie J. A Chimeric IL-15/IL-15Rα Molecule Expressed on NFκB-Activated Dendritic Cells Supports Their Capability to Activate Natural Killer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910227. [PMID: 34638566 PMCID: PMC8508776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, members of the innate immune system, play an important role in the rejection of HLA class I negative tumor cells. Hence, a therapeutic vaccine, which can activate NK cells in addition to cells of the adaptive immune system might induce a more comprehensive cellular response, which could lead to increased tumor elimination. Dendritic cells (DCs) are capable of activating and expanding NK cells, especially when the NFκB pathway is activated in the DCs thereby leading to the secretion of the cytokine IL-12. Another prominent NK cell activator is IL-15, which can be bound by the IL-15 receptor alpha-chain (IL-15Rα) to be transpresented to the NK cells. However, monocyte-derived DCs do neither secrete IL-15, nor express the IL-15Rα. Hence, we designed a chimeric protein consisting of IL-15 and the IL-15Rα. Upon mRNA electroporation, the fusion protein was detectable on the surface of the DCs, and increased the potential of NFκB-activated, IL-12-producing DC to activate NK cells in an autologous cell culture system with ex vivo-generated cells from healthy donors. These data show that a chimeric IL-15/IL-15Rα molecule can be expressed by monocyte-derived DCs, is trafficked to the cell surface, and is functional regarding the activation of NK cells. These data represent an initial proof-of-concept for an additional possibility of further improving cellular DC-based immunotherapies of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C. Bosch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (N.C.B.); (B.S.)
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–EMN, NCT WERA, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lena-Marie Martin
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Caroline J. Voskens
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–EMN, NCT WERA, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–EMN, NCT WERA, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (N.C.B.); (B.S.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-8531127
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Bergamaschi C, Pandit H, Nagy BA, Stellas D, Jensen SM, Bear J, Cam M, Valentin A, Fox BA, Felber BK, Pavlakis GN. Heterodimeric IL-15 delays tumor growth and promotes intratumoral CTL and dendritic cell accumulation by a cytokine network involving XCL1, IFN-γ, CXCL9 and CXCL10. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000599. [PMID: 32461349 PMCID: PMC7254133 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-15 (IL-15) promotes growth and activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells. Bioactive IL-15 is produced in the body as a heterodimeric cytokine, comprising the IL-15 and IL-15 receptor alpha chains (hetIL-15). Several preclinical models support the antitumor activity of hetIL-15 promoting its application in clinical trials. METHODS The antitumor activity of hetIL-15 produced from mammalian cells was tested in mouse tumor models (MC38 colon carcinoma and TC-1 epithelial carcinoma). The functional diversity of the immune infiltrate and the cytokine/chemokine network within the tumor was evaluated by flow cytometry, multicolor immunohistochemistry (IHC), gene expression profiling by Nanostring Technologies, and protein analysis by electrochemiluminescence and ELISA assays. RESULTS hetIL-15 treatment resulted in delayed primary tumor growth. Increased NK and CD8+ T cell tumoral infiltration with an increased CD8+/Treg ratio were found by flow cytometry and IHC in hetIL-15 treated animals. Intratumoral NK and CD8+ T cells showed activation features with enhanced interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, proliferation (Ki67+), cytotoxic potential (Granzyme B+) and expression of the survival factor Bcl-2. Transcriptomics and proteomics analyses revealed complex effects on the tumor microenvironment triggered by hetIL-15 therapy, including increased levels of IFN-γ and XCL1 with intratumoral accumulation of XCR1+IRF8+CD103+ conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1). Concomitantly, the production of the chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 by tumor-localized myeloid cells, including cDC1, was boosted by hetIL-15 in an IFN-γ-dependent manner. An increased frequency of circulating CXCR3+ NK and CD8+ T cells was found, suggesting their ability to migrate toward the tumors following the CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokine gradient. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that hetIL-15 administration enhances T cell entry into tumors, increasing the success rate of immunotherapy interventions. Our study further supports the incorporation of hetIL-15 in tumor immunotherapy approaches to promote the development of antitumor responses by favoring effector over regulatory cells and by promoting lymphocyte and DC localization into tumors through the modification of the tumor chemokine and cytokine milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Hrishikesh Pandit
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bethany A Nagy
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Dimitris Stellas
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Shawn M Jensen
- Robert W Franz Cancer Research Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jenifer Bear
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Maggie Cam
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernard A Fox
- Robert W Franz Cancer Research Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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Heterodimeric IL-15 in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040837. [PMID: 33671252 PMCID: PMC7922495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The rapidly expanding field of cancer immunotherapy uses diverse technologies, including cytokines, T cells, and antibody administration, with the aim to induce effective immune responses leading to tumor control. Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine discovered in 1994, supports the homeostasis of cytotoxic immune cells and shows promise as an anti-tumor agent. Many studies have elucidated IL-15 synthesis, regulation and biological function and explored its therapeutic efficacy in preclinical cancer models. Escherichia coli-derived single-chain IL-15 was tested in the first in-human trial in cancer patients. Its effects were limited by the biology of IL-15, which in vivo comprises a complex of the IL-15 chain with the IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) chain, together forming the IL-15 heterodimer (hetIL-15). Currently, single-chain IL-15 and several heterodimeric IL-15:IL-15Rα variants (hetIL-15, N-803 and RLI) are being tested in clinical trials. This review presents a summary of contemporary preclinical and clinical research on IL-15. Abstract Immunotherapy has emerged as a valuable strategy for the treatment of many cancer types. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) promotes the growth and function of cytotoxic CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells. It also enhances leukocyte trafficking and stimulates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes expansion and activity. Bioactive IL-15 is produced in the body as a heterodimeric cytokine, comprising the IL-15 and the so-called IL-15 receptor alpha chain that are together termed “heterodimeric IL-15” (hetIL-15). hetIL-15, closely resembling the natural form of the cytokine produced in vivo, and IL-15:IL-15Rα complex variants, such as hetIL-15Fc, N-803 and RLI, are the currently available IL-15 agents. These molecules have showed favorable pharmacokinetics and biological function in vivo in comparison to single-chain recombinant IL-15. Preclinical animal studies have supported their anti-tumor activity, suggesting IL-15 as a general method to convert “cold” tumors into “hot”, by promoting tumor lymphocyte infiltration. In clinical trials, IL-15-based therapies are overall well-tolerated and result in the expansion and activation of NK and memory CD8+ T cells. Combinations with other immunotherapies are being investigated to improve the anti-tumor efficacy of IL-15 agents in the clinic.
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Shirley SA, Lundberg CG, Heller R. Electrotransfer of IL-15/IL-15Rα Complex for the Treatment of Established Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103072. [PMID: 33096755 PMCID: PMC7589551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The stimulation of the immune system through the administration of immunomodulatory agents such as cytokines has the potential to be an effective anti-cancer therapy. Obtaining the correct dose is an important aspect with respect to minimizing toxicity and obtaining the desired effect. A method to decrease the toxicity of this type of treatment is to replace the high-dose recombinant protein injections by using DNA expressing genes for one or more of these anti-cancer agents. In this current study, we have evaluated the delivery of interleukin-15 and its receptor in the form of plasmid DNA in a mouse melanoma model. We utilize a delivery approach that can deliver plasmid DNA in a manner that results in the desired level of expression being produced and induces a potent anti-tumor response as well as an immune memory response. Abstract Gene electrotransfer (GET) is a safe, reliable, and effective method of delivering plasmid DNA (pDNA) to solid tumors. GET has been previously used to deliver interleukin-15 (IL-15) to mouse melanoma, resulting in long-term tumor regression and the survival of a percentage of treated animals after challenge. To enhance this effect, we evaluated modulating the expression levels of IL-15 and co-expressing its receptor, IL-15Rα. GET was used to deliver plasmids encoding IL-15 and IL-15Rα to established B16.F10 tumors on days 0, 4, and 7. Two delivery protocols that yielded different expression profiles were utilized. Mice that were tumor-free for 50 days were then challenged with B16.F10 cells on the opposite flank and monitored for an additional 50 days. The amount of IL-15 expressed and the presence or absence of IL-15Rα in the treated tumors did not significantly affect the tumor regression and long-term survival. Upon challenge, however, low levels of IL-15 were more protective and resulted in a greater production of anti-tumor cytokines such as IFN-γ and MIP-1β and a greater amount of CD11b+ and CD3e+ cells infiltrating tumors. While mice with high levels of IL-15 showed CD11b+ and CD3e+ cell infiltrate, there was a substantial presence of NK cells that was absent in other treated groups. We can conclude that the level of IL-15 expressed in tumors after GET is an important determinant of the therapeutic outcome, a finding that will help us finetune this type of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna A. Shirley
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Cathryn G. Lundberg
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Richard Heller
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33512, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +01-813-974-1221
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12
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Allard-Chamard H, Mishra HK, Nandi M, Mayhue M, Menendez A, Ilangumaran S, Ramanathan S. Interleukin-15 in autoimmunity. Cytokine 2020; 136:155258. [PMID: 32919253 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a member of the IL-2 family of cytokines, which use receptor complexes containing the common gamma (γc) chain for signaling. IL-15 plays important roles in innate and adaptative immune responses and is implicated in the pathogenesis of several immune diseases. The IL-15 receptor consists of 3 subunits namely, the ligand-binding IL-15Rα chain, the β chain (also used by IL-2) and the γc chain. IL-15 uses a unique signaling pathway whereby IL-15 associates with IL-15Rα during biosynthesis, and this complex is 'trans-presented' to responder cells that expresses the IL-2/15Rβγc receptor complex. IL-15 is subject to post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation, and evidence also suggests that IL-15 cis-signaling can occur under certain conditions. IL-15 has been implicated in the pathology of various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease and psoriasis. Studies with pre-clinical models have shown the beneficial effects of targeting IL-15 signaling in autoimmunity. Unlike therapies targeting other cytokines, anti-IL-15 therapies have not yet been successful in humans. We discuss the complexities of IL-15 signaling in autoimmunity and explore potential immunotherapeutic approaches to target the IL-15 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Allard-Chamard
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Hemant K Mishra
- Vet & Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Madhuparna Nandi
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Marian Mayhue
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Alfredo Menendez
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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13
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IL-15/IL-15Rα/CD80-expressing AML cell vaccines eradicate minimal residual disease in leukemic mice. Blood Adv 2019; 2:3177-3192. [PMID: 30482760 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018019026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered autologous acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells present multiple leukemia-associated and patient-specific antigens and as such hold promise as immunotherapeutic vaccines. However, prior vaccines have not reliably induced effective antileukemic immunity, in part because AML blasts have immune inhibitory effects and lack expression of the critical costimulatory molecule CD80. To enhance induction of leukemia-specific cytolytic activity, 32Dp210 murine AML cells were engineered to express either CD80 alone, or the immunostimulatory cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) with its receptor α (IL-15Rα), or heterodimeric IL-15/IL-15Rα together with CD80 and tested as irradiated cell vaccines. IL-15 is a γc-chain cytokine, with unique properties suited to stimulating antitumor immunity, including stimulation of both natural killer and CD8+ memory T cells. Coexpression of IL-15 and IL-15Rα markedly increases IL-15 stability and secretion. Non-tumor-bearing mice vaccinated with irradiated 32Dp210-IL-15/IL-15Rα/CD80 and challenged with 32Dp210 leukemia had greater survival than did mice treated with 32Dp210-CD80 or 32Dp210-IL-15/IL-15Rα vaccines, whereas no unvaccinated mice inoculated with leukemia survived. In mice with established leukemia, treatment with 32Dp210-IL-15/IL-15Rα/CD80 vaccination stimulated unprecedented antileukemic immunity enabling 80% survival, an effect that was abrogated by anti-CD8 antibody-mediated depletion in vivo. Because, clinically, AML vaccines are administered as postremission therapy, we established a novel model in which mice with high leukemic burdens were treated with cytotoxic therapy to induce remission (<5% marrow blasts). Postremission vaccination with 32Dp210-IL-15/IL-15Rα/CD80 achieved 50% overall survival in these mice, whereas all unvaccinated mice achieving remission subsequently relapsed. These studies demonstrate that combined expression of IL-15/IL-15Rα and CD80 by syngeneic AML vaccines stimulates effective and long-lasting antileukemic immunity.
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Gómez-Fernández P, Urtasun A, Paton AW, Paton JC, Borrego F, Dersh D, Argon Y, Alloza I, Vandenbroeck K. Long Interleukin-22 Binding Protein Isoform-1 Is an Intracellular Activator of the Unfolded Protein Response. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2934. [PMID: 30619294 PMCID: PMC6302113 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The human IL22RA2 gene co-produces three protein isoforms in dendritic cells [IL-22 binding protein isoform-1 (IL-22BPi1), IL-22BPi2, and IL-22BPi3]. Two of these, IL-22BPi2 and IL-22BPi3, are capable of neutralizing the biological activity of IL-22. The function of IL-22BPi1, which differs from IL-22BPi2 through an in-frame 32-amino acid insertion provided by an alternatively spliced exon, remains unknown. Using transfected human cell lines, we demonstrate that IL-22BPi1 is secreted detectably, but at much lower levels than IL-22BPi2, and unlike IL-22BPi2 and IL-22BPi3, is largely retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). As opposed to IL-22BPi2 and IL-22BPi3, IL-22BPi1 is incapable of neutralizing or binding to IL-22 measured in bioassay or assembly-induced IL-22 co-folding assay. We performed interactome analysis to disclose the mechanism underlying the poor secretion of IL-22BPi1 and identified GRP78, GRP94, GRP170, and calnexin as main interactors. Structure-function analysis revealed that, like IL-22BPi2, IL-22BPi1 binds to the substrate-binding domain of GRP78 as well as to the middle domain of GRP94. Ectopic expression of wild-type GRP78 enhanced, and ATPase-defective GRP94 mutant decreased, secretion of both IL-22BPi1 and IL-22BPi2, while neither of both affected IL-22BPi3 secretion. Thus, IL-22BPi1 and IL-22BPi2 are bona fide clients of the ER chaperones GRP78 and GRP94. However, only IL-22BPi1 activates an unfolded protein response (UPR) resulting in increased protein levels of GRP78 and GRP94. Cloning of the IL22RA2 alternatively spliced exon into an unrelated cytokine, IL-2, bestowed similar characteristics on the resulting protein. We also found that CD14++/CD16+ intermediate monocytes produced a higher level of IL22RA2 mRNA than classical and non-classical monocytes, but this difference disappeared in immature dendritic cells (moDC) derived thereof. Upon silencing of IL22RA2 expression in moDC, GRP78 levels were significantly reduced, suggesting that native IL22RA2 expression naturally contributes to upregulating GRP78 levels in these cells. The IL22RA2 alternatively spliced exon was reported to be recruited through a single mutation in the proto-splice site of a Long Terminal Repeat retrotransposon sequence in the ape lineage. Our work suggests that positive selection of IL-22BPi1 was not driven by IL-22 antagonism as in the case of IL-22BPi2 and IL-22BPi3, but by capacity for induction of an UPR response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Gómez-Fernández
- Neurogenomiks Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Andoni Urtasun
- Neurogenomiks Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Adrienne W. Paton
- Research for Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - James C. Paton
- Research for Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Francisco Borrego
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Basque Center for Transfusion and Human Tissues, Galdakao, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Devin Dersh
- Division of Cell Pathology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yair Argon
- Division of Cell Pathology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Iraide Alloza
- Neurogenomiks Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Koen Vandenbroeck
- Neurogenomiks Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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15
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Bergamaschi C, Watson DC, Valentin A, Bear J, Peer CJ, Figg WD, Felber BK, Pavlakis GN. Optimized administration of hetIL-15 expands lymphocytes and minimizes toxicity in rhesus macaques. Cytokine 2018; 108:213-224. [PMID: 29402721 PMCID: PMC6657354 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The common γ-chain cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) plays a significant role in regulating innate and adaptive lymphocyte homeostasis and can stimulate anti-tumor activity of leukocytes. We have previously shown that the circulating IL-15 in the plasma is the heterodimeric form (hetIL-15), produced upon co-expression of IL-15 and IL-15 Receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) polypeptides in the same cell, heterodimerization of the two chains and secretion. We investigated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile and toxicity of purified human hetIL-15 cytokine upon injection in rhesus macaques. We compared the effects of repeated hetIL-15 administration during a two-week dosing cycle, using different subcutaneous dosing schemata, i.e. fixed doses of 0.5, 5 and 50 μg/kg or a doubling step-dose scheme ranging from 2 to 64 μg/kg. Following a fixed-dose regimen, dose-dependent peak plasma IL-15 levels decreased significantly between the first and last injection. The trough plasma IL-15 levels measured at 48 h after injections were significantly higher after the first dose, compared to subsequent doses. In contrast, following the step-dose regimen, the systemic exposure increased by more than 1 log between the first injection given at 2 μg/kg and the last injection given at 64 μg/kg, and the trough levels were comparable after each injection. Blood lymphocyte cell count, proliferation, and plasma IL-18 levels peaked at day 8 when hetIL-15 was provided at fixed doses, and at the end of the cycle following a step-dose regimen, suggesting that sustained expansion of target cells requires increasing doses of cytokine. Macaques treated with a 50 μg/kg dose showed moderate and transient toxicity, including fever, signs of capillary leak syndrome and renal dysfunction. In contrast, these effects were mild or absent using the step-dose regimen. The results provide a new method of optimal administration of this homeostatic cytokine and may have applications for the delivery of other cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Dionysios C Watson
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Jenifer Bear
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Cody J Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.
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Watson DC, Moysi E, Valentin A, Bergamaschi C, Devasundaram S, Fortis SP, Bear J, Chertova E, Bess J, Sowder R, Venzon DJ, Deleage C, Estes JD, Lifson JD, Petrovas C, Felber BK, Pavlakis GN. Treatment with native heterodimeric IL-15 increases cytotoxic lymphocytes and reduces SHIV RNA in lymph nodes. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1006902. [PMID: 29474450 PMCID: PMC5825155 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell follicles in secondary lymphoid tissues represent an immune privileged sanctuary for AIDS viruses, in part because cytotoxic CD8+ T cells are mostly excluded from entering the follicles that harbor infected T follicular helper (TFH) cells. We studied the effects of native heterodimeric IL-15 (hetIL-15) treatment on uninfected rhesus macaques and on macaques that had spontaneously controlled SHIV infection to low levels of chronic viremia. hetIL-15 increased effector CD8+ T lymphocytes with high granzyme B content in blood, mucosal sites and lymph nodes, including virus-specific MHC-peptide tetramer+ CD8+ cells in LN. Following hetIL-15 treatment, multiplexed quantitative image analysis (histo-cytometry) of LN revealed increased numbers of granzyme B+ T cells in B cell follicles and SHIV RNA was decreased in plasma and in LN. Based on these properties, hetIL-15 shows promise as a potential component in combination immunotherapy regimens to target AIDS virus sanctuaries and reduce long-term viral reservoirs in HIV-1 infected individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02452268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysios C. Watson
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Eirini Moysi
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section; Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Santhi Devasundaram
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section; Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sotirios P. Fortis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jenifer Bear
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section; Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elena Chertova
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Julian Bess
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ray Sowder
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David J. Venzon
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Claire Deleage
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jacob D. Estes
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey D. Lifson
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Constantinos Petrovas
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Barbara K. Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section; Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - George N. Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
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17
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Ding JY, Wang ZH, Zhang ZZ, Cui XR, Hong YY, Liu QQ. Effects of three IL-15 variants on NCI-H446 cell proliferation and expression of cell cycle regulatory molecules. Oncotarget 2017; 8:108108-108117. [PMID: 29296227 PMCID: PMC5746129 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a cytokine exhibiting antitumor characteristic similar to that of IL-2. However, in human tissues and cells, IL-15 expression and secretion is very limited, suggesting IL-15 functions mainly intracellularly. In the present study, we assessed the effects of transfecting NCI-H446 small cell lung cancer cells with genes encoding three IL-15 variants: prototypical IL-15, mature IL-15 peptide, and modified IL-15 in which the IL-2 signal peptide is substituted for the native signal peptide. NCI-H446 cells transfected with empty plasmid served as the control group. We found that IL-15 transfection effectively inhibited NCI-H446 cell proliferation and arrested cell cycle progression, with the modified IL-15 carrying the IL-2 signal peptide exerting the greatest effect. Consistent with those findings, expression each of the three IL-15 variants reduced growth of NCI-H446 xenograph tumors, and the modified IL-15 again showed the greatest effect. In addition, IL-15 expression led to down-regulation of the positive cell cycle regulators cyclin E and CDK2 and up-regulation of the negative cycle regulators p21 and Rb. These findings suggest IL-15 acts as a tumor suppressor that inhibits tumor cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ying Ding
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Study on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Infectious Diseases, Beijing Hospital of TCM, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of TCM, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zheng-Zheng Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xu-Ran Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Study on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Infectious Diseases, Beijing Hospital of TCM, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of TCM, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Ying Hong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Study on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Infectious Diseases, Beijing Hospital of TCM, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of TCM, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Quan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Study on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Infectious Diseases, Beijing Hospital of TCM, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of TCM, Beijing, China
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18
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Patidar M, Yadav N, Dalai SK. Interleukin 15: A key cytokine for immunotherapy. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2016; 31:49-59. [PMID: 27325459 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-15, a member of the immunoregulatory cytokines family, is a pluripotent molecule with therapeutic potential. It is predominantly expressed by the myeloid cells, as well as other cell types. IL-15 serves multiple functions including dictating T cell response, regulating tissue repair and B cell homing, modulating inflammation, and activating NK cells. Among cytokines, IL-15 is unique because of its wide expression, tightly regulated secretion, trans-presentation, and therapeutic potential. IL-15 has been investigated for its therapeutic potential for the induction and maintenance of T cell responses. In addition, IL-15 can be targeted by antibody- or mutant IL-15 therapy to reduce inflammation. Its multifaceted biological applications are crucial in immunotherapy. In this article, we review the functions, expression, and regulation of IL-15 for designing an improved IL-15-based therapy targeting the IL-15 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Patidar
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, India.
| | - Naveen Yadav
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, India.
| | - Sarat K Dalai
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, India.
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19
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Thaysen-Andersen M, Chertova E, Bergamaschi C, Moh ESX, Chertov O, Roser J, Sowder R, Bear J, Lifson J, Packer NH, Felber BK, Pavlakis GN. Recombinant human heterodimeric IL-15 complex displays extensive and reproducible N- and O-linked glycosylation. Glycoconj J 2016; 33:417-33. [PMID: 26563299 PMCID: PMC7537637 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-015-9627-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Human interleukin 15 (IL-15) circulates in blood as a stable molecular complex with the soluble IL-15 receptor alpha (sIL-15Rα). This heterodimeric IL-15:sIL-15Rα complex (hetIL-15) shows therapeutic potential by promoting the growth, mobilization and activation of lymphocytes and is currently evaluated in clinical trials. Favorable pharmacokinetic properties are associated with the heterodimeric formation and the glycosylation of hetIL-15, which, however, remains largely uncharacterized. We report the site-specific N- and O-glycosylation of two clinically relevant large-scale preparations of HEK293-derived recombinant human hetIL-15. Intact IL-15 and sIL-15Rα and derived glycans and glycopeptides were separately profiled using multiple LC-MS/MS strategies. IL-15 Asn79 and sIL-15Rα Asn107 carried the same repertoire of biosynthetically-related N-glycans covering mostly α1-6-core-fucosylated and β-GlcNAc-terminating complex-type structures. The two potential IL-15 N-glycosylation sites (Asn71 and Asn112) located at the IL-2 receptor interface were unoccupied. Mass analysis of intact IL-15 confirmed its N-glycosylation and suggested that Asn79-glycosylation partially prevents Asn77-deamidation. IL-15 contained no O-glycans, whereas sIL-15Rα was heavily O-glycosylated with partially sialylated core 1 and 2-type mono- to hexasaccharides on Thr2, Thr81, Thr86, Thr156, Ser158, and Ser160. The sialoglycans displayed α2-3- and α2-6-NeuAc-type sialylation. Non-human, potentially immunogenic glycoepitopes (e.g. N-glycolylneuraminic acid and α-galactosylation) were not displayed by hetIL-15. Highly reproducible glycosylation of IL-15 and sIL-15Rα of two batches of hetIL-15 demonstrated consistent manufacturing and purification. In conclusion, we document the heterogeneous and reproducible N- and O-glycosylation of large-scale preparations of the therapeutic candidate hetIL-15. Site-specific mapping of these molecular features is important to evaluate the consistent large-scale production and clinical efficacy of hetIL-15.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Thaysen-Andersen
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - E Chertova
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - C Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - E S X Moh
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - O Chertov
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Leidos Biomedical, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - J Roser
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - R Sowder
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - J Bear
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - J Lifson
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - N H Packer
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - B K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - G N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
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20
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Hong E, Usiskin IM, Bergamaschi C, Hanlon DJ, Edelson RL, Justesen S, Pavlakis GN, Flavell RA, Fahmy TM. Configuration-dependent Presentation of Multivalent IL-15:IL-15Rα Enhances the Antigen-specific T Cell Response and Anti-tumor Immunity. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:8931-50. [PMID: 26719339 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.695304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we report a "configuration-dependent" mechanism of action for IL-15:IL-15Rα (heterodimeric IL-15 or hetIL-15) where the manner by which IL-15:IL-15Rα molecules are presented to target cells significantly affects its function as a vaccine adjuvant. Although the cellular mechanism of IL-15 trans-presentation via IL-15Rα and its importance for IL-15 function have been described, the full effect of the IL-15:IL-15Rα configuration on responding cells is not yet known. We found that trans-presenting IL-15:IL-15Rα in a multivalent fashion on the surface of antigen-encapsulating nanoparticles enhanced the ability of nanoparticle-treated dendritic cells (DCs) to stimulate antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell responses. Localization of multivalent IL-15:IL-15Rα and encapsulated antigen to the same DC led to maximal T cell responses. Strikingly, DCs incubated with IL-15:IL-15Rα-coated nanoparticles displayed higher levels of functional IL-15 on the cell surface, implicating a mechanism for nanoparticle-mediated transfer of IL-15 to the DC surface. Using artificial antigen-presenting cells to highlight the effect of IL-15 configuration on DCs, we showed that artificial antigen-presenting cells presenting IL-15:IL-15Rα increased the sensitivity and magnitude of the T cell response, whereas IL-2 enhanced the T cell response only when delivered in a paracrine fashion. Therefore, the mode of cytokine presentation (configuration) is important for optimal immune responses. We tested the effect of configuration dependence in an aggressive model of murine melanoma and demonstrated significantly delayed tumor progression induced by IL-15:IL-15Rα-coated nanoparticles in comparison with monovalent IL-15:IL-15Rα. The novel mechanism of IL-15 transfer to the surface of antigen-processing DCs may explain the enhanced potency of IL-15:IL-15Rα-coated nanoparticles for antigen delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enping Hong
- From the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - Ilana M Usiskin
- From the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- the Vaccine Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, and
| | - Douglas J Hanlon
- Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Richard L Edelson
- Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Sune Justesen
- the Department of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1017, Denmark
| | - George N Pavlakis
- the Vaccine Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, and
| | | | - Tarek M Fahmy
- From the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, the Departments of Immunobiology and
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21
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O'Connell GC, Nichols C, Guo G, Croston TL, Thapa D, Hollander JM, Pistilli EE. IL-15Rα deficiency in skeletal muscle alters respiratory function and the proteome of mitochondrial subpopulations independent of changes to the mitochondrial genome. Mitochondrion 2015; 25:87-97. [PMID: 26458787 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 receptor alpha knockout (IL15RαKO) mice exhibit a greater skeletal muscle mitochondrial density with an altered mitochondrial morphology. However, the mechanism and functional impact of these changes have not been determined. In this study, we characterized the functional, proteomic, and genomic alterations in mitochondrial subpopulations isolated from the skeletal muscles of IL15RαKO mice and B6129 background control mice. State 3 respiration was greater in interfibrillar mitochondria and whole muscle ATP levels were greater in IL15RαKO mice supporting the increases in respiration rate. However, the state 3/state 4 ratio was lower, suggesting some degree of respiratory uncoupling. Proteomic analyses identified several markers independently in mitochondrial subpopulations that are associated with these functional alterations. Next Generation Sequencing of mtDNA revealed a high degree of similarity between the mitochondrial genomes of IL15RαKO mice and controls in terms of copy number, consensus coding and the presence of minor alleles, suggesting that the functional and proteomic alterations we observed occurred independent of alterations to the mitochondrial genome. These data provide additional evidence to implicate IL-15Rα as a regulator of skeletal muscle phenotypes through effects on the mitochondrion, and suggest these effects are driven by alterations to the mitochondrial proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ge Guo
- Division of Exercise Physiology, United States
| | | | | | - John M Hollander
- Division of Exercise Physiology, United States; Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, United States
| | - Emidio E Pistilli
- Division of Exercise Physiology, United States; Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, United States; Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States.
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22
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Therapeutic potential of IL-15 in rheumatoid arthritis. Hum Immunol 2015; 76:812-8. [PMID: 26429323 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2015.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, destructive inflammatory autoimmune disease. Cytokine-mediated immunity has been found to play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including RA. Recently, much attention has been paid on the role of IL-15, which is a member of the 4 α-helix bundle cytokine family. IL-15 was detected in serum and synovial fluid from RA patients and arthritis mice models. Moreover, administration of IL-15 leads to the development of severe inflammatory arthritis, suggesting that IL-15 may be therapeutically relevant in RA. Therefore, targeting IL-15 may be significantly important and valuable. In this article, we discuss the biological features and effects of IL-15 and summarize recent advances on the pathological roles of IL-15 in RA and treatment for RA.
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23
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Jiang Y, Husain M, Qi Z, Bird S, Wang T. Identification and expression analysis of two interleukin-23α (p19) isoforms, in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Mol Immunol 2015; 66:216-28. [PMID: 25841173 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-23 is a heterodimeric IL-12 family cytokine composed of a p19 α-chain, linked to a p40 β-chain that is shared with IL-12. IL-23 is distinguished functionally from IL-12 by its ability to induce the production of IL-17, and differentiation of Th17 cells in mammals. Three isoforms of p40 (p40a, p40b and p40c) have been found in some 3R teleosts. Salmonids also possess three p40 isoforms (p40b1, p40b2 and p40c) although p40a is missing, and two copies (paralogues) of p40b are present that have presumably been retained following the 4R duplication in this fish lineage. Teleost p19 has been discovered recently in zebrafish, but to date there is limited information on expression and modulation of this molecule. In this report we have cloned two p19 paralogues (p19a and p19b) in salmonids, suggesting that a salmonid can possess six potential IL-23 isoforms. Whilst Atlantic salmon has two active p19 genes, the rainbow trout p19b gene may have been pseudogenized. The salmonid p19 translations share moderate identities (22.8-29.9%) to zebrafish and mammalian p19 molecules, but their identity was supported by structural features, a conserved 4 exon/3 intron gene organisation, and phylogenetic tree analysis. The active salmonid p19 genes are highly expressed in blood and gonad. Bacterial (Yersinia ruckeri) and viral infection in rainbow trout induces the expression of p19a, suggesting pathogen-specific induction of IL-23 isoforms. Trout p19a expression was also induced by PAMPs (poly IC and peptidoglycan) and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in primary head kidney macrophages. These data may indicate diverse functional roles of trout IL-23 isoforms in regulating the immune response in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousheng Jiang
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK; College of Fishery and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Mansourah Husain
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Zhitao Qi
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK; Key Laboratory of Aquaculture and Ecology of Coastal pool in Jiangsu Province, Department of Ocean Technology, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224051, China
| | - Steve Bird
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK; Molecular Genetics, School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Tiehui Wang
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK.
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24
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Interleukin-15 directly stimulates pro-oxidative gene expression in skeletal muscle in-vitro via a mechanism that requires interleukin-15 receptor alpha. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 458:614-619. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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25
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Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) exerts many biological functions essential for the maintenance and function of multiple cell types. Although its expression is tightly regulated, IL-15 upregulation has been reported in many organ-specific autoimmune disorders. In celiac disease, an intestinal inflammatory disorder driven by gluten exposure, the upregulation of IL-15 expression in the intestinal mucosa has become a hallmark of the disease. Interestingly, because it is overexpressed both in the gut epithelium and in the lamina propria, IL-15 acts on distinct cell types and impacts distinct immune components and pathways to disrupt intestinal immune homeostasis. In this article, we review our current knowledge of the multifaceted roles of IL-15 with regard to the main immunological processes involved in the pathogenesis of celiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Abadie
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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26
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O'Connell G, Guo G, Stricker J, Quinn LS, Ma A, Pistilli EE. Muscle-specific deletion of exons 2 and 3 of the IL15RA gene in mice: effects on contractile properties of fast and slow muscles. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2014; 118:437-48. [PMID: 25505029 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00704.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a putative myokine hypothesized to induce an oxidative skeletal muscle phenotype. The specific IL-15 receptor alpha subunit (IL-15Rα) has also been implicated in specifying this contractile phenotype. The purposes of this study were to determine the muscle-specific effects of IL-15Rα functional deficiency on skeletal muscle isometric contractile properties, fatigue characteristics, spontaneous cage activity, and circulating IL-15 levels in male and female mice. Muscle creatine kinase (MCK)-driven IL-15Rα knockout mice (mIl15ra(fl/fl)/Cre(+)) were generated using the Cre-loxP system. We tested the hypothesis that IL-15Rα functional deficiency in skeletal muscle would increase resistance to contraction-induced fatigue, cage activity, and circulating IL-15 levels. There was a significant effect of genotype on the fatigue curves obtained in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from female mIl15ra(fl/fl)/Cre(+) mice, such that force output was greater during the repeated contraction protocol compared with mIl15ra(fl/fl)/Cre(-) control mice. Muscles from female mIl15ra(fl/fl)/Cre(+) mice also had a twofold greater amount of the mitochondrial genome-specific COXII gene compared with muscles from mIl15ra(fl/fl)/Cre(-) control mice, indicating a greater mitochondrial density in these skeletal muscles. There was a significant effect of genotype on the twitch:tetanus ratio in EDL and soleus muscles from mIl15ra(fl/fl)/Cre(+) mice, such that the ratio was lower in these muscles compared with mIl15ra(fl/fl)/Cre(-) control mice, indicating a pro-oxidative shift in muscle phenotype. However, spontaneous cage activity was not different and IL-15 protein levels were lower in male and female mIl15ra(fl/fl)/Cre(+) mice compared with control. Collectively, these data support a direct effect of muscle IL-15Rα deficiency in altering contractile properties and fatigue characteristics in skeletal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant O'Connell
- Division of Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Ge Guo
- Division of Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Janelle Stricker
- Division of Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - LeBris S Quinn
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Averil Ma
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Emidio E Pistilli
- Division of Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia; Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia; West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia;
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27
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Husain M, Martin SAM, Wang T. Identification and characterisation of the IL-27 p28 subunits in fish: Cloning and comparative expression analysis of two p28 paralogues in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 41:102-112. [PMID: 24981291 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-27 is an IL-6/IL-12 family member with pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of an α-chain p28 and a β-chain Ebi3 (Epstein-Barr virus induce gene 3). The p28 subunit can also be secreted as a monomer and function as IL-30 that acts as an inhibitor of IL-27 signalling. At present, the p28 gene has only been described in mammals. Thus, for the first time outwith mammals, we have identified seven p28 molecules in six divergent teleost fish species, Atlantic salmon, two cichlids, two cyprinids and a yellowtail. The fish p28 molecules have higher similarities to mammalian p28 than other IL-6/12 family members. Critical residues involved in the interaction with Ebi3 and the receptor gp130 are highly conserved. The prediction that these are true orthologues is supported by phylogenetic and synteny analysis. Two p28 paralogues (p28a and p28b) sharing 72% aa identity have been identified and characterised in Atlantic salmon. There are multiple upstream ATGs in the 5'-UTR and ATTTA motifs in the 3'-UTR of both cDNA sequences, suggesting regulation at the post-transcriptional and translational level. Both salmon p28 genes are highly expressed in immune relevant tissues, such as thymus, gills, spleen and head kidney. Conversely salmon Ebi3 is highly expressed in other organs, such as liver and caudal kidney. The expression of p28 but not Ebi3 was induced by PAMPs and recombinant cytokines in head kidney cells, and in spleen by Poly I:C challenge in vivo. The dissociation of the expression and modulation of p28 and Ebi3 suggest that both p28 and Ebi3 may be secreted alone or with other partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansourah Husain
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Samuel A M Martin
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Tiehui Wang
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK.
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28
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Bergamaschi C, Kulkarni V, Rosati M, Alicea C, Jalah R, Chen S, Bear J, Sardesai NY, Valentin A, Felber BK, Pavlakis GN. Intramuscular delivery of heterodimeric IL-15 DNA in macaques produces systemic levels of bioactive cytokine inducing proliferation of NK and T cells. Gene Ther 2014; 22:76-86. [PMID: 25273353 PMCID: PMC4289118 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a common γ-chain cytokine that has a significant role in the activation and proliferation of T and NK cells and holds great potential in fighting infection and cancer. We have previously shown that bioactive IL-15 in vivo comprises a complex of the IL-15 chain with the soluble or cell-associated IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) chain, which together form the IL-15 heterodimer. We have generated DNA vectors expressing the heterodimeric IL-15 by optimizing mRNA expression and protein trafficking. Repeated administration of these DNA plasmids by intramuscular injection followed by in vivo electroporation in rhesus macaques resulted in sustained high levels of IL-15 in plasma, with no significant toxicity. Administration of DNAs expressing heterodimeric IL-15 also resulted in an increased frequency of NK and T cells undergoing proliferation in peripheral blood. Heterodimeric IL-15 led to preferential expansion of CD8+NK cells, all memory CD8+ T-cell subsets and effector memory CD4+ T cells. Expression of heterodimeric IL-15 by DNA delivery to the muscle is an efficient procedure to obtain high systemic levels of bioactive cytokine, without the toxicity linked to the high transient cytokine peak associated with protein injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - V Kulkarni
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - M Rosati
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - C Alicea
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - R Jalah
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - S Chen
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - J Bear
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - N Y Sardesai
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - A Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - B K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - G N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
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29
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Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) exerts many biological functions essential for the maintenance and function of multiple cell types. Although its expression is tightly regulated, IL-15 upregulation has been reported in many organ-specific autoimmune disorders. In celiac disease, an intestinal inflammatory disorder driven by gluten exposure, the upregulation of IL-15 expression in the intestinal mucosa has become a hallmark of the disease. Interestingly, because it is overexpressed both in the gut epithelium and in the lamina propria, IL-15 acts on distinct cell types and impacts distinct immune components and pathways to disrupt intestinal immune homeostasis. In this article, we review our current knowledge of the multifaceted roles of IL-15 with regard to the main immunological processes involved in the pathogenesis of celiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Abadie
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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30
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Lee YJ, Zhang X, Vazquez E, Shivasabesan G, Young HA, Murphy A, Wang H, Suffredini AF, Siebenlist U, Kottilil S. Impaired HCV clearance in HIV/HCV coinfected subjects treated with PegIFN and RBV due to interference of IFN signaling by IFNαR2a. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2013; 34:28-34. [PMID: 24171456 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2013.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhanced endogenous interferon (IFN) stimulated gene (ISG) signature has been associated with nonresponsiveness to hepatitis C treatment using pegylated-IFNα (pegIFNα) and ribavirin (RBV) in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus (HIV/HCV) coinfected patients. Using a proteomic approach, we identified high levels of IFNα receptor 2a (IFNαR2a) in the serum of null responders to pegIFNα/RBV. IFNαR2a inhibited antiviral activity of all formulations of IFNα in JFH/Huh7.5 cells. Furthermore, serum from null responders, but not from those who achieved sustained virologic response, suppressed IFN-signaling and ISG expression in IFNα-stimulated PBMCs of healthy donors in an IFNαR2a specific fashion. An IFNαR2a transgenic mice model (C57BL/6) was generated that had significantly higher levels of IFNαR2a in the serum than the controls (P=0.001). Total ISG expression in the lymph nodes was significantly higher compared to wild-type mice (P value=0.0016). In addition, IFITM1 and SP110 had significantly increased expression in the liver, IFITM1 and ISG15 in the lymph node, and ISG15 and PLSCR1 in the spleen (P value<0.05). The underlying mechanism of resistance to hepatitis C treatment may involve transsignaling of the JAK/STAT pathway by the sIFNαR2a-IFNα/β complex and result in the enhanced ISG signature observed in null responders. In this regard, the transgenic mice model simulated nonresponders to IFNα therapy and provides valuable insights into the role of sIFNαR2a-IFNα interactions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jin Lee
- 1 Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
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31
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Marrero B, Shirley S, Heller R. Delivery of interleukin-15 to B16 melanoma by electroporation leads to tumor regression and long-term survival. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2013; 13:551-60. [PMID: 24000979 PMCID: PMC4527479 DOI: 10.7785/tcrtexpress.2013.600252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation (EP) is a method used to physically deliver therapeutic molecules such as plasmid DNA directly to tissues. It has been used safely and successfully in clinical studies and preclinical cancer models to deliver genes to a variety of tissues. In cancer research cytokine therapy is emerging as a promising tool that can be used to boost the host response to tumor antigens. The delivery of cytokines as recombinant proteins can result in toxicity and other adverse effects; however the delivery of cytokine genes using EP has been shown to be safe and effective. Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a cytokine that promotes the innate as well as the adaptive immune response to cancer cells and bacterial pathogens. In this study we used EP to deliver a human IL-15 plasmid (phIL-15) directly to tumors to examine its anti-cancer effects. B16.F10 melanoma tumors were induced in C57BL/6J mice and phIL-15 was delivered three times over the course of a week. Expression of the transgene, tumor volume, long-term survival and resistance to challenge were monitored in these animals. Delivery of IL-15 plasmid by EP resulted in increased IL-15 expression within the tumor compared to the injection only control. This expression peaked at 12 to 18 hours after the first delivery and was sustained at lower levels after the second and third deliveries. The delivery of the phIL-15 resulted in tumor regression, long-term survival and greater protection against tumor recurrence when cancer cells were reintroduced compared to control plasmid. From these results we can conclude that the delivery of IL-15 plasmid to tumors using EP is a promising avenue to investigate for its anti-tumor effects, however more work needs to be done to increase the stability of the gene once it is delivered and to elucidate the anti-tumor mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Marrero
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33613, USA.
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32
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Chertova E, Bergamaschi C, Chertov O, Sowder R, Bear J, Roser JD, Beach RK, Lifson JD, Felber BK, Pavlakis GN. Characterization and favorable in vivo properties of heterodimeric soluble IL-15·IL-15Rα cytokine compared to IL-15 monomer. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:18093-103. [PMID: 23649624 PMCID: PMC3689953 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.461756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a 114-amino acid cytokine related to IL-2, regulates immune homeostasis and the fate of many lymphocyte subsets. We reported that, in the blood of mice and humans, IL-15 is present as a heterodimer associated with soluble IL-15 receptor α (sIL-15Rα). Here, we show efficient production of this noncovalently linked but stable heterodimer in clonal human HEK293 cells and release of the processed IL-15·sIL-15Rα heterodimer in the medium. Purification of the IL-15 and sIL-15Rα polypeptides allowed identification of the proteolytic cleavage site of IL-15Rα and characterization of multiple glycosylation sites. Administration of the IL-15·sIL-15Rα heterodimer reconstituted from purified subunits resulted in sustained plasma IL-15 levels and in robust expansion of NK and T cells in mice, demonstrating pharmacokinetics and in vivo bioactivity superior to single chain IL-15. These identified properties of heterodimeric IL-15 provide a strong rationale for the evaluation of this molecule for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oleg Chertov
- the Protein Chemistry Laboratory, Advanced Technology Program, SAIC-Frederick Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, Maryland 21702 and
| | | | - Jenifer Bear
- the Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | | | - Rachel K. Beach
- the Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, and
- the Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | | | - Barbara K. Felber
- the Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - George N. Pavlakis
- the Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, and
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33
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Stow JL, Murray RZ. Intracellular trafficking and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2013; 24:227-39. [PMID: 23647915 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The secretion of cytokines by immune cells plays a significant role in determining the course of an inflammatory response. The levels and timing of each cytokine released are critical for mounting an effective but confined response, whereas excessive or dysregulated inflammation contributes to many diseases. Cytokines are both culprits and targets for effective treatments in some diseases. The multiple points and mechanisms that have evolved for cellular control of cytokine secretion highlight the potency of these mediators and the fine tuning required to manage inflammation. Cytokine production in cells is regulated by cell signaling, and at mRNA and protein synthesis levels. Thereafter, the intracellular transport pathways and molecular trafficking machinery have intricate and essential roles in dictating the release and activity of cytokines. The trafficking machinery and secretory (exocytic) pathways are complex and highly regulated in many cells, involving specialized membranes, molecules and organelles that enable these cells to deliver cytokines to often-distinct areas of the cell surface, in a timely manner. This review provides an overview of secretory pathways - both conventional and unconventional - and key families of trafficking machinery. The prevailing knowledge about the trafficking and secretion of a number of individual cytokines is also summarized. In conclusion, we present emerging concepts about the functional plasticity of secretory pathways and their modulation for controlling cytokines and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Stow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Jalah R, Rosati M, Ganneru B, Pilkington GR, Valentin A, Kulkarni V, Bergamaschi C, Chowdhury B, Zhang GM, Beach RK, Alicea C, Broderick KE, Sardesai NY, Pavlakis GN, Felber BK. The p40 subunit of interleukin (IL)-12 promotes stabilization and export of the p35 subunit: implications for improved IL-12 cytokine production. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:6763-76. [PMID: 23297419 PMCID: PMC3585113 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.436675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IL-12 is a 70-kDa heterodimeric cytokine composed of the p35 and p40 subunits. To maximize cytokine production from plasmid DNA, molecular steps controlling IL-12p70 biosynthesis at the posttranscriptional and posttranslational levels were investigated. We show that the combination of RNA/codon-optimized gene sequences and fine-tuning of the relative expression levels of the two subunits within a cell resulted in increased production of the IL-12p70 heterodimer. We found that the p40 subunit plays a critical role in enhancing the stability, intracellular trafficking, and export of the p35 subunit. This posttranslational regulation mediated by the p40 subunit is conserved in mammals. Based on these findings, dual gene expression vectors were generated, producing an optimal ratio of the two subunits, resulting in a ∼1 log increase in human, rhesus, and murine IL-12p70 production compared with vectors expressing the wild type sequences. Such optimized DNA plasmids also produced significantly higher levels of systemic bioactive IL-12 upon in vivo DNA delivery in mice compared with plasmids expressing the wild type sequences. A single therapeutic injection of an optimized murine IL-12 DNA plasmid showed significantly more potent control of tumor development in the B16 melanoma cancer model in mice. Therefore, the improved IL-12p70 DNA vectors have promising potential for in vivo use as molecular vaccine adjuvants and in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Jalah
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, USA
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35
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Sahm C, Schönfeld K, Wels WS. Expression of IL-15 in NK cells results in rapid enrichment and selective cytotoxicity of gene-modified effectors that carry a tumor-specific antigen receptor. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:1451-61. [PMID: 22310931 PMCID: PMC11029748 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 01/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells hold promise for adoptive cancer immunotherapy but are dependent on cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2 for growth and cytotoxicity. Here, we investigated the consequences of ectopic expression of IL-15 in human NK cells. IL-2 and IL-15 belong to the common γ chain family of cytokines and have overlapping activities. Transduction of clinically applicable NK-92 cells with lentiviral vectors encoding human IL-15 resulted in predominantly intracellular expression of the cytokine, and STAT5 activation, proliferation and cytotoxicity of the producer cells in the absence of IL-2. Growth of non-transduced bystander cells was not supported, allowing rapid enrichment of gene-modified cells solely by IL-2 withdrawal. This was also the case upon transduction of NK-92 and NKL cells with a bicistronic lentiviral vector encoding IL-15 and a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting the pancarcinoma antigen EpCAM. Effector cells co-expressing CAR and IL-15 continued to proliferate in the absence of exogenous cytokines and displayed high and selective cell-killing activity against EpCAM-expressing breast carcinoma cells that were resistant to the natural cytotoxicity of unmodified NK cells. This strategy facilitates rapid isolation and continuous expansion of retargeted NK cells and may extend their potential clinical utility.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Breast Neoplasms/immunology
- Breast Neoplasms/therapy
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/biosynthesis
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Cytokines/genetics
- Cytokines/immunology
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/genetics
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/immunology
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule
- Humans
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Interleukin-15/biosynthesis
- Interleukin-15/genetics
- Interleukin-15/immunology
- Interleukin-2/immunology
- Interleukin-2/pharmacology
- K562 Cells
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/therapy
- Melanoma/immunology
- Melanoma/therapy
- Mice
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Sahm
- Chemotherapeutisches Forschungsinstitut Georg-Speyer-Haus, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kurt Schönfeld
- Chemotherapeutisches Forschungsinstitut Georg-Speyer-Haus, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Winfried S. Wels
- Chemotherapeutisches Forschungsinstitut Georg-Speyer-Haus, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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36
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Zhu J. Mammalian cell protein expression for biopharmaceutical production. Biotechnol Adv 2012; 30:1158-70. [PMID: 21968146 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2011.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Bergamaschi C, Bear J, Rosati M, Beach RK, Alicea C, Sowder R, Chertova E, Rosenberg SA, Felber BK, Pavlakis GN. Circulating IL-15 exists as heterodimeric complex with soluble IL-15Rα in human and mouse serum. Blood 2012; 120:e1-8. [PMID: 22496150 PMCID: PMC3390963 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-10-384362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
IL-15 is an important cytokine for the function of the immune system, but the form(s) of IL-15 produced in the human body are not fully characterized. Coexpression of the single-chain IL-15 and the IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) in the same cell allows for efficient production, surface display, and eventual cleavage and secretion of the bioactive IL-15/IL-15Rα heterodimer in vivo, whereas the single-chain IL-15 is poorly secreted and unstable. This observation led to the hypothesis that IL-15 is produced and secreted only as a heterodimer with IL-15Rα. We purified human IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes from overproducing human cell lines and developed an ELISA specifically measuring the heterodimeric form of IL-15. Analysis of sera from melanoma patients after lymphodepletion revealed the presence of circulating IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes in amounts similar to the total IL-15 quantified by a commercial IL-15 ELISA that detects both the single-chain and the heterodimeric forms of the cytokine. Therefore, in lymphodepleted cancer patients, the serum IL-15 is exclusively present in its heterodimeric form. Analysis of the form of IL-15 present in either normal or lymphodepleted mice agrees with the human data. These results have important implications for development of assays and materials for clinical applications of IL-15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Vyas VV, Esposito D, Sumpter TL, Broadt TL, Hartley J, Knapp GC, Cheng W, Jiang MS, Roach JM, Yang X, Giardina SL, Mitra G, Yovandich JL, Creekmore SP, Waldmann TA, Zhu J. Clinical manufacturing of recombinant human interleukin 15. I. Production cell line development and protein expression in E. coli with stop codon optimization. Biotechnol Prog 2012; 28:497-507. [PMID: 22162520 PMCID: PMC7465077 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 15 (IL-15) has shown remarkable biological properties of promoting NK- and T-cell activation and proliferation, as well as enhancing antitumor immunity of CD8(+) T cells in preclinical models. Here, we report the development of an E. coli cell line to express recombinant human Interleukin-15 (rhIL-15) for clinical manufacturing. Human IL-15 cDNA sequence was inserted into a pET28b plasmid and expressed in several E. coli BL21 strains. Through product quality comparisons among several E. coli strains, including E. coli BL21(DE3), BL21(DE3)pLysS, BLR(DE3)pLysS, and BL21-AI, E. coli BL21-AI was selected for clinical manufacturing. Expression optimization was carried out at shake flask and 20-L fermenter scales, and the product was expressed as inclusion bodies that were solubilized, refolded, and purified to yield active rhIL-15. Stop codons of the expression construct were further investigated after 15-20% of the purified rhIL-15 showed an extraneous peak corresponding to an extra tryptophan residue based on peptide mapping and mass spectrometry analysis. It was determined that the presence of an extra tryptophan was due to a stop codon wobble effect, which could be eliminated by replacing TGA (opal) stop codon with TAA (ochre). As a novel strategy, a simple method of demonstrating lack of tRNA suppressors in the production host cells was developed to validate the cells in this study. The E. coli BL21-AI cells containing the rhIL-15 coding sequence with a triplet stop codon TAATAATGA were banked for further clinical manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay V Vyas
- Biopharmaceutical Development Program, SAIC-Frederick Inc., National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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40
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Duitman EH, Orinska Z, Bulfone-Paus S. Mechanisms of cytokine secretion: a portfolio of distinct pathways allows flexibility in cytokine activity. Eur J Cell Biol 2011; 90:476-83. [PMID: 21439673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2011.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Revised: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since cytokines are potent immunoregulators that can determine the fate of an immune response, their expression is tightly regulated at the transcriptional level. Recent research, however, has also revealed complex post-translational mechanisms through which cytokine secretion, and thereby cytokine activity, is regulated. Here, we review the progress in our understanding of the portfolio of pathways that regulate cytokine intracellular storage, transport, and release. Like other secreted proteins, cytokines utilize canonical and non-canonical secretory pathways for extracellular release. Illustrated by IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-15 secretion as selected examples, we discuss common and alternative cytokine secretion pathways and relate them to the consequences these distinct pathways have for cytokine function, mode of action and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Hans Duitman
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Research Center Borstel, D-23845 Borstel, Germany
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