Autologous dendritic cells prolong allograft survival through Tmem176b-dependent antigen cross-presentation

The administration of autologous (recipient-derived) tolerogenic dendritic cells (ATDCs) is under clinical evaluation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these cells prolong graft survival in a donor-specific manner is unknown. Here, we tested mouse ATDCs for their therapeutic potential in a skin transplantation model. ATDC injection in combination with anti-CD3 treatment induced the accumulation of CD8(+) CD11c(+) T cells and significantly prolonged allograft survival. TMEM176B is an intracellular protein expressed in ATDCs and initially identified in allograft tolerance. We show that Tmem176b(-/-) ATDCs completely failed to trigger both phenomena but recovered their effect when loaded with donor peptides before injection. These results strongly suggested that ATDCs require TMEM176B to cross-present antigens in a tolerogenic fashion. In agreement with this, Tmem176b(-/-) ATDCs specifically failed to cross-present male antigens or ovalbumin to CD8(+) T cells. Finally, we observed that a Tmem176b-dependent cation current controls phagosomal pH, a critical parameter in cross-presentation. Thus, ATDCs require TMEM176B to cross-present donor antigens to induce donor-specific CD8(+) CD11c(+) T cells with regulatory properties and prolong graft survival.

Milk fat globule--epidermal growth factor--factor VIII (MFGE8)/lactadherin promotes bladder tumor development

Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor VIII (MFGE8), also called lactadherin or SED1, is a secreted integrin-binding protein that promotes elimination of apoptotic cells by phagocytes leading to tolerogenic immune responses, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenesis: two important processes for cancer development. Here, by transcriptomic analysis of 228 biopsies of bladder carcinomas, we observed overexpression of MFGE8 during tumor development, correlated with expression of genes involved in cell adhesion or migration and in immune responses, but not in VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. To test whether MFGE8 expression was instrumental in bladder tumor development, or a simple consequence of this development, we used genetic ablation in a mouse model of carcinogen-induced bladder carcinoma. We showed that Mfge8 was also upregulated in mouse carcinoma, and that in its absence, Mfge8-deficient animals developed less advanced tumors. Angiogenesis was similar in carcinogen-treated Mfge8-expressing or -deficient bladders, thus ruling out a major role of the proangiogenic function of Mfge8 for its protumoral role. By contrast, the tumor-promoting role of Mfge8 was not observed anymore in mice devoid of adaptive immune system, and human tumors overexpressing MFGE8 where invaded with macrophages and regulatory T cells, thus suggesting that MFGE8/lactadherin favors development of bladder tumors at least partly by an immune system-dependent mechanism. Our observations suggest future use of MFGE8-inhibiting molecules as therapies of bladder carcinomas, and of a limited number of other human cancers, in which our analysis of public databases also revealed overexpression of MFGE8.

Induction of tolerance by exosomes and short-term immunosuppression in a fully MHC-mismatched rat cardiac allograft model

Exosomes are MHC-bearing vesicles secreted by a wide array of cells. We have previously shown that donor-haplotype exosomes from bone marrow dendritic cells (DCs) injected before transplantation significantly prolong heart allograft survival in congenic and fully MHC-mismatched Lewis rats. Here we show that donor exosomes administered after transplantation are similarly able to prolong allograft survival, however, without inducing tolerance. We therefore tested the effect of exosomes combined with short-term LF 15-0195 (LF) treatment, which blocks the maturation of DCs, so that donor-MHC antigens from exosomes could be presented in a more tolerogenic environment. LF treatment does not preclude the development of a strong antidonor cellular response, and while LF, but not exosome, treatment inhibits the antidonor humoral response and decreases leukocyte graft infiltration, allografts from LF-treated recipients were either acutely or strongly chronically rejected. Interestingly, when combined with LF treatment, exosomes induced a donor-specific allograft tolerance characterized by a strong inhibition of the antidonor proliferative response. This donor-specific tolerance was transferable to naïve allograft recipients. Moreover, exosomes/LF treatment prevented or considerably delayed the appearance of chronic rejection. These results suggest that under LF treatment, presentation of donor-MHC antigens (from exosomes) can induce regulatory responses that are able to modulate allograft rejection and to induce donor-specific allograft tolerance.

Tumor-derived exosomes: a new source of tumor rejection antigens

Exosomes are small vesicles released by a broad array of hematopoietic cells. Previous studies showed that exosomes released by antigen loaded dendritic cells induce immune-mediated anti-tumor response in mice. Here, we will describe the biochemical properties of tumor-derived exosomes and, their pre-clinical activity as cancer vaccines.

FcgammaRI (CD64) contributes substantially to severity of arthritis, hypersensitivity responses, and protection from bacterial infection

The high-affinity receptor for IgG, FcgammaRI, shares its capacity to bind IgG2a immune complexes (IgG2a-IC) with the low-affinity receptor FcgammaRIII and complement factors, hampering the definition of its biological role. Moreover, in vivo, FcgammaRI is occupied by monomeric IgG2a, reducing its accessibility to newly formed IgG2a-IC. By using a variety of FcgammaR(-/-) mice, we demonstrate that in the absence of FcgammaRI, the IgG2a-IC-induced cellular processes of phagocytosis, cytokine release, cellular cytotoxicity, and antigen presentation are impaired. FcgammaRI(-/-) mice showed impaired hypersensitivity responses, strongly reduced cartilage destruction in an arthritis model, and impaired protection from a bacterial infection. We conclude that FcgammaRI contributes substantially to a variety of IgG2a-IC-dependent immune functions and immunopathological responses.

[Exosomes derived from dendritic cells]

Dendritic cells (DC) are potent antigen presenting cells and the only ones capable of inducing primary cytotoxic immune responses both in vivo and vitro. DCs secrete a 60-80 nm membrane vesicle population of endocytic origin, called exosomes. The protein composition of exosomes was analyzed using a systematic proteomic approach. Besides MHC and costimulatory molecules, exosomes bear several adhesion proteins, probably involved in their specific targeting. Exosomes also accumulate several cytosolic factors, most likely involved in exoxome's biogenesis in late endosomes. Like DCs, exosomes induce potent anti tumor immune responses in vivo. Indeed, a single injection of DC-derived exosomes sensitized with tumor peptides induced the eradication of established mouse tumors. Tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes were found in the spleen of exosome treated mice, and depletion of CD8+ T cells in vivo inhibited the anti tumor effect of exosomes. These results strongly support the implementation of human DC-derived exosomes for cancer immunotherapy.

Proteomic analysis of dendritic cell-derived exosomes: a secreted subcellular compartment distinct from apoptotic vesicles

Dendritic cells constitutively secrete a population of small (50-90 nm diameter) Ag-presenting vesicles called exosomes. When sensitized with tumor antigenic peptides, dendritic cells produce exosomes, which stimulate anti-tumor immune responses and the rejection of established tumors in mice. Using a systematic proteomic approach, we establish the first extensive protein map of a particular exosome population; 21 new exosomal proteins were thus identified. Most proteins present in exosomes are related to endocytic compartments. New exosomal residents include cytosolic proteins most likely involved in exosome biogenesis and function, mainly cytoskeleton-related (cofilin, profilin I, and elongation factor 1alpha) and intracellular membrane transport and signaling factors (such as several annexins, rab 7 and 11, rap1B, and syntenin). Importantly, we also identified a novel category of exosomal proteins related to apoptosis: thioredoxin peroxidase II, Alix, 14-3-3, and galectin-3. These findings led us to analyze possible structural relationships between exosomes and microvesicles released by apoptotic cells. We show that although they both represent secreted populations of membrane vesicles relevant to immune responses, exosomes and apoptotic vesicles are biochemically and morphologically distinct. Therefore, in addition to cytokines, dendritic cells produce a specific population of membrane vesicles, exosomes, with unique molecular composition and strong immunostimulating properties.

Tumor-derived exosomes are a source of shared tumor rejection antigens for CTL cross-priming

The initiation of T-cell-mediated antitumor immune responses requires the uptake and processing of tumor antigens by dendritic cells and their presentation on MHC-I molecules. Here we show in a human in vitro model system that exosomes, a population of small membrane vesicles secreted by living tumor cells, contain and transfer tumor antigens to dendritic cells. After mouse tumor exosome uptake, dendritic cells induce potent CD8+ T-cell-dependent antitumor effects on syngeneic and allogeneic established mouse tumors. Therefore, exosomes represent a novel source of tumor-rejection antigens for T-cell cross priming, relevant for immunointerventions.

Cancer immunotherapy using dendritic cell-derived exosomes

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen presenting cells and the only ones capable of inducing primary cytotoxic immune responses. We found that DCs secrete a population of membrane vesicles, called exosomes. Exosomes are 60-80 nm vesicles of endocytic origin. The protein composition of exosomes was subjected to a systematic proteomic analysis. Besides MHC and co-stimulatory molecules, exosomes bear several adhesion proteins, most likely involved in their specific subjected to targeting. We also found that exosomes accumulate several cytosolic factors, probably involved in their endosomal biogenesis. Like DCs, exosomes induced immune responses in vivo. Indeed, a single injection of DC-derived exosomes sensitized with tumor peptides induced potent anti tumor immune responses in mice and the eradication of established tumors. Tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes were found in the spleen of exosome-treated mice, and the anti tumor effect of exosomes was sensitive to in vivo depletion of CD8+ T cells. These results show that exosomes induce potent anti tumor effects in vivo, and strongly support the implementation of human DC-derived exosomes for cancer immunotherapy.

The cell biology of antigen presentation in dendritic cells

Dendritic cells are the most efficient antigen-presenting cells. They take up antigens and pathogens, generate MHC-peptide complexes, migrate from the sites of antigen acquisition to secondary lymphoid organs and, finally, they physically interact with and stimulate T lymphocytes. Indeed, dendritic cells are the only antigen-presenting cells that induce the activation of resting T cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, dendritic cells initiate adaptive immune responses and determine tolerance. To do so, dendritic cells have developed unique membrane transport pathways. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the control of antigen uptake and processing, for the generation of MHC-peptide complexes and for their transport to the cell surface have been partially unraveled in the past two years.

Paucity of functional T-cell memory to melanoma antigens in healthy donors and melanoma patients

The functional characteristics of CD8+ T cells specific for melanoma antigens (MAs) have often been defined after in vitro culture using nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells. We have examined CD8+ T-cell immunity to MAs and a viral antigen (influenza) in uncultured T cells of healthy donors and melanoma patients using autologous, mature, monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with peptide antigens and viral vectors. Antigen-specific IFN-gamma-producing T cells reactive with HLA-A*0201-restricted peptides from four melanoma antigens (MelanA/MART-1, MAGE-3, tyrosinase, and gp100) were detected only at low frequencies (<30 per 2 x 10(5) peripheral blood mononuclear cells for each of the MAs) from HLA-A2.1-positive healthy donors (n = 12) and patients with stages III/IV melanoma (n = 8). Detection of MA-specific, but not influenza matrix peptide (Flu-MP)-specific, T cells required a high concentration (10 microg/ml) of the peptide in this assay. Furthermore, these T cells did not recognize endogenously processed antigen on tumor cell lines or cells infected with viral vectors capable of expressing MAs. The use of autologous, mature DCs led to a significant increase in the number of Flu-MP, but not MA-specific, T cells in 16-h ELISPOT assays for both melanoma patients and healthy donors. In 1-week cocultures with DCs pulsed with 10 microg/ml peptide, MelanA/MART-1-specific T cells did not readily proliferate or differentiate into lytic effectors, in contrast to strong influenza-specific lytic responses. Therefore, despite distinct memory responses to influenza antigens, melanoma patients and healthy controls have a paucity of MA-reactive memory T cells, failing to rapidly generate IFN-gamma-secreting lytic effectors in short-term assays, even when stimulated by DCs.

Vimentin filaments in fibroblasts are a reservoir for SNAP23, a component of the membrane fusion machinery

Soluble N-ethyl maleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are core machinery for membrane fusion during intracellular vesicular transport. Synaptosome-associated protein of 23 kDa (SNAP23) is a target SNARE previously identified at the plasma membrane, where it is involved in exocytotic membrane fusion. Here we show that SNAP23 associates with vimentin filaments in a Triton X-100 insoluble fraction in fibroblasts in primary culture and HeLa cells. Upon treatment of human fibroblasts with N-ethyl-maleimide, SNAP23 dissociates from vimentin filaments and forms a protein complex with syntaxin 4, a plasma membrane SNARE. The vimentin-associated pool of SNAP23 can therefore be a reservoir, which would supply the plasma membrane fusion machinery, in fibroblasts. Our observation points to a yet unexplored role of intermediate filaments.

The B subunit of Shiga toxin fused to a tumor antigen elicits CTL and targets dendritic cells to allow MHC class I-restricted presentation of peptides derived from exogenous antigens

Immunization with peptide or recombinant proteins generally fails to elicit CTL, which are thought to play a key role in the control of virus-infected cells and tumor growth. In this study we show that the nontoxic B subunit of Shiga toxin fused to a tumor peptide derived from the mouse mastocytoma P815 can induce specific CTL in mice without the use of adjuvant. The Shiga B subunit acts as a vector rather than as an adjuvant, because coinjection of the tumor peptide and the B subunit as separate entities does not lead to CTL induction. We also demonstrated that in vitro the B subunit mediates the delivery of various exogenous CD8 T cell epitopes into the conventional MHC class I-restricted pathway, as this process is inhibited by brefeldin A and lactacystin and requires a functional TAP system. In contrast to other nonviral methods for transport of exogenous Ags into the endogenous MHC class I pathway that involve macropinocytosis or phagocytosis, the Shiga B subunit targets this pathway in a receptor-dependent manner, namely via binding to the glycolipid Gb3. Because this receptor is highly expressed on various dendritic cells, it should allow preferential targeting of the Shiga B subunit to these professional APCs. Therefore, the Shiga B subunit appears to represent an attractive vector for vaccine development due to its ability to target dendritic cells and to induce specific CTL without the need for adjuvant.

Antigen traffic pathways in dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DC) are now believed to be the principal initiators of T cell-mediated immune responses. Their location in body tissues, migratory behaviour in response to inflammatory stimuli, endocytic properties, expression of MHC molecules and key T cell stimulatory molecules and many other attributes place these remarkable cells in a unique and influential position in the immune system. Progress in DC culture methods has recently allowed in-depth studies on the cell biological features that enable them to fulfill their crucial role in the immune response.

Fc receptors for IgG and antigen presentation on MHC class I and class II molecules

Antigens internalized through specific membrane receptors are presented to helper CD4(+) T cells at antigen concentrations 10(3) to 10(4) fold lower than antigens internalized by fluid phase. B lymphocyte antigen receptors, mannose receptors and receptors for the Fc region of immunoglobulins, promote both internalization and efficient presentation at low antigen concentrations. Thus, binding to specific membrane receptors concentrate antigens on antigen presenting cells and mediates efficient uptake. Is this 'quantitative' concentration of antigens on antigen presenting cells the end of the story? Or may 'quality', i.e. selective intracellular antigen targeting, somehow influence the efficiency or specificity of MHC class I and class II-restricted antigen presentation?

Fc receptor signaling and trafficking: a connection for antigen processing

Most hematopoietic cells express a wide variety of receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulins (FcR) belonging to the immunoreceptor family. FcRs are multichain complexes composed of ligand-binding alpha chains, which determine Ig binding, and signal tranduction subunits, bearing a conserved immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). Besides signaling, most Fc gamma Rs also efficiently internalize antigen-antibodies complexes and thus induce efficient processing of antigens into peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Importantly, ITAMs and cytosolic effectors of cell signaling also determine Fc gamma R's endocytic transport and antigen presentation capacities.

Selective transport of internalized antigens to the cytosol for MHC class I presentation in dendritic cells

In order for cytotoxic T cells to initiate immune responses, peptides derived from internalized antigens must be presented to the cytotoxic T cells on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Here we show that dendritic cells, the only antigen-presenting cells that initiate immune responses efficiently, have developed a unique membrane transport pathway linking the lumen of endocytic compartments and the cytosol. Endosome-to-cytosol transport is restricted to dendritic cells, specific to internalized antigens and selective for the size of the transported molecules. Thus, in dendritic cells, internalized antigens gain access to the cytosolic antigen-processing machinery and to the conventional MHC class I antigen-presentation pathway.

Early endosomes are required for major histocompatiblity complex class II transport to peptide-loading compartments

Antigen presentation to CD4(+) T lymphocytes requires transport of newly synthesized major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules to the endocytic pathway, where peptide loading occurs. This step is mediated by a signal located in the cytoplasmic tail of the MHC class II-associated Ii chain, which directs the MHC class II-Ii complexes from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to endosomes. The subcellular machinery responsible for the specific targeting of MHC class II molecules to the endocytic pathway, as well as the first compartments these molecules enter after exit from the TGN, remain unclear. We have designed an original experimental approach to selectively analyze this step of MHC class II transport. Newly synthesized MHC class II molecules were caused to accumulate in the Golgi apparatus and TGN by incubating the cells at 19 degrees C, and early endosomes were functionally inactivated by in vivo cross-linking of transferrin (Tf) receptor-containing endosomes using Tf-HRP complexes and the HRP-insoluble substrate diaminobenzidine. Inactivation of Tf-containing endosomes caused a marked delay in Ii chain degradation, peptide loading, and MHC class II transport to the cell surface. Thus, early endosomes appear to be required for delivery of MHC class II molecules to the endocytic pathway. Under cross-linking conditions, most alphabetaIi complexes accumulated in tubules and vesicles devoid of gamma-adaptin and/or mannose-6-phosphate receptor, suggesting an AP1-independent pathway for the delivery of newly synthesized MHC class II molecules from the TGN to endosomes.

TGF-beta 1 prevents the noncognate maturation of human dendritic Langerhans cells

TGF-beta 1 is critical for differentiation of epithelial-associated dendritic Langerhans cells (LC). In accordance with the characteristics of in vivo LC, we show that LC obtained from human monocytes in vitro in the presence of TGF-beta 1 1) express almost exclusively intracellular class II Ags, low CD80, and no CD83 and CD86 Ags and 2) down-regulate TNF-RI (p55) and do not produce IL-10 after stimulation, in contrast to dermal dendritic cells and monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Surprisingly, while LC exhibit E-cadherin down-regulation upon exposure to TNF-alpha and IL-1, TGF-beta 1 prevents the final LC maturation in response to TNF-alpha, IL-1, and LPS with respect to Class II CD80, CD86, and CD83 Ag expression, loss of FITC-dextran uptake, production of IL-12, and Ag presentation. In sharp contrast, CD40 ligand cognate signal induces full maturation of LC and is not inhibited by TGF-beta 1. The presence of emigrated immature LCs in human reactive skin-draining lymph nodes provides in vivo evidence that LC migration and final maturation may be differentially regulated. Therefore, due to the effects of TGF-beta 1, inflammatory stimuli may not be sufficient to induce full maturation of LC, thus avoiding potentially harmful immune responses. We conclude that TGF-beta 1 appears to be responsible for both the acquisition of LC phenotype, cytokine production pattern, and prevention of noncognate maturation.

Fcgamma receptor-mediated induction of dendritic cell maturation and major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted antigen presentation after immune complex internalization

Dendritic cells (DCs) express several receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin (Ig)G (FcgammaR), which mediate internalization of antigen-IgG complexes (immune complexes, ICs) and promote efficient major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-restricted antigen presentation. We now show that FcgammaRs have two additional specific attributes in murine DCs: the induction of DC maturation and the promotion of efficient MHC class I-restricted presentation of peptides from exogenous, IgG-complexed antigens. Both FcgammaR functions require the FcgammaR-associated gamma chain. FcgammaR-mediated MHC class I-restricted antigen presentation is extremely sensitive and specific to immature DCs. It requires proteasomal degradation and is dependent on functional peptide transporter associated with antigen processing, TAP1-TAP2. By promoting DC maturation and presentation on both MHC class I and II molecules, ICs should efficiently sensitize DCs for priming of both CD4(+) helper and CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vivo.

MHC class II transport from lysosomal compartments to the cell surface is determined by stable peptide binding, but not by the cytosolic domains of the alpha- and beta-chains

Inside APCs, MHC class II molecules associate with antigenic peptides before reaching the cell surface. This association takes place in compartments of the endocytic pathway, more related to endosomes or lysosomes depending on the cell type. Here, we compared MHC class II transport from endosomal vs lysosomal compartments to the plasma membrane. We show that transport of MHC class II molecules to the cell surface does not depend on the cytosolic domains of the alpha- and beta-chains. In contrast, the stability of the alphabeta-peptide complexes determined the efficiency of transport to the cell surface from lysosomal, but not from endosomal, compartments. In murine B lymphoma cells, SDS-unstable and -stable complexes were transported to the cell surface at almost similar rates, whereas after lysosomal relocalization or in a cell line in which MHC class II molecules normally accumulate in lysosomal compartments, stable complexes were preferentially addressed to the cell surface. Our results suggest that when peptide loading occurs in lysosomal compartments, selective retention and lysosomal degradation of unstable dimers result in the expression of highly stable MHC class II-peptide complexes at the APC surface.

syk protein tyrosine kinase regulates Fc receptor gamma-chain-mediated transport to lysosomes

B- and T-cell receptors, as well as most Fc receptors (FcR), are part of a large family of membrane proteins named immunoreceptors and are expressed on all cells of the immune system. Immunoreceptors' biological functions rely on two of their fundamental attributes: signal transduction and internalization. The signals required for these two functions are present in the chains associated with immunoreceptors, within conserved amino acid motifs called immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs). We have examined the role of the protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) syk, a critical effector of immunoreceptor-mediated cell signalling through ITAMs, in FcR-associated gamma-chain internalization and lysosomal targeting. A point mutation in the immunoreceptor-associated gamma-chain ITAM affecting syk activation, as well as overexpression of a syk dominant negative mutant, inhibited signal transduction without affecting receptor coated-pit localization or internalization. In contrast, blocking of gamma-chain-mediated syk activation impaired FcR transport from endosomes to lysosomes and selectively inhibited the presentation of certain T-cell epitopes. Therefore, activation of the PTK syk is dispensable for receptor internalization, but necessary for cell signalling and for gamma-chain-mediated FcR delivery to lysosomes.

A role for HLA-DO as a co-chaperone of HLA-DM in peptide loading of MHC class II molecules

In B cells, the non-classical human leukocyte antigens HLA-DO (DO) and HLA-DM (DM) are residents of lysosome-like organelles where they form tight complexes. DM catalyzes the removal of invariant chain-derived CLIP peptides from classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, chaperones them until peptides are available for loading, and functions as a peptide editor. Here we show that DO preferentially promotes loading of MHC class II molecules that are dependent on the chaperone activity of DM, and influences editing in a positive way for some peptides and negatively for others. In acidic compartments, DO is engaged in DR-DM-DO complexes whose physiological relevance is indicated by the observation that at lysosomal pH DM-DO stabilizes empty class II molecules more efficiently than DM alone. Moreover, expression of DO in a melanoma cell line favors loading of high-stability peptides. Thus, DO appears to act as a co-chaperone of DM, thereby controlling the quality of antigenic peptides to be presented on the cell surface.

Deficient peptide loading and MHC class II endosomal sorting in a human genetic immunodeficiency disease: the Chediak-Higashi syndrome

The Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a human recessive autosomal disease caused by mutations in a single gene encoding a protein of unknown function, called lysosomal-trafficking regulator. All cells in CHS patients bear enlarged lysosomes. In addition, T- and natural killer cell cytotoxicity is defective in these patients, causing severe immunodeficiencies. We have analyzed major histocompatibility complex class II functions and intracellular transport in Epstein Barr Virus-transformed B cells from CHS patients. Peptide loading onto major histocompatibility complex class II molecules and antigen presentation are strongly delayed these cells. A detailed electron microscopy analysis of endocytic compartments revealed that only lysosomal multilaminar compartments are enlarged (reaching 1-2 micron), whereas late multivesicular endosomes have normal size and morphology. In contrast to giant multilaminar compartments that bear most of the usual lysosomal markers in these cells (HLA-DR, HLA-DM, Lamp-1, CD63, etc.), multivesicular late endosomes displayed reduced levels of all these molecules, suggesting a defect in transport from the trans-Golgi network and/or early endosomes into late multivesicular endosomes. Further insight into a possible mechanism of this transport defect came from immunolocalizing the lysosomal trafficking regulator protein, as antibodies directed to a peptide from its COOH terminal domain decorated punctated structures partially aligned along microtubules. These results suggest that the product of the Lyst gene is required for sorting endosomal resident proteins into late multivesicular endosomes by a mechanism involving microtubules.

Eradication of established murine tumors using a novel cell-free vaccine: dendritic cell-derived exosomes

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen presenting cells with the unique capacity to induce primary and secondary immune responses in vivo. Here, we show that DCs secrete antigen presenting vesicles, called exosomes, which express functional Major Histocompatibility Complex class I and class II, and T-cell costimulatory molecules. Tumor peptide-pulsed DC-derived exosomes prime specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vivo and eradicate or suppress growth of established murine tumors in a T cell-dependent manner. Exosome-based cell-free vaccines represent an alternative to DC adoptive therapy for suppressing tumor growth.

Bacteria-induced neo-biosynthesis, stabilization, and surface expression of functional class I molecules in mouse dendritic cells

Here, we show that bacteria induce de novo synthesis of both major histocompatability complex (MHC) class I and II molecules in a mouse dendritic cell culture system. The neo-biosynthesis of MHC class I molecules is delayed as compared with that of MHC class II. Furthermore, bacteria stabilize MHC class I molecules by a 3-fold increase of their half-life. This has important consequences for the capacity of dendritic cells to present bacterial antigens in the draining lymph nodes. In addition, a model antigen, ovalbumin, expressed on the surface of recombinant Streptococcus gordonii is processed and presented on MHC class I molecules. This presentation is 10(6) times more efficient than that of soluble OVA protein. This exogenous pathway of MHC class I presentation is transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)-dependent, indicating that there is a transport from phagolysosome to cytosol in dendritic cells. Thus, bacteria are shown to be a potentially useful mean for the correct delivery of exogenous antigens to be presented efficiently on MHC class I molecules.

Type II and III receptors for immunoglobulin G (IgG) control the presentation of different T cell epitopes from single IgG-complexed antigens

T cell receptors on CD4(+) lymphocytes recognize antigen-derived peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. A very limited set of peptides among those that may potentially bind MHC class II is actually presented to T lymphocytes. We here examine the role of two receptors mediating antigen internalization by antigen presenting cells, type IIb2 and type III receptors for IgG (FcgammaRIIb2 and FcgammaRIII, respectively), in the selection of peptides for presentation to T lymphocytes. B lymphoma cells expressing recombinant FcgammaRIIb2 or FcgammaRIII were used to assess the presentation of several epitopes from two different antigens. 4 out of the 11 epitopes tested were efficiently presented after antigen internalization through FcgammaRIIb2 and FcgammaRIII. In contrast, the 7 other epitopes were efficiently presented only when antigens were internalized through FcgammaRIII, but not through FcgammaRIIb2. The capacity to present these latter epitopes was transferred to a tail-less FcgammaRIIb2 by addition of the FcgammaRIII-associated gamma chain cytoplasmic tail. Mutation of a single leucine residue at position 35 of the gamma chain cytoplasmic tail resulted in the selective loss of presentation of these epitopes. Therefore, the nature of the receptor that mediates internalization determines the selection of epitopes presented to T lymphocytes within single protein antigens.

Role of B-cell and Fc receptors in the selection of T-cell epitopes

The role of specific receptors in antigen internalization and presentation to helper T lymphocytes has been known for more than ten years. However, recent work indicates that internalization may not always be sufficient for antigen presentation. Indeed, antigen receptors such as B-cell receptors and Fc receptors may also be involved in the post-endocytic transport events that determine selectively the delivery of antigens to different endocytic compartments and thereby the presentation of different T-cell epitopes.

Intracellular signaling and endosomal trafficking of immunoreceptors. Shared effectors underlying MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation

The cells of the immune system express a wide variety of receptors, defined as immunoreceptors because they are involved in antigen recognition. B and T lymphocytes express clonally distributed receptors which recognize either soluble antigens, through B-cell receptors (BcR), or peptides associated to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, through T-cell receptors (TcR). Many lymphoid or myeloid cells, such as B lymphocytes, macrophages or dendritic cells, express receptors for antigen-antibody complexes, which recognize the Fc portion of immunoglobulins (FcR). Although their ligands are different, immunoreceptors share both structural and functional homologies. The BcRs, TcRs and most FcRs, are multichain complexes composed of a ligand binding module, including one or two chains which determine the specificity of antigen recognition and a transducing module, which includes two to six chains containing a conserved motif in their cytoplasmic tail (A.D. Keegan and W.E. Paul, Immunol. Today 13 (1992) 63-68). This motif, called ITAM for immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (M.G. Reth, Nature 338 (1989) 383-384 and J.C. Cambier, Immunol. Today 16 (1995) 110-114) consists of five conserved amino acid residues precisely spaced over an amino acid sequence (D2xY2xL7x2xL). ITAMs couple receptors to intracellular effectors which induce a cascade of events leading to both cell activation and to down regulation of the receptors. This review focuses on recent data supporting the involvement of cytosolic effectors of cell activation in the endosomal transport of immunoreceptors. The possible role of these cytosolic factors in lysosomal transport and MHC class II restricted antigen presentation is discussed.

Ii chain controls the transport of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules to and from lysosomes

Major histocompatibility complex class II molecules are synthesized as a nonameric complex consisting of three alpha beta dimers associated with a trimer of invariant (Ii) chains. After exiting the TGN, a targeting signal in the Ii chain cytoplasmic domain directs the complex to endosomes where Ii chain is proteolytically processed and removed, allowing class II molecules to bind antigenic peptides before reaching the cell surface. Ii chain dissociation and peptide binding are thought to occur in one or more postendosomal sites related either to endosomes (designated CIIV) or to lysosomes (designated MIIC). We now find that in addition to initially targeting alpha beta dimers to endosomes, Ii chain regulates the subsequent transport of class II molecules. Under normal conditions, murine A20 B cells transport all of their newly synthesized class II I-A(b) alpha beta dimers to the plasma membrane with little if any reaching lysosomal compartments. Inhibition of Ii processing by the cysteine/serine protease inhibitor leupeptin, however, blocked transport to the cell surface and caused a dramatic but selective accumulation of I-A(b) class II molecules in lysosomes. In leupeptin, I-A(b) dimers formed stable complexes with a 10-kD NH2-terminal Ii chain fragment (Ii-p10), normally a transient intermediate in Ii chain processing. Upon removal of leupeptin, Ii-p10 was degraded and released, I-A(b) dimers bound antigenic peptides, and the peptide-loaded dimers were transported slowly from lysosomes to the plasma membrane. Our results suggest that alterations in the rate or efficiency of Ii chain processing can alter the postendosomal sorting of class II molecules, resulting in the increased accumulation of alpha beta dimers in lysosome-like MIIC. Thus, simple differences in Ii chain processing may account for the highly variable amounts of class II found in lysosomal compartments of different cell types or at different developmental stages.

HLA-DM is localized to conventional and unconventional MHC class II-containing endocytic compartments

HLA-DM molecules remove invariant (Ii) chain peptides from newly synthesized MHC class II complexes. Their localization may thus delineate compartments, e.g., MIIC, specialized for loading peptides onto class II molecules. In murine A20 B cells, however, DM is not restricted to specialized endosomal class II-containing vesicles (CIIV). Although DM was found in CIIV, it was also found throughout the endocytic pathway, principally in lysosomes devoid of class II molecules. In human lymphoblasts, HLA-DM was found in structures indistinguishable from late endosomes or lysosomes, although in these cells the lysosomes contained MHC class II molecules. Thus, the distribution of HLA-DM does not necessarily identify specialized class II compartments. Many "MIIC" may represent conventional lysosomes that accumulate MHC class II and HLA-DM in a number of cell types.

Lonely MHC molecules seeking immunogenic peptides for meaningful relationships

The association between antigenic peptides and MHC class II molecules represents a critical event in the initiation of the immune response to extracellular antigens. Understanding the molecular basis of antigen processing requires the characterization of the intracellular compartments, or 'singles bars', in which immunogenic peptides are generated and loaded onto class II molecules. In the past year, something of a breakthrough occurred with the identification of specialized compartments that host antigen processing and/or peptide loading, designated 'MHC class II compartment' and 'class II vesicles'. It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that these compartments are themselves heterogeneous and not always distinct from conventional endosomes and lysosomes.

Invariant chain cleavage and peptide loading in major histocompatibility complex class II vesicles

B lymphocytes contain a novel population of endocytic vesicles involved in the transport of newly synthesized major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II alpha beta chains and alpha beta peptide complexes to the cell surface. We now present evidence that these class II-enriched vesicles (CIIV) are also likely to be a site for the loading of immunogenic peptides onto MHC molecules. We used the serine protease inhibitor leupeptin to accumulate naturally occurring intermediates in the degradation of alpha beta-invariant chain complexes and to slow the intracellular transport of class II molecules. As expected, leupeptin caused an accumulation of Ii chain and class II molecules (I-A(d)) in endosomes and lysosomes. More importantly, however, it enhanced the selective accumulation of a 10-kD invariant chain fragment associated with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-labile (empty) alpha beta dimers in CIIV. This was followed by the dissociation of the 10-kD fragment, formation of SDS-stable (peptide-loaded) alpha beta dimers, and their subsequent appearance at the cell surface. Thus, CIIV are likely to serve as a specialized site, distinct from endosomes and lysosomes, that hosts the final steps in the dissociation of invariant chain from class II molecules and the loading of antigen-derived peptides onto newly synthesized alpha beta dimers.

Transient accumulation of new class II MHC molecules in a novel endocytic compartment in B lymphocytes

Endocytosis of antigen by antigen-presenting cells results in the production of peptides that bind to newly synthesized class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex. A new population of class II-enriched vesicles has been discovered in B lymphocytes that accumulate internalized antigen but are distinct from endosomes and lysosomes. These vesicles also transiently accumulate newly synthesized class II and class II-peptide complexes and appear to be a compartment specialized for the transport and loading of class II molecules.

The invariant chain is required for intracellular transport and function of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-associated invariant chain (Ii) is thought to act as a chaperone that assists class II during folding, assembly, and transport. To define more precisely the role of Ii chain in regulating class II function, we have investigated in detail the biosynthesis, transport, and intracellular distribution of class II molecules in splenocytes from mice bearing a deletion of the Ii gene. As observed previously, the absence of Ii chain caused significant reduction in both class II-restricted antigen presentation and expression of class II molecules at the cell surface because of the intracellular accumulation of alpha and beta chains. Whereas much of the newly synthesized MHC molecules enter a high molecular weight aggregate characteristic of misfolded proteins, most of the alpha and beta chains form dimers and acquire epitopes characteristic of properly folded complexes. Although the complexes do not bind endogenously processed peptides, class II molecules that reach the surface are competent to bind peptides added to the medium, further demonstrating that at least some of the complexes fold properly. Similar to misfolded proteins, however, the alpha and beta chains are poorly terminally glycosylated, suggesting that they fail to reach the Golgi complex. As demonstrated by double label confocal and electron microscope immunocytochemistry, class II molecules were found in a subcompartment of the endoplasmic reticulum and in a population of small nonlysosomal vesicles possibly corresponding to the intermediate compartment or cis-Golgi network. Thus, although alpha and beta chains can fold and form dimers on their own, the absence of Ii chain causes them to be recognized as "misfolded" and retained in the same compartments as bona fide misfolded proteins.