Contrasting efficacy of presentation by major histocompatibility complex class I and class II products when peptides are administered within a common protein carrier, self immunoglobulin

New Insights into Mechanisms of Long-term Protective Anti-tumor Immunity Induced by Cancer Vaccines Modified by Virus Infection

The topic is how to achieve long-term protective anti-tumor immunity by anti-cancer vaccination and what are its mechanisms. Cancer vaccines should instruct the immune system regarding relevant cancer targets and contain signals for innate immunity activation. Of central importance is T-cell mediated immunity and thus a detailed understanding of cognate interactions between tumor antigen (TA)-specific T cells and TA-presenting dendritic cells. Microbes and their associated molecular patterns initiate early inflammatory defense reactions that can contribute to the activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and to costimulation of T cells. The concommitant stimulation of naive TA-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with TAs and costimulatory signals occurs in T-APC clusters that generate effectors, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes and T cell mediated immunological memory. Information about how such memory can be maintained over long times is updated. The role that the bone marrow with its specialized niches plays for the survival of memory T cells is emphasized. Examples are presented that demonstrate long-term protective anti-tumor immunity can be achieved by post-operative vaccination with autologous cancer vaccines that are modified by virus infection.

Dendritic cells transfected with scFv from Mab 7.B12 mimicking original antigen gp43 induces protection against experimental Paracoccidioidomycosis

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), endemic in Latin America, is a progressive systemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis), which primarily attacks lung tissue. Dendritic cells (DCs) are able to initiate a response in naïve T cells, and they also participate in Th-cell education. Furthermore, these cells have been used for therapy in several disease models. Here we transfected DCs with a plasmid (pMAC/PS-scFv) encoding a single chain variable fragment (scFv) of an anti-Id antibody that is capable of mimicking gp43, the main antigenic component of P. brasiliensis. First, Balb/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with pMAC/PS-scFv and, after seven days, scFv protein was presented to the regional lymph nodes cells. Moreover, we showed that the DCs transfected with scFv were capable of efficiently activating proliferation of total lymph node cells and inducing a decrease in lung infection. Therefore, our results suggested that the use of scFv-transfected DCs may be a promising therapy in the paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) model.

DNA vaccination with T-cell epitopes encoded within Ab molecules induces high-avidity anti-tumor CD8+ T cells

Stimulation of high-avidity CTL responses is essential for effective anti-tumor and anti-viral vaccines. In this study we have demonstrated that a DNA vaccine incorporating CTL epitopes within an Ab molecule results in high-avidity T-cell responses to both foreign and self epitopes. The avidity and frequency was superior to peptide, peptide-pulsed DC vaccines or a DNA vaccine incorporating the epitope within the native Ag. The DNA Ab vaccine was superior to an identical protein vaccine that can only cross-present, indicating a role for direct presentation by the DNA vaccine. However, the avidity of CTL responses was significantly reduced in Fc receptor gamma knockout mice or if the Fc region was removed suggesting that cross presentation of Ag via Fc receptor was also important in the induction of high-avidity CTL. These results suggest that generation of high-avidity CTL responses by the DNA vaccine is related to its ability to both directly present and cross-present the epitope. High-avidity responses were capable of efficient anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. This study demonstrates a vaccine strategy to generate high-avidity CTL responses that can be used in anti-tumor and anti-viral vaccine settings.

Antibodies designed as effective cancer vaccines

Antigen/antibody complexes can efficiently target antigen presenting cells to allow stimulation of the cellular immune response. Due to the difficulty of manufacture and their inherent instability complexes have proved inefficient cancer vaccines. However, anti-idiotypic antibodies mimicking antigens have been shown to stimulate both antibody and T cell responses. The latter are due to T cell mimotopes expressed within the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) of antibodies that are efficiently presented to dendritic cells in vivo. Based on this observation we have designed a DNA vaccine platform called ImmunoBody, where cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T cell epitopes replace CDR regions within the framework of a human IgG1 antibody. The ImmunoBody expression system has a number of design features which allow for rapid production of a wide range of vaccines. The CDR regions of the heavy and light chain have been engineered to contain unique restriction endonuclease sites, which can be easily opened, and oligonucleotides encoding the T cell epitopes inserted. The variable and constant regions of the ImmunoBody are also flanked by restriction sites, which permit easy exchange of other IgG subtypes. Here we show a range of T cell epitopes can be inserted into the ImmunoBody vector and upon immunization these T cell epitopes are efficiently processed and presented to stimulate high frequency helper and CTL responses capable of anti-tumor activity.

Immunologic control of tumors by in vivo Fc gamma receptor-targeted antigen loading in conjunction with double-stranded RNA-mediated immune modulation

Despite the expression of non-self or neo-epitopes, many tumors such as lymphoid malignancies or cancers induced by oncogenic viruses are able to gradually overcome the immune defense mechanisms and spread. Using a preclinical model of hematological malignancy, we show that Ig-associated idiotypic determinants are recognized by the immune system in a fashion that results in immune deviation, allowing tumor progression and establishment of metastases. Using gene-targeted mice, we show that anti-idiotypic MHC class I-restricted immunity is promoted by ITAM motif (ITAM+) FcgammaR, but kept in check by ITIM motif (ITIM+) FcgammaRIIB-mediated mechanisms. In addition to interfering with the functionality of ITIM+ FcgammaR, effective anti-idiotypic and antitumoral immunity can be achieved by FcgammaR-targeted delivery of epitope in conjunction with administration of stimulatory motifs such as dsRNA, correcting the ineffective response to idiotypic epitopes. The immune process initiated by FcgammaR-mediated targeting of epitope together with dsRNA, resulted in control of tumor growth, establishment of immune memory and protection against tumors bearing antigenic variants. In summary, targeted delivery of MHC class I-restricted epitopes via ITAM+ FcgammaR, in conjunction with use of TLR-binding immune stimulatory motifs such as dsRNA, overcomes suboptimal responses to idiotypic determinants and may constitute a novel approach for the treatment of a broad range of malignancies. Finally, the results shed light on the mechanisms regulating the idiotypic network and managing the diversity associated with immune receptors.

B and T cell responses elicited by monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody (Ab2beta) mimicking gp43 from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America, with a high prevalence in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela. The aetiological agent of disease is the thermal dimorphic fungus, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. A glycoprotein of 43 kD (gp43) is the major antigen of P. brasiliensis. Antibodies directed to this antigen are detected in the sera of all patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Recently, it has been shown that mice immunized with anti-gp43 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) (Ab1), induce the idiotypic cascade in the gp43 system, which produced both, anti-Id antibodies (Ab2) and anti-anti-Id antibodies (Ab3). To further characterize the idiotypic cascade modulation in mice immunized with anti-gp43 MAb 17c, hybridomas were produced. Ab2 MAbs named 7.B12 inhibited (>95%) the binding of gp43 to MAb 17c (Ab1), suggesting that this anti-Id MAb bind to the idiotope, thus fulfilling the internal image criteria. To elucidate whether Ab2 MAb could act as antigen in serological assays, instead of gp43, sera from PCM patients were tested. Using an ELISA test, it was observed that antibodies from patients and not normal serum bound to Ab2. However, the ELISA test using Ab2 bound to the solid phase made possible to serologically monitor the patients after antifungal therapy, showing an equivalent curve when compared with ELISA test employing purified gp43. Our results also showed that, when mice were immunized with Ab2beta and their cells were exposed to gp43 in vitro, a T cell proliferation response was observed.

Infection-triggered regulatory mechanisms override the role of STAT 4 in control of the immune response to influenza virus antigens

Accurate control of the balance of the T1 and T2 cells during antiviral immunity is essential for optimizing immune effector functions and for avoiding potentially severe immunopathology. We examined the in vivo role of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 4 in regulating the T1/T2 balance during the response to live influenza virus and isolated viral proteins. We found that the differentiation of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-producing Th1 and Tc1 cells after inoculation of live virus occurred independently of STAT 4 expression. Influenza virus-specific T2 and Tc2 responses were well controlled in such STAT 4-deficient mice unless IFN-gamma was eliminated as well. In contrast, the STAT 4-dependent signaling pathway played a more essential role in regulating the T1/T2 balance after immunization with viral proteins and, in particular, inactivated nonreplicating virus. Pulmonary infection was cleared even in the absence of both functional STAT 4 genes and functional IFN-gamma genes because virus-neutralizing antibodies were still generated, consistent with a substantial redundancy in different antiviral effector pathways. Thus, replicating agents such as live influenza virus can elicit IFN-gamma and control T2 immunity independently of STAT 4, whereas the profile of immunity to isolated proteins is more reliant on an intact STAT 4 signaling pathway.

Human anti-idiotypic antibodies can be good immunogens as they target FC receptors on antigen-presenting cells allowing efficient stimulation of both helper and cytotoxic T-cell responses

Anti-idiotypic antibodies that mimic tumour-associated antigens can stimulate anti-tumour T-cell responses. In this article, we have studied the role of Fc in the presentation of T-cell epitopes by 2 anti-idiotypic antibodies, 105AD7 and 708. The human monoclonal antibody 105AD7, which mimics CD55, stimulated strong in vitro T-cell proliferation, gammaIFN secretion and redirected cytotoxicity in unprimed T cells from healthy donors. However, removal of the Fc region of the anti-idiotype reduced the sensitivity of the assay 1,000-fold, as did inhibiting Fc uptake of the anti-idiotype by an excess of human IgG. The mouse anti-idiotype 708, which mimics CEA, failed to stimulate in vitro T-cell responses on unprimed T cells from healthy donors. However, when a human IgG1 Fc region replaced its mouse Fc region, the anti-idiotype induced T-cell proliferation, gammaIFN secretion and redirected cytotoxicity in lymphocytes from unimmunised donors. Human anti-idiotypes are therefore good immunogens since they target Fc receptors on antigen-presenting cells, allowing efficient stimulation of both helper and cytotoxic T-cell responses. The immunogenicity of other anti-idiotypes may therefore be enhanced by human Fc targeting of antigen-presenting cells.

Phage-displayed T-cell epitope grafted into immunoglobulin heavy-chain complementarity-determining regions: an effective vaccine design tested in murine cysticercosis

A new type of immunogenic molecule was engineered by replacing all three complementarity-determining-region (CDR) loops of the human immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy-chain variable (V(H)) domain with the Taenia crassiceps epitope PT1 (PPPVDYLYQT) and by displaying this construct on the surfaces of M13 bacteriophage. When BALB/c mice were immunized with such phage particles (PIgphage), a strong protection against challenge infection in very susceptible female hosts was obtained. When specifically stimulated, the in vivo-primed CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells isolated from mice immunized with PT1, both as a free peptide and as the PIgphage construct, proliferated in vitro, indicating efficient epitope presentation by both major histocompatibility complex class II and class I molecules in the specifically antigen-pulsed macrophages used as antigen-presenting cells. These data demonstrate the immunogenic potential of recombinant phage particles displaying CDR epitope-grafted Ig V(H) domains and establish an alternative approach to the design of an effective subunit vaccine for prevention of cysticercosis. The key advantage of this type of immunogen is that no adjuvant is required for its application. The proposed strategy for immunogen construction is potentially suitable for use in any host-pathogen interaction.

Neonatal exposure to a self-peptide-immunoglobulin chimera circumvents the use of adjuvant and confers resistance to autoimmune disease by a novel mechanism involving interleukin 4 lymph node deviation and interferon gamma-mediated splenic anergy

Induction of neonatal T cell tolerance to soluble antigens requires the use of incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA). The side effects that could be associated with IFA and the ill-defined mechanism underlying neonatal tolerance are setbacks for this otherwise attractive strategy for prevention of T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. Presumably, IFA contributes a slow antigen release and induction of cytokines influential in T cell differentiation. Immunoglobulins (Igs) have long half-lives and could induce cytokine secretion by binding to Fc receptors on target cells. Our hypothesis was that peptide delivery by Igs may circumvent the use of IFA and induce neonatal tolerance that could confer resistance to autoimmunity. To address this issue we used the proteolipid protein (PLP) sequence 139-151 (hereafter referred to as PLP1), which is encephalitogenic and induces experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in SJL/J mice. PLP1 was expressed on an Ig, and the resulting Ig-PLP1 chimera when injected in saline into newborn mice confers resistance to EAE induction later in life. Mice injected with Ig-PLP1 at birth and challenged as adults with PLP1 developed T cell proliferation in the lymph node but not in the spleen, whereas control mice injected with Ig-W, the parental Ig not including PLP1, developed T cell responses in both lymphoid organs. The lymph node T cells from Ig-PLP1 recipient mice were deviated and produced interleukin (IL)-4 instead of IL-2, whereas the spleen cells, although nonproliferative, produced IL-2 but not interferon (IFN)-gamma. Exogenous IFN-gamma, as well as IL-12, restored splenic proliferation in an antigen specific manner. IL-12-rescued T cells continued to secrete IL-2 and regained the ability to produce IFN-gamma. In vivo, administration of anti-IL-4 antibody or IL-12 restored disease severity. Therefore, adjuvant-free induced neonatal tolerance prevents autoimmunity by an organ-specific regulation of T cells that involves both immune deviation and a new form of cytokine- dependent T cell anergy.

Purification of antigenized immunoglobulins derivatized with monomethoxypolyethylene glycol

Genetically engineered immunoglobulins (Igs) carrying viral B or T cell peptides in the CDR3 loop, function as efficient delivery system of the defined viral epitopes. Two of these antigenized Igs (AIgs) were derivatized with 2-O-monomethoxypolyethylene glycol-4,6-dichloro-s-triazine (mPEG). Herein, we describe a two-step strategy to purify mPEG-derivatized AIgs (AIgs-mPEG). Unreacted mPEG polymers were removed by size-exclusion chromatography using ammonium hydrogencarbonate as a buffer system. Mildly PEGylated AIgs were isolated from free and highly derivatized AIgs by anion-exchange chromatography. Electrophoretic analysis indicated that the AIgs-mPEG preparation contained less than 4 x 10(-4) M unreacted mPEG. This strategy may be applied to other mPEG-derivatized monoclonal antibodies.

Antiviral protective immunity induced by major histocompatibility complex class I molecule-restricted viral T-lymphocyte epitopes inserted in various positions in immunologically self and nonself proteins

Injection into mice of chimeric proteins consisting of a portion of either the simian virus 40 large tumor antigen or nonstructural protein 1 of influenza A virus or of the murine tumor suppressor p53 on one hand and T-cell epitopes of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus on the other resulted in antiviral protective immunity, which was independent of the epitopes' position in the protein and the same whether the latter was immunologically nonself or self. Mice of different haplotypes were protected when the corresponding class I molecule-restricted epitopes had been inserted close to each other in one carrier protein.