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Sanchez Sanchez G, Emmrich S, Georga M, Papadaki A, Kossida S, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V, Vermijlen D. Invariant γδTCR natural killer-like effector T cells in the naked mole-rat. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4248. [PMID: 38762584 PMCID: PMC11102460 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48652-z] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a long-lived rodent species showing resistance to the development of cancer. Although naked mole-rats have been reported to lack natural killer (NK) cells, γδ T cell-based immunity has been suggested in this species, which could represent an important arm of the immune system for antitumor responses. Here, we investigate the biology of these unconventional T cells in peripheral tissues (blood, spleen) and thymus of the naked mole-rat at different ages by TCR repertoire profiling and single-cell gene expression analysis. Using our own TCR annotation in the naked mole-rat genome, we report that the γδ TCR repertoire is dominated by a public invariant Vγ4-2/Vδ1-4 TCR, containing the complementary-determining-region-3 (CDR3)γ CTYWDSNYAKKLF / CDR3δ CALWELRTGGITAQLVF that are likely generated by short-homology-repeat-driven DNA rearrangements. This invariant TCR is specifically found in γδ T cells expressing genes associated with NK cytotoxicity and is generated in both the thoracic and cervical thymus of the naked mole-rat until adult life. Our results indicate that invariant Vγ4-2/Vδ1-4 NK-like effector T cells in the naked mole-rat can contribute to tumor immunosurveillance by γδ TCR-mediated recognition of a common molecular signal.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mole Rats/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
- Thymus Gland/immunology
- Thymus Gland/cytology
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Spleen/immunology
- Complementarity Determining Regions/genetics
- Natural Killer T-Cells/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Sanchez Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
- ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
- WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Stephan Emmrich
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Maria Georga
- IMGT®, the international ImMunoGenetics information system®, Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier (UM), Montpellier, France
| | - Ariadni Papadaki
- IMGT®, the international ImMunoGenetics information system®, Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier (UM), Montpellier, France
| | - Sofia Kossida
- IMGT®, the international ImMunoGenetics information system®, Institut de Génétique Humaine (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier (UM), Montpellier, France
| | - Andrei Seluanov
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Vera Gorbunova
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center and Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - David Vermijlen
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.
- ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.
- WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium.
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2
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Kabelitz D. Novel insights into regulation of butyrophilin molecules: critical components of cancer immunosurveillance by γδ T cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:409-411. [PMID: 38532044 PMCID: PMC10978863 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01138-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
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Davies DM, Pugliese G, Parente Pereira AC, Whilding LM, Larcombe-Young D, Maher J. Engineering a Dual Specificity γδ T-Cell Receptor for Cancer Immunotherapy. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:196. [PMID: 38534465 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
γδ T-cells provide immune surveillance against cancer, straddling both innate and adaptive immunity. G115 is a clonal γδ T-cell receptor (TCR) of the Vγ9Vδ2 subtype which can confer responsiveness to phosphoantigens (PAgs) when genetically introduced into conventional αβ T-cells. Cancer immunotherapy using γδ TCR-engineered T-cells is currently under clinical evaluation. In this study, we sought to broaden the cancer specificity of the G115 γδ TCR by insertion of a tumour-binding peptide into the complementarity-determining region (CDR) three regions of the TCR δ2 chain. Peptides were selected from the foot and mouth disease virus A20 peptide which binds with high affinity and selectivity to αvβ6, an epithelial-selective integrin that is expressed by a range of solid tumours. Insertion of an A20-derived 12mer peptide achieved the best results, enabling the resulting G115 + A12 T-cells to kill both PAg and αvβ6-expressing tumour cells. Cytolytic activity of G115 + A12 T-cells against PAg-presenting K562 target cells was enhanced compared to G115 control cells, in keeping with the critical role of CDR3 δ2 length for optimal PAg recognition. Activation was accompanied by interferon (IFN)-γ release in the presence of either target antigen, providing a novel dual-specificity approach for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Davies
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Giuseppe Pugliese
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Ana C Parente Pereira
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy's Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Lynsey M Whilding
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy's Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Daniel Larcombe-Young
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy's Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - John Maher
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy's Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
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4
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Burke KP, Chaudhri A, Freeman GJ, Sharpe AH. The B7:CD28 family and friends: Unraveling coinhibitory interactions. Immunity 2024; 57:223-244. [PMID: 38354702 PMCID: PMC10889489 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Immune responses must be tightly regulated to ensure both optimal protective immunity and tolerance. Costimulatory pathways within the B7:CD28 family provide essential signals for optimal T cell activation and clonal expansion. They provide crucial inhibitory signals that maintain immune homeostasis, control resolution of inflammation, regulate host defense, and promote tolerance to prevent autoimmunity. Tumors and chronic pathogens can exploit these pathways to evade eradication by the immune system. Advances in understanding B7:CD28 pathways have ushered in a new era of immunotherapy with effective drugs to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and transplant rejection. Here, we discuss current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the coinhibitory functions of CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1:B7-1 and PD-L2:RGMb interactions and less studied B7 family members, including HHLA2, VISTA, BTNL2, and BTN3A1, as well as their overlapping and unique roles in regulating immune responses, and the therapeutic potential of these insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly P Burke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Apoorvi Chaudhri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arlene H Sharpe
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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5
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Wang C, Lai AY, Baiu DC, Smith KA, Odorico JS, Wilson K, Schreiber T, de Silva S, Gumperz JE. Analysis of Butyrophilin-Mediated Activation of γδ T Cells from Human Spleen. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:284-294. [PMID: 37991420 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in therapeutically engaging human γδ T cells. However, due to the unique TCRs of human γδ T cells, studies from animal models have provided limited directly applicable insights, and human γδ T cells from key immunological tissues remain poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated γδ T cells from human spleen tissue. Compared to blood, where Vδ2+Vγ9+ T cells are the dominant subset, splenic γδ T cells included a variety of TCR types, with Vδ1+ T cells typically being the most frequent. Intracellular cytokine staining revealed that IFN-γ was produced by a substantial fraction of splenic γδ T cells, IL-17A by a small fraction, and IL-4 was minimal. Primary splenic γδ T cells frequently expressed NKG2D (NK group 2 member D) and CD16, whereas expression of DNAM-1 (DNAX accessory molecule 1), CD28, PD-1, TIGIT, and CD94 varied according to subset, and there was generally little expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors, TIM-3, LAG-3, or killer Ig-like receptors. In vitro expansion was associated with marked changes in expression of these activating and inhibitory receptors. Analysis of functional responses of spleen-derived Vδ2+Vγ9+, Vδ1+Vγ9+, and Vδ1+Vγ9- T cell lines to recombinant butyrophilin BTN2A1 and BTN3A1 demonstrated that both Vδ2+Vγ9+ and Vδ1+Vγ9+ T cells were capable of responding to the extracellular domain of BTN2A1, whereas the addition of BTN3A1 only markedly enhanced the responses of Vδ2+Vγ9+ T cells. Conversely, Vδ1+Vγ9+ T cells appeared more responsive than Vδ2+Vγ9+ T cells to TCR-independent NKG2D stimulation. Thus, despite shared recognition of BTN2A1, differential effects of BTN3A1 and coreceptors may segregate target cell responses of Vδ2+Vγ9+ and Vδ1+Vγ9+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | | | - Dana C Baiu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Kelsey A Smith
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Jon S Odorico
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | | | | | | | - Jenny E Gumperz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
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6
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Hernández-López P, van Diest E, Brazda P, Heijhuurs S, Meringa A, Hoorens van Heyningen L, Riillo C, Schwenzel C, Zintchenko M, Johanna I, Nicolasen MJT, Cleven A, Kluiver TA, Millen R, Zheng J, Karaiskaki F, Straetemans T, Clevers H, de Bree R, Stunnenberg HG, Peng WC, Roodhart J, Minguet S, Sebestyén Z, Beringer DX, Kuball J. Dual targeting of cancer metabolome and stress antigens affects transcriptomic heterogeneity and efficacy of engineered T cells. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:88-101. [PMID: 38012415 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01665-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Few cancers can be targeted efficiently by engineered T cell strategies. Here, we show that γδ T cell antigen receptor (γδ TCR)-mediated cancer metabolome targeting can be combined with targeting of cancer-associated stress antigens (such as NKG2D ligands or CD277) through the addition of chimeric co-receptors. This strategy overcomes suboptimal γ9δ2 TCR engagement of αβ T cells engineered to express a defined γδ TCR (TEGs) and improves serial killing, proliferation and persistence of TEGs. In vivo, the NKG2D-CD28WT chimera enabled control only of liquid tumors, whereas the NKG2D-4-1BBCD28TM chimera prolonged persistence of TEGs and improved control of liquid and solid tumors. The CD277-targeting chimera (103-4-1BB) was the most optimal co-stimulation format, eradicating both liquid and solid tumors. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that NKG2D-4-1BBCD28TM and 103-4-1BB chimeras reprogram TEGs through NF-κB. Owing to competition with naturally expressed NKG2D in CD8+ TEGs, the NKG2D-4-1BBCD28TM chimera mainly skewed CD4+ TEGs toward adhesion, proliferation, cytotoxicity and less exhausted signatures, whereas the 103-4-1BB chimera additionally shaped the CD8+ subset toward a proliferative state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Hernández-López
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eline van Diest
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Brazda
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Heijhuurs
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Angelo Meringa
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lauren Hoorens van Heyningen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Caterina Riillo
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caroline Schwenzel
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) and Institute for Immunodeficiency, University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marina Zintchenko
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) and Institute for Immunodeficiency, University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Inez Johanna
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mara J T Nicolasen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Cleven
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas A Kluiver
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rosemary Millen
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jiali Zheng
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Froso Karaiskaki
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Trudy Straetemans
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Remco de Bree
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Weng Chuan Peng
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Roodhart
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Susana Minguet
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) and Institute for Immunodeficiency, University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zsolt Sebestyén
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis X Beringer
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuball
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Ahmedna T, Khela H, Weber-Levine C, Azad TD, Jackson CM, Gabrielson K, Bettegowda C, Rincon-Torroella J. The Role of γδ T-Lymphocytes in Glioblastoma: Current Trends and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5784. [PMID: 38136330 PMCID: PMC10741533 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245784] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-based immunotherapy for glioblastoma (GBM) encounters major challenges due to the infiltration-resistant and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). γδ T cells, unconventional T cells expressing the characteristic γδ T cell receptor, have demonstrated promise in overcoming these challenges, suggesting great immunotherapeutic potential. This review presents the role of γδ T cells in GBM and proposes several research avenues for future studies. Using the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR databases, we performed a review of the literature studying the biology of γδ T cells and their role in GBM treatment. We identified 15 studies focused on γδ T cells in human GBM. Infiltrative γδ T cells can incite antitumor immune responses in certain TMEs, though rapid tumor progression and TME hypoxia may impact the extent of tumor suppression. In the studies, available findings have shown both the potential for robust antitumor activity and the risk of protumor activity. While γδ T cells have potential as a therapeutic agent against GBM, the technical challenges of extracting, isolating, and expanding γδ T cells, and the activation of antitumoral versus protumoral cascades, remain barriers to their application. Overcoming these limitations may transform γδ T cells into a promising immunotherapy in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Ahmedna
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Harmon Khela
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Public Health Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Carly Weber-Levine
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Tej D. Azad
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Christopher M. Jackson
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kathleen Gabrielson
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jordina Rincon-Torroella
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Dong J, Holthaus D, Peters C, Koster S, Ehsani M, Quevedo-Olmos A, Berger H, Zarobkiewicz M, Mangler M, Gurumurthy RK, Hedemann N, Chumduri C, Kabelitz D, Meyer TF. γδ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against patient-derived healthy and cancer cervical organoids. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1281646. [PMID: 38090581 PMCID: PMC10711208 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women globally, primarily driven by high-risk papillomaviruses. However, the effectiveness of chemotherapy is limited, underscoring the potential of personalized immunotherapies. Patient-derived organoids, which possess cellular heterogeneity, proper epithelial architecture and functionality, and long-term propagation capabilities offer a promising platform for developing viable strategies. In addition to αβ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, γδ T cells represent an immune cell population with significant therapeutic potential against both hematologic and solid tumours. To evaluate the efficacy of γδ T cells in cervical cancer treatment, we generated patient-derived healthy and cancer ectocervical organoids. Furthermore, we examined transformed healthy organoids, expressing HPV16 oncogenes E6 and E7. We analysed the effector function of in vitro expanded γδ T cells upon co-culture with organoids. Our findings demonstrated that healthy cervical organoids were less susceptible to γδ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity compared to HPV-transformed organoids and cancerous organoids. To identify the underlying pathways involved in this observed cytotoxicity, we performed bulk-RNA sequencing on the organoid lines, revealing differences in DNA-damage and cell cycle checkpoint pathways, as well as transcription of potential γδ T cell ligands. We validated these results using immunoblotting and flow cytometry. We also demonstrated the involvement of BTN3A1 and BTN2A1, crucial molecules for γδ T cell activation, as well as differential expression of PDL1/CD274 in cancer, E6/E7+ and healthy organoids. Interestingly, we observed a significant reduction in cytotoxicity upon blocking MSH2, a protein involved in DNA mismatch-repair. In summary, we established a co-culture system of γδ T cells with cervical cancer organoids, providing a novel in vitro model to optimize innovative patient-specific immunotherapies for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxue Dong
- Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Holthaus
- Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefanie Koster
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marzieh Ehsani
- Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alvaro Quevedo-Olmos
- Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hilmar Berger
- Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michal Zarobkiewicz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mandy Mangler
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Vivantes Auguste Viktoria-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Gynaecology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Nina Hedemann
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Cindrilla Chumduri
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Laboratory of Infections, Carcinogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Biotechnology Section, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas F. Meyer
- Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
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9
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Yan W, Dunmall LSC, Lemoine NR, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang P. The capability of heterogeneous γδ T cells in cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1285801. [PMID: 38077392 PMCID: PMC10704246 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1285801] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells, a specialized subset of T lymphocytes, have garnered significant attention within the realm of cancer immunotherapy. Operating at the nexus between adaptive and innate immunological paradigms, these cells showcase a profound tumor discernment repertoire, hinting at novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Significantly, these cells possess the capability to directly identify and eliminate tumor cells without reliance on HLA-antigen presentation. Furthermore, γδ T cells have the faculty to present tumor antigens to αβ T cells, amplifying their anti-tumoral efficacy.Within the diverse and heterogeneous subpopulations of γδ T cells, distinct immune functionalities emerge, manifesting either anti-tumor or pro-tumor roles within the tumor microenvironment. Grasping and strategically harnessing these heterogeneous γδ T cell cohorts is pivotal to their integration in tumor-specific immunotherapeutic modalities. The aim of this review is to describe the heterogeneity of the γδ T cell lineage and the functional plasticity it generates in the treatment of malignant tumors. This review endeavors to elucidate the intricate heterogeneity inherent to the γδ T cell lineage, the consequential functional dynamics in combating malignancies, the latest advancements from clinical trials, and the evolving landscape of γδ T cell-based oncological interventions, while addressing the challenges impeding the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Yan
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Louisa S. Chard Dunmall
- Centre for Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R. Lemoine
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Centre for Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yaohe Wang
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Centre for Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yafeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengju Wang
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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10
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Karunakaran MM, Subramanian H, Jin Y, Mohammed F, Kimmel B, Juraske C, Starick L, Nöhren A, Länder N, Willcox CR, Singh R, Schamel WW, Nikolaev VO, Kunzmann V, Wiemer AJ, Willcox BE, Herrmann T. A distinct topology of BTN3A IgV and B30.2 domains controlled by juxtamembrane regions favors optimal human γδ T cell phosphoantigen sensing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7617. [PMID: 37993425 PMCID: PMC10665462 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41938-8] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Butyrophilin (BTN)-3A and BTN2A1 molecules control the activation of human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells during T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated sensing of phosphoantigens (PAg) derived from microbes and tumors. However, the molecular rules governing PAg sensing remain largely unknown. Here, we establish three mechanistic principles of PAg-mediated γδ T cell activation. First, in humans, following PAg binding to the intracellular BTN3A1-B30.2 domain, Vγ9Vδ2 TCR triggering involves the extracellular V-domain of BTN3A2/BTN3A3. Moreover, the localization of both protein domains on different chains of the BTN3A homo-or heteromers is essential for efficient PAg-mediated activation. Second, the formation of BTN3A homo-or heteromers, which differ in intracellular trafficking and conformation, is controlled by molecular interactions between the juxtamembrane regions of the BTN3A chains. Finally, the ability of PAg not simply to bind BTN3A-B30.2, but to promote its subsequent interaction with the BTN2A1-B30.2 domain, is essential for T-cell activation. Defining these determinants of cooperation and the division of labor in BTN proteins improves our understanding of PAg sensing and elucidates a mode of action that may apply to other BTN family members.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hariharan Subramanian
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yiming Jin
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Fiyaz Mohammed
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Brigitte Kimmel
- University Hospital Wuerzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II and Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Mainfranken Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Juraske
- Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Starick
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Nöhren
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Länder
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carrie R Willcox
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rohit Singh
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences & Technology, Dr. Vishwanath Karad, MIT World peace University, Pune, 411038, India
| | - Wolfgang W Schamel
- Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Viacheslav O Nikolaev
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Kunzmann
- University Hospital Wuerzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II and Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Mainfranken Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Andrew J Wiemer
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Benjamin E Willcox
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Thomas Herrmann
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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