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Aparicio B, Theunissen P, Hervas-Stubbs S, Fortes P, Sarobe P. Relevance of mutation-derived neoantigens and non-classical antigens for anticancer therapies. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2303799. [PMID: 38346926 PMCID: PMC10863374 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2303799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficacy of cancer immunotherapies relies on correct recognition of tumor antigens by lymphocytes, eliciting thus functional responses capable of eliminating tumor cells. Therefore, important efforts have been carried out in antigen identification, with the aim of understanding mechanisms of response to immunotherapy and to design safer and more efficient strategies. In addition to classical tumor-associated antigens identified during the last decades, implementation of next-generation sequencing methodologies is enabling the identification of neoantigens (neoAgs) arising from mutations, leading to the development of new neoAg-directed therapies. Moreover, there are numerous non-classical tumor antigens originated from other sources and identified by new methodologies. Here, we review the relevance of neoAgs in different immunotherapies and the results obtained by applying neoAg-based strategies. In addition, the different types of non-classical tumor antigens and the best approaches for their identification are described. This will help to increase the spectrum of targetable molecules useful in cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belen Aparicio
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Patrick Theunissen
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervas-Stubbs
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Puri Fortes
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
- DNA and RNA Medicine Division, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Spanish Network for Advanced Therapies (TERAV ISCIII), Spain
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Pamplona, Spain
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2
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Hulin-Curtis S, Geary JK, MacLachlan BJ, Altmann DM, Baillon L, Cole DK, Greenshields-Watson A, Hesketh SJ, Humphreys IR, Jones IM, Lauder SN, Mason GH, Smart K, Scourfield DO, Scott J, Sukhova K, Stanton RJ, Wall A, Rizkallah PJ, Barclay WS, Gallimore A, Godkin A. A targeted single mutation in influenza A virus universal epitope transforms immunogenicity and protective immunity via CD4 + T cell activation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114259. [PMID: 38819988 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells are central to adaptive immunity. Their role in cross-protection in viral infections such as influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is well documented; however, molecular rules governing T cell receptor (TCR) engagement of peptide-human leukocyte antigen (pHLA) class II are less understood. Here, we exploit an aspect of HLA class II presentation, the peptide-flanking residues (PFRs), to "tune" CD4+ T cell responses within an in vivo model system of influenza. Using a recombinant virus containing targeted substitutions at immunodominant HLA-DR1 epitopes, we demonstrate limited weight loss and improved clinical scores after heterosubtypic re-challenge. We observe enhanced protection linked to lung-derived influenza-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells prior to re-infection. Structural analysis of the ternary TCR:pHLA complex identifies that flanking amino acids influence side chains in the core 9-mer peptide, increasing TCR affinity. Augmentation of CD4+ T cell immunity is achievable with a single mutation, representing a strategy to enhance adaptive immunity that is decoupled from vaccine modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hulin-Curtis
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - James K Geary
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
| | - Bruce J MacLachlan
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Danny M Altmann
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Laury Baillon
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - David K Cole
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Alex Greenshields-Watson
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3LB, UK
| | - Sophie J Hesketh
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Ian R Humphreys
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Ian M Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AH, UK
| | - Sarah N Lauder
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Georgina H Mason
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Kathryn Smart
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - D Oliver Scourfield
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jake Scott
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Ksenia Sukhova
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Richard J Stanton
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Aaron Wall
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Pierre J Rizkallah
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Wendy S Barclay
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Awen Gallimore
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Andrew Godkin
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
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3
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Sun R, Qian MG, Zhang X. T and B cell epitope analysis for the immunogenicity evaluation and mitigation of antibody-based therapeutics. MAbs 2024; 16:2324836. [PMID: 38512798 PMCID: PMC10962608 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2324836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The surge in the clinical use of therapeutic antibodies has reshaped the landscape of pharmaceutical therapy for many diseases, including rare and challenging conditions. However, the administration of exogenous biologics could potentially trigger unwanted immune responses such as generation of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). Real-world experiences have illuminated the clear correlation between the ADA occurrence and unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes as well as immune-related adverse events. By retrospectively examining research involving immunogenicity analysis, we noticed the growing emphasis on elucidating the immunogenic epitope profiles of antibody-based therapeutics aiming for mechanistic understanding the immunogenicity generation and, ideally, mitigating the risks. As such, we have comprehensively summarized here the progress in both experimental and computational methodologies for the characterization of T and B cell epitopes of therapeutics. Furthermore, the successful practice of epitope-driven deimmunization of biotherapeutics is exceptionally highlighted in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxuan Sun
- Global Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics & Modeling, Preclinical & Translational Sciences, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark G. Qian
- Global Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics & Modeling, Preclinical & Translational Sciences, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xiaobin Zhang
- Global Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics & Modeling, Preclinical & Translational Sciences, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Cambridge, MA, USA
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4
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Chen Y, Mason GH, Scourfield DO, Greenshields-Watson A, Haigh TA, Sewell AK, Long HM, Gallimore AM, Rizkallah P, MacLachlan BJ, Godkin A. Structural definition of HLA class II-presented SARS-CoV-2 epitopes reveals a mechanism to escape pre-existing CD4 + T cell immunity. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112827. [PMID: 37471227 PMCID: PMC10840515 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells recognize a broad range of peptide epitopes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which contribute to immune memory and limit COVID-19 disease. We demonstrate that the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 peptides, in the context of the model allotype HLA-DR1, does not correlate with their binding affinity to the HLA heterodimer. Analyzing six epitopes, some with very low binding affinity, we solve X-ray crystallographic structures of each bound to HLA-DR1. Further structural definitions reveal the precise molecular impact of viral variant mutations on epitope presentation. Omicron escaped ancestral SARS-CoV-2 immunity to two epitopes through two distinct mechanisms: (1) mutations to TCR-facing epitope positions and (2) a mechanism whereby a single amino acid substitution caused a register shift within the HLA binding groove, completely altering the peptide-HLA structure. This HLA-II-specific paradigm of immune escape highlights how CD4+ T cell memory is finely poised at the level of peptide-HLA-II presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chen
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Georgina H Mason
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - D Oliver Scourfield
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Alexander Greenshields-Watson
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Tracey A Haigh
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andrew K Sewell
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Heather M Long
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Awen M Gallimore
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Pierre Rizkallah
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Bruce J MacLachlan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
| | - Andrew Godkin
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity University Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK.
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5
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Halabi S, Kaufman J. New vistas unfold: Chicken MHC molecules reveal unexpected ways to present peptides to the immune system. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886672. [PMID: 35967451 PMCID: PMC9372762 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of a wide variety of molecules with structures similar to the classical class I and class II molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been studied by biochemical and structural studies over decades, with many aspects for humans and mice now enshrined in textbooks as dogma. However, there is much variation of the MHC and MHC molecules among the other jawed vertebrates, understood in the most detail for the domestic chicken. Among the many unexpected features in chickens is the co-evolution between polymorphic TAP and tapasin genes with a dominantly-expressed class I gene based on a different genomic arrangement compared to typical mammals. Another important discovery was the hierarchy of class I alleles for a suite of properties including size of peptide repertoire, stability and cell surface expression level, which is also found in humans although not as extreme, and which led to the concept of generalists and specialists in response to infectious pathogens. Structural studies of chicken class I molecules have provided molecular explanations for the differences in peptide binding compared to typical mammals. These unexpected phenomena include the stringent binding with three anchor residues and acidic residues at the peptide C-terminus for fastidious alleles, and the remodelling binding sites, relaxed binding of anchor residues in broad hydrophobic pockets and extension at the peptide C-terminus for promiscuous alleles. The first few studies for chicken class II molecules have already uncovered unanticipated structural features, including an allele that binds peptides by a decamer core. It seems likely that the understanding of how MHC molecules bind and present peptides to lymphocytes will broaden considerably with further unexpected discoveries through biochemical and structural studies for chickens and other non-mammalian vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Halabi
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jim Kaufman
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Jim Kaufman,
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6
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Cheng R, Xu Z, Luo M, Wang P, Cao H, Jin X, Zhou W, Xiao L, Jiang Q. Identification of alternative splicing-derived cancer neoantigens for mRNA vaccine development. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:bbab553. [PMID: 35279714 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have shown great potential for anti-tumor therapy due to the advantages in safety, efficacy and industrial production. However, it remains a challenge to identify suitable cancer neoantigens that can be targeted for mRNA vaccines. Abnormal alternative splicing occurs in a variety of tumors, which may result in the translation of abnormal transcripts into tumor-specific proteins. High-throughput technologies make it possible for systematic characterization of alternative splicing as a source of suitable target neoantigens for mRNA vaccine development. Here, we summarized difficulties and challenges for identifying alternative splicing-derived cancer neoantigens from RNA-seq data and proposed a conceptual framework for designing personalized mRNA vaccines based on alternative splicing-derived cancer neoantigens. In addition, several points were presented to spark further discussion toward improving the identification of alternative splicing-derived cancer neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Cheng
- Harbin Institute of Technology, China
| | | | - Meng Luo
- Harbin Institute of Technology, China
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7
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Sarri CA, Giannoulis T, Moutou KA, Mamuris Z. HLA class II peptide-binding-region analysis reveals funneling of polymorphism in action. Immunol Lett 2021; 238:75-95. [PMID: 34329645 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HLA-class II proteins hold important roles in key physiological processes. The purpose of this study was to compile all class II alleles reported in human population and investigate patterns in pocket variants and their combinations, focusing on the peptide-binding region (PBR). METHODS For this purpose, all protein sequences of DPA1, DQA1, DPB1, DQB1 and DRB1 were selected and filtered, in order to have full PBR sequences. Proportional representation was used for pocket variants while population data were also used. RESULTS All pocket variants and PBR sequences were retrieved and analyzed based on the preference of amino acids and their properties in all pocket positions. The observed number of pocket variants combinations was much lower than the possible inferred, suggesting that PBR formation is under strict funneling. Also, although class II proteins are very polymorphic, in the majority of the reported alleles in all populations, a significantly less polymorphic pocket core was found. CONCLUSIONS Pocket variability of five HLA class II proteins was studied revealing favorable properties of each protein. The actual PBR sequences of HLA class II proteins appear to be governed by restrictions that lead to the establishment of only a fraction of the possible combinations and the polymorphism recorded is the result of intense funneling based on function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantina A Sarri
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500, Larisa, Greece
| | - Themistoklis Giannoulis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500, Larisa, Greece; Department of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, Trikallon 224, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Katerina A Moutou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500, Larisa, Greece
| | - Zissis Mamuris
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Mezourlo, 41500, Larisa, Greece.
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8
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Noe AR, Terry FE, Schanen BC, Sassano E, Hindocha P, Phares TW, Moise L, Christen JM, Tucker KD, Kotraiah V, Drake DR, Martin WD, De Groot AS, Gutierrez GM. Bridging Computational Vaccinology and Vaccine Development Through Systematic Identification, Characterization, and Downselection of Conserved and Variable Circumsporozoite Protein CD4 T Cell Epitopes From Diverse Plasmodium falciparum Strains. Front Immunol 2021; 12:689920. [PMID: 34168657 PMCID: PMC8217813 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.689920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An effective malaria vaccine must prevent disease in a range of populations living in regions with vastly different transmission rates and protect against genetically-diverse Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) strains. The protective efficacy afforded by the currently licensed malaria vaccine, Mosquirix™, promotes strong humoral responses to Pf circumsporozoite protein (CSP) 3D7 but protection is limited in duration and by strain variation. Helper CD4 T cells are central to development of protective immune responses, playing roles in B cell activation and maturation processes, cytokine production, and stimulation of effector T cells. Therefore, we took advantage of recent in silico modeling advances to predict and analyze human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted class II epitopes from PfCSP – across the entire PfCSP 3D7 sequence as well as in 539 PfCSP sequence variants – with the goal of improving PfCSP-based malaria vaccines. Specifically, we developed a systematic workflow to identify peptide sequences capable of binding HLA-DR in a context relevant to achieving broad human population coverage utilizing cognate T cell help and with limited T regulatory cell activation triggers. Through this workflow, we identified seven predicted class II epitope clusters in the N- and C-terminal regions of PfCSP 3D7 and an additional eight clusters through comparative analysis of 539 PfCSP sequence variants. A subset of these predicted class II epitope clusters was synthesized as peptides and assessed for HLA-DR binding in vitro. Further, we characterized the functional capacity of these peptides to prime and activate human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), by monitoring cytokine response profiles using MIMIC® technology (Modular IMmune In vitro Construct). Utilizing this decision framework, we found sufficient differential cellular activation and cytokine profiles among HLA-DR-matched PBMC donors to downselect class II epitope clusters for inclusion in a vaccine targeting PfCSP. Importantly, the downselected clusters are not highly conserved across PfCSP variants but rather, they overlap a hypervariable region (TH2R) in the C-terminus of the protein. We recommend assessing these class II epitope clusters within the context of a PfCSP vaccine, employing a test system capable of measuring immunogenicity across a broad set of HLA-DR alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Noe
- Leidos Life Sciences, Leidos Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
| | | | - Brian C Schanen
- Sanofi Pasteur, VaxDesign Campus, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Emily Sassano
- Sanofi Pasteur, VaxDesign Campus, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Donald R Drake
- Sanofi Pasteur, VaxDesign Campus, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | - Anne S De Groot
- EpiVax Inc., Providence, RI, United States.,University of Georgia Center for Vaccines and Immunology, Athens, GA, United States
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9
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Szeto C, Bloom JI, Sloane H, Lobos CA, Fodor J, Jayasinghe D, Chatzileontiadou DSM, Grant EJ, Buckle AM, Gras S. Impact of HLA-DR Antigen Binding Cleft Rigidity on T Cell Recognition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197081. [PMID: 32992915 PMCID: PMC7582474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between T cell receptor (TCR) and peptide (p)-Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complexes is the critical first step in determining T cell responses. X-ray crystallographic studies of pHLA in TCR-bound and free states provide a structural perspective that can help understand T cell activation. These structures represent a static “snapshot”, yet the nature of pHLAs and their interactions with TCRs are highly dynamic. This has been demonstrated for HLA class I molecules with in silico techniques showing that some interactions, thought to stabilise pHLA-I, are only transient and prone to high flexibility. Here, we investigated the dynamics of HLA class II molecules by focusing on three allomorphs (HLA-DR1, -DR11 and -DR15) that are able to present the same epitope and activate CD4+ T cells. A single TCR (F24) has been shown to recognise all three HLA-DR molecules, albeit with different affinities. Using molecular dynamics and crystallographic ensemble refinement, we investigate the molecular basis of these different affinities and uncover hidden roles for HLA polymorphic residues. These polymorphisms were responsible for the widening of the antigen binding cleft and disruption of pHLA-TCR interactions, underpinning the hierarchy of F24 TCR binding affinity, and ultimately T cell activation. We expanded this approach to all available pHLA-DR structures and discovered that all HLA-DR molecules were inherently rigid. Together with in vitro protein stability and peptide affinity measurements, our results suggest that HLA-DR1 possesses inherently high protein stability, and low HLA-DM susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Szeto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (C.S.); (J.I.B.); (H.S.); (C.A.L.); (J.F.); (D.J.); (D.S.M.C.); (E.J.G.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Joseph I. Bloom
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (C.S.); (J.I.B.); (H.S.); (C.A.L.); (J.F.); (D.J.); (D.S.M.C.); (E.J.G.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Hannah Sloane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (C.S.); (J.I.B.); (H.S.); (C.A.L.); (J.F.); (D.J.); (D.S.M.C.); (E.J.G.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Christian A. Lobos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (C.S.); (J.I.B.); (H.S.); (C.A.L.); (J.F.); (D.J.); (D.S.M.C.); (E.J.G.); (A.M.B.)
| | - James Fodor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (C.S.); (J.I.B.); (H.S.); (C.A.L.); (J.F.); (D.J.); (D.S.M.C.); (E.J.G.); (A.M.B.)
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Dhilshan Jayasinghe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (C.S.); (J.I.B.); (H.S.); (C.A.L.); (J.F.); (D.J.); (D.S.M.C.); (E.J.G.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Demetra S. M. Chatzileontiadou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (C.S.); (J.I.B.); (H.S.); (C.A.L.); (J.F.); (D.J.); (D.S.M.C.); (E.J.G.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Emma J. Grant
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (C.S.); (J.I.B.); (H.S.); (C.A.L.); (J.F.); (D.J.); (D.S.M.C.); (E.J.G.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Ashley M. Buckle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (C.S.); (J.I.B.); (H.S.); (C.A.L.); (J.F.); (D.J.); (D.S.M.C.); (E.J.G.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Stephanie Gras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (C.S.); (J.I.B.); (H.S.); (C.A.L.); (J.F.); (D.J.); (D.S.M.C.); (E.J.G.); (A.M.B.)
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Saleh R, Sasidharan Nair V, Toor SM, Taha RZ, Murshed K, Al-Dhaheri M, Khawar M, Petkar MA, Abu Nada M, Al-Ejeh F, Elkord E. Differential gene expression of tumor-infiltrating CD8 + T cells in advanced versus early-stage colorectal cancer and identification of a gene signature of poor prognosis. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-001294. [PMID: 32948653 PMCID: PMC7511623 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cytotoxic CD8+ T cell-mediated response is the most important arm of adaptive immunity, which dictates the capacity of the host immune response in eradicating tumor cells. Due to tumor intrinsic and/or extrinsic factors, the density and function of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) could be compromised, leading to poor prognosis and survival. Methods Using RNA-Seq, transcriptomes of sorted CD3+CD8+ TILs from treatment-naïve colorectal cancer (CRC) patients at advanced stages (III and IV) were compared with those from patients with early stages (I and II). A signature referred to as ‘poor prognosis CD8 gene signature (ppCD8sig)’ was identified and analyzed in The Cancer Genome Atlas CRC dataset. Scores for the ppCD8sig were calculated and classified as high, intermediate and low, and its prognostic significance was assessed using multivariate analysis and Cox proportional hazard model. Densities of CD3+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration in tumors from patients with high and low ppCD8sig scores were assessed by flow cytometry and immunostaining. Results Genes related to epigenetic regulation and response to hypoxia were upregulated in CD8+ TILs from patients with advanced stages, while genes related to T cell activation, cell proliferation and cell cycle were downregulated. Patients with high ppCD8sig score had poorer disease-specific survival (DSS) and shorter progression-free interval (PFI). The ppCD8sig was an independent prognostic indicator for DSS (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.38, p<0.0001) and PFI (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.93, p=0.026). Additionally, patients with high ppCD8sig score were more likely to have advanced stages (χ2 p<0.0001) and residual disease after primary therapy (χ2 p=0.046). Patients with high ppCD8sig score had reduced levels of CD3+ and CD8+ TILs and low Immunoscores (IS), compared to patients with low ppCD8sig score. Conclusions Our data provided insights into the altered regulation of biological mechanisms and signaling pathways in CD8+ TILs during CRC progression, and revealed a gene signature as an independent prognostic indicator. Patients with high ppCD8sig score had lower levels of TILs and low IS. These data further confirm the prognostic value of the identified ppCD8sig and potentially highlight its clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Saleh
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Varun Sasidharan Nair
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Salman M Toor
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Rowaida Z Taha
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Khaled Murshed
- Department of Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Mahwish Khawar
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Fares Al-Ejeh
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
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