Autoreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected subjects

All-Round Manipulation of the Actin Cytoskeleton by HIV

While significant progress has been made in terms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapy, treatment does not represent a cure and remains inaccessible to many people living with HIV. Continued mechanistic research into the viral life cycle and its intersection with many aspects of cellular biology are not only fundamental in the continued fight against HIV, but also provide many key observations of the workings of our immune system. Decades of HIV research have testified to the integral role of the actin cytoskeleton in both establishing and spreading the infection. Here, we review how the virus uses different strategies to manipulate cellular actin networks and increase the efficiency of various stages of its life cycle. While some HIV proteins seem able to bind to actin filaments directly, subversion of the cytoskeleton occurs indirectly by exploiting the power of actin regulatory proteins, which are corrupted at multiple levels. Furthermore, this manipulation is not restricted to a discrete class of proteins, but rather extends throughout all layers of the cytoskeleton. We discuss prominent examples of actin regulators that are exploited, neutralized or hijacked by the virus, and address how their coordinated deregulation can lead to changes in cellular behavior that promote viral spreading.

Crossreactivity to vinculin and microbes provides a molecular basis for HLA-based protection against rheumatoid arthritis

The HLA locus is the strongest risk factor for anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)(+) rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite considerable efforts in the last 35 years, this association is poorly understood. Here we identify (citrullinated) vinculin, present in the joints of ACPA(+) RA patients, as an autoantigen targeted by ACPA and CD4(+) T cells. These T cells recognize an epitope with the core sequence DERAA, which is also found in many microbes and in protective HLA-DRB1*13 molecules, presented by predisposing HLA-DQ molecules. Moreover, these T cells crossreact with vinculin-derived and microbial-derived DERAA epitopes. Intriguingly, DERAA-directed T cells are not detected in HLA-DRB1*13(+) donors, indicating that the DERAA epitope from HLA-DRB1*13 mediates (thymic) tolerance in these donors and explaining the protective effects associated with HLA-DRB1*13. Together our data indicate the involvement of pathogen-induced DERAA-directed T cells in the HLA-RA association and provide a molecular basis for the contribution of protective/predisposing HLA alleles.

MHC class I antigen presentation and implications for developing a new generation of therapeutic vaccines

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) presented peptide epitopes provide a 'window' into the changes occurring in a cell. Conventionally, these peptides are generated by proteolysis of endogenously synthesized proteins in the cytosol, loaded onto MHC-I molecules, and presented on the cell surface for surveillance by CD8(+) T cells. MHC-I restricted processing and presentation alerts the immune system to any infectious or tumorigenic processes unfolding intracellularly and provides potential targets for a cytotoxic T cell response. Therefore, therapeutic vaccines based on MHC-I presented peptide epitopes could, theoretically, induce CD8(+) T cell responses that have tangible clinical impacts on tumor eradication and patient survival. Three major methods have been used to identify MHC-I restricted epitopes for inclusion in peptide-based vaccines for cancer: genetic, motif prediction and, more recently, immunoproteomic analysis. Although the first two methods are capable of identifying T cell stimulatory epitopes, these have significant disadvantages and may not accurately represent epitopes presented by a tumor cell. In contrast, immunoproteomic methods can overcome these disadvantages and identify naturally processed and presented tumor associated epitopes that induce more clinically relevant tumor specific cytotoxic T cell responses. In this review, we discuss the importance of using the naturally presented MHC-I peptide repertoire in formulating peptide vaccines, the recent application of peptide-based vaccines in a variety of cancers, and highlight the pros and cons of the current state of peptide vaccines.

Mass spectrometry reveals changes in MHC I antigen presentation after lentivector expression of a gene regulation system

The rapamycin-inducible gene regulation system was designed to minimize immune reactions in man and may thus be suited for gene therapy. We assessed whether this system indeed induces no immune responses. The protein components of the regulation system were produced in the human cell lines HEK 293T, D407, and HER 911 following lentiviral transfer of the corresponding genes. Stable cell lines were established, and the peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules on transduced and wild-type (wt) cells were compared by differential mass spectrometry. In all cell lines examined, expression of the transgenes resulted in prominent changes in the repertoire of MHC I-presented self-peptides. No MHC I ligands originating from the transgenic proteins were detected. In vitro analysis of immunogenicity revealed that transduced D407 cells displayed slightly higher capacity than wt controls to promote proliferation of cytotoxic T cells. These results indicate that therapeutic manipulations within the genome of target cells may affect pathways involved in the processing of peptide antigens and their presentation by MHC I. This makes the genomic modifications visible to the immune system which may recognize these events and respond. Ultimately, the findings call attention to a possible immune risk.

MHC class I-presented T cell epitopes identified by immunoproteomics analysis are targets for a cross reactive influenza-specific T cell response

Influenza virus infection and the resulting complications are a significant global public health problem. Improving humoral immunity to influenza is the target of current conventional influenza vaccines, however, these are generally not cross-protective. On the contrary, cell-mediated immunity generated by primary influenza infection provides substantial protection against serologically distinct viruses due to recognition of cross-reactive T cell epitopes, often from internal viral proteins conserved between viral subtypes. Efforts are underway to develop a universal flu vaccine that would stimulate both the humoral and cellular immune responses leading to long-lived memory. Such a universal vaccine should target conserved influenza virus antibody and T cell epitopes that do not vary from strain to strain. In the last decade, immunoproteomics, or the direct identification of HLA class I presented epitopes, has emerged as an alternative to the motif prediction method for the identification of T cell epitopes. In this study, we used this method to uncover several cross-specific MHC class I specific T cell epitopes naturally presented by influenza A-infected cells. These conserved T cell epitopes, when combined with a cross-reactive antibody epitope from the ectodomain of influenza M2, generate cross-strain specific cell mediated and humoral immunity. Overall, we have demonstrated that conserved epitope-specific CTLs could recognize multiple influenza strain infected target cells and, when combined with a universal antibody epitope, could generate virus specific humoral and T cell responses, a step toward a universal vaccine concept. These epitopes also have potential as new tools to characterize T cell immunity in influenza infection, and may serve as part of a universal vaccine candidate complementary to current vaccines.

Role of T-cell epitope-based vaccine in prophylactic and therapeutic applications

Prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against viral infections have advanced in recent years from attenuated live vaccines to subunit-based vaccines. An ideal prophylactic vaccine should mimic the natural immunity induced by an infection, in that it should generate long-lasting adaptive immunity. To complement subunit vaccines, which primarily target an antibody response, different methodologies are being investigated to develop vaccines capable of driving cellular immunity. T-cell epitope discovery is central to this concept. In this review, the significance of T-cell epitope-based vaccines for prophylactic and therapeutic applications is discussed. Additionally, methodologies for the discovery of T-cell epitopes, as well as recent developments in the clinical testing of these vaccines for various viral infections, are explained.

Origin and plasticity of MHC I-associated self peptides

Endogenous peptides presented by MHC I molecules represent the essence of self for CD8 T lymphocytes. These MHC I peptides (MIPs) regulate all key events that occur during the lifetime of CD8 T cells. CD8 T cells are selected on self-MIPs, sustained by self-MIPs, and activated in the presence of self-MIPs. Recently, large-scale mass spectrometry studies have revealed that the self-MIP repertoire is more complex and plastic than previously anticipated. The composition of the self-MIP repertoire varies from one cell type to another and can be perturbed by cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors including dysregulation of cellular metabolism and infection. The complexity and plasticity of the self-MIP repertoire represent a major challenge for the maintenance of self tolerance and can have pervasive effects on the global functioning of the immune system.

Factors influencing immunodominance hierarchies in TCD8+ -mediated antiviral responses

CD8(+) T-lymphocytes (T(CD8+)) perform a critical role in immunity against tumors and virus infections. A central feature of T(CD8+) immune responses is immunodominance: the observation that T(CD8+) responses consist of a limited collection of specificities with a structured hierarchy. These immunodominance hierarchies result from a complex combination of factors. Major roles are played by peptide binding affinity, T-cell repertoire, and antigen processing and presentation. While the bulk of our information comes from mouse model systems, an increasing number of human studies suggest that immunodominance will be even more complicated. This review outlines current knowledge of T(CD8+ )immunodominance to viral antigens and discusses the relevance and importance of a thorough understanding for the rational design of vaccines that elicit effective T(CD8+) responses.

HLA homology within the C5 domain promotes peptide binding by HIV type 1 gp120

The mechanisms by which HIV-1 induces chronic pathogenic immune activation associated with disease progression remain unclear despite many years of AIDS research. One proposal suggests that sequence and structural mimicry between gp120 and HLA may endow HIV with the capacity to arouse alloreactive and autoimmune responses within the susceptible host, fueling disease progression in a manner similar to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Both gp120 and HLA share a common functional interaction with CD4 but also demonstrate peptide binding properties. Here we report the conserved nature of this feature across HIV-1 envelopes, the crucial role of the HLA homologous C5 region for peptide interactions, and the elimination of this property through specific antibody targeting. Given that the C5 domain mimics a HLA activation domain and the reported clinical benefits associated with nonneutralizing antibodies against this region, targeting the C5 domain may have use as a therapeutic vaccine to protect against disease progression.

New lane in the information highway: alternative reading frame peptides elicit T cells with potent antiretrovirus activity

CD8(+) T cells rapidly recognize virus-infected cells due to the generation of antigenic peptides from defective ribosomal products (DRiPs) that are encoded by standard open reading frames (ORFs). New data now show that alternative reading frame (ARF) DRiPs can also induce robust CD8(+) T cell responses. ARF-specific T cells control retroviral replication and select for viral escape in monkeys, providing the most compelling evidence to date for the biological relevance of ARF immunosurveillance.

Direct class I HLA antigen discovery to distinguish virus-infected and cancerous cells

Class I human leukocyte antigen molecules are nature's proteome-scanning chips, presenting thousands of endogenously loaded peptides on the surface of virtually every cell in the body. Cytotoxic T cells survey the class I human leukocyte antigen peptide cargo presented, recognize peptides unique to unhealthy cells and destroy diseased cells. A precise understanding of how class I molecules distinguish diseased cells is positioned to drive immune-based diagnostics, therapies and vaccines. When identifying epitopes unique to unhealthy cells, the most experimentally direct approach is to examine the class I-presented peptides of infected/cancerous cells. Here we discuss the strategies adapted for protein production, protein/peptide purification, peptide separation and for maintaining experimental reproducibility during the direct characterization of class I human leukocyte antigen peptides.

Development and implementation of a direct detection, quantitation and validation system for class I MHC self-peptide epitopes

Gene and protein expression studies demonstrate that viral-infected and malignant cells undergo a complex series of transcriptional and translational changes. As class I MHC molecules reflect the proteome (and changes therein) by presenting intracellular peptide epitopes, the development of a direct discovery and validation technology for the identification of these epitopes is needed. We developed our technology using HIV-1-infected cells as a model. A combination of hollow fiber class I HLA protein production and mass spectrometric epitope analysis indicated a 3-fold increase in the host-peptide VLMTEDIKL(720-728), [eIF4G((720))] presented by the HLA-A*0201 of HIV-1-infected cells. This peptide is derived from the host-protein translation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4-gamma (eIF4G) that plays a pivotal role in cellular protein synthesis. Direct confirmation of expression of this self-encoded antigen was performed through development of a T cell receptor mimic (TCRm) monoclonal antibody (mAb). The resulting 4F7 TCRm demonstrated specific recognition of the eIF4G((720))-A*0201 complex. Staining of normal PBMCs with 4F7 showed only low levels of endogenous eIF4G((720)) presentation by HLA-A*0201, while 4F7 staining of HIV-1-infected PBMCs revealed an approximately 3-fold increase in eIF4G((720))-A*0201. The MHC-peptide complex was initially detectable by 4F7 at 3 days post-infection, with a steady increase through day 8. We therefore demonstrate the successful development and implementation of an integrated discovery and validation technology system for direct identification and confirmation of class I MHC-peptide epitopes on cells.

CD8+ lymphocyte-mediated injury of dorsal root ganglion neurons during lentivirus infection: CD154-dependent cell contact neurotoxicity

Neuronal damage in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) with accompanying axonal injury is a key feature of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP). In a model of HIV-related DSP, we observed numerous CD3+ T lymphocytes (p < 0.05) in DRGs from feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected animals, which also exhibited low CD4+ and high CD8+ lymphocyte levels in blood accompanied by a selective loss of small-diameter sural nerve axons (p < 0.05). FIV-infected lymphocytes cocultured with syngeneic DRGs caused neuronal damage, indicated by neurite retraction, neuronal soma atrophy, and loss (p < 0.05). In contrast, supernatants from FIV-infected or uninfected lymphocytes were minimally neurotoxic, despite high FIV virion levels. Among lymphocyte subsets cocultured with DRG cultures, CD8+ T cells from both FIV-infected and uninfected lymphocytes selectively caused DRG neuronal injury (p < 0.05). FIV-infected CD8+ T cells showed markedly increased CD154 expression (p < 0.05), whereas neurons were the predominant cells expressing CD40 in DRGs. Blocking CD154 on activated CD8+ T cells protected DRG neurons (p < 0.05). These findings indicated that CD8+ T cells were principal effectors of DRG neuronal injury after FIV infection through a CD40-CD154 interaction in a cell contact-dependent manner.

Stable isotope tagging of epitopes: a highly selective strategy for the identification of major histocompatibility complex class I-associated peptides induced upon viral infection

Identification of peptides presented in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules after viral infection is of strategic importance for vaccine development. Until recently, mass spectrometric identification of virus-induced peptides was based on comparative analysis of peptide pools isolated from uninfected and virus-infected cells. Here we report on a powerful strategy aiming at the rapid, unambiguous identification of naturally processed MHC class I-associated peptides, which are induced by viral infection. The methodology, stable isotope tagging of epitopes (SITE), is based on metabolic labeling of endogenously synthesized proteins during infection. This is accomplished by culturing virus-infected cells with stable isotope-labeled amino acids that are expected to be anchor residues (i.e. residues of the peptide that have amino acid side chains that bind into pockets lining the peptide-binding groove of the MHC class I molecule) for the human leukocyte antigen allele of interest. Subsequently these cells are mixed with an equal number of non-infected cells, which are cultured in normal medium. Finally peptides are acid-eluted from immunoprecipitated MHC molecules and subjected to two-dimensional nanoscale LC-MS analysis. Virus-induced peptides are identified through computer-assisted detection of characteristic, binomially distributed ratios of labeled and unlabeled molecules. Using this approach we identified novel measles virus and respiratory syncytial virus epitopes as well as infection-induced self-peptides in several cell types, showing that SITE is a unique and versatile method for unequivocal identification of disease-related MHC class I epitopes.

Oligoclonal T cells are infiltrating the brains of children with AIDS: sequence analysis reveals high proportions of identical beta-chain T-cell receptor transcripts

We have recently described the presence of perivascular CD3+ CD45RO+ T cells infiltrating the brains of children with AIDS. To determine whether these infiltrates contain oligoclonal populations of T cells, we amplified by PCR beta-chain T-cell receptor (TCR) transcripts from autopsy brains of four paediatric patients with AIDS. The amplified transcripts were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis of the beta-chain TCR transcripts from all four patients revealed multiple identical copies of TCR beta-chain transcripts, suggesting the presence of oligoclonal populations of T-cells. These TCR transcripts were novel. The presence of oligoclonal populations of T cells in the brains of these four paediatric patients with AIDS suggests that these T cells have undergone antigen-driven proliferation and clonal expansion very likely in situ, in the brains of these AIDS patients, in response to viral or self-antigens. Although the specificity of the clonally expanded beta-chain TCR transcripts remains to be elucidated, none of the beta-chain TCR transcripts identified in this study were identical to those specific for HIV-1 antigens that are currently reported in the GENBANK/EMBL databases. Certain common CDR3 motifs were observed in brain-infiltrating T cells within and between certain patients. Large proportions (24 of 61; 39%) of beta-chain TCR clones from one patient (NP95-73) and 2 of 27 (7%) of another patient (NP95-184-O) exhibited substantial CDR3 homology to myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific TCR derived from normal donors or TCR expressed in the brain of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) or with viral encephalitis. These two patients (NP95-73 and NP95-184-O) also shared HLA class II with the normal donors and the MS patients who expressed these homologous TCR. Pathologic examination at autopsy of the brains revealed the presence of myelin pallor only in patient NP95-73. T-cell clones identified in the brain of patients NP95-73 and NP95-184-O may recognize MBP or another CNS self antigen and this recognition may be restricted by either DRB1*15 or DQB1*0602 specificities.

Cross-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease and gamma interferon-inducible protein 30

The gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-inducible protein 30 (IP-30) signal peptide -11 to -3 (LLDVPTAAV) is a prominent self peptide expressed with the class I human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen A2 (HLA-A2). Stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from HLA-A2 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals with an HLA-A2-restricted HIV protease (PR) peptide 76-84 (LVGPTPVNI) activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) against the IP-30 signal peptide. Since HIV-1 PR 76-84 stimulated CD8+ T cells from these individuals to secrete IFN-gamma, we tested whether the activation of IP-30-specific CTL in vitro resulted from T-cell cross-reactivity or from up-regulation of IP-30 by IFN-gamma. Neither high levels of exogenous IFN-gamma nor incubation of PBMC with other HIV peptides triggering substantial IFN-gamma release activated IP-30-specific CTL. Although the IP-30 signal peptide did not stimulate IFN-gamma release from freshly isolated PBMC, it activated CTL in vitro against itself and HIV PR 76-84. Peptide-stimulated IFN-gamma release, cold target inhibition, and HLA-A2/immunoglobulin dimer-mediated binding and depletion of effector cells all indicated that in vitro stimulation with HIV PR 76-84 or the IP-30 signal peptide activated a comparable population of cross-reactive effector cells. Neither IP-30 nor HIV PR 76-84 activated CTL against themselves following in vitro stimulation of PBMC from non-HIV-infected HLA-A2 individuals. Peptide titrations indicated higher-avidity T-cell interactions with HIV PR 76-84 than with the IP-30 signal peptide. These data indicate that HIV PR 76-84 is a heteroclitic variant of the IP-30 signal peptide -11 to -3, which has implications for immune memory and autoimmunity.

DETECTION OF VIMENTIN-SPECIFIC AUTOREACTIVE CD8+ T CELLS IN CARDIAC TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

BACKGROUND

Evidence is emerging that autoimmunity can play a role in allograft rejection. Reports have described the presence of autoantibodies in transplant patients and CD4+ autoreactive T cells in rodent models of allograft rejection. The objective of this study was to seek evidence of CD8+ T-cell-mediated autoimmunity in the transplant setting. The author have previously observed autoimmunity to the non-polymorphic cytoskeletal protein vimentin in cardia transplant patients. In this study, vimentin antibody positive patients were screened for the presence of vimentin-specific self-major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted CD8+ T cells.

METHODS

Two peptide sequences from vimentin that bound HLA-A*0201 were identified and fluorochrome-labeled A*0201 tetramers with each peptide were constructed to screen for vimentin-specific T cells.

RESULTS

Tetramer-binding CD8+ T cells were detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes from two of six patients after expansion by in vitro stimulation with peptide. Tetramer-binding T cells produced interferon-gamma in an antigen-specific fashion. No autoreactive T cells specific for vimentin were detected after peptide stimulation of T cells from eight healthy A*0201-positive volunteers.

CONCLUSIONS

This finding is the first evidence of CD8+ T-cell-mediated autoimmunity in human transplant patients.

Stress management: MHC class I and class I-like molecules as reporters of cellular stress

The evolutionarily ancient intracellular stress response protects cells from the effects of external and internal forces which perturb cellular metabolism. Members of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-like superfamily act as cell surface indicators of the intracellular stress response. Cellular immunity employs these indicators as a cue for elimination of damaged, infected, and malignant cells, promoting the health of the individual and the evolutionary success of the species.

Autoreactivity against induced or upregulated abundant self-peptides in HLA-A*0201 following measles virus infection

Infectious agents have been implied as causative environmental factors in the development of autoimmunity. However, the exact nature of their involvement remains unknown. We describe a possible mechanism for the activation of autoreactive T cells induced by measles virus (MV) infection. The display of HLA-A*0201 associated peptides obtained from MV infected cells was compared with that from uninfected cells by mass spectrometry. We identified two abundant self peptides, IFI-6-16(74-82) and Hsp90beta(570-578), that were induced or upregulated, respectively, following infection. Their parental proteins, the type I interferon inducible protein IFI-6-16, and the beta chain of heat shock protein 90, have not been involved in MV pathogenesis. MV infection caused minor and major changes in the intracellular expression patterns of these proteins, possibly leading to altered peptide processing. CD8+ T cells capable of recognizing the self-peptides in the context of HLA-A*0201 were detectable at low basal levels in the neonatal and adult human T cell repertoire, but were functionally silent. In contrast, peptide-specific producing IFN-gamma producing effector cells were present in MV patients during acute infection. Thus, MV infection induces an enhanced display of self-peptides in MHC class I, which may lead to the temporary activation of autoreactive T cells.

Apoptotic cells overexpress vinculin and induce vinculin-specific cytotoxic T-cell cross-priming

Here we show that apoptotic cells overexpress vinculin and are ingested by dendritic cells, which subsequently cross-prime vinculin-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Successful cross-priming requires that the apoptotic cells provide maturation signals to dendritic cells through CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) interactions. If apoptotic cells are CD40L-, the help of a third T cell is needed for priming, indicating a regulatory role for apoptotic cells in determining priming or tolerance. Vinculin-specific CTL priming is also related to apoptosis in vivo, given that in HIV-seropositive individuals, the frequency of specific CTLs depends on the proportion of peripheral CD40L+ apoptotic cells.

Structural and functional identification of major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted self-peptides as naturally occurring molecular mimics of viral antigens. Possible role in CD8+ T cell-mediated, virus-induced autoimmune disease

Structural similarity (molecular mimicry) between viral epitopes and self-peptides can lead to the induction of autoaggressive CD4(+) as well as CD8(+) T cell responses. Based on the flexibility of T cell receptor/antigen/major histocompatibility complex recognition, it has been proposed that a self-peptide could replace a viral epitope for T cell recognition and therefore participate in pathophysiological processes in which T cells are involved. To address this issue, we used, as a molecular model of viral antigen, the H-2D(b)-restricted immunodominant epitope nucleoprotein (NP)-(396-404) (FQPQNGQFI) of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). We identified peptide sequences from murine self-proteins that share structural and functional homology with LCMV NP-(396-404) and that bound to H-2D(b) with high affinity. One of these self-peptides, derived from tumor necrosis factor receptor I (FGPSNWHFM, amino acids 302-310), maintained LCMV-specific CD8(+) T cells in an active state as observed both in vitro in cytotoxic assays and in vivo in a model of virus-induced autoimmune diabetes, the rat insulin promoter-LCMV NP transgenic mouse. The natural occurrence and molecular concentration at the surface of H-2(b) spleen cells of tumor necrosis factor receptor I-(302-310) were determined by on-line micro-high pressure liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and supported its biological relevance.

Persisting viruses and autoimmunity

Viral infections can be responsible for the onset and sustaining of autoimmune processes. We discuss how chronic inflammation associated with viral persistence is the prerequisite for initiation of a multi-step process leading to autoimmunity. Firstly, chronic inflammation may favor the priming of autoreactive T cells that have escaped thymic selection and are specific for self-mimicking viral peptides in the periphery. In addition, viral persistence and inflammation can act synergistically to induce and sustain autoimmunity either unveiling cryptic self-epitopes, or favoring determinant spreading, or activating dendritic cells, or promoting constant priming of new autoreactive T cells, or contributing to the efficient generation of effector cells, or, finally, restimulating memory T lymphocytes.

HLA-B15 Peptide Ligands Are Preferentially Anchored at Their C Termini

Therapies to elicit protective CTL require the selection of pathogen- and tumor-derived peptide ligands for presentation by MHC class I molecules. Edman sequencing of class I peptide pools generates “motifs” that indicate that nonameric ligands bearing conserved position 2 (P2) and P9 anchors provide the optimal search parameters for selecting immunogenic epitopes. To determine how well a motif represents its individual constituents, we used a hollow-fiber peptide production scheme followed by the mapping of endogenously processed class I peptide ligands through reverse-phase HPLC and mass spectrometry. Systematically mapping and characterizing ligands from B*1508, B*1501, B*1503, and B*1510 demonstrate that the peptides bound by these B15 allotypes i) vary in length from 7 to 12 residues, and ii) are more conserved at their C termini than their N-proximal P2 anchors. Comparative peptide mapping of these B15 allotypes further pinpoints endogenously processed ligands that bind to the allotypes B*1508, B*1501, and B*1503, but not B*1510. Overlapping peptide ligands are successful in binding to B*1501, B*1503, and B*1508 because these B15 allotypes share identical C-terminal anchoring pockets whereas B*1510 is divergent in the C-terminal pocket. Therefore, endogenous peptide loading into the B15 allotypes requires that a conserved C terminus be anchored in the appropriate specificity pocket while N-proximal anchors are more flexible in their location and sequence. Queries for overlapping and allele-specific peptide ligands may thus be contingent on a conserved C-terminal anchor.

Role of dendritic cells in the induction and maintenance of autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases are characterised by the loss of tolerance against self-determinants, activation of autoreactive lymphocytes and pathological damage to single or multiple organs. The mechanisms by which autoimmune responses are triggered and activation of autoreactive lymphocytes is initiated and maintained are not yet fully understood. Translocation of previously immunologically ignored antigens from the periphery to secondary lymphoid organs is probably a key step in the initiation of autoimmunity. Antigen transport and primary sensitisation of T lymphocytes is mainly mediated by dendritic cells which reside in peripheral non-lymphoid tissues and maintain a continuous gradient of antigens towards secondary lymphoid tissues. In the transgenic rat insulin promoter-glycoprotein model of autoimmune diabetes, dendritic cell (DC)-mediated antigen transport initiates an autoimmune response against a pancreatic neoself-antigen. Dose and timing of antigen delivery by DC and turnover of antigenic peptides presented by DC are the main parameters regulating the outcome of autoimmune diabetes in this model system. An important sequel of continued antigenic stimulation via DC is the formation of lymphoid structures in the pancreas. Thus, appropriate and repeated activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes by DC, in concert with local inflammatory processes leading to formation of organised lymphoid tissue in the target organ, is likely to be crucial in the development of destructive autoimmunity. Therapeutic intervention to selectively manipulate antigen transport by dendritic cells or to influence antigen presentation may prove beneficial for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, the capacity of DC to induce potent antiself responses might have implications for the use of DC presenting self-antigens in treatment of established tumours.

A microcapillary column switching HPLC-electrospray ionization MS system for the direct identification of peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex class I molecules

A microcapillary column switching high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system was developed for the separation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I associated peptides. Combination of the column switching system with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS) enabled the detection and identification of the peptides at low-femtomole levels. Sample volumes of 30-50 microL were injected and concentrated onto a short, 100-micron-i.d. precolumn. The precolumn was coupled to a 100-micron-i.d. reversed-phase analytical HPLC column via a six-port valve. Peptides were separated on the analytical column using an ESI-compatible mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.5 microL/min. Peptides were eluted directly into the ESI source of either a magnetic sector MS or an ion trap MS. Peptides associated with human leukocyte antigen A*0201 molecules were determined in immunoaffinity-purified extracts from either measles virus infected cells or uninfected cells by microcapillary column switching HPLC-ESIMS. The approach toward detection of virus-specific peptides we used was based on the comparison of ion chromatograms obtained from the LC-MS analysis of extracts from virally infected cells and their uninfected counterparts. In this way, the molecular mass of peptides unique to virus infected cells was obtained. The utility of the system is demonstrated by the identification of a candidate epitope. Microcapillary column switching HPLC was used along with ESI ion trap tandem MS to identify the naturally processed viral peptide KLWESPQEI. This peptide was found to derive from the measles virus nonstructural protein C. The approach described here provides a versatile and sensitive method for the direct identification of viral peptides associated with MHC class I molecules.

Contribution of mass spectrometry to contemporary immunology

Mass spectrometry has become an increasingly important tool in the characterization of histocompatibility complex molecule (MHC) bound antigen peptides. It is one of the few technologies capable of identifying minute amounts of peptides in complex (5,000-10,000 constituents) MHC elution mixtures. Currently, the combination of tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI) and microcapillary liquid chromatography (microLC) has proven to be the more versatile and effective technology. Post-source decay (PSD) and on-slide digestion combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) may be valuable as well in certain circumstances. Recent refinements in the technology, such as the development of the quadrupole ion trap (QIT), Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR), and orthogonal quadrupole-time-of-flight (qToF) mass spectrometers equipped with nanoscale electrospray ionization sources and combined with microscale LC or capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) yield attomole-range sensitivity in peptide sequencing, a level approaching the immuno-relevant level to a significant extent. In this review, past and ongoing developments in mass spectrometry and analytical separation techniques and their application to contemporary immunology are discussed.

Persisting viruses and chronic inflammation: understanding their relation to autoimmunity

Viral infections may induce and sustain autoimmune processes via several and overlapping mechanisms. We outline how chronic inflammation, sustained by persisting viruses, may be "the prerequisite" for initiation and maintenance of the multistep process leading to autoimmunity. Chronic inflammation may favour priming of autoreactive T cells which have escaped thymic tolerance and are able to mount a cross-reactive response to self-mimicking antigens carried by viruses in the periphery. Moreover, chronic inflammation and persisting viruses can synergistically support autoimmunity through other relevant mechanisms: unveiling of cryptic self-epitopes, determinant spreading, activation of dendritic cells, constant priming of new autoreactive T cells, and efficient generation and restimulation of memory cells. Therefore, viruses seem to play a key role among the many environmental factors which, together with the genetic background, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. We will also discuss some hypotheses explaining why autoimmunity is a rare event.

The HLA-A*0201-restricted H-Y antigen contains a posttranslationally modified cysteine that significantly affects T cell recognition

A peptide recognized by two cytotoxic T cell clones specific for the human minor histocompatibility antigen H-Y and restricted by HLA-A*0201 was identified. This peptide originates from SMCY, as do two other H-Y epitopes, supporting the importance of this protein as a major source of H-Y determinants in mice and humans. In naturally processed peptides, T cells only recognize posttranslationally altered forms of this peptide that have undergone modification of a cysteine residue in the seventh position. One of these modifications involves attachment of a second cysteine residue via a disulfide bond. This modification has profound effects on T cell recognition and also occurs in other class I MHC-associated peptides, supporting its general importance as an immunological determinant.

Virus-induced autoimmune disease

The breaking of tolerance or unresponsiveness to self-antigens, involving the activation of autoreactive lymphocytes, is a critical event leading to autoimmune diseases. The precise mechanisms by which this can occur are mostly unknown. Viruses have been implicated in this process, among other etiological factors, such as genetic predisposition and cytokine activity. Several ways have been proposed by which a viral infection might break tolerance to self and trigger an autoreactive cascade that ultimately leads to the destruction of a specific cell type or an entire organ. The process termed "molecular mimicry' and the use of transgenic models in which viral and host genes can be manipulated to analyze their effects in causing autoimmunity have been particular focuses for research. For example, there is a transgenic murine model of virus-induced autoimmune disease, in which a known viral gene is selectively expressed as a self-antigen in beta cells of the pancreas. In these mice, insulin-dependent diabetes develops after either a viral infection, the release of a cytokine such as IFN-gamma, or the expression of the costimulatory molecule B7.1 in the islets of Langerhans. Recent studies using this model have contributed to the understanding of the pathogenesis of virus-induced autoimmune disease and have furthered the design and testing of novel immunotherapeutic approaches.