1
|
Mohammadpour H, Tsuji T, MacDonald CR, Sarow JL, Rosenheck H, Daneshmandi S, Choi JE, Qiu J, Matsuzaki J, Witkiewicz AK, Attwood K, Blazar BR, Odunsi K, Repasky EA, McCarthy PL. Galectin-3 expression in donor T cells reduces GvHD severity and lethality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112250. [PMID: 36924493 PMCID: PMC10116561 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112250] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Abundant donor cytotoxic T cells that attack normal host organs remain a major problem for patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Despite an increase in our knowledge of the pathobiology of acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD), the mechanisms regulating the proliferation and function of donor T cells remain unclear. Here, we show that activated donor T cells express galectin-3 (Gal-3) after allo-HCT. In both major and minor histocompatibility-mismatched models of murine aGvHD, expression of Gal-3 is associated with decreased T cell activation and suppression of the secretion of effector cytokines, including IFN-γ and GM-CSF. Mechanistically, Gal-3 results in activation of NFAT signaling, which can induce T cell exhaustion. Gal-3 overexpression in human T cells prevents severe disease by suppressing cytotoxic T cells in xenogeneic aGvHD models. Together, these data identify the Gal-3-dependent regulatory pathway in donor T cells as a critical component of inflammation in aGvHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hemn Mohammadpour
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| | - Takemasa Tsuji
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Cameron R MacDonald
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Joseph L Sarow
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Hanna Rosenheck
- Department of Medicine, Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Saeed Daneshmandi
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Jee Eun Choi
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Jingxin Qiu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Junko Matsuzaki
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Agnieszka K Witkiewicz
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Kristopher Attwood
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Bruce R Blazar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Philip L McCarthy
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gilman KE, Cracchiolo MJ, Matiatos AP, Davini DW, Simpson RJ, Katsanis E. Partially replacing cyclophosphamide with bendamustine in combination with cyclosporine A improves survival and reduces xenogeneic graft-versus-host-disease. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1045710. [PMID: 36700195 PMCID: PMC9868157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1045710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The use of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for treating hematological disorders is increasing, but the development of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The use of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (CY) has significantly improved outcomes following allo-HCT, but complications of viral reactivation due to delayed immune reconstitution or relapse remain. Other laboratories are evaluating the potential benefit of lowering the dose of CY given post-transplant, whereas our laboratory has been focusing on whether partially replacing CY with another DNA alkylating agent, bendamustine (BEN) may be advantageous in improving outcomes with allo-HCT. Methods Here, we utilized a xenogeneic GvHD (xGvHD) model in which immunodeficient NSG mice are infused with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results We show that a lower dose of CY (25 mg/kg) given on days +3 and +4 or CY (75 mg/kg) given on only day +3 post-PBMC infusion is not sufficient for improving survival from xGvHD, but can be improved with the addition of BEN (15 mg/kg) on day +4 to day +3 CY (75 mg/kg). CY/BEN treated mice when combined with cyclosporine A (CSA) (10mg/kg daily from days +5 to +18 and thrice weekly thereafter), had improved outcomes over CY/CY +CSA treated mice. Infiltration of GvHD target organs was reduced in both CY/CY and CY/BEN treatment groups versus those receiving no treatment. CY/CY +CSA mice exhibited more severe xGvHD at day 10, marked by decreased serum albumin and increased intestinal permeability. CY/BEN treated mice had reductions in naïve, effector memory and Th17 polarized T cells. RNAseq analysis of splenocytes isolated from CY/CY and CY/BEN treated animals revealed increased gene set enrichment in multiple KEGG pathways related to cell migration, proliferation/differentiation, and inflammatory pathways, among others with CY/BEN treatment. Conclusion Together, we illustrate that the use of CY/BEN is safe and shows similar control of xGvHD to CY/CY, but when combined with CSA, survival with CY/BEN is significantly prolonged compared to CY/CY.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristy E. Gilman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - Andrew P. Matiatos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Dan W. Davini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Richard J. Simpson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Pathology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Emmanuel Katsanis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, United States,Department of Pathology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States,*Correspondence: Emmanuel Katsanis,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Immunopathological insights into villitis of unknown etiology on the basis of transplant immunology. Placenta 2023; 131:49-57. [PMID: 36473393 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) is an inflammatory disease characterized by the infiltration of maternal CD8 +T cells into the placental villi. Although the pathogenesis of VUE is still debated, dysregulation of the immune system appears to be an important factor in the development of the disease. Interaction of maternal T cells with the fetal antigens seems to be the trigger for the VUE onset. In this context, graft vs host disease (GVHD) and allographic rejection seem to share similarities in the VUE immunopathological mechanism, especially those related to immunoregulation. In this review, we compared the immunological characteristics of VUE with allograft rejection, and GVHD favoring a better knowledge of VUE pathogenesis that may contribute to VUE therapeutics strategies in the future.
Collapse
|
4
|
Matas-Céspedes A, Lapointe JM, Elder MJ, Browne GJ, Dovedi SJ, de Haan L, Maguire S, Stebbings R. Characterization of a novel potency endpoint for the evaluation of immune checkpoint blockade in humanized mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1107848. [PMID: 36936963 PMCID: PMC10020612 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1107848] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Humanized mice are emerging as valuable models to experimentally evaluate the impact of different immunotherapeutics on the human immune system. These immunodeficient mice are engrafted with human cells or tissues, that then mimic the human immune system, offering an alternative and potentially more predictive preclinical model. Immunodeficient NSG mice engrafted with human CD34+ cord blood stem cells develop human T cells educated against murine MHC. However, autoimmune graft versus host disease (GvHD), mediated by T cells, typically develops 1 year post engraftment. Methods Here, we have used the development of GvHD in NSG mice, using donors with HLA alleles predisposed to autoimmunity (psoriasis) to weight in favor of GvHD, as an endpoint to evaluate the relative potency of monoclonal and BiSpecific antibodies targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4 to break immune tolerance. Results We found that treatment with either a combination of anti-PD-1 & anti-CTLA-4 mAbs or a quadrivalent anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 BiSpecific (MEDI8500), had enhanced potency compared to treatment with anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA-4 monotherapies, increasing T cell activity both in vitro and in vivo. This resulted in accelerated development of GvHD and shorter survival of the humanized mice in these treatment groups commensurate with their on target activity. Discussion Our findings demonstrate the potential of humanized mouse models for preclinical evaluation of different immunotherapies and combinations, using acceleration of GvHD development as a surrogate of aggravated antigenic T-cell response against host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Matas-Céspedes
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge,
United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Alba Matas-Céspedes, ; Richard Stebbings,
| | - Jean-Martin Lapointe
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge,
United Kingdom
| | | | - Gareth J. Browne
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, R&D , AstraZeneca, Cambridge,
United Kingdom
| | | | - Lolke de Haan
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge,
United Kingdom
| | - Shaun Maguire
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge,
United Kingdom
| | - Richard Stebbings
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge,
United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Alba Matas-Céspedes, ; Richard Stebbings,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gao C, Gardner D, Theobalds MC, Hitchcock S, Deutsch H, Amuzie C, Cesaroni M, Sargsyan D, Rao TS, Malaviya R. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 regulates development of xenogenic graft versus host disease in mice via modulation of host immune responses induced by changes in human T cell engraftment and gene expression. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 206:422-438. [PMID: 34487545 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft versus host disease (GvHD) is a major clinical problem with a significant unmet medical need. We examined the role of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) in a xenogenic GvHD (xeno-GvHD) model induced by injection of human peripheral mononuclear cells (hPBMC) into irradiated non-obese diabetic (NOD) SCID gamma (NSG) mice. Targeting the CTLA-4 pathway by treatment with CTLA-4 immunoglobulin (Ig) prevented xeno-GvHD, while anti-CTLA-4 antibody treatment exacerbated the lethality and morbidity associated with GvHD. Xeno-GvHD is associated with infiltration of hPBMCs into the lungs, spleen, stomach, liver and colon and an increase in human proinflammatory cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-5. Infiltration of donor cells and increases in cytokines were attenuated by treatment with CTLA-4 Ig, but remained either unaffected or enhanced by anti-CTLA-4 antibody. Further, splenic human T cell phenotyping showed that CTLA-4 Ig treatment prevented the engraftment of human CD45+ cells, while anti-CTLA-4 antibody enhanced donor T cell expansion, particularly CD4+ (CD45RO+ ) subsets, including T box transcription factor TBX21 (Tbet)+ CXCR3+ and CD25+ forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) cells. Comprehensive analysis of transcriptional profiling of human cells isolated from mouse spleen identified a set of 417 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by CTLA-4 Ig treatment and 13 DEGs by anti-CTLA-4 antibody treatment. The CTLA-4 Ig regulated DEGs mapped to down-regulated apoptosis, inflammasome, T helper type 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cell (Treg ) pathways and enhanced Toll-like receptor (TLR) receptor signaling, TNF family signaling, complement system and epigenetic and transcriptional regulation, whereas anti-CTLA-4 antibody produced minimal to no impact on these gene pathways. Our results show an important role of co-inhibitory CTLA-4 signaling in xeno-GvHD and suggest the therapeutic utility of other immune checkpoint co-inhibitory pathways in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases driven by hyperactive T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunxu Gao
- Immunology Discovery, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Debra Gardner
- Immunology Discovery, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marie-Clare Theobalds
- Immunology Discovery, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shannon Hitchcock
- Immunology Discovery, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Heather Deutsch
- Immunology Discovery, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chidozie Amuzie
- Global Pathology-Nonclinical Safety, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matteo Cesaroni
- World Without Disease, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Davit Sargsyan
- Translational Medicine and Early Development Statistics and Data Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tadimeti S Rao
- Immunology Discovery, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ravi Malaviya
- Immunology Discovery, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|