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Calabrese M, Preziosa P, Scalfari A, Colato E, Marastoni D, Absinta M, Battaglini M, De Stefano N, Di Filippo M, Hametner S, Howell OW, Inglese M, Lassmann H, Martin R, Nicholas R, Reynolds R, Rocca MA, Tamanti A, Vercellino M, Villar LM, Filippi M, Magliozzi R. Determinants and Biomarkers of Progression Independent of Relapses in Multiple Sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2024; 96:1-20. [PMID: 38568026 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Clinical, pathological, and imaging evidence in multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests that a smoldering inflammatory activity is present from the earliest stages of the disease and underlies the progression of disability, which proceeds relentlessly and independently of clinical and radiological relapses (PIRA). The complex system of pathological events driving "chronic" worsening is likely linked with the early accumulation of compartmentalized inflammation within the central nervous system as well as insufficient repair phenomena and mitochondrial failure. These mechanisms are partially lesion-independent and differ from those causing clinical relapses and the formation of new focal demyelinating lesions; they lead to neuroaxonal dysfunction and death, myelin loss, glia alterations, and finally, a neuronal network dysfunction outweighing central nervous system (CNS) compensatory mechanisms. This review aims to provide an overview of the state of the art of neuropathological, immunological, and imaging knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the smoldering disease activity, focusing on possible early biomarkers and their translation into clinical practice. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:1-20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Calabrese
- Department of Neurosciences and Biomedicine and Movement, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paolo Preziosa
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Scalfari
- Centre of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Elisa Colato
- Department of Neurosciences and Biomedicine and Movement, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Damiano Marastoni
- Department of Neurosciences and Biomedicine and Movement, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Martina Absinta
- Translational Neuropathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Battaglini
- Siena Imaging S.r.l., Siena, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Di Filippo
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Simon Hametner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Owain W Howell
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Dipartimento di neuroscienze, riabilitazione, oftalmologia, genetica e scienze materno-infantili - DINOGMI, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hans Lassmann
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Martin
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Therapeutic Design Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Cellerys AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Richard Nicholas
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Burlington Danes, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Reynolds
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Agnese Tamanti
- Department of Neurosciences and Biomedicine and Movement, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Vercellino
- Multiple Sclerosis Center & Neurologia I U, Department of Neuroscience, University Hospital AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Luisa Maria Villar
- Department of Immunology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital. IRYCIS. REI, Madrid, Spain
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Magliozzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Biomedicine and Movement, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Wu S, Yin Y, Du L. The bidirectional relationship of depression and disturbances in B cell homeostasis: Double trouble. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 132:110993. [PMID: 38490433 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a recurrent, persistent, and debilitating neuropsychiatric syndrome with an increasing morbidity and mortality, representing the leading cause of disability worldwide. The dysregulation of immune systems (including innate and adaptive immune systems) has been identified as one of the key contributing factors in the progression of MDD. As the main force of the humoral immunity, B cells have an essential role in the defense against infections, antitumor immunity and autoimmune diseases. Several recent studies have suggested an intriguing connection between disturbances in B cell homeostasis and the pathogenesis of MDD, however, the B-cell-dependent mechanism of MDD remains largely unexplored compared to other immune cells. In this review, we provide an overview of how B cell abnormality regulates the progression of MMD and the potential consequence of the disruption of B cell homeostasis in patients with MDD. Abnormalities of B-cell homeostasis not only promote susceptibility to MDD, but also lead to an increased risk of developing infection, malignancy and autoimmune diseases in patients with MDD. A better understanding of the contribution of B cells underlying MDD would provide opportunities for identification of more targeted treatment approaches and might provide an overall therapeutic benefit to improve the long-term outcomes of patients with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shusheng Wu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuye Yin
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longfei Du
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Varghese JF, Kaskow BJ, von Glehn F, Case J, Li Z, Julé AM, Berdan E, Ho Sui SJ, Hu Y, Krishnan R, Chitnis T, Kuchroo VK, Weiner HL, Baecher-Allan CM. Human regulatory memory B cells defined by expression of TIM-1 and TIGIT are dysfunctional in multiple sclerosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360219. [PMID: 38745667 PMCID: PMC11091236 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Regulatory B cells (Bregs) play a pivotal role in suppressing immune responses, yet there is still a lack of cell surface markers that can rigorously identify them. In mouse models for multiple sclerosis (MS), TIM-1 or TIGIT expression on B cells is required for maintaining self-tolerance and regulating autoimmunity to the central nervous system. Here we investigated the activities of human memory B cells that differentially express TIM-1 and TIGIT to determine their potential regulatory function in healthy donors and patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) MS. Methods FACS-sorted TIM-1+/-TIGIT+/- memory B (memB) cells co-cultured with allogenic CD4+ T cells were analyzed for proliferation and induction of inflammatory markers using flow cytometry and cytokine quantification, to determine Th1/Th17 cell differentiation. Transcriptional differences were assessed by SMARTSeq2 RNA sequencing analysis. Results TIM-1-TIGIT- double negative (DN) memB cells strongly induce T cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. The TIM-1+ memB cells enabled low levels of CD4+ T cell activation and gave rise to T cells that co-express IL-10 with IFNγ and IL-17A or FoxP3. T cells cultured with the TIM-1+TIGIT+ double positive (DP) memB cells exhibited reduced proliferation and IFNγ, IL-17A, TNFα, and GM-CSF expression, and exhibited strong regulation in Breg suppression assays. The functional activity suggests the DP memB cells are a bonafide Breg population. However, MS DP memB cells were less inhibitory than HC DP memB cells. A retrospective longitudinal study of anti-CD20 treated patients found that post-treatment DP memB cell frequency and absolute number were associated with response to therapy. Transcriptomic analyses indicated that the dysfunctional MS-derived DP memB/Breg population exhibited increased expression of genes associated with T cell activation and survival (CD80, ZNF10, PIK3CA), and had distinct gene expression compared to the TIGIT+ or TIM-1+ memB cells. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that TIM-1/TIGIT expressing memory B cell subsets have distinct functionalities. Co-expression of TIM-1 and TIGIT defines a regulatory memory B cell subset that is functionally impaired in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnna F. Varghese
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Belinda J. Kaskow
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Felipe von Glehn
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Junning Case
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zhenhua Li
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amélie M. Julé
- Bioinformatics Core, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emma Berdan
- Bioinformatics Core, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shannan Janelle Ho Sui
- Bioinformatics Core, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yong Hu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rajesh Krishnan
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- The Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tanuja Chitnis
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vijay K. Kuchroo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- The Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Howard L. Weiner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Clare Mary Baecher-Allan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Libert D, Zhao S, Younes S, Mosquera AP, Bharadwaj S, Ferreira C, Natkunam Y. TIGIT is Frequently Expressed in the Tumor Microenvironment of Select Lymphomas: Implications for Targeted Therapy. Am J Surg Pathol 2024; 48:337-352. [PMID: 38148663 PMCID: PMC10876169 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002168] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors against Programmed Cell Death Protein 1/Programmed Cell (PD-1/PD-L1) and CTLA-4/B7 axes have had limited success in hematologic malignancies, requiring the need to explore alternative targets such as T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT)/CD155 to improve durable clinical responses. We undertook this study to investigate the expression profile of TIGIT such that the potential efficacy of TIGIT blockade could be mapped among lymphoma subtypes. We validated an immunohistochemical assay for TIGIT and evaluated its expression in lymphoma and tumor microenvironment (TME) cells in 661 lymphoma/leukemia biopsies. Multiplex immunofluorescence was used for correlation with normal TME cell subsets. Tumor or TME TIGIT-positivity was defined as moderate to strong membrane staining in at least 10% of tumor or TME cells, respectively. TME TIGIT expression was correlated with overall survival and progression-free survival and comparison with PD-L1 expression. In most cases, lymphoma cells were TIGIT-negative except for angioimmunoblastic and peripheral T-cell lymphomas, which showed 91% and 47% positivity, respectively. A high proportion of small B-cell lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma cases had TIGIT-positive TME cells. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma patients with TIGIT-negative TME cells showed significantly shorter overall survival ( P =0.04). No other statistically significant differences were found. When TIGIT was expressed in TME cells, there were a comparable number of TIGIT-positive only and dual TIGIT/PD-L1 positive cases except for more TIGIT-positive only cases in CLL/SLL. TIGIT expression shows distinctive profiles among lymphoma subtypes. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma demonstrated high TME TIGIT expression compared with PD-L1, with a high proportion of dual TIGIT and PD-L1-positivity. Our results are likely to contribute to the design and correlative study of therapeutic response in clinical trials targeting TIGIT alone or in combination with PD1/PDL1.
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Baert L, Mahmudul HM, Stegall M, Joo H, Oh S. B Cell-mediated Immune Regulation and the Quest for Transplantation Tolerance. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00669. [PMID: 38389135 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Pathophysiologic function of B cells in graft rejection has been well recognized in transplantation. B cells promote alloantigen-specific T-cell response and secrete antibodies that can cause antibody-mediated graft failures and rejections. Therefore, strategies targeting B cells, for example, B-cell depletion, have been used for the prevention of both acute and chronic rejections. Interestingly, however, recent mounting evidence indicates that subsets of B cells yet to be further identified can display potent immune regulatory functions, and they contribute to transplantation tolerance and operational tolerance in both experimental and clinical settings, respectively. In this review, we integrate currently available information on B-cell subsets, including T-cell Ig domain and mucin domain 1-positive transitional and T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain-positive memory B cells, displaying immune regulatory functions, with a focus on transplantation tolerance, by analyzing their mechanisms of action. In addition, we will discuss potential T-cell Ig domain and mucin domain 1-positive and T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain-positive B cell-based strategies for the enhancement of operational tolerance in transplantation patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Baert
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
| | | | - Mark Stegall
- Department of Surgery, William J. von Liebig Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - HyeMee Joo
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - SangKon Oh
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
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Joller N, Anderson AC, Kuchroo VK. LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT: Distinct functions in immune regulation. Immunity 2024; 57:206-222. [PMID: 38354701 PMCID: PMC10919259 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.01.010] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT comprise the next generation of immune checkpoint receptors being harnessed in the clinic. Although initially studied for their roles in restraining T cell responses, intense investigation over the last several years has started to pinpoint the unique functions of these molecules in other immune cell types. Understanding the distinct processes that these receptors regulate across immune cells and tissues will inform the clinical development and application of therapies that either antagonize or agonize these receptors, as well as the profile of potential tissue toxicity associated with their targeting. Here, we discuss the distinct functions of LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT, including their contributions to the regulation of immune cells beyond T cells, their roles in disease, and the implications for their targeting in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Joller
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana C Anderson
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vijay K Kuchroo
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Yang Q, Zhang F, Chen H, Hu Y, Yang N, Yang W, Wang J, Yang Y, Xu R, Xu C. The differentiation courses of the Tfh cells: a new perspective on autoimmune disease pathogenesis and treatment. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231723. [PMID: 38051200 PMCID: PMC10830446 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231723] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The follicular helper T cells are derived from CD4+T cells, promoting the formation of germinal centers and assisting B cells to produce antibodies. This review describes the differentiation process of Tfh cells from the perspectives of the initiation, maturation, migration, efficacy, and subset classification of Tfh cells, and correlates it with autoimmune disease, to provide information for researchers to fully understand Tfh cells and provide further research ideas to manage immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingya Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, People’s Hospital of Mianzhu, Mianzhu, Sichuan, 618200, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Hongyi Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Yuman Hu
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Wenyan Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Yaxu Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Ran Xu
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Division of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210028, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China
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Zeven K, De Groof TW, Ceuppens H, Awad RM, Ertveldt T, de Mey W, Meeus F, Raes G, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N. Development and evaluation of nanobody tracers for noninvasive nuclear imaging of the immune-checkpoint TIGIT. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268900. [PMID: 37799715 PMCID: PMC10548220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction T cell Ig and ITIM domain receptor (TIGIT) is a next-generation immune checkpoint predominantly expressed on activated T cells and NK cells, exhibiting an unfavorable prognostic association with various malignancies. Despite the emergence of multiple TIGIT-blocking agents entering clinical trials, only a fraction of patients responded positively to anti-TIGIT therapy. Consequently, an urgent demand arises for noninvasive techniques to quantify and monitor TIGIT expression, facilitating patient stratification and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Small antigen binding moieties such as nanobodies, are promising candidates for such tracer development. Methods We generated a panel of anti-human or anti-mouse TIGIT nanobodies from immunized llamas. In addition, we designed a single-chain variable fragment derived from the clinically tested monoclonal antibody Vibostolimab targeting TIGIT, and assessed its performance alongside the nanobodies. In vitro characterization studies were performed, including binding ability and affinity to cell expressed or recombinant TIGIT. After Technetium-99m labeling, the nanobodies and the single-chain variable fragment were evaluated in vivo for their ability to detect TIGIT expression using SPECT/CT imaging, followed by ex vivo biodistribution analysis. Results Nine nanobodies were selected for binding to recombinant and cell expressed TIGIT with low sub-nanomolar affinities and are thermostable. A six-fold higher uptake in TIGIT-overexpressing tumor was demonstrated one hour post- injection with Technetium-99m labeled nanobodies compared to an irrelevant control nanobody. Though the single-chain variable fragment exhibited superior binding to TIGIT-expressing peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro, its in vivo behavior yielded lower tumor-to-background ratios at one hour post- injection, indicating that nanobodies are better suited for in vivo imaging than the single-chain variable fragment. Despite the good affinity, high specificity and on-target uptake in mice in this setting, imaging of TIGIT expression on tumor- infiltrating lymphocytes within MC38 tumors remained elusive. This is likely due to the low expression levels of TIGIT in this model. Discussion The excellent affinity, high specificity and rapid on-target uptake in mice bearing TIGIT- overexpressing tumors showed the promising diagnostic potential of nanobodies to noninvasively image high TIGIT expression within the tumor. These findings hold promise for clinical translation to aid patient selection and improve therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katty Zeven
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo W.M. De Groof
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wout de Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fien Meeus
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Raes
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Immunology (CMIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Zhao J, Li L, Yin H, Feng X, Lu Q. TIGIT: An emerging immune checkpoint target for immunotherapy in autoimmune disease and cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110358. [PMID: 37262959 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoints (ICs), also referred to as co-inhibitory receptors (IRs), are essential for regulating immune cell function to maintain tolerance and prevent autoimmunity. IRs, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), have been shown to possess immunoregulatory properties that are relevant to various autoimmune diseases and cancers. Tumors are characterized by suppressive microenvironments with elevated levels of IRs on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Therefore, IR blockade has shown great potential in cancer therapy and has even been approved for clinical use. However, other IRs, including cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), may also represent promising targets for anti-tumor therapy. The increasing importance of IRs in autoimmune diseases has become apparent. In mouse models, TIGIT pathway blockade or TIGIT deficiency has been linked to T cell overactivation and proliferation, exacerbation of inflammation, and increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders. On the other hand, TIGIT activation has been shown to alleviate autoimmune disorders in murine models. Given these findings, we examine the effects of TIGIT and its potential as a therapeutic target for both autoimmune diseases and cancers. It is clear that TIGIT represents an emerging and exciting target for immunotherapy in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Zhao
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Li
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiqi Yin
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwei Feng
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
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Nectin Family Ligands Trigger Immune Effector Functions in Health and Autoimmunity. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030452. [PMID: 36979144 PMCID: PMC10045777 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The superfamily of immunoglobulin cell-adhesion molecules (IgCAMs) is a well-known family of cell-adhesion molecules used for immune-cell extravasation and cell–cell interaction. Amongst others, this family includes DNAX accessory molecule 1 (DNAM-1/CD226), class-I-restricted T-cell-associated molecule (CRTAM/CD355), T-cell-activated increased late expression (Tactile/CD96), T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), Nectins and Nectin-like molecules (Necls). Besides using these molecules to migrate towards inflammatory sites, their interactions within the immune system can support the immunological synapse with antigen-presenting cells or target cells for cytotoxicity, and trigger diverse effector functions. Although their role is generally described in oncoimmunity, this review emphasizes recent advances in the (dys)function of Nectin-family ligands in health, chronic inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases. In addition, this review provides a detailed overview on the expression pattern of Nectins and Necls and their ligands on different immune-cell types by focusing on human cell systems.
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Fu L, Liu Z, Liu Y. Fibrinogen-like protein 2 in inflammatory diseases: A future therapeutic target. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109799. [PMID: 36764282 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109799] [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: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2), a member of the fibrinogen family, exists as a membrane-bound protein with immune-associated coagulation activity and a soluble form possessing immunosuppressive functions. The immunomodulatory role of FGL2 is evident in fibrin deposition-associated inflammatory diseases and cancer, suggesting that FGL2 expression could be exploited as a disease biomarker and a therapeutic target. Recently, in vitro studies and knockout and transgenic animal FGL2 models have been used by us and others to reveal the involvement of FGL2 in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the immunomodulatory role of FGL2 in inflammatory diseases and examines the role of FGL2 as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Fu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, China.
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