1
|
Blake MK, O’Connell P, Aldhamen YA. Fundamentals to therapeutics: Epigenetic modulation of CD8 + T Cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1082195. [PMID: 36684449 PMCID: PMC9846628 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1082195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the setting of chronic antigen exposure in the tumor microenvironment (TME), cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTLs) lose their immune surveillance capabilities and ability to clear tumor cells as a result of their differentiation into terminally exhausted CD8+ T cells. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies reinvigorate exhausted CD8+ T cells by targeting specific inhibitory receptors, thus promoting their cytolytic activity towards tumor cells. Despite exciting results with ICB therapies, many patients with solid tumors still fail to respond to such therapies and patients who initially respond can develop resistance. Recently, through new sequencing technologies such as the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq), epigenetics has been appreciated as a contributing factor that enforces T cell differentiation toward exhaustion in the TME. Importantly, specific epigenetic alterations and epigenetic factors have been found to control CD8+ T cell exhaustion phenotypes. In this review, we will explain the background of T cell differentiation and various exhaustion states and discuss how epigenetics play an important role in these processes. Then we will outline specific epigenetic changes and certain epigenetic and transcription factors that are known to contribute to CD8+ T cell exhaustion. We will also discuss the most recent methodologies that are used to study and discover such epigenetic modulations. Finally, we will explain how epigenetic reprogramming is a promising approach that might facilitate the development of novel exhausted T cell-targeting immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yasser A. Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
O'Connell P, Blake MK, Godbehere S, Amalfitano A, Aldhamen YA. SLAMF7 modulates B cells and adaptive immunity to regulate susceptibility to CNS autoimmunity. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:241. [PMID: 36199066 PMCID: PMC9533612 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating condition characterized by CNS autoimmunity stemming from a complex etiology involving both environmental and genetic factors. Our current understanding of MS points to dysregulation of the immune system as the pathogenic culprit, however, it remains unknown as to how the many genes associated with increased susceptibility to MS are involved. One such gene linked to MS susceptibility and known to regulate immune function is the self-ligand immune cell receptor SLAMF7. Methods We subjected WT and SLAMF7−/− mice to multiple EAE models, compared disease severity, and comprehensively profiled the CNS immune landscape of these mice. We identified all SLAMF7-expressing CNS immune cells and compared the entire CNS immune niche between genotypes. We performed deep phenotyping and in vitro functional studies of B and T cells via spectral cytometry and BioPlex assays. Adoptive transfer studies involving the transfer of WT and SLAMF7−/− B cells into B cell-deficient mice (μMT) were also performed. Finally, B–T cell co-culture studies were performed, and a comparative cell–cell interaction network derived from scRNA-seq data of SLAMF7+ vs. SLAMF7− human CSF immune cells was constructed. Results We found SLAMF7−/− mice to be more susceptible to EAE compared to WT mice and found SLAMF7 to be expressed on numerous CNS immune cell subsets. Absence of SLAMF7 did not grossly alter the CNS immune landscape, but allowed for altered immune cell subset infiltration during EAE in a model-dependent manner. Global lack of SLAMF7 expression increased myeloid cell activation states along with augmented T cell anti-MOG immunity. B cell profiling studies revealed increased activation states of specific plasma and B cell subsets in SLAMF7−/− mice during EAE, and functional co-culture studies determined that SLAMF7−/− B cells induce exaggerated T cell activation. Adoptive transfer studies revealed that the increased susceptibility of SLAMF7−/− mice to EAE is partly B cell dependent and reconstruction of the human CSF SLAMF7-interactome found B cells to be critical to cell–cell communication between SLAMF7-expressing cells. Conclusions Our studies have identified novel roles for SLAMF7 in CNS immune regulation and B cell function, and illuminate underpinnings of the genetic association between SLAMF7 and MS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02594-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O'Connell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4108 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Maja K Blake
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4108 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4108 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4108 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4108 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
O'Connell P, Blake MK, Pepelyayeva Y, Hyslop S, Godbehere S, Angarita AM, Pereira-Hicks C, Amalfitano A, Aldhamen YA. Adenoviral delivery of an immunomodulatory protein to the tumor microenvironment controls tumor growth. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 24:180-193. [PMID: 35036523 PMCID: PMC8741417 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted modulation of the immune system against tumors can achieve responses in otherwise refractory cancers, which has spurred efforts aimed at optimizing such strategies. To this end, we have previously investigated cancer immunotherapy approaches using recombinant adenovirus vectors, as well as via modulation of the self-ligand receptor SLAMF7. Here, we present a gene transfer-based immunotherapy approach using targeted expression of a SLAMF7-Fc fusion construct directly into tumors at high concentrations via a recombinant adenoviral vector (Ad-SF7-Fc). Using multiple murine cancer models, we show that Ad-SF7-Fc can induce tumor control via augmentation of innate immunity; specifically, induction of type I interferons and activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Analogously, we find that modulating SLAMF7 signaling via an adenoviral vector expressing its intracellular adaptor, EAT-2, is also capable of inducing tumor control. Finally, we employ a novel in vivo prediction approach and dataset integration with machine learning to dissect how Ad-SF7-Fc modulates cell-type-specific responses in the tumor microenvironment to achieve tumor control. Thus, our novel combinatorial cancer immunotherapy highlights the benefit of multimodal immune modulation and lays a framework for combination with complementary approaches capable of inducing adaptive immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O'Connell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4194 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Maja K. Blake
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4194 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Yuliya Pepelyayeva
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4194 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sean Hyslop
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4194 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4194 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Ariana M. Angarita
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4194 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Cristiane Pereira-Hicks
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4194 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4194 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Yasser A. Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4194 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Blake MK, O'Connell P, Pepelyayeva Y, Godbehere S, Aldhamen YA, Amalfitano A. ERAP1 is a critical regulator of inflammasome-mediated proinflammatory and ER stress responses. BMC Immunol 2022; 23:9. [PMID: 35246034 PMCID: PMC8895631 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-022-00481-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In addition to its role in antigen presentation, recent reports establish a new role for endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) in innate immunity; however, the mechanisms underlying these functions are not fully defined. We previously confirmed that loss of ERAP1 functions resulted in exaggerated innate immune responses in a murine in vivo model. Here, we investigated the role of ERAP1 in suppressing inflammasome pathways and their dependence on ER stress responses. Results Using bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), we found that loss of ERAP1 in macrophages resulted in exaggerated production of IL-1β and IL-18 and augmented caspase-1 activity, relative to wild type macrophages. Moreover, an in vivo colitis model utilizing dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) confirmed increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the colon of DSS treated ERAP1−/− mice as compared to identically stimulated WT mice. Interestingly, stimulated ERAP1−/− BMDMs and CD4+ T cells simultaneously demonstrated exaggerated ER stress, assessed by increased expression of ER stress-associated genes, a state that could be reverted to WT levels with use of the ER stress inhibitor Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). Conclusions Together, these results not only suggest that ERAP1 is important for regulating inflammasome dependent innate immune response pathways in vivo, but also propose a mechanism that underlies these changes, that may be associated with increased ER stress due to lack of normal ERAP1 functions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12865-022-00481-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja K Blake
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Patrick O'Connell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Yuliya Pepelyayeva
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
O'Connell P, Blake MK, Godbehere S, Aldhamen YA, Amalfitano A. Absence of ERAP1 in B Cells Increases Susceptibility to Central Nervous System Autoimmunity, Alters B Cell Biology, and Mechanistically Explains Genetic Associations between ERAP1 and Multiple Sclerosis. J Immunol 2021; 207:2952-2965. [PMID: 34810226 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hundreds of genes have been linked to multiple sclerosis (MS); yet, the underlying mechanisms behind these associations have only been investigated in a fraction of cases. Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) is an endoplasmic reticulum-localized aminopeptidase with important roles in trimming peptides destined for MHC class I and regulation of innate immune responses. As such, genetic polymorphisms in ERAP1 have been linked to multiple autoimmune diseases. In this study, we present, to our knowledge, the first mechanistic studies performed to uncover why polymorphisms in ERAP1 are associated with increased susceptibility to MS. Combining multiple mouse models of CNS autoimmunity with high-dimensional single-cell spectral cytometry, adoptive transfer studies, and integrative analysis of human single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets, we identify an intrinsic defect in B cells as being primarily responsible. Not only are mice lacking ERAP1 more susceptible to CNS autoimmunity, but adoptive transfer of B cells lacking ERAP1 into B cell-deficient mice recapitulates this susceptibility. We found B cells lacking ERAP1 display decreased proliferation in vivo and express higher levels of activation/costimulatory markers. Integrative analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing of B cells from 36 individuals revealed subset-conserved differences in gene expression and pathway activation in individuals harboring the MS-linked K528R ERAP1 single-nucleotide polymorphism. Finally, our studies also led us to create, to our knowledge, the first murine protein-level map of the CNS IL-10+ immune compartment at steady state and during neuroinflammation. These studies identify a role for ERAP1 in the modulation of B cells and highlight this as one reason why polymorphisms in this gene are linked to MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O'Connell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; and
| | - Maja K Blake
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; and
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; and
| | - Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; and
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; and .,Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
O'Connell P, Hyslop S, Blake MK, Godbehere S, Amalfitano A, Aldhamen YA. SLAMF7 Signaling Reprograms T Cells toward Exhaustion in the Tumor Microenvironment. J Immunol 2020; 206:193-205. [PMID: 33288545 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
T cell exhaustion represents one of the most pervasive strategies tumors employ to circumvent the immune system. Although repetitive, cognate TCR signaling is recognized as the primary driving force behind this phenomenon, and it remains unknown what other forces drive T cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we show that activation of the self-ligand SLAMF7 immune receptor on T cells induced STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation, expression of multiple inhibitory receptors, and transcription factors associated with T cell exhaustion. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that SLAMF7 transcript levels were strongly correlated with various inhibitory receptors and that high SLAMF7 expression was indicative of poor survival in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Targeted reanalysis of a CyTOF dataset, which profiled the TME in 73 ccRCC patients, revealed cell-type-specific SLAMF7 expression patterns, strong correlations between exhausted T cells and SLAMF7+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and a unique subset of SLAMF7highCD38high TAMs. These SLAMF7highCD38high TAMs showed the strongest correlations with exhausted T cells and were an independent prognostic factor in ccRCC. Confirmatory ex vivo coculture studies validated that SLAMF7-SLAMF7 interactions between murine TAMs and CD8+ T cells induce expression of multiple inhibitory receptors. Finally, mice lacking SLAMF7 show restricted growth of B16-F10 tumors, and CD8+ T cells from these mice express less PD-1 and TOX and exhibited an impaired ability to progress through the exhaustion developmental trajectory to terminal exhaustion. These findings suggest that SLAMF7 might play an important role in modulating T cell function in the TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O'Connell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; and
| | - Sean Hyslop
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; and
| | - Maja K Blake
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; and
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; and
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; and.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; and
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
O’Connell P, Aldhamen YA. Systemic innate and adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 as it relates to other coronaviruses. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:2980-2991. [PMID: 32878546 PMCID: PMC8641610 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1802974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The deadly pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents one of the greatest threats humanity has faced in the last century. Infection with this easily transmissible virus can run the gamut from asymptomatic to fatal, and the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been termed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). What little research that has already been conducted implicates pathological responses by the immune system as the leading culprit responsible for much of the morbidity and mortality caused by COVID-19. In this review we will summarize what is currently known about the systemic immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and potential immunotherapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O’Connell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Yasser A. Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
O’Connell P, Amalfitano A, Aldhamen YA. SLAM Family Receptor Signaling in Viral Infections: HIV and Beyond. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:E184. [PMID: 31744090 PMCID: PMC6963180 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family of receptors are expressed on the majority of immune cells. These receptors often serve as self-ligands, and play important roles in cellular communication and adhesion, thus modulating immune responses. SLAM family receptor signaling is differentially regulated in various immune cell types, with responses generally being determined by the presence or absence of two SLAM family adaptor proteins-Ewing's sarcoma-associated transcript 2 (EAT-2) and SLAM-associated adaptor protein (SAP). In addition to serving as direct regulators of the immune system, certain SLAM family members have also been identified as direct targets for specific microbes and viruses. Here, we will discuss the known roles for these receptors in the setting of viral infection, with special emphasis placed on HIV infection. Because HIV causes such complex dysregulation of the immune system, studies of the roles for SLAM family receptors in this context are particularly exciting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O’Connell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, (A.A.)
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, (A.A.)
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Yasser A. Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, (A.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Monocyte infection by HIV-1 is an important component of chronic HIV pathogenesis. Following infection by HIV-1, monocytes are able to cross the blood brain barrier and set up a viral reservoir in the central nervous system. Additionally, in the setting of chronic HIV-1 infection, monocytes can become activated either directly through HIV-1 infection or indirectly via HIV-1-mediated systemic immune activation. Currently, there are few studies looking at HIV-1 infection of primary human monocytes in vitro. Furthermore, detection of successful HIV-1 infection of monocytes can be laborious requiring an ELISA for p24 or assessing levels of HIV-1 mRNA or DNA. This protocol utilizes an HIV-1 strain expressing GFP to allow for easy quantification of HIV-1 infection by fluorescence-assisted cell sorting (FACS). By determining HIV-1 infection by FACS one can take advantage of its multiparametric nature allowing for the use of less cells and the ability to assess the expression of other markers on HIV-1+ and HIV-1- cells in the same experiment. Additionally, this protocol could be modified to study HIV-1 infection of other cells including CD4+ T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O'Connell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Zheng
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
O'Connell P, Pepelyayeva Y, Blake MK, Hyslop S, Crawford RB, Rizzo MD, Pereira-Hicks C, Godbehere S, Dale L, Gulick P, Kaminski NE, Amalfitano A, Aldhamen YA. SLAMF7 Is a Critical Negative Regulator of IFN-α-Mediated CXCL10 Production in Chronic HIV Infection. J Immunol 2018; 202:228-238. [PMID: 30530590 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Current advances in combined antiretroviral therapy have rendered HIV infection a chronic, manageable disease; however, the problem of persistent immune activation still remains despite treatment. The immune cell receptor SLAMF7 has been shown to be upregulated in diseases characterized by chronic immune activation. In this study, we studied the function of the SLAMF7 receptor in immune cells of HIV patients and the impacts of SLAMF7 signaling on peripheral immune activation. We observed increased frequencies of SLAMF7+ PBMCs in HIV+ individuals in a clinical phenotype-dependent manner, with discordant and long-term nonprogressor patients showing elevated SLAMF7 levels, and elite controllers showing levels comparable to healthy controls. We also noted that SLAMF7 was sensitive to IFN-⍺ stimulation, a factor elevated during HIV infection. Further studies revealed SLAMF7 to be a potent inhibitor of the monocyte-derived proinflammatory chemokine CXCL10 (IP-10) and other CXCR3 ligands, except in a subset of HIV+ patients termed SLAMF7 silent (SF7S). Studies utilizing small molecule inhibitors revealed that the mechanism of CXCL10 inhibition is independent of known SLAMF7 binding partners. Furthermore, we determined that SLAMF7 activation on monocytes is able to decrease their susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in vitro via downregulation of CCR5 and upregulation of the CCL3L1 chemokine. Finally, we discovered that neutrophils do not express SLAMF7, are CXCL10+ at baseline, are able to secrete CXCL10 in response to IFN-⍺ and LPS, and are nonresponsive to SLAMF7 signaling. These findings implicate the SLAMF7 receptor as an important regulator of IFN-⍺-driven innate immune responses during HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O'Connell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Yuliya Pepelyayeva
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Maja K Blake
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Sean Hyslop
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Robert B Crawford
- Center for Integrative Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Michael D Rizzo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Cristiane Pereira-Hicks
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Linda Dale
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Peter Gulick
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Norbert E Kaminski
- Center for Integrative Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; and
| | - Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; .,College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pepelyayeva Y, Rastall DPW, Aldhamen YA, O'Connell P, Raehtz S, Alyaqoub FS, Blake MK, Raedy AM, Angarita AM, Abbas AM, Pereira-Hicks CN, Roosa SG, McCabe L, Amalfitano A. ERAP1 deficient mice have reduced Type 1 regulatory T cells and develop skeletal and intestinal features of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12464. [PMID: 30127455 PMCID: PMC6102283 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30159-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a prototypical sero-negative autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) gene have been linked to AS via GWAS studies, however, the exact mechanism as to how ERAP1 contributes to pathogenesis of AS is not understood. We undertook µCT imaging and histologic analysis to evaluate bone morphology of the axial skeletons of ERAP1-/- mice and discovered the hallmark skeletal features of AS in these mice, including spinal ankylosis, osteoporosis, and spinal inflammation. We also confirmed the presence of spontaneous intestinal dysbiosis and increased susceptibility to Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in ERAP1-/- mice, however the transfer of healthy microbiota from wild type mice via cross-fostering experiments did not resolve the skeletal phenotypes of ERAP1-/- mice. Immunological analysis demonstrated that while ERAP1-/- mice had normal numbers of peripheral Foxp3+ Tregs, they had reduced numbers of both "Tr1-like" regulatory T cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells, which are important for Tr1 cell differentiation. Together, our data suggests that ERAP1-/- mice may serve as a useful animal model for studying pathogenesis of intestinal, skeletal, and immunological manifestations of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Pepelyayeva
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - David P W Rastall
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Patrick O'Connell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Sandra Raehtz
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Fadel S Alyaqoub
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Maja K Blake
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Ashley M Raedy
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Ariana M Angarita
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Abdulraouf M Abbas
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Cristiane N Pereira-Hicks
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Sarah G Roosa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Laura McCabe
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Biomedical Imaging Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Amalfitano A, Alyaqoub FS, Aldhamen YA, Abbas A, Pereira-Hicks C, Godbehere S, Waters CM. Abstract 2994: Engineered STING-targeting immunotherapy delays B16 melanoma tumor growth and significantly improves animal survival as compared to an immune-checkpoint inhibitor. Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2017-2994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a cytosolic innate sensor activated by cyclic di-nucleotides (CDNs) including the bacterially derived bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic-dimeric-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP), leading to the induction of type I interferons. We recently published that an engineered adenovirus (Ad) vector delivering a potent, bacterially derived diguanylate cyclase (AdVCA0848) in vivo can generate sustained c-di-GMP levels in vivo and induce beneficial immune responses, including induction of IFN-β, activation of NK cells and DCs, as well as enhance antigen-specific T cell responses. Here, we determined if in vivo use of AdVCA0848 can also induce potent anti-tumor responses. Methods: Experiments to be presented include those that subcutaneously placed 150,000 B16F10 melanoma cells into C57BL/6 mice. On day 7 post tumor implant (PTI), tumor-bearing mice were randomly divided into control groups (receiving intra-tumoral (i.t.) vehicle treatments or Ad controls, ± i.p administration of non-specific antibodies) and experimental groups, (single i.t. administrations with 2x1010 vps of AdVCA0848 alone, or in combination with repeated i.p. administrations of 200 μg of an anti-PD1 antibody (RMP-1-14) on days 7,11,15 and 19 PTI. Results: As compared to appropriate controls, we have repeatedly found that a single i.t. injection of AdVCA0848 significantly slowed B16 tumor growth (p<0.01), a result that correlated with high levels of animal survival (p<0.001). These levels of efficacy significantly exceeded those achieved with lone use of a PD-1 inhibitor. Under these same conditions, combined use of the AdVCA0848 therapy with anti-PD1 treatments trended to further improve animal survival (50% survival at day 27 PTI), as compared to lone use of either therapy (36.4% and 26.7% survival at day 27 PTI for AdVCA0848 and PD-1 treatments, respectively). Multiple innate and adaptive immune response readouts and immunohistological evaluations will be presented. Conclusions: The growth of established B16 melanoma tumors was rapidly inhibited after a single i.t. treatment with the engineered STING activator AdVCA0848, and this efficacy resulted in significant improvements in animal survival, at rates that were also significantly better than those achieved using a PD-1 antagonist. Furthermore, the i.t. administration of AdVCA0848 trended to show further improved efficacy when combined with a PD-1 antagonist, suggesting synergy. The AdVCA0848 platform is a novel, off the shelf immune-therapeutic that can now be justified for use to improve anti-tumor responses in melanoma, augment currently approved FDA immune therapies for melanoma (such as PD-1 targeted therapies), as well may show efficacy in other aggressive cancers.
Citation Format: Andrea Amalfitano, Fadel S. Alyaqoub, Yasser A. Aldhamen, Abdulraouf Abbas, Cristiane Pereira-Hicks, Sarah Godbehere, Christopher M. Waters. Engineered STING-targeting immunotherapy delays B16 melanoma tumor growth and significantly improves animal survival as compared to an immune-checkpoint inhibitor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2994. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2994
Collapse
|
13
|
Rastall DPW, Alyaquob FS, O’Connell P, Pepelyayeva Y, Peters D, Godbehere-Roosa S, Pereira-Hicks C, Aldhamen YA, Amalfitano A. Mice expressing human ERAP1 variants associated with ankylosing spondylitis have altered T-cell repertoires and NK cell functions, as well as increased in utero and perinatal mortality. Int Immunol 2017; 29:277-289. [PMID: 28814066 PMCID: PMC5890900 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxx035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific variants of endoplasmic reticulum-associated aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) identified by genome-wide association study modify the risk for developing ankylosing spondylitis. We previously confirmed that disease-associated ERAP1 variants have altered enzymatic abilities that can impact upon the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines from cells expressing the same ERAP1 variants. To determine if these ERAP1 variants also impacted immune responses in vivo, we generated two strains of transgenic mice expressing human ERAP1 genes containing non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with an increased (ERAP1-High) or decreased (ERAP1-Low) risk for developing autoimmune disease. After vaccination with foreign antigens, ERAP1-High mice generated unique populations of antigen-specific T-cell clones. The expression of ERAP1-High also reduced MHC-I expression on the surface of multiple cell types, demonstrating a global impact on the MHC-I peptidome. ERAP1 variants also affected the innate immune system, because NK cells from murine ERAP1 (mERAP1) knockout mice and ERAP1-High/mERAP1-/- mice had decreased surface expression of the activating receptor NKG2D on their NK and T cells, and NK cells derived from mERAP1-/- mice or ERAP1-Low mice demonstrated more active NK cell killing than NK cells derived from wild-type or ERAP1-High mice. Finally, these studies were conducted in female mice, as all male ERAP1-High mice died in utero or shortly after birth, making ERAP1-High one of the only dominant lethal autosomal genes known in mammals. Together, these results present the first direct evidence that human disease-associated ERAP1 variants can greatly alter survival, as well as antigen presentation, T-cell repertoire and NK cell responses in vivo.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adaptive Immunity/genetics
- Aminopeptidases/genetics
- Animals
- Antigen Presentation
- Clone Cells
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/genetics
- Female
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunity, Innate/genetics
- Killer Cells, Natural/physiology
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Minor Histocompatibility Antigens/genetics
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Risk
- Spondylitis, Ankylosing/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes/physiology
- Transgenes/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rastall DPW, Seregin SS, Aldhamen YA, Kaiser LM, Mullins C, Liou A, Ing F, Pereria-Hicks C, Godbehere-Roosa S, Palmer D, Ng P, Amalfitano A. Long-term, high-level hepatic secretion of acid α-glucosidase for Pompe disease achieved in non-human primates using helper-dependent adenovirus. Gene Ther 2016; 23:743-752. [PMID: 27367841 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2016.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pompe disease (glycogen storage disease type II (GSD-II)) is a myopathy caused by a genetic deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (GAA) leading to lysosomal glycogen accumulation causing muscle weakness, respiratory insufficiency and death. We previously demonstrated in GSD-II mice that a single injection of a helper-dependent adenovirus (HD-Ad) expressing GAA resulted in at least 300 days of liver secretion of GAA, correction of the glycogen storage in cardiac and skeletal muscles and improved muscle strength. Recent reports suggest that gene therapy modeling for lysososomal storage diseases in mice fails to predict outcomes in larger animal models. We therefore evaluated an HD-Ad expressing GAA in non-human primates. The baboons not only tolerated the procedure well, but the results also confirmed that a single dose of the HD-Ad allowed the livers of the treated animals to express and secrete large amounts of GAA for at least 6 months, at levels similar to those achieved in mice. Moreover, we detected liver-derived GAA in the heart, diaphragm and skeletal muscles of the treated animals for the duration of the study at levels that corrected glycogen accumulation in mice. This work validates our proof-of-concept studies in mice, and justifies future efforts using Ad-based vectors in Pompe disease patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D P W Rastall
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - S S Seregin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Y A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - L M Kaiser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - C Mullins
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Liou
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - F Ing
- Keck School of Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - C Pereria-Hicks
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - S Godbehere-Roosa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - D Palmer
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - P Ng
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Alyaqoub FS, Aldhamen YA, Koestler BJ, Bruger EL, Seregin SS, Pereira-Hicks C, Godbehere S, Waters CM, Amalfitano A. In Vivo Synthesis of Cyclic-di-GMP Using a Recombinant Adenovirus Preferentially Improves Adaptive Immune Responses against Extracellular Antigens. J Immunol 2016; 196:1741-52. [PMID: 26792800 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There is a compelling need for more effective vaccine adjuvants to augment induction of Ag-specific adaptive immune responses. Recent reports suggested the bacterial second messenger bis-(3'-5')-cyclic-dimeric-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) acts as an innate immune system modulator. We recently incorporated a Vibrio cholerae diguanylate cyclase into an adenovirus vaccine, fostering production of c-di-GMP as well as proinflammatory responses in mice. In this study, we recombined a more potent diguanylate cyclase gene, VCA0848, into a nonreplicating adenovirus serotype 5 (AdVCA0848) that produces elevated amounts of c-di-GMP when expressed in mammalian cells in vivo. This novel platform further improved induction of type I IFN-β and activation of innate and adaptive immune cells early after administration into mice as compared with control vectors. Coadministration of the extracellular protein OVA and the AdVCA0848 adjuvant significantly improved OVA-specific T cell responses as detected by IFN-γ and IL-2 ELISPOT, while also improving OVA-specific humoral B cell adaptive responses. In addition, we found that coadministration of AdVCA0848 with another adenovirus serotype 5 vector expressing the HIV-1-derived Gag Ag or the Clostridium difficile-derived toxin B resulted in significant inhibitory effects on the induction of Gag and toxin B-specific adaptive immune responses. As a proof of principle, these data confirm that in vivo synthesis of c-di-GMP stimulates strong innate immune responses that correlate with enhanced adaptive immune responses to concomitantly administered extracellular Ag, which can be used as an adjuvant to heighten effective immune responses for protein-based vaccine platforms against microbial infections and cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fadel S Alyaqoub
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Benjamin J Koestler
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; and
| | - Eric L Bruger
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; and
| | - Sergey S Seregin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Cristiane Pereira-Hicks
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Christopher M Waters
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; and
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; Department of Pediatrics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Quiroga D, Aldhamen YA, Appledorn DM, Godbehere S, Amalfitano A. Strengthened tumor antigen immune recognition by inclusion of a recombinant Eimeria antigen in therapeutic cancer vaccination. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:479-91. [PMID: 25655760 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1659-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The need for novel, effective adjuvants that are capable of eliciting stronger cellular and humoral adaptive immune responses to antigenic targets is well understood in the vaccine development field. Unfortunately, many adjuvants investigated thus far are either too toxic for human application or too weak to induce a substantial response against difficult antigens, such as tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). In spite of this trend, clinical investigations of recombinant Eimeria antigen (rEA) have revealed this protein to be a non-toxic immunogenic agent with the ability to trigger a Th1-predominant response in both murine and human subjects. Our past studies have shown that the injection of a rEA-encoding adenovirus (rAd5-rEA) alongside an HIV antigen-encoding adenovirus greatly improves the adaptive immune response against this pathogen-derived transgene. In this report, we investigated whether rAd5-rEA could promote and/or alter cytotoxic memory responses toward carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a colorectal cancer-related TAA. We found that the addition of rAd5-rEA to an Ad-based CEA vaccine induced a dose-dependent increase in several anti-CEA T and B cell responses. Moreover, inclusion of rAd5-rEA increased the number of CEA-derived antigenic epitopes that elicited significant cell-mediated and IgG-mediated recognition. These enhanced anti-CEA immune responses also translated into superior CEA-targeted cell killing, as evaluated by an in vivo cytotoxic T lymphocyte assay. Overall, these results suggest that co-administration of rAd5-rEA with a tumor antigen vaccine can substantially boost and broaden the TAA-specific adaptive memory response, thereby validating the potential of rAd5-rEA to be a beneficial adjuvant during therapeutic cancer vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dionisia Quiroga
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, 4194 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Aldhamen YA, Pepelyayeva Y, Rastall DPW, Seregin SS, Zervoudi E, Koumantou D, Aylsworth CF, Quiroga D, Godbehere S, Georgiadis D, Stratikos E, Amalfitano A. Autoimmune disease-associated variants of extracellular endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 induce altered innate immune responses by human immune cells. J Innate Immun 2015; 7:275-89. [PMID: 25591727 DOI: 10.1159/000368899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) gene polymorphisms have been linked to several autoimmune diseases; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations are not well understood. Recently, we demonstrated that ERAP1 regulates key aspects of the innate immune response. Previous studies show ERAP1 to be endoplasmic reticulum-localized and secreted during inflammation. Herein, we investigate the possible roles that ERAP1 polymorphic variants may have in modulating the innate immune responses of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) using two experimental methods: extracellular exposure of hPBMCs to ERAP1 variants and adenovirus (Ad)-based ERAP1 expression. We found that exposure of hPBMCs to ERAP1 variant proteins as well as ERAP1 overexpression by Ad5 vectors increased inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, and enhanced immune cell activation. Investigating the molecular mechanisms behind these responses revealed that ERAP1 is able to activate innate immunity via multiple pathways, including the NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor, pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome. Importantly, these responses varied if autoimmune disease-associated variants of ERAP1 were examined in the assay systems. Unexpectedly, blocking ERAP1 cellular internalization augmented IL-1β production. To our knowledge, this is the first report identifying ERAP1 as being involved in modulating innate responses of human immune cells, a finding that may explain why ERAP1 has been genetically associated with several autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Koestler BJ, Seregin SS, Rastall DPW, Aldhamen YA, Godbehere S, Amalfitano A, Waters CM. Stimulation of innate immunity by in vivo cyclic di-GMP synthesis using adenovirus. Clin Vaccine Immunol 2014; 21:1550-9. [PMID: 25230938 PMCID: PMC4248757 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00471-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) stimulates inflammation by initiating innate immune cell recruitment and triggering the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. These properties make c-di-GMP a promising candidate for use as a vaccine adjuvant, and numerous studies have demonstrated that administration of purified c-di-GMP with different antigens increases protection against infection in animal models. Here, we have developed a novel approach to produce c-di-GMP inside host cells as an adjuvant to exploit a host-pathogen interaction and initiate an innate immune response. We have demonstrated that c-di-GMP can be synthesized in vivo by transducing a diguanylate cyclase (DGC) gene into mammalian cells using an adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vector. Expression of DGC led to the production of c-di-GMP in vitro and in vivo, and this was able to alter proinflammatory gene expression in murine tissues and increase the secretion of numerous cytokines and chemokines when administered to animals. Furthermore, coexpression of DGC modestly increased T-cell responses to a Clostridium difficile antigen expressed from an adenovirus vaccine, although no significant differences in antibody titers were observed. This adenovirus c-di-GMP delivery system offers a novel method to administer c-di-GMP as an adjuvant to stimulate innate immunity during vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Koestler
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Sergey S Seregin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - David P W Rastall
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Christopher M Waters
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA The BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rastall DPW, Aldhamen YA, Seregin SS, Godbehere S, Amalfitano A. ERAP1 functions override the intrinsic selection of specific antigens as immunodominant peptides, thereby altering the potency of antigen-specific cytolytic and effector memory T-cell responses. Int Immunol 2014; 26:685-95. [PMID: 25087231 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxu078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) is a critical component of the adaptive immune system that has been shown to increase or decrease the presentation of specific peptides on MHC class I molecules. Here, we have demonstrated that ERAP1 functions are not only important during the presentation of antigen-derived peptides, but these functions can also completely change which antigen-derived peptides ultimately become selected as immunodominant T-cell epitopes. Our results suggest that ERAP1 may do this by destroying epitopes that would otherwise become immunodominant in the absence of adequate ERAP1 functionality. We further establish that ERAP1-mediated influences on T-cell functions are both qualitative and quantitative, by demonstrating that loss of ERAP1 function redirects CTL killing toward a different set of antigen-derived epitopes and increases the percent of antigen-specific memory T cells elicited by antigen exposure. As a result, our studies suggest that normal ERAP1 activity can act to suppress the numbers of T effector memory cells that respond to a given antigen. This unique finding may shed light on why certain ERAP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with several autoimmune diseases, for example, by significantly altering the robustness and quality of CD8+ T-cell memory responses to antigen-derived peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David P W Rastall
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sergey S Seregin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Aldhamen YA, Seregin SS, Aylsworth CF, Godbehere S, Amalfitano A. Manipulation of EAT-2 expression promotes induction of multiple beneficial regulatory and effector functions of the human innate immune system as a novel immunomodulatory strategy. Int Immunol 2013; 26:291-303. [PMID: 24374770 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxt061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) receptor-associated adaptor Ewing's sarcoma-associated transcript-2 (EAT-2) is primarily expressed in innate immune cells including dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages and NK cells. A recent human HIV vaccine study confirmed that EAT-2 expression was associated with the enhanced immunogenicity induced by the MRKAd5/HIV vaccine. We previously harnessed the capability of EAT-2 to modulate signaling mediated by SLAM receptors and demonstrated that by incorporating EAT-2 expression into vaccines, one could enhance innate and adaptive immune responses in mice, even in the face of pre-existing immunity to the vaccine vectors. Herein, we investigated the innate immune responses of human cells exposed to EAT-2-over-expressing vaccines. Our results demonstrate that EAT-2 over-expression can significantly alter the kinetics of critical pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine responses elaborated by human PBMCs. In addition, enhanced DC maturation and increased monocyte phagocytosis were observed in EAT-2-transduced human cells. We also found that EAT-2 over-expression improved antigen presentation by human cells. Moreover, EAT-2 over-expression increased the anti-tumor activity of human NK cells against K562 tumor cell targets. Many of these responses were extinguished with use of an EAT-2 variant carrying a mutant SH2 domain (R31Q), suggesting a critical role for the interaction between EAT-2 and SLAM receptors in mediating these responses. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that EAT-2 interacts with key components of multiple arms of the human innate immune system, and that this role highlights the potential for targeting EAT-2 functions so as to improve a number of human immunotherapeutic approaches, including vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Aylsworth CF, Aldhamen YA, Seregin SS, Godbehere S, Amalfitano A. Activation of human natural killer cells by the novel innate immune modulator recombinant Eimeria antigen. Hum Immunol 2013; 74:916-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2013.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 03/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
22
|
Aldhamen YA, Seregin SS, Rastall DPW, Aylsworth CF, Pepelyayeva Y, Busuito CJ, Godbehere-Roosa S, Kim S, Amalfitano A. Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase-1 functions regulate key aspects of the innate immune response. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69539. [PMID: 23894499 PMCID: PMC3722114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase-1 (ERAP1) is a multifunctional, ubiquitously expressed enzyme whose peptide-trimming role during antigen processing for presentation by MHC I molecules is well established, however, a role for ERAP1 in modulating global innate immune responses has not been described to date. Here we demonstrate that, relative to wild type mice, mice lacking ERAP1 exhibit exaggerated innate immune responses early during pathogen recognition, as characterized by increased activation of splenic and hepatic NK and NKT cells and enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL12 and MCP1. Our data also revealed that ERAP1 is playing a critical role in NK cell development and function. We observed higher frequencies of terminally matured NK cells, as well as higher frequencies of licensed NK cells (expressing the Ly49C and Ly49I receptors) in ERAP1-KO mice, results that positively correlated with an enhanced NK activation and IFNγ production by ERAP1-KO mice challenged with pro-inflammatory stimuli. Furthermore, during pathogen recognition, ERAP1 regulates IL12 production by CD11c(+) DCs specifically, with increases in IL12 production positively correlated with an increased phagocytic activity of splenic DCs and macrophages. Collectively, our results demonstrate a previously unrecognized, more central role for the ERAP1 protein in modulating several aspects of both the development of the innate immune system, and its responses during the initial stages of pathogen recognition. Such a role may explain why ERAP1 has been implicated by GWAS in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases that may be precipitated by aberrant responses to pathogen encounters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasser A. Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sergey S. Seregin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - David P. W. Rastall
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Charles F. Aylsworth
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Yuliya Pepelyayeva
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Christopher J. Busuito
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sarah Godbehere-Roosa
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Schuldt NJ, Aldhamen YA, Godbehere-Roosa S, Seregin SS, Kousa YA, Amalfitano A. Immunogenicity when utilizing adenovirus serotype 4 and 5 vaccines expressing circumsporozoite protein in naïve and adenovirus (Ad5) immune mice. Malar J 2012; 11:209. [PMID: 22720732 PMCID: PMC3472263 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Induction of potent long lasting effector T cell responses against liver stage malaria antigens strongly correlates with protection from malaria. While Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) based malaria vaccine platforms have the ability to induce potent effector T cell responses against transgenes, high rates of pre-existing Ad5 immunity in malaria endemic regions has prompted study of alternative Ad serotype based malaria vaccines as replacements for Ad5 based malaria vaccines. The research described in this article examines the utility of alternative serotype adenovirus serotype 4 (Ad4) expressing a sporozoite surface protein (circumsporozoite protein (CSP)) (Ad4-CSP) to induce immune responses against CSP. The immunogenicity of Ad4-CSP was also tested in homologous and heterologous prime boost vaccinations in both Ad5 naïve and Ad5 immune backgrounds as compared to use of Ad5-CSP. Results In Ad5 naïve animals, use of Ad4-CSP priming vaccinations followed by boosting with Ad5-CSP (Ad4-CSP/Ad5-CSP) maximally increased the numbers of CSP specific cytokine secreting cytotoxic T cells relative to repeated use of Ad5-CSP. The Ad4-CSP/Ad5-CSP regimen also induced equivalent levels of CSP specific cell killing as did homologous prime-boost vaccinations with Ad5-CSP, despite stimulating lower numbers of CSP specific cytotoxic T cells. Priming with Ad4-CSP followed by a homologous boost resulted in significantly less CSP specific humoral responses than any other vaccination regimen tested in Ad naïve animals. In Ad5 immune animals, addition of Ad4-CSP in homologous or heterologous prime boost resulted in inductions of higher CSP specific responses than animals repeatedly vaccinated with Ad5-CSP alone. However, the observed responses were well below those observed in similarly treated Ad naïve mice. Conclusions While the Ad4-CSP/Ad5-CSP and Ad5-CSP/Ad5-CSP vaccination regimens resulted in equivalent CSP specific killing in Ad naïve animals, Ad4-CSP/Ad5-CSP achieved this result with a lower percentage of CSP specific CD8+ T cells and a higher number of IFNγ secreting cells, suggesting that the Ad4-CSP/Ad5-CSP vaccination regimen elicits more efficient cytotoxic T cells. In Ad5 immune animals use of Ad4-CSP improved CSP specific immune responses as compared to repeated use of Ad5-CSP, but could not achieve the levels of immunogenicity observed when the same vaccine regimens were used in Ad naïve animals. These data indicate the existence of some level of immunological cross-reactivity between these two adenovirus subgroups. Based on these results, it is suggested that future studies should undertake similarly stringent analyses of alternative Ad serotypes to establish their effectiveness as replacements for Ad5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel J Schuldt
- Genetics Program, Michigan State University, 2240 E Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Seregin SS, Aldhamen YA, Rastall DPW, Godbehere S, Amalfitano A. Adenovirus-based vaccination against Clostridium difficile toxin A allows for rapid humoral immunity and complete protection from toxin A lethal challenge in mice. Vaccine 2011; 30:1492-501. [PMID: 22200503 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.12.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) is a critical public health problem worldwide with over 300,000 cases every year in the United States alone. Clearly, a potent vaccine preventing the morbidity and mortality caused by this detrimental pathogen is urgently required. However, vaccine efforts to combat C. difficile infections have been limited both in scope as well as to efficacy, as such there is not a vaccine approved for use against C. difficile to date. In this study, we have used a highly potent Adenovirus (Ad) based platform to create a vaccine against C. difficile. The Ad-based vaccine was able to generate rapid and robust humoral as well as cellular (T-cell) immune responses in mice that correlated with provision of 100% protection from lethal challenge with C. difficile toxin A. Most relevant to the clinical utility of this vaccine formulation was our result that toxin A specific IgGs were readily detected in plasma of Ad immunized mice as early as 3 days post vaccination. In addition, we found that several major immuno-dominant T cell epitopes were identified in toxin A, suggesting that the role of the cellular arm in protection from C. difficile infections may be more significant than previously appreciated. Therefore, our studies confirm that an Adenovirus based-C. difficile vaccine could be a promising candidate for prophylactic vaccination both for use in high risk patients and in high-risk environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey S Seregin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Schuldt NJ, Aldhamen YA, Appledorn DM, Seregin SS, Kousa Y, Godbehere S, Amalfitano A. Vaccine platforms combining circumsporozoite protein and potent immune modulators, rEA or EAT-2, paradoxically result in opposing immune responses. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24147. [PMID: 21912619 PMCID: PMC3166157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria greatly impacts the health and wellbeing of over half of the world's population. Promising malaria vaccine candidates have attempted to induce adaptive immune responses to Circumsporozoite (CS) protein. Despite the inclusion of potent adjuvants, these vaccines have limited protective efficacy. Conventional recombinant adenovirus (rAd) based vaccines expressing CS protein can induce CS protein specific immune responses, but these are essentially equivalent to those generated after use of the CS protein subunit based vaccines. In this study we combined the use of rAds expressing CS protein along with rAds expressing novel innate immune response modulating proteins in an attempt to significantly improve the induction of CS protein specific cell mediated immune (CMI) responses. Methods and Findings BALB/cJ mice were co-vaccinated with a rAd vectors expressing CS protein simultaneous with a rAd expressing either TLR agonist (rEA) or SLAM receptors adaptor protein (EAT-2). Paradoxically, expression of the TLR agonist uncovered a potent immunosuppressive activity inherent to the combined expression of the CS protein and rEA. Fortunately, use of the rAd vaccine expressing EAT-2 circumvented CS protein's suppressive activity, and generated a fivefold increase in the number of CS protein responsive, IFNγ secreting splenocytes, as well as increased the breadth of T cells responsive to peptides present in the CS protein. These improvements were positively correlated with the induction of a fourfold improvement in CS protein specific CTL functional activity in vivo. Conclusion Our results emphasize the need for caution when incorporating CS protein into malaria vaccine platforms expressing or containing other immunostimulatory compounds, as the immunological outcomes may be unanticipated and/or counter-productive. However, expressing the SLAM receptors derived signaling adaptor EAT-2 at the same time of vaccination with CS protein can overcome these concerns, as well as significantly improve the induction of malaria antigen specific adaptive immune responses in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel J. Schuldt
- Genetics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Yasser A. Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Daniel M. Appledorn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sergey S. Seregin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Youssef Kousa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Genetics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Seregin SS, Aldhamen YA, Appledorn DM, Aylsworth CF, Godbehere S, Liu CJJ, Quiroga D, Amalfitano A. TRIF is a critical negative regulator of TLR agonist mediated activation of dendritic cells in vivo. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22064. [PMID: 21760953 PMCID: PMC3132756 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in developing and licensing adjuvants, there is a great need for more potent formulations to enhance immunogenicity of vaccines. An Eimeria tenella derived antigen (rEA) augments immune responses against several pathogens in animal models and recently was confirmed to be safe for human use. In this study, we have analyzed the molecular mechanisms underlying rEA activity in mice, and confirmed that rEA activates multiple immune cell types, including DCs, macrophages, NK, B, and T cells. The rEA adjuvant also elicits the induction of pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokines, responses that completely depend upon the presence of the TLR adaptor protein MyD88. Surprisingly, we also found that the TRIF adaptor protein acts as a potent negative regulator of TLR agonist-triggered immune responses. For example, IL12 production and the induction of co-stimulatory molecule expression by DCs and IFNγ production by NK cells in vivo were significantly increased in rEA-treated TRIF-KO mice. Importantly, however, TRIF suppressive effects were not restricted to rEA-mediated responses, but were apparent in LPS- or ODN2006-activated DCs as well. Taken together, our findings confirm that rEA is a potent adjuvant, triggering robust activation of the innate immune system, in a manner that is augmented by MyD88 and inhibited by TRIF; thereby unveiling the potential complexities of modulating TLR activity to augment vaccine efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey S. Seregin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Yasser A. Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Daniel M. Appledorn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Charles F. Aylsworth
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Chyong-Jy Joyce Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Dionisia Quiroga
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Seregin SS, Aldhamen YA, Appledorn DM, Zehnder J, Voss T, Godbehere S, Amalfitano A. Use of DAF-displaying adenovirus vectors reduces induction of transgene- and vector-specific adaptive immune responses in mice. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:1083-94. [PMID: 21388344 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenovirus (Ad)-based vectors are attractive candidates for a variety of gene-transfer applications. In this study, we found that decay-accelerating factor (DAF)-displaying Ads induce significantly decreased cellular immune responses to transgenes expressed from the vectors in both Ad5-naive and Ad5-immune mice. Specifically, we found a diminished ability of splenocytes to secrete interferon-γ after recall exposure to multiple peptides derived from antigens expressed by DAF-displaying Ads. We also confirmed that DAF-displaying Ads induce decreased numbers of antigen-specific, CD8(+) effector memory and central memory CD8(+) T cells, thereby uncovering a unique role of complement in modulating the induction of robust memory T-cell responses. We also confirmed that DAF-displaying Ads generate significantly reduced titers of Ad capsid-specific neutralizing antibodies after gene transfer in vivo. In conclusion, DAF-displaying Ad5-based vectors exhibit decreased induction of complement-dependent, innate immune responses, resulting in both an improved safety profile and a decreased propensity to induce humoral and cellular adaptive immune responses to Ad capsid proteins and Ad vector-expressed transgene products. This attractive combination of features will be beneficial in a variety of clinically relevant gene-transfer applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey S Seregin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Aldhamen YA, Appledorn DM, Seregin SS, Liu CJJ, Schuldt NJ, Godbehere S, Amalfitano A. Expression of the SLAM family of receptors adapter EAT-2 as a novel strategy for enhancing beneficial immune responses to vaccine antigens. J Immunol 2010; 186:722-32. [PMID: 21149608 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1002105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that activation of the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family of receptors plays an important role in several aspects of immune regulation. However, translation of this knowledge into a useful clinical application has not been undertaken. One important area where SLAM-mediated immune regulation may have keen importance is in the field of vaccinology. Because SLAM signaling plays such a critical role in the innate and adaptive immunity, we endeavored to develop a strategy to improve the efficacy of vaccines by incorporation of proteins known to be important in SLAM-mediated signaling. In this study, we hypothesized that coexpression of the SLAM adapter EWS-FLI1-activated transcript 2 (EAT-2) along with a pathogen-derived Ag would facilitate induction of beneficial innate immune responses, resulting in improved induction of Ag-specific adaptive immune responses. To test this hypothesis, we used rAd5 vector-based vaccines expressing murine EAT-2, or the HIV-1-derived Ag Gag. Compared with appropriate controls, rAd5 vectors expressing EAT-2 facilitated bystander activation of NK, NKT, B, and T cells early after their administration into animals. EAT-2 overexpression also augments the expression of APC (macrophages and dendritic cells) surface markers. Indeed, this multitiered activation of the innate immune system by vaccine-mediated EAT-2 expression enhanced the induction of Ag-specific cellular immune responses. Because both mice and humans express highly conserved EAT-2 adapters, our results suggest that human vaccination strategies that specifically facilitate SLAM signaling may improve vaccine potency when targeting HIV Ags specifically, as well as numerous other vaccine targets in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasser A Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Appledorn DM, Aldhamen YA, DePas W, Seregin SS, Liu CJJ, Schuldt N, Quach D, Quiroga D, Godbehere S, Zlatkin I, Kim S, McCormick JJ, Amalfitano A. A new adenovirus based vaccine vector expressing an Eimeria tenella derived TLR agonist improves cellular immune responses to an antigenic target. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9579. [PMID: 20221448 PMCID: PMC2833191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 02/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adenoviral based vectors remain promising vaccine platforms for use against numerous pathogens, including HIV. Recent vaccine trials utilizing Adenovirus based vaccines expressing HIV antigens confirmed induction of cellular immune responses, but these responses failed to prevent HIV infections in vaccinees. This illustrates the need to develop vaccine formulations capable of generating more potent T-cell responses to HIV antigens, such as HIV-Gag, since robust immune responses to this antigen correlate with improved outcomes in long-term non-progressor HIV infected individuals. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study we designed a novel vaccine strategy utilizing an Ad-based vector expressing a potent TLR agonist derived from Eimeria tenella as an adjuvant to improve immune responses from a [E1-]Ad-based HIV-Gag vaccine. Our results confirm that expression of rEA elicits significantly increased TLR mediated innate immune responses as measured by the influx of plasma cytokines and chemokines, and activation of innate immune responding cells. Furthermore, our data show that the quantity and quality of HIV-Gag specific CD8+ and CD8− T-cell responses were significantly improved when coupled with rEA expression. These responses also correlated with a significantly increased number of HIV-Gag derived epitopes being recognized by host T cells. Finally, functional assays confirmed that rEA expression significantly improved antigen specific CTL responses, in vivo. Moreover, we show that these improved responses were dependent upon improved TLR pathway interactions. Conclusion/Significance The data presented in this study illustrate the potential utility of Ad-based vectors expressing TLR agonists to improve clinical outcomes dependent upon induction of robust, antigen specific immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Appledorn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Yasser A. Aldhamen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - William DePas
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sergey S. Seregin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Chyong-Jy J. Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Nathan Schuldt
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Darin Quach
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Dionisia Quiroga
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sarah Godbehere
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Igor Zlatkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - J. Justin McCormick
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrea Amalfitano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Seregin SS, Aldhamen YA, Appledorn DM, Schuldt NJ, McBride AJ, Bujold M, Godbehere SS, Amalfitano A. CR1/2 is an important suppressor of Adenovirus-induced innate immune responses and is required for induction of neutralizing antibodies. Gene Ther 2009; 16:1245-59. [PMID: 19554032 PMCID: PMC4039027 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2009.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Human complement receptors 1 and 2 are well described as important regulators of innate and adaptive immune responses, having pivotal roles in regulating complement activation (CR1) and B cell maturation/survival. In contrast, the role of the murine homologues of CR1 and CR2 (mCR1/2) have been primarily defined as modulating activation of the adaptive immune system, with very little evidence available about the role of mCR1/2 in regulating the innate immune responses to pathogens. In this manuscript, we confirm that mCR1/2 plays an important role in regulating both the innate and adaptive immune responses noted after Adenovirus (Ad) mediated gene transfer. Our results uncovered a novel role of mCR1/2 in down-regulating several, complement dependent innate immune responses. We also unveiled the mechanism underlying the complement dependent induction of neutralizing antibodies to Ad capsids as a CR1/2 dependent phenomenon that correlates with B-cell activation. These results confirm that Ad interactions with the complement system are pivotal in understanding how to maximize the safety or potency of Ad mediated gene transfer for both gene therapy and vaccine applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S S Seregin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|