Common Gamma Chain Research Articles

Oral Norovirus Infection Is Blocked in Mice Lacking Peyer's Patches and Mature M Cells.

A critical early step in murine norovirus (MNV) pathogenesis is crossing the intestinal epithelial barrier to reach the target cells for replication, i.e., macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells. Our previous work showed that MNV replication decreases in the intestines of mice conditionally depleted of microfold (M) cells. To define the importance of Peyer's patch (PP) M cells during MNV pathogenesis, we used a model of BALB/c mice deficient in recombination-activating gene 2 (Rag2) and the common gamma chain (γc) (Rag-γc(-/-)), which lack gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT), such as Peyer's patches, and mature GP2(+) M cells. Rag-γc(-/-) mice were infected intraperitoneally or perorally with MNV-1 or CR3 for 24 or 72 h. Although the intestinal laminae propriae of Rag-γc(-/-) mice have a higher frequency of certain MNV target cells (dendritic cells and macrophages) than those of wild-type mice and lack others (B cells), Rag-γc(-/-) and wild-type BALB/c mice showed relatively similar viral loads in the intestine following infection by the intraperitoneal route, which provides direct access to target cells. However, Rag-γc(-/-) mice were not productively infected with MNV by the oral route, in which virions must cross the intestinal epithelial barrier. These data are consistent with a model whereby PP M cells are the primary route by which MNV crosses the intestinal epithelia of BALB/c mice. Noroviruses (NoVs) are prevalent pathogens that infect their hosts via the intestine. Identifying key factors during the initial stages of virus infection in the host may provide novel points of intervention. Microfold (M) cells, antigen-sampling cells in the intestine, were previously shown to provide a gateway for murine NoV (MNV) into the host, but the relative importance of this uptake pathway remained unknown. Here we show that the absence of gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT), such as Peyer's patches, which contain high numbers of mature M cells, renders BALB/c mice refractory to oral infection with MNV. These findings are consistent with the model that M cells represent the primary route by which MNV crosses the intestinal epithelial barrier and infects underlying immune cells during a productive infection.

Murine germinal center B cells require functional Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 signaling for IgG1 class-switch recombination

Switched antibody classes are important for efficient immune responses. Aberrant antibody production to otherwise harmless antigens may result in autoimmunity. The protein kinase fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 receptor (Flt3) has an important role during early B-cell development, but the role of Flt3 in peripheral B cells has not been assessed before. Herein we describe a previously unappreciated role for Flt3 in IgG1 class-switch recombination (CSR) and production. We show that Flt3 is reexpressed on B-cell lymphoma 6(+) germinal center B cells in vivo and following LPS activation of peripheral B cells in vitro. Absence of Flt3 signaling in Flt3 ligand-deficient mice results in impaired IgG1 CSR and accumulation of IgM-secreting plasma cells. On activated B cells, Flt3 is coexpressed and functions in synergy with the common-gamma chain receptor family. B cells from Flt3 ligand-deficient mice have impaired IL-4R signaling, with reduced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) 6, and demonstrate a failure to initiate CSR to IgG1 with low expression of γ1 germ-line transcripts, resulting in impaired IgG1 production. Thus, functional synergy between Flt3 and IL-4R signaling is critical for Stat-mediated regulation of sterile γ1 germ-line transcripts and CSR to IgG1.

NK Cell Proliferation Induced by IL-15 Transpresentation Is Negatively Regulated by Inhibitory Receptors.

IL-15 bound to the IL-15Rα-chain (IL-15Rα) is presented in trans to cells bearing the IL-2Rβ-chain and common γ-chain. As IL-15 transpresentation occurs in the context of cell-to-cell contacts, it has the potential for regulation by and of other receptor-ligand interactions. In this study, human NK cells were tested for the sensitivity of IL-15 transpresentation to inhibitory receptors. Human cells expressing HLA class I ligands for inhibitory receptors KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2/3, or CD94-NKG2A were transfected with IL-15Rα. Proliferation of primary NK cells in response to transpresented IL-15 was reduced by engagement of either KIR2DL1 or KIR2DL2/3 by cognate HLA-C ligands. Inhibitory KIR-HLA-C interactions did not reduce the proliferation induced by soluble IL-15. Therefore, transpresentation of IL-15 is subject to downregulation by MHC class I-specific inhibitory receptors. Similarly, proliferation of the NKG2A(+) cell line NKL induced by IL-15 transpresentation was inhibited by HLA-E. Coengagement of inhibitory receptors, either KIR2DL1 or CD94-NKG2A, did not inhibit phosphorylation of Stat5 but inhibited selectively phosphorylation of Akt and S6 ribosomal protein. IL-15Rα was not excluded from, but was evenly distributed across, inhibitory synapses. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism to attenuate IL-15-dependent NK cell proliferation and suggest that inhibitory NK cell receptors contribute to NK cell homeostasis.

Concurrent Mutations in ATM and Genes Associated with Common γ Chain Signaling in Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma.

Peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a heterogeneous malignancy with poor response to current therapeutic strategies and incompletely characterized genetics. We conducted whole exome sequencing of matched PTCL and non-malignant samples from 12 patients, spanning 8 subtypes, to identify potential oncogenic mutations in PTCL. Analysis of the mutations identified using computational algorithms, CHASM, PolyPhen2, PROVEAN, and MutationAssessor to predict the impact of these mutations on protein function and PTCL tumorigenesis, revealed 104 somatic mutations that were selected as high impact by all four algorithms. Our analysis identified recurrent somatic missense or nonsense mutations in 70 genes, 9 of which contained mutations predicted significant by all 4 algorithms: ATM, RUNX1T1, WDR17, NTRK3, TP53, TRMT12, CACNA2D1, INTS8, and KCNH8. We observed somatic mutations in ATM (ataxia telangiectasia-mutated) in 5 out of the 12 samples and mutations in the common gamma chain (γc) signaling pathway (JAK3, IL2RG, STAT5B) in 3 samples, all of which also harbored mutations in ATM. Our findings contribute insights into the genetics of PTCL and suggest a relationship between γc signaling and ATM in T cell malignancy.

Intratumoral IL-15 potentiates radiation-induced anti-tumor immunity

Radiotherapy (RT) can induce T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses by multiple mechanisms but is often unable to overcome immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. The common gamma-chain cytokines interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-15 promote the proliferation of activated T cells and, therefore, are prime agents for immunotherapy strategies aimed at sustaining anti-tumor T cell responses. The benefits of high dose IL-2, however, are undermined by serious toxicity and by regulatory T cell (Treg) stimulation. In contrast, IL-15 is well-tolerated and lacks Treg stimulatory activity, making it an attractive candidate for testing in combination with RT. Here we tested the hypothesis that IL-15 strengthens the pro-immunogenic effect of local RT to potentiate a durable anti-tumor immune response. The poorly immunogenic mouse TSA breast cancer cells were implanted s.c. in syngeneic BALB/c mice and randomly assigned to one of 4 treatment groups when tumors reached 5mm average diameters: control, RT, IL-15 or RT+IL-15. RT was delivered locally in 8 Gy fractions on days 13, 14 and 15. IL-15 (2 μg/mouse) was administered s.c. peritumorally daily for 10 days starting on day 12. Mice were followed for tumor growth. A parallel experiment was done to characterize tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) at the end of treatment (day 22). Low dose IL-15 given peritumorally as a monotherapy induced marginal tumor growth control and had no effect on survival (median survival = 45 days compared to 76 days for control). Local RT significantly delayed tumor growth (p < 0.05 compared to control) and improved survival (median= 76 days, p < 0.05). However, highest survival advantage was seen in mice given IL-15+RT (median=102 days, p < 0.05 compared to all groups) with 1 of 6 mice showing complete tumor rejection and development of anamnestic response against tumor re-challenge. Analysis of TILs showed marked infiltration of CD8+ T cells expressing activation marker CD137 (35.3% in RT+IL-15 vs 5.9% in control, p < 0.05) while the increase was modest with either monotherapy (18.8% in RT, 20.7% in IL-15, p < 0.05 compared to control). In addition, we found a significant increase in the ratio of effector CD4+ T cells to Tregs (2.5 in RT+IL-15 versus 0.78 in control, p < 0.05) whereas monotherapy had no effect (1.14 in RT, 0.96 in IL-15). Overall these results support the rational combination of low dose intratumoral IL-15 with local RT to re-awaken immunity against poorly immunogenic tumors. We are currently elucidating the mechanisms involved in pre-clinical models in preparation for future testing in patients.

HIV-1 Vpr- and Reverse Transcription-Induced Apoptosis in Resting Peripheral Blood CD4 T Cells and Protection by Common Gamma-Chain Cytokines.

HIV-1 infection leads to the progressive depletion of the CD4 T cell compartment by various known and unknown mechanisms. In vivo, HIV-1 infects both activated and resting CD4 T cells, but in vitro, in the absence of any stimuli, resting CD4 T cells from peripheral blood are resistant to infection. This resistance is generally attributed to an intracellular environment that does not efficiently support processes such as reverse transcription (RT), resulting in abortive infection. Here, we show that in vitro HIV-1 infection of resting CD4 T cells induces substantial cell death, leading to abortive infection. In vivo, however, various microenvironmental stimuli in lymphoid and mucosal tissues provide support for HIV-1 replication. For example, common gamma-chain cytokines (CGCC), such as interleukin-7 (IL-7), render resting CD4 T cells permissible to HIV-1 infection without inducing T cell activation. Here, we find that CGCC primarily allow productive infection by preventing HIV-1 triggering of apoptosis, as evidenced by early release of cytochrome c and caspase 3/7 activation. Cell death is triggered both by products of reverse transcription and by virion-borne Vpr protein, and CGCC block both mechanisms. When HIV-1 RT efficiency was enhanced by SIVmac239 Vpx protein, cell death was still observed, indicating that the speed of reverse transcription and the efficiency of its completion contributed little to HIV-1-induced cell death in this system. These results show that a major restriction on HIV-1 infection in resting CD4 T cells resides in the capacity of these cells to survive the early steps of HIV-1 infection. A major consequence of HIV-1 infection is the destruction of CD4 T cells. Here, we show that delivery of virion-associated Vpr protein and the process of reverse transcription are each sufficient to trigger apoptosis of resting CD4 T cells isolated from peripheral blood. While these 2 mechanisms have been previously described in various cell types, we show for the first time their concerted effect in inducing resting CD4 T cell depletion. Importantly, we found that cytokines such as IL-7 and IL-4, which are particularly active in sites of HIV-1 replication, protect resting CD4 T cells from these cytopathic effects and, primarily through this protection, rather than through enhancement of specific replicative steps, they promote productive infection. This study provides important new insights for the understanding of the early steps of HIV-1 infection and T cell depletion.

Distinct Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)-associated Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3) Mutants Exhibit Different Cytokine-Receptor Requirements and JAK Inhibitor Specificities

JAK1 and JAK3 are recurrently mutated in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These tyrosine kinases associate with heterodimeric cytokine receptors such as IL-7 receptor or IL-9 receptor, in which JAK1 is appended to the specific chain, and JAK3 is appended to the common gamma chain. Here, we studied the role of these receptor complexes in mediating the oncogenic activity of JAK3 mutants. Although JAK3(V674A) and the majority of other JAK3 mutants needed to bind to a functional cytokine receptor complex to constitutively activate STAT5, JAK3(L857P) was unexpectedly found to not depend on such receptor complexes for its activity, which was induced without receptor or JAK1 co-expression. Introducing a mutation in the FERM domain that abolished JAK-receptor interaction did not affect JAK3(L857P) activity, whereas it inhibited the other receptor-dependent mutants. The same cytokine receptor independence as for JAK3(L857P) was observed for homologous Leu(857) mutations of JAK1 and JAK2 and for JAK3(L875H). This different cytokine receptor requirement correlated with different functional properties in vivo and with distinct sensitivity to JAK inhibitors. Transduction of murine hematopoietic cells with JAK3(V674A) led homogenously to lymphoblastic leukemias in BALB/c mice. In contrast, transduction with JAK3(L857P) induced various types of lymphoid and myeloid leukemias. Moreover, ruxolitinib, which preferentially blocks JAK1 and JAK2, abolished the proliferation of cells transformed by the receptor-dependent JAK3(V674A), yet proved much less potent on cells expressing JAK3(L857P). These particular cells were, in contrast, more sensitive to JAK3-specific inhibitors. Altogether, our results showed that different JAK3 mutations induce constitutive activation through distinct mechanisms, pointing to specific therapeutic perspectives.

The common γ-chain cytokine receptor: tricks-and-treats for T cells.

Originally identified as the third subunit of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor complex, the common γ-chain (γc) also acts as a non-redundant receptor subunit for a series of other cytokines, collectively known as γc family cytokines. γc plays essential roles in T cell development and differentiation, so that understanding the molecular basis of its signaling and regulation is a critical issue in T cell immunology. Unlike most other cytokine receptors, γc is thought to be constitutively expressed and limited in its function to the assembly of high-affinity cytokine receptors. Surprisingly, recent studies reported a series of findings that unseat γc as a simple housekeeping gene, and unveiled γc as a new regulatory molecule in T cell activation and differentiation. Cytokine-independent binding of γc to other cytokine receptor subunits suggested a pre-association model of γc with proprietary cytokine receptors. Also, identification of a γc splice isoform revealed expression of soluble γc proteins (sγc). sγc directly interacted with surface IL-2Rβ to suppress IL-2 signaling and to promote pro-inflammatory Th17 cell differentiation. As a result, endogenously produced sγc exacerbated autoimmune inflammatory disease, while the removal of endogenous sγc significantly ameliorated disease outcome. These data provide new insights into the role of both membrane and soluble γc in cytokine signaling, and open new venues to interfere and modulate γc signaling during immune activation. These unexpected discoveries further underscore the perspective that γc biology remains largely uncharted territory that invites further exploration.

Common γ-chain cytokine signaling is required for macroautophagy induction during CD4+ T-cell activation

Macroautophagy is a cellular process that mediates degradation in the lysosome of cytoplasmic components including proteins and organelles. Previous studies have shown that macroautophagy is induced in activated T cells to regulate organelle homeostasis and the cell's energy metabolism. However, the signaling pathways that initiate and regulate activation-induced macroautophagy in T cells have not been identified. Here, we show that activation-induced macroautophagy in T cells depends on signaling from common γ-chain cytokines. Consequently, inhibition of signaling through JAK3, induced downstream of cytokine receptors containing the common γ-chain, prevents full induction of macroautophagy in activated T cells. Moreover, we found that common γ-chain cytokines are not only required for macroautophagy upregulation during T cell activation but can themselves induce macroautophagy. Our data also show that macroautophagy induction in T cells is associated with an increase of LC3 expression that is mediated by a post-transcriptional mechanism. Overall, our findings unveiled a new role for common γ-chain cytokines as a molecular link between autophagy induction and T-cell activation.

Phenotypic changes in the brain of SIV-infected macaques exposed to methamphetamine parallel macrophage activation patterns induced by the common gamma-chain cytokine system.

One factor in the development of neuroAIDS is the increase in the migration of pro-inflammatory CD8 T cells across the blood–brain barrier. Typically these cells are involved with keeping the viral load down. However, the persistence of above average numbers of CD8 T cells in the brain, not necessarily specific to viral peptides, is facilitated by the upregulation of IL15 from astrocytes, in the absence of IL2, in the brain environment. Both IL15 and IL2 are common gamma chain (γc) cytokines. Here, using the non-human primate model of neuroAIDS, we have demonstrated that exposure to methamphetamine, a powerful illicit drug that has been associated with HIV exposure and neuroAIDS severity, can cause an increase in molecules of the γc system. Among these molecules, IL15, which is upregulated in astrocytes by methamphetamine, and that induces the proliferation of T cells, may also be involved in driving an inflammatory phenotype in innate immune cells of the brain. Therefore, methamphetamine and IL15 may be critical in the development and aggravation of central nervous system immune-mediated inflammatory pathology in HIV-infected drug abusers.

High treatment efficacy by dual targeting of Burkitt's lymphoma xenografted mice with a (177)Lu-based CD22-specific radioimmunoconjugate and rituximab.

Dual-targeted therapy has been shown to be a promising treatment option in recurrent and/or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL). We generated radioimmunoconjugates (RICs) comprising either a novel humanized anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody, huRFB4, or rituximab, and the low-energy β-emitter (177)Lu. Both RICs were evaluated as single agents in a human Burkitt's lymphoma xenograft mouse model. To increase the therapeutic efficacy of the anti-CD22 RIC, combination therapy with unlabelled anti-CD20 rituximab was explored. The binding activity of CHX-A″-DTPA-conjugated antibodies to target cells was analysed by flow cytometry. To assess tumour targeting of (177)Lu-labelled antibodies, in vivo biodistribution experiments were performed. For radioimmunotherapy (RIT) studies, non-obese diabetic recombination activating gene-1 (NOD-Rag1 (null) ) interleukin-2 receptor common gamma chain (IL2rγ (null) ) null mice (NRG mice) were xenografted subcutaneously with Raji Burkitt's lymphoma cells. (177)Lu-conjugated antibodies were administered at a single dose of 9.5MBq per mouse. For dual-targeted therapy, rituximab was injected at weekly intervals (0.5-1.0mg). Tumour accumulation of RICs was monitored by planar scintigraphy. Conjugation of CHX-A"-DTPA resulted in highly stable RICs with excellent antigen-binding properties. Biodistribution experiments revealed higher tumour uptake of the (177)Lu-labelled anti-CD22 IgG than of (177)Lu-labelled rituximab. Treatment with (177)Lu-conjugated huRFB4 resulted in increased tumour growth inhibition and significantly longer survival than treatment with (177)Lu-conjugated rituximab. The therapeutic efficacy of the anti-CD22 RIC could be markedly enhanced by combination with unlabelled rituximab. These findings suggest that dual targeting with (177)Lu-based CD22-specific RIT in combination with rituximab is a promising new treatment option for refractory B-NHL.

Vaccination Expands Antigen-Specific CD4+ Memory T Cells and Mobilizes Bystander Central Memory T Cells.

CD4+ T helper memory (Thmem) cells influence both natural and vaccine-boosted immunity, but mechanisms for their maintenance remain unclear. Pro-survival signals from the common gamma-chain cytokines, in particular IL-7, appear important. Previously we showed in healthy volunteers that a booster vaccination with tetanus toxoid (TT) expanded peripheral blood TT-specific Thmem cells as expected, but was accompanied by parallel increase of Thmem cells specific for two unrelated and non cross-reactive common recall antigens. Here, in a new cohort of healthy human subjects, we compare blood vaccine-specific and bystander Thmem cells in terms of differentiation stage, function, activation and proliferative status. Both responses peaked 1 week post-vaccination. Vaccine-specific cytokine-producing Thmem cells were predominantly effector memory, whereas bystander cells were mainly of central memory phenotype. Importantly, TT-specific Thmem cells were activated (CD38High HLA-DR+), cycling or recently divided (Ki-67+), and apparently vulnerable to death (IL-7RαLow and Bcl-2 Low). In contrast, bystander Thmem cells were resting (CD38Low HLA-DR- Ki-67-) with high expression of IL-7Rα and Bcl-2. These findings allow a clear distinction between vaccine-specific and bystander Thmem cells, suggesting the latter do not derive from recent proliferation but from cells mobilized from as yet undefined reservoirs. Furthermore, they reveal the interdependent dynamics of specific and bystander T-cell responses which will inform assessments of responses to vaccines.

NK cell modulation by JAK inhibition.

NK cells are innate immune effector cells recognizing and killing virus-infected or malignant cells [1]. NK cell function is tightly regulated by a complex balance between various activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors. In addition, several cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, IL-15 and IL-18) mediated via the JAK/STAT pathway are critical for NK cell development and activation. Thus it is tempting to speculate that the novel class of immune-modulatory compounds (i.e. the JAK inhibitors) are able to modify NK cell biology in vitro and in vivo. We recently support this idea by demonstrating that the first approved JAK1/2/(3) inhibitor ruxolitinib dramatically impacts NK cell biology in vivo in patients suffering from myeleloproliferative neoplasia (MPN)[2]. Ruxolitinib-treated MPN patients have drastically reduced circulating NK cell numbers. Individuals deficient in NK cells due to an inherited genetic disposition (i.e. JAK3 and/or STAT5B mutations that cause severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) syndrome in humans) are prone to severe infections. Therefore, it is not surprising to see that patients with MPN exposed to the JAK inhibitor, who develop infections, have lower NK cell counts compared to non-infected individuals. However, we also clearly state that severe infections (tuberculosis, progressive multifocal encephalopathy, toxoplasmosis), even though described during ruxolitinib therapy, are relatively infrequent[3]. The most prevalent types of infections during ruxolitinib therapy are urinary tract infection and herpes zoster reactivation, which is known to be linked to NK cell deficiency. However, there are huge differences between patients with inherited disruption of the JAK/STAT pathway as opposed to patients treated with ruxolitinib. Firstly, we could show that the drug-related effect is reversible. In patients who had to stop the therapy due to side effects, NK cell levels rose back to normal values. Furthermore, the main difference is that in patients exposed to the drug, JAK/STAT inhibition lasts only for several hours (3–4) due to the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug. As a consequence of the bi-daily intake of the drug, the total number of JAK/STAT inhibition may last a maximum of 6–8 hours[4]. In between the JAK/STAT pathway is active and allows residual cells to be activated relatively normal. In contrast, for limiting the hyper-inflammation going along with the MPN, this inhibition time appears to be sufficient to drastically reduce symptom burden and shrink the spleen[5]. Furthermore, it also suffices to clearly deplete NK cells in MPN patients. But why is this the case? The increased ratio of immature to mature NK cells during ruxolitinib therapy provides some hints, that the development of mature NK cells is affected, which could be explained by the inhibition of various important cytokine signals essential for NK maturation (i.e. IL-2 and IL-15). Reduced NK cell numbers in ruxolitinib-exposed patients may at least in part be due to defective NK cell maturation, which results in the time-dependent NK cell drop. In line with this idea, data demonstrated that NK cell precursors lacking IL-15Rβ also exhibit a NK cell differentiation defect leading to severe immunodeficiency. Moreover, IL-15R integrates signals via its common γ-chain in committed NK cell precursors and fosters immature to mature NK cell differentiation as well as the cytokine supports mature NK cell survival. Thus, it is tempting to speculate that ruxolitinib interferes with essential cytokine signals for terminal NK cells maturation and explaining the shift to the more immature NK cell phenotype. Strikingly, ruxolitinib not only affects NK cell biology in vivo, but also impairs NK cell function in vitro. Mainly, cytokine-mediated activation is blocked by the drug and most importantly it inhibits NK killing activity, as it interferes amongst others also with the lytic synapse formation process. We are currently investigating in detail the impact of the drug on the migration process of immune cells and early data clearly highlight the effects of the compound on cytoskeletal rearrangement. This may at least in part also affect the potential of NK cells to go into stable contact with target cells, thereby limiting their killing activity. These data may be of particular relevance when considering the application of the drug as cancer-inflammation reverting compound (e.g. in pancreatic cancer[6]) or when applying the drug as immune-suppressant after allogeneic stem cell transplantation[7], as it may also interfere with cancer immune-surveillance or the graft-versus-disease effect in patients thereby fostering disease recurrence. Considering our data, an important question that arises is how long-term ruxolitinib therapy shapes the immune system after years or even decades. The figure depicts the major effects of the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib on NK cells in vivo (in MPN patients) and in vitro. Figure 1 The figure depicts the major effects of the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib on NK cells in vivo (in MPN patients) and in vitro

Detection of HTLV-1 replication and CD4+ proliferation in the humanized BLT mouse model

Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and a number of lymphocyte-mediated inflammatory conditions including HTLV-1–associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. Development of animal models to study the pathogenesis of HTLV-1–associated diseases has been problematic and the mechanisms driving disease remain poorly understood. Here we report our findings of HTLV-1 infection in humanized nonobese diabetic (NOD) severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) common gamma chain knockout (NSG) mice that have been implanted with fetal bone marrow-liver-thymus tissue (BLT). BLT mice were injected with lethally irradiated CD4+ HTLV-1 producing cells. Blood samples were collected every four weeks to monitor CD4 and CD8 phenotypes and DNA isolation. Concomitant with an increase in the number of CD4+CD25+ T-lymphocytes in exposed animals compared to controls, we observed a significant increase in the HTLV-1 viral DNA load. Surprisingly, unlike what we observed in macaques, HTLV-1 virus mutated to knockout Orf-I protein expression was able to infect BLT mice and high viral DNA loads were detected. However, after sequencing the orf-I region of proviral DNA from infected animals, we found reversion of the point mutation to wild type. This was observed as early as four weeks after exposure, indicating in vivo viral replication and selection for Orf-I expression. Thus, the BLT mouse model successfully recapitulates HTLV-1 infection and may serve as an important tool for investigating in vivo mechanisms of HTLV-1 disease pathology and in evaluating drugs and treatment strategies.

Common γ-chain blocking peptide reduces in vitro immune activation markers in HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a progressive inflammatory myelopathy occurring in a subset of HTLV-1-infected individuals. Despite advances in understanding its immunopathogenesis, an effective treatment remains to be found. IL-2 and IL-15, members of the gamma chain (γc) family of cytokines, are prominently deregulated in HAM/TSP and underlie many of the characteristic immune abnormalities, such as spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation (SP), increased STAT5 phosphorylation in the lymphocytes, and increased frequency and cytotoxicity of virus-specific cytotoxic CD8(+) T lymphocytes (CTLs). In this study, we describe a novel immunomodulatory strategy consisting of selective blockade of certain γc family cytokines, including IL-2 and IL-15, with a γc antagonistic peptide. In vitro, a PEGylated form of the peptide, named BNZ132-1-40, reduced multiple immune activation markers such as SP, STAT5 phosphorylation, spontaneous degranulation of CD8(+) T cells, and the frequency of transactivator protein (Tax)-specific CD8(+) CTLs, thought to be major players in the immunopathogenesis of the disease. This strategy is thus a promising therapeutic approach to HAM/TSP with the potential of being more effective than single monoclonal antibodies targeting either IL-2 or IL-15 receptors and safer than inhibitors of downstream signaling molecules such as JAK1 inhibitors. Finally, selective cytokine blockade with antagonistic peptides might be applicable to multiple other conditions in which cytokines are pathogenic.

Innate Response to Human Cancer Cells with or without IL-2 Receptor Common γ-Chain Function in NOD Background Mice Lacking Adaptive Immunity.

Immunodeficient hosts exhibit high acceptance of xenogeneic or neoplastic cells mainly due to lack of adaptive immunity, although it still remains to be elucidated how innate response affects the engraftment. IL-2R common γ-chain (IL-2Rγc) signaling is required for development of NK cells and a subset of dendritic cells producing IFN-γ. To better understand innate response in the absence of adaptive immunity, we examined amounts of metastatic foci in the livers after intrasplenic transfer of human colon cancer HCT116 cells into NOD/SCID versus NOD/SCID/IL-2Rγc (null) (NOG) hosts. The intravital microscopic imaging of livers in the hosts depleted of NK cells and/or macrophages revealed that IL-2Rγc function critically contributes to elimination of cancer cells without the need for NK cells and macrophages. In the absence of IL-2Rγc, macrophages play a role in the defense against tumors despite the NOD Sirpa allele, which allows human CD47 to bind to the encoded signal regulatory protein α to inhibit macrophage phagocytosis of human cells. Analogous experiments using human pancreas cancer MIA PaCa-2 cells provided findings roughly similar to those from the experiments using HCT116 cells except for lack of suppression of metastases by macrophages in NOG hosts. Administration of mouse IFN-γ to NOG hosts appeared to partially compensate lack of IL-2Rγc-dependent elimination of transferred HCT116 cells. These results provide insights into the nature of innate response in the absence of adaptive immunity, aiding in developing tumor xenograft models in experimental oncology.

Abstract 3941: Recurrent IL4R mutations in primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma

Abstract Introduction: Primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a distinct subtype of aggressive B cell lymphoma that arises from thymic medullary B cells and characteristically presents as a mass in the anterior mediastinum. A proportion of PMBCL patients suffer from refractory or relapsing disease, and subsequent salvage therapies are frequently ineffective. Development of targeted therapies is impeded by the lack of knowledge about the mutational landscape in the lymphoma genomes and mutation-associated phenotypes. We recently reported somatic mutations in the transcriptome of 7 PMBCL patients and 3 cell lines by next-generation sequencing and found a hotspot mutation in exon 8 of IL4R (Gunawardana et al, Nat Genet, 2014). Interleukin (IL)-4 is a type II cytokine that regulates immune responses through binding to a receptor complex consisting of the IL4 receptor alpha (IL4Rα) chain and IL13Rα or the common gamma chain (γc). Activation of IL4R by IL-4 and/or IL-13 initiates intracellular signal transduction mediated by the phosphorylation of JAnus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activation of Transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. We hypothesize that constitutively active JAK-STAT observed in PMBCL is in part due to gain-of-function IL4R mutations signaling through this oncogenic pathway. Methods and samples: A sequencing cohort consisting of fresh-frozen pretreatment lymph node biopsies from 62 PMBCL cases were selected from the BCCA tissue archive. DNA from PMBCL tumors and 3 PMBCL-derived cell lines were extracted for IL4R exonic PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing or high-throughput sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq instrument. WT and mutant (I242N) IL4R cDNA were cloned into mammalian expression vectors and expressed in the lymphoma cell line DEV and in engineered HEK293 cells expressing STAT6. Supernatant from cultured cells were used to measure the activity of STAT6-dependent expression of secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP). Extracted RNA and protein from transfected cells were used for qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results: Somatic IL4R mutations were found in 18 of 65 (28%) cases confirming a hotspot mutation (I242N) in exon 8 in 11 of 18 (61%) mutated cases. Ectopic expression of the mutant in HEK293 cells showed increased SEAP levels compared to WT (534% vs. 100%) indicating STAT6 activation independent of cytokine stimulation. Introduction of the mutant into DEV cells showed IL4 independent hyperphosphorylation of JAK2, STAT5 and STAT6 proteins and upregulation of the B cell activation marker CD23 (963% vs. 100% in WT). Conclusions: IL4R is frequently mutated in PMBCL with a recurrent hotspot affecting the transmembrane domain of the protein. Functional analyses characterize these mutations as gain-of-function leading to constitutive activation of the JAK-STAT pathway and downstream target genes. These data suggest IL4R mutations as novel driver alterations in PMBCL and may provide a rational therapeutic target. Citation Format: Jay Gunawardana, Tessa Van Tol, Katina Mak, David Twa, Elizabeth Chavez, Bruce Woolcock, Robert Kridel, Anja Mottok, Shannon Healy, Adele Telenius, Merrill Boyle, Susana Ben-Neriah, Stacy Hung, Christoffer Hother, Randy Gascoyne, Christian Steidl. Recurrent IL4R mutations in primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3941. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3941

Abstract 1449: The valuable experimental model system “Cancer Xenopatient” established in NOG mice

Abstract Viable and stable human cancer materials combined with adequate clinical information are required for advance in cancer research and patient care. Conventional in vitro cancer cell lines are commonly available without enough information on the patient including disease phenotypes and drug-sensitivity. Mice bearing Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) with clinical information (so-called “cancer xenopatients”) could be essential and useful systems to accelerate cancer medicine. In this study, we investigated the establishment efficiency of PDX using NOG mice with clinical factors of xeno-transplantaion. The NOG mouse, the NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2Rγnull (NOG) mice derived from the NOD/SCID mouse with a common gamma chain, has multifunctional defects in natural killer cell activity, macrophage function, complement activity, and dendritic cell function in addition to lacking functional T and B lymphocytes. NOG mice were reported to be the best appropriate immunodeficient host animal for direct xenografting of fresh tumor tissue. We also discuss herein its contribution for not only reliable preclinical studies of new anticancer drugs but also personalized anti-cancer therapies. Sixty-one PDX lines were established from 116 surgically removed tumor tissues inoculated into NOG mice's subcutaneous (53%). PDX lines were established from various types of epithelial tumors and also from sarcomas including gastrointestinal stromal tumor and Ewing/PNET sarcoma. The metastatic tumors yielded PDX lines effectively (65%) than the primary tumors (27%, p&amp;lt;0.001). The group engrafted into NOG mice after 2 days or later from the surgical removal showed a higher establishment rate (61%) than that of the group engrafted at the day of surgery or the next day (51%), however non-significant (p = 0.49). Our PDX models were preserved well not only in morphological characteristics but also in gene expression and alteration patterns. In 8 cases (7%), the transplantable xenografts for several generations were composed of monotonous large non-epithelial cell growth of human origin, revealed to be the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection associated lymphoprolipherative lesions prospected by chromogenic in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA. We revealed efficient establishment rates both for primary tumors and metastatic tumors. PDXs linked with clinical information will contribute to reliable preclinical studies for new anticancer drugs. The fast and efficient establishment of individual PDXs may also contribute to future personalized anti-cancer therapies. Citation Format: Tsuyoshi Chijiwa, Kenji Kawai, Akira Noguchi, Hidemitsu Sato, Akimune Hayashi, Haruhiko Cho, Manabu Shiozawa, Takeshi Kishida, Soichiro Morinaga, Tomoyuki Yokose, Makoto Katayama, Nobuo Takenaka, Hiroshi Suemizu, Roppei Yamada, Yoshiyasu Nakamura, Yasuo Takano, Kohzoh Imai, Yohei Miyagi, Masato Nakamura. The valuable experimental model system “Cancer Xenopatient” established in NOG mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1449. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1449

Abstract 3158: Ex vivo expansion and activation of human lymphocytes with a selective activator of effector cells

Abstract RDB 1450 is an engineered fusion protein of circularly permuted IL-2 and IL-2Rα that is selective for the intermediate-affinity IL-2 receptor. The intermediate-affinity receptor is comprised of the IL-2 receptor beta chain (CD122) and common gamma chain (CD132) expressed on lymphocytes with effector function, whereas the high-affinity receptor, which additionally includes the alpha chain (CD25), is expressed primarily on immunosuppressive CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Ex vivo proliferation of subsets of human lymphocytes in response to RDB 1450 or rhIL-2 were evaluated. RDB 1450 supports the selective activation and expansion of effector lymphocytes based on higher observed memory CD8 T/Treg and NK/Treg ratios. Both RDB 1450 and IL-2 drive expansion of NK cells, however, a greater proportion of CD25+ NK cells are observed in response to RDB 1450. Furthermore, unlike IL-2, RDB 1450 does not effectively expand highly suppressive ICOS+ Tregs. The immunological profile resulting from the ex vivo treatment of human PBMCs with RDB 1450 supports its use as a novel immunotherapy for cancer. Citation Format: Jared E. Lopes, Jan L. Fisher, Heather C. Losey, Marc S. Ernstoff, Juan C. Alvarez. Ex vivo expansion and activation of human lymphocytes with a selective activator of effector cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3158. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3158

IL-15 receptor α signaling constrains the development of IL-17–producing γδ T cells

The development and homeostasis of γδ T cells is highly dependent on distinct cytokine networks. Here we examine the role of IL-15 and its unique receptor, IL-15Rα, in the development of IL-17-producing γδ (γδ-17) T cells. Phenotypic analysis has shown that CD44(high) γδ-17 cells express IL-15Rα and the common gamma chain (CD132), yet lack the IL-2/15Rβ chain (CD122). Surprisingly, we found an enlarged population of γδ-17 cells in the peripheral and mesenteric lymph nodes of adult IL-15Rα KO mice, but not of IL-15 KO mice. The generation of mixed chimeras from neonatal thymocytes indicated that cell-intrinsic IL-15Rα expression was required to limit IL-17 production by γδ T cells. γδ-17 cells also were increased in the peripheral lymph nodes of transgenic knock-in mice, where the IL-15Rα intracellular signaling domain was replaced with the intracellular portion of the IL-2Rα chain (that lacks signaling capacity). Finally, an analysis of neonatal thymi revealed that the CD44(lo/int) precursors of γδ-17 cells, which also expressed IL-15Rα, were increased in newborn mice deficient in IL-15Rα signaling, but not in IL-15 itself. Thus, these findings demonstrate that signaling through IL-15Rα regulates the development of γδ-17 cells early in ontogeny, with long-term effects on their peripheral homeostasis in the adult.