TRB Locus Research Articles

HTS and scRNA-seq revealed that the location and RSS quality of the mammalian TRBV and TRBJ genes impact biased rearrangement

The quality of Recombination signal sequences (RSSs), location, and genetics of mammalian V, D, and J genes synergistically affect the recombination frequency of genes; however, the specific regulatory mechanism and efficiency have not been elucidated. By taking advantage of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to investigate V(D)J rearrangement characteristics in the CDR3 repertoire, we found that the distal and proximal V genes (or J genes) “to D” gene were involved in rearrangement significantly more frequently than the middle V genes (or J genes) in the TRB locus among various species, including Primates (human and rhesus monkey), Rodentia (BALB/c, C57BL/6, and Kunming mice), Artiodactyla (buffalo), and Chiroptera (Rhinolophus affinis). The RSS quality of the V and J genes affected their frequency in rearrangement to varying degrees, especially when the V-RSSs with recombination signal information content (RIC) score < -45 significantly reduced the recombination frequency of the V gene. The V and J genes that were “away from D” had the dual advantages of recombinant structural accessibility and relatively high-quality RSSs, which promoted their preferential utilization in rearrangement. The quality of J-RSSs formed during mammalian evolution was apparently greater than that of V-RSSs, and the D-J distance was obviously shorter than that of V-D, which may be one of the reasons for guaranteeing that the “D-to-J preceding V-to-DJ rule” occurred when rearranged. This study provides a novel perspective on the mechanism and efficiency of V-D-J rearrangement in the mammalian TRB locus, as well as the biased utilization characteristics and application of V and J genes in the initial CDR3 repertoire.

Ultrasensitive allele inference from immune repertoire sequencing data with MiXCR.

Allelic variability in the adaptive immune receptor loci, which harbor the gene segments that encode B cell and T cell receptors (BCR/TCR), is of critical importance for immune responses to pathogens and vaccines. Adaptive immune receptor repertoire sequencing (AIRR-seq) has become widespread in immunology research making it the most readily available source of information about allelic diversity in immunoglobulin (IG) and T cell receptor (TR) loci. Here we present a novel algorithm for extra-sensitive and specific variable (V) and joining (J) gene allele inference, allowing reconstruction of individual high-quality gene segment libraries. The approach can be applied for inferring allelic variants from peripheral blood lymphocyte BCR and TCR repertoire sequencing data, including hypermutated isotype-switched BCR sequences, thus allowing high-throughput novel allele discovery from a wide variety of existing datasets. The developed algorithm is a part of the MiXCR software. We demonstrate the accuracy of this approach using AIRR-seq paired with long-read genomic sequencing data, comparing it to a widely used algorithm, TIgGER. We applied the algorithm to a large set of IG heavy chain (IGH) AIRR-seq data from 450 donors of ancestrally diverse population groups, and to the largest reported full-length TCR alpha and beta chain (TRA; TRB) AIRR-seq dataset, representing 134 individuals. This allowed us to assess the genetic diversity within the IGH, TRA and TRB loci in different populations and to establish a database of alleles of V and J genes inferred from AIRR-seq data and their population frequencies with free public access through an online database.

Interpretable GWAS by linking clinical phenotypes to quantifiable immune repertoire components

Bridging the gap between genotype and phenotype in GWAS studies is challenging. A multitude of genetic variants have been associated with immune-related diseases, including cancer, yet the interpretability of most variants remains low. Here, we investigate the quantitative components in the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, the frequency of clusters of TCR sequences predicted to have common antigen specificity, to interpret the genetic associations of diverse human diseases. We first developed a statistical model to predict the TCR components using variants in the TRB and HLA loci. Applying this model to over 300,000 individuals in the UK Biobank data, we identified 2309 associations between TCR abundances and various immune diseases. TCR clusters predicted to be pathogenic for autoimmune diseases were significantly enriched for predicted autoantigen-specificity. Moreover, four TCR clusters were associated with better outcomes in distinct cancers, where conventional GWAS cannot identify any significant locus. Collectively, our results highlight the integral role of adaptive immune responses in explaining the associations between genotype and phenotype.

Six Types of Pancreatitis Risk Factors in the Trypsinogen Gene Loci (PRSS1-PRSS2-TRB).

Trypsin dysregulation is central to acute pancreatitis (AP) and contributes to chronic pancreatitis (CP). Genetic variants within the T Cell receptor beta chain (TRB) locus, that includes the trypsinogen genes (PRSS1 and PRSS2) affect risks of AP and CP. Hereditary pancreatitis is caused by rare gain-of-function variants (e.g. PRSS1 p.N29I, p.R122H), while other common and rare variants alter risk for AP and/or CP through 5 other mechanisms, including altering the TRB gene receptor repertoire. Here we provide a brief primer of genetic risk for AP and CP using examples of variants within the TRB locus and the PRSS1 and PRSS2 genes

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Genomic and Expressed Repertoire of the T-Cell Receptor Beta Chain in Equus caballus

In this paper, we report a comprehensive and consistent annotation of the locus encoding the β-chain of the equine T-cell receptor (TRB), as inferred from recent genome assembly using bioinformatics tools. The horse TRB locus spans approximately 1 Mb, making it the largest locus among the mammalian species studied to date, with a significantly higher number of genes related to extensive duplicative events. In the region, 136 TRBV (belonging to 29 subgroups), 2 TRBD, 13 TRBJ, and 2 TRBC genes, were identified. The general genomic organization resembles that of other mammals, with a V cluster of 135 TRBV genes located upstream of two in-tandem aligned TRBD-J-C clusters and an inverted TRBV gene at the 3′ end of the last TRBC gene. However, the horse b-chain repertoire would be affected by a high number of non-functional TRBV genes. Thus, we queried a transcriptomic dataset derived from splenic tissue of a healthy adult horse, using each TRBJ gene as a probe to analyze clonotypes encompassing the V(D)J junction. This analysis provided insights into the usage of the TRBV, TRBD, and TRBJ genes and the variability of the non-germline-encoded CDR3. Our results clearly demonstrated that the horse β-chain constitutes a complex level of variability, broadly like that described in other mammalian species.

The reverse TRBV30 gene of mammals: a defect or superiority in evolution?

At the 3’ end of the C2 gene in the mammalian TRB locus, a distinct reverse TRBV30 gene (named TRBV31 in mice) has been conserved throughout evolution. In the fully annotated TRB locus of 14 mammals (including six orders), we observed noteworthy variations in the localization and quality of the reverse V30 genes and Recombination Signal Sequences (RSSs) in the gene trees of 13 mammals. Conversely, the forward V29 genes and RSSs were generally consistent with the species tree of their corresponding species. This finding suggested that the evolution of the reverse V30 gene was not synchronous and likely played a crucial role in regulating adaptive immune responses. To further investigate this possibility, we utilized single-cell TCR sequencing (scTCR-seq) and high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to analyze TCRβ CDR3 repertoires from both central and peripheral tissues of Primates (Homo sapiens and Macaca mulatta), Rodentia (Mus musculus: BALB/c, C57BL/6, and Kunming mice), Artiodactyla (Bos taurus and Bubalus bubalis), and Chiroptera (Rhinolophus affinis and Hipposideros armige). Our investigation revealed several novel observations: (1) The reverse V30 gene exhibits classical rearrangement patterns adhering to the ‘12/23 rule’ and the ‘D-J rearrangement preceding the V-(D-J) rearrangement’. This results in the formation of rearranged V30-D2J2, V30-D1J1, and V30-D1J2. However, we also identified ‘special rearrangement patterns’ wherein V30-D rearrangement preceding D-J rearrangement, giving rise to rearranged V30-D2-J1 and forward Vx-D2-J. (2) Compared to the ‘deletional rearrangement’ (looping out) of forward V1-V29 genes, the reverse V30 gene exhibits preferential utilization with ‘inversional rearrangement’. This may be attributed to the shorter distance between the V30 gene and D gene and the ‘inversional rearrangement’ modes. In summary, in the mammalian TRB locus, the reverse V30 gene has been uniquely preserved throughout evolution and preferentially utilized in V(D)J recombination, potentially serving a significant role in adaptive immunity. These results will pave the way for novel and specialized research into the mechanisms, efficiency, and function of V(D)J recombination in mammals.

Sex- and age-specific aspects of human peripheral T-cell dynamics.

The diversity of the antigenic T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire clonally expressed on T lymphocytes is a key element of the adaptive immune system protective functions. A decline in diversity in the older adults is associated with health deterioration. This diversity is generated by the rearrangement of TRB genes coding for TCR chains during lymphocyte differentiation in the thymus, but is essentially maintained by peripheral T lymphocytes proliferation for most of life. Deep sequencing of rearranged TRB genes from blood cells allows the monitoring of peripheral T cell repertoire dynamics. We analysed two aspects of rearranged TRB diversity, related to T lymphocyte proliferation and to the distribution of the T cell clone size, in a collection of repertoires obtained from 1 to 74 years-old donors. Our results show that peripheral T lymphocytes expansion differs according to the recombination status of their TRB loci. Their proliferation rate changes with age, with different patterns in men and women. T cell clone size becomes more heterogeneous with time, and, in adults, is always more even in women. Importantly, a longitudinal analysis of TRB repertoires obtained at ten years intervals from individual men and women confirms the findings of this cross-sectional study. Peripheral T lymphocyte proliferation partially depends on their thymic developmental history. The rate of proliferation of T cells differing in their TRB rearrangement status is different in men and women before the age of 18 years old, but similar thereafter.

Evolution of T cell receptor beta loci in salmonids.

T-cell mediated immunity relies on a vast array of antigen specific T cell receptors (TR). Characterizing the structure of TR loci is essential to study the diversity and composition of T cell responses in vertebrate species. The lack of good-quality genome assemblies, and the difficulty to perform a reliably mapping of multiple highly similar TR sequences, have hindered the study of these loci in non-model organisms. High-quality genome assemblies are now available for the two main genera of Salmonids, Salmo and Oncorhynchus. We present here a full description and annotation of the TRB loci located on chromosomes 19 and 25 of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). To get insight about variations of the structure and composition of TRB locus across salmonids, we compared rainbow trout TRB loci with other salmonid species and confirmed that the basic structure of salmonid TRB locus is a double set of two TRBV-D-J-C loci in opposite orientation on two different chromosomes. Our data shed light on the evolution of TRB loci in Salmonids after their whole genome duplication (WGD). We established a coherent nomenclature of salmonid TRB loci based on comprehensive annotation. Our work provides a fundamental basis for monitoring salmonid T cell responses by TRB repertoire sequencing.

Genomic Panorama and Clonal Evolutionary Trajectory of Classical Hairy Cell Leukemia

Classical Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCLc) is a rare B-cell malignancy characterized by hairy-like cell membrane projections. The cell of origin and pathway of malignant transformation in HCLc remain unknown. Early work using whole exome sequencing identified BRAFV600E as a genetic hallmark in HCLc (Tiacci et al 2011 and Weston-Bell et al 2016). However, no other recurrent coding mutations appeared, marking it an uncommon monogenic cancer. As BRAFV600E appears insufficient to drive tumorigenesis in other cancers (Dankort et al 2009; Rad et al 2013), it suggested that other driver alterations may be implicated in HCLc pathogenesis, perhaps in the non-coding genome, overlooked in exome studies alone. To probe this, we carried out whole genome sequencing (WGS) in HCLc. We established the genomic panorama, and importantly leveraged data to derive tumor phylogenies to determine the relative order of early driver mutational events that associate with the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all tumor cells. WGS was performed in 10 typical HCLc cases each paired with germline in purified cell sorted populations of disaggregated splenocytes. Sequencing involved 150 bp paired ends on Illumina HiSeq4000. Data analyses included identification of somatic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small indels using CaVEMan and Pindel, respectively; copy-number aberrations (CNA) with Battenberg; and structural variants (SVs) with BRASS. The fitting of COSMIC mutational signatures was performed using mmsig. Mutational SNVs and CNA drivers were used for the analysis of tumor phylogenesis of individual tumors. We mapped the whole genome landscape in HCLc. Somatic coding variants emerged as previously reported. BRAFV600E was present as a clonal mutation in all HCLc tumors. Missense mutations in KLF2 (p.S275N and p.S275I) were identified in 2 tumors. Two somatic SNVs were detected in PRSS3 (p.D95G and p.R94S) and ANKRD30B (p.K388E and p.N392K) in 2 different cases respectively. In the noncoding genome, BCL6 and ZFP36L1 promoters were recurrently mutated in 5/10 cases. Driver mutations in BCL6 promoters have been reported in other B-cell malignancies to disrupt negative autoregulatory circuits (Pasqualucci et al 2003). Analysis of CNA showed a relatively stable genome (ploidy ~2). A large CNA chr5 gain was observed in a single tumor. Two additional focal CNA were spotlighted at chr17q25 (Gain) and chr20q11 (LOH) in two individual tumors. A recurrent interchromosomal translocation at chr12q14.3 locus was identified in 5 individual tumors, and an identical translocation at 14q21.3 with 15q11.2 observed in 2 tumors. Interestingly, novel kataegis-like mutations were observed at TRB loci across all HCLc cohort samples. We further identified somatic hypermutation (SHM) imprints in non-Ig loci, notably in BCL6. The mutational rate of AID targets at TRB and non-Ig loci were comparable to SHM occurring in Ig IGV genes. Deciphering the mutational signatures in HCLc genomes highlighted SBS9, a mutational signature associated with SHM in B-cell leukemia as one of the most relevant mechanisms, allied to the clock-like signatures of SBS1 and SBS5. Next, we utilized estimates of the cancer cell fraction to define which mutations are clonal and associate with the MRCA, and which mutations occured subclonally to derive individual tumor phylogenetic trees using methodology we have reported previously (Rabbie et al 2020; Ansari-Pour 2021). Here, analyses of clonal trajectories revealed that BRAFV600E occurred prior to subclonal diversification in MRCA in all cases. Significantly however, 1 or 2 additional driver mutations were conjointly detected with BRAFV600E in the MRCA in 6/10 HCLc cases prior to any subclonal evolution. Our data provide a comprehensive map of the whole genome in HCLc for the first time. Clonal evolutionary trajectories reveal heterogeneous genetic origins in HCLc, in which BRAFV600E is the sole driver mutation in one subset of disease, but requires 1 or 2 additional mutational drivers in the other subset to promote malignant transformation. Thus, unlike other cancers, BRAFV600E alone appears to suffice to induce malignant transformation in some HCLc. Additionally, SHM in non-Ig loci including BCL6 may implicate early traffic of the tumor cell of origin through the germinal center and early exit prior to acquisition of CD27, or mutational events at ectopic sites.

PB1750: REARRANGEMENTS OF T-CELL RECEPTOR (TCR) LOCI IN CHILDREN WITH T-CELL ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

Background: T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease that constitutes 10%–15% of newly diagnosed pediatric ALL cases and is caused by the accumulation of genetic abnormalities that alter the mechanisms controlling normal T-cell development. The most common structural aberrations involve rearrangements of the T-cell receptor (TCR) loci – TRA/TRD (14q11) and TRB (7q34), which are found in ~25% of patients. These aberrations are the main factors initiating the events in T-ALL carcinogenesis and juxtapose TCR genes and protooncogenes that encode pivotal transcription factors, leading to their aberrant expression. The outcomes of children with T-ALL significantly improved on intensified protocols, however, ~20% of patients relapse and die owing to acquired therapy resistance. Moreover, survivors also endure the acute and long-term effects of intensive toxic chemotherapy. Aims: To analyze TCR loci rearrangements and associated genetic abnormalities in children with T-ALL treated according to BFM-based protocols, and to correlate our findings with the clinical features and the treatment responses. Methods: The bone marrow samples of 66 children diagnosed between 1996-2017 (46 boys, 20 girls, age median 7.9 years, follow-up median 86.4 months) were analyzed with cytogenomic methods. For the detection of TCR loci rearrangements and other recurrent aberrations of the genes TLX3, CDKN2A/CDKN2B and ABL1 interphase FISH (DAKO, Abbott Molecular) was used. MLPA analysis with ALL-IKZF1 probemix (MRC-Holland) was performed to detect deletions/amplifications of additional genes. Complex karyotypes were analyzed with multicolor FISH (MetaSystems) or array CGH/SNP (Agilent). Differences in OS and EFS were assessed using Kaplan-Meier method and the Mantel-Cox test. Results: Rearrangements of TCR loci were detected in 18/66 (27%) patients. Translocations involving the TRA/TRD locus were demonstrated in nine children, the TRB locus in five and the simultaneous occurrence of these aberrations in two cases, respectively. In 10/18 patients, known recurrent chromosomal translocations affecting the oncogenes TAL1 (3x), LMO2 (3x), TLX1 (2x), TAL2 (1x) and MYC (1x) were identified. In the remaining cases, TCR rearrangements were cryptic or were a part of complex karyotype. Additional chromosomal aberrations were detected in all but one patient with the deletion of CDKN2A gene being the most frequent one. Immunophenotypic data classified the patients into cortical-T (12x) and mature-T (5x) groups (1x no data). Children with aberrations of TCR loci had a significantly better prognosis - EFS (p=0.011) and OS (p=0.0074), all patients are living in the first complete remission. Summary/Conclusion: Aberrations of T-cell receptors form a genetically heterogeneous group of rearrangements, leading to aberrant expression of oncogenes involved in T-cell maturation and proliferation. They mostly occur with abnormalities of genes involved in the regulation of the cell cycle and/or signaling pathways, confirming the multistep process of T-ALL pathogenesis. In our cohort, patients with TCR rearrangements had an excellent prognosis regardless of the presence of other aberrations. Although data on larger series are clearly required, we suppose, that these children could benefit from less-intensive therapy because they may experience fewer therapeutic consequences of toxic treatment. Supported by MH CZ-DRO-VFN64165.

Single Capture High Throughput Sequencing Assay for Combined V(D)J Clonality Analysis and Oncogene Mutations in the Diagnosis of T and B Lymphoid Malignancies

IntroductionThe diagnosis of B and T cell malignancies relies on the demonstration of B-cell (BCR) or T-cell (TCR) antigen receptor clonality. This can be studied through the analysis of V(D)J rearrangements of BCR and TCR genes by PCR (van Dongen Leukemia 2003) or, more recently, by high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Amplification of a clonal population with a “primers approach” could fail in case of hybridization problems due to too fragmented DNA, somatic mutations or polymorphic variations. Here we evaluated the performance of a HTS capture system for the analysis of B and T-cell clonality in clinical samples from mature T or B malignancies. We further combined this technology to concomitant sequencing of oncogenes of interest.Patients and MethodsDNA was extracted from 58 tumoral samples from fresh/frozen (FF) cells or tissues or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE) (n=19). These samples comprised various T-cell [i.e. 1T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, 1 T large granular lymphocytic leukemia, 2 Sézary syndrome, 4 peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified, 14 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma] or B-cell [i.e. 14 chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 1 mantle cell lymphoma, 5 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 1 grey-zone lymphoma, 13 Hodgkin lymphoma, 1 Poppema, 2 Waldenström and 1 multiple myeloma] malignancies. The Biomed-2 PCR technique was used as standard for assessing the performance of TRG, IGH and IGK clonality analysis. An extensive panel of capture probes was designed (SureSelect XT HS2 DNA system, Agilent Technologies) that covered the variable (V), + diversity (D) and junction (J) segments of the IGH, IGK, TRG, TRB loci and diagnostic/theranostic genes of interest i.e. B2M, BTK, CARD11, CD28, DNMT3A, IDH2, JAK3, PLCG1, PLCG2, ROHA, SOCS1, STAT3, STAT5B, STAT6, TET2, TNFAIP3, TP53. Paired-End sequencing was performed on a MiSeq system (Illumina) in 300, 500 and 600 cycles. Analysis of clonality profiles was performed using Vidjil software and SeqOne.ResultsHTS runs resulted in a median total read count of 1,6M (0.7-2.9) per sample. V(D)J rearrangements were identified with a median of 1503 reads (189-6824) per sample. Five samples were excluded because less than 300 rearranged reads were obtained. The number of rearranged reads and of clonotypes identified are influenced by the number of sequencing cycles (300<500 or 600) but not by the quality of DNA (FFPE vs FF).Analyses of tumoral samples with HTS versus PCR were compared. For the IGH locus (n=47), comparable PCR/HTS clonal (n=22) and polyclonal (PCL, n=20) profiles were identified. One discordant case showed a clonal PCR profile and a PCL HTS profile but the IGK was clonal. For the IGK locus (n=23), 10 clonal and 12 PCL cases were similar with both techniques. One case appeared discordant with a PCL PCR profile but a clonal HTS profile. For the TRG locus (n=31), PCR and HTS profiles were similar in 14 clonal, 5 oligoclonal and 9 PCL cases respectively. Three cases were discordant with oligoclonal PCR profiles but a clonal HTS profile.Overall in the 38 cases of B-cell malignancies, 27 and 11 cases had a concordant B-cell clonal or PCL profile with PCR and HTS. Among PCL cases, only one was discordant with a clonal HTS profile. This case and 3 other PCL cases were Hodgkin lymphomas which all disclosed another mutation (i.e. TP53, TNFAIP3, SOCS1). Of the 20 cases of T-cell malignancies, 14 displayed a clonal TRG profile with PCR and HTS. Among them, 13 showed oncogene mutations that confirmed the oncogenic nature of the clonal proliferation. Among 6 patients with a non-clonal PCR TRG profile, two cases of AITL and T-LGL had a discordant clonal TRG HTS profile and both also had specific mutations (SOCS1, RHOA and STAT3 respectively). Two other AITL samples showed a T-PCL profile with PCR and HTS but also had a mutation/CNV (RHOA, SOCS1).ConclusionA very good performance of B and T cell clonality assessment was obtained here with capture-HTS compared to Biomed-2 PCR. The combined identification of mutation/CNV allowed to confirm the malignant character in cases of clonal or PCL lymphoproliferations, while concomitantly specifying the type of lymphoproliferative disorder. The combined capture-HTS of B and T repertoires and oncogenes of diagnostic or theranostic interest thus appears as an efficient, accurate and useful approach for the diagnosis of mature B and T lymphoid malignancies in clinical practice. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Previously Unknown Stage of TCR Beta VDJ Recombination As a Novel Rich Source of Markers for Clonality Assessment and MRD Monitoring in T-ALL

Background. Genomic rearrangements of T and B cell receptor genes (BCR and TCR) have become the gold standard marker for clonality assessment and minimal residual disease monitoring (MRD) in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). B-ALL can bear both TCR and BCR rearrangements, whereas T-ALL contains mainly TCR rearrangements. The limitation on the number of potential markers decreases T-ALL cases suitable for MRD monitoring and its reliability. We discovered a missed stage of TRB locus VDJ-recombination during which rearrangement between D1 and D2 segments occurs. Here we examined this new type of rearrangement in pediatric T-ALL as a potential clonal marker for MRD diagnostics for the first time.Methods. Identification of TRB D1-D2 rearrangements was performed using targeted high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq instrument [1]. Genomic libraries for sequencing were obtained using PCR with intronic primers flanking the TRBD1 and TRBD2 genes. Genomic DNA for the libraries was extracted from T-ALL patients' bone marrow and peripheral blood of healthy volunteers. DNA from normal CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells was used as a positive control. DNA from normal B-cells and the RMS cell line was used as a negative control. Extraction of TRB D1-D2 rearrangements from sequencing data was performed using modified MiXCR software. Post-analysis was performed using VDJtools software.Results. This study analyzed a cohort of 144 children aged 2-16 years with T-ALL and 12 healthy individuals aged 25-40 years. We identified TRB D1-D2 rearrangements in all analyzed samples except negative controls (B-cells and RMS cell line). The dominant TRB D1-D2 clone in all normal samples occupied 25-30% and had zero length of the D1-D2 junction. The clonal size of the second clone in the top was 3-8%. Based on this observation, we set a 30% cut-off for zero-length D1-D2 junction rearrangements and a 10% cut-off for others to identify abnormally proliferated T-ALL specific clones.We identified 221 different leukemia-related D1-D2 rearrangements in 124 T-ALL samples in total. We intersected them with those in normal samples to test the uniqueness of leukemia-related rearrangements as potential markers. 89% of analyzed rearrangements were specific for leukemia samples, so they can be used for tracking leukemic cells. 11% of rearrangements were present in at least one normal sample and can be used for clonality analysis but are useless for MRD monitoring due to its relatively high generation probability. Zero-length D-D junction was detected as a major clonal marker (25-100%) in 42 T-ALL samples. Nevertheless, 23 out of these 42 samples contained additional unique rearrangements useful for MRD. 29 out of the other 82 samples included one major rearrangement (clonal rate 80-90%), six samples had two major rearrangements with equal clonal rates (30-50%), and the rest of the samples contained 3-5 rearrangements representing oligoclonality.The length of the D-D junction among detected rearrangements in both leukemic and normal samples has a bimodal distribution which is probably linked to two different levels of TdT or exonuclease activity during D1-D2 recombination. Additionally, we observed a strong correlation (Mann-Whitney-U-test, p-value < 0.001) between the presence of TRB D1-D2 rearrangements in T-ALL samples and the CD117 negative immunophenotype of leukemic cells.Conclusions. Obtained results show that TRB D1-D2 rearrangements are a common feature of normal and malignant T-cells. Unique leukemia-related TRB D1-D2 rearrangements can be detected in 73% of pediatric T-ALL cases. It can be routinely detected by PCR with subsequent NGS and can be easily integrated into an existing multiplex system for T-ALL clonality and MRD analysis.References. 1.Komkov et al. High-throughput sequencing of T-cell receptor alpha chain clonal rearrangements at the DNA level in lymphoid malignancies. British Journal of Haematology. 2020 Mar. 188(5): 723-731.Acknowledgment. This work was supported by Russian Science Foundation grant № 20-75-10091 to AK. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

TR Locus Annotation and Characteristics of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum.

T-cell antigen receptors (TRs) in vertebrates can be divided into αβ or γδ, encoded by TRA/D, TRG, or TRB loci. TRs play a central role in mammal cellular immunity, which occurs by rearrangement of V, D, J, and C genes in the loci. The bat is the only mammal with flying ability and is considered the main host of zoonotic viruses, an important public health concern. However, at present, little is known about the composition of bat TR genes. Based on the whole genome sequence of the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) and referring to the TR/IG annotation rules formulated by the international ImMunoGeneTics information system (IMGT), we present a complete annotation of TRA/D, TRG, and TRB loci of R. ferrumequinum. A total of 128 V segments, three D segments, 85 J segments, and 6 C segments were annotated and compared with other known mammalian data. The characteristics of the TR locus and germline genes of R. ferrumequinum are analyzed.

Abstract 4279: Automated TRB locus haplotype analysis by long-amplicon TCRB chain sequencing for immune-related adverse events biomarker research

Abstract Introduction: Identifying predictive biomarkers for immune related adverse events (irAEs) following checkpoint blockade inhibition (CPI) remains an outstanding goal of immune-oncology translational research. Polymorphism within the T cell receptor variable gene (TRBV) has been proposed as a potential risk factor for irAEs owing to the potential link between TRBV polymorphism and chronic autoimmune disease. Efforts to interrogate the potential biomarker utility of TRBV polymorphism have been hampered by the repetitive nature of the TRB locus. We previously demonstrated a method for inferring TRB locus haplotypes from long amplicon TCRB chain sequencing data, which we used to identify major haplotype groups in a set of 81 Caucasians. Here we present an automated method for haplotype group assignment from TCRB chain sequencing data. Methods: Rearranged TCRB chains from 10 blood samples were amplified and sequenced from 25ng peripheral blood total RNA via the Oncomine™ TCRB-LR assay using the Genexus™ Integrated Sequencer. 12 samples were run per chip with 4 samples run in each lane. TCRB clonotyping and repertoire feature analysis was performed using the Genexus™ software v5.107.14. Automated haplotype group assignment was performed by generation and comparison of TRBV allele profiles to those presented in DOI: 10.4103/JIPO.JIPO_16_19. For context, TCR evenness, convergence, and haplotype group assignment were compared to values obtained following analysis of the same samples via the GeneStudio™ S5 platform and Ion Reporter™ 5.12 software. Results: TCR Evenness and convergence values were highly correlated across replicates run on the Genexus™ Integrated Sequencer (Spearman correlation &amp;gt;0.95 and &amp;gt;.70, respectively). Evenness at equivalent clone count and convergence at equivalent sequencing depth were not significantly different across platforms (Spearman correlation &amp;gt;0.88). Haplotype group assignments demonstrated 100% agreement across replicates on both platforms. Conclusions: We demonstrate an automated and reproducible research method for TRB haplotype group assignment via the Oncomine™ TCR-Beta LR Assay, GX run on the Genexus™ Integrated Sequencer. Future studies will evaluate the potential biomarker utility of TRB haplotyping for the prediction of irAEs. Citation Format: Jennifer Burke, Frances Chan, Jiajie Huang, Marina Sedova, Timothy Looney, Fiona Hyland. Automated TRB locus haplotype analysis by long-amplicon TCRB chain sequencing for immune-related adverse events biomarker research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4279.

Alterations in T and B Cell Receptor Repertoires Patterns in Patients With IL10 Signaling Defects and History of Infantile-Onset IBD.

Patients with loss-of-function mutations in IL10 or IL10 receptor (IL10R) genes develop severe, medical-refractory, infantile-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We have previously reported significant alterations in innate and adaptive immune responses in these patients. Next generation sequencing platforms enable a comprehensive assessment of T cell receptor (TCR) and B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire patterns. We aimed to characterize TCR and BCR features in peripheral blood of patients with deleterious IL10 signaling defects. DNA was isolated from blood of seven patients with IL10R mutations and one with an IL10 mutation, along with eight controls, and subjected to next generation sequencing of TRB and IgH loci. A significant increase in clonality was observed in both TCR and BCR repertoires in circulating lymphocytes of IL10/IL10R-deficient patients, but to a much greater extent in T cells. Furthermore, short CDR3β length and altered hydrophobicity were demonstrated in T cells of patients, but not in B cells, secondary to lower rates of insertions of nucleotides, but not deletions, at the V-, D-, or J-junctions. We were unable to observe specific T or B clones that were limited only to the patients or among controls. Moreover, the expanded T cells clones were unique to each patient. In conclusion, next generation sequencing of the TCR and BCR is a powerful tool for characterizing the adaptive immune cell phenotype and function in immune-mediated disorders. The oligoclonality observed among IL10/IL10R-deficient patients may suggest specialization of unique clones that likely have a role in mediating tissue damage. Nevertheless, the lack of shared clones between patients provides another piece of evidence that the adaptive immune response in IBD is not triggered against common antigens. Additional studies are required to define the specific antigens that interact with the expanded IL10/IL10R-deficient clones.

Topology and expressed repertoire of the Felis catus T cell receptor loci

BackgroundThe domestic cat (Felis catus) is an important companion animal and is used as a large animal model for human disease. However, the comprehensive study of adaptive immunity in this species is hampered by the lack of data on lymphocyte antigen receptor genes and usage. The objectives of this study were to annotate the feline T cell receptor (TR) loci and to characterize the expressed repertoire in lymphoid organs of normal cats using high-throughput sequencing.ResultsThe Felis catus TRG locus contains 30 genes: 12 TRGV, 12 TRGJ and 6 TRGC, the TRB locus contains 48 genes: 33 TRBV, 2 TRBD, 11 TRBJ, 2 TRBC, the TRD locus contains 19 genes: 11 TRDV, 2 TRDD, 5 TRDJ, 1 TRDC, and the TRA locus contains 127 genes: 62 TRAV, 64 TRAJ, 1 TRAC. Functional feline V genes form monophyletic clades with their orthologs, and clustering of multimember subgroups frequently occurs in V genes located at the 5′ end of TR loci. Recombination signal (RS) sequences of the heptamer and nonamer of functional V and J genes are highly conserved. Analysis of the TRG expressed repertoire showed preferential intra-cassette over inter-cassette rearrangements and dominant usage of the TRGV2–1 and TRGJ1–2 genes. The usage of TRBV genes showed minor bias but TRBJ genes of the second J-C-cluster were more commonly rearranged than TRBJ genes of the first cluster. The TRA/TRD V genes almost exclusively rearranged to J genes within their locus. The TRAV/TRAJ gene usage was relatively balanced while the TRD repertoire was dominated by TRDJ3.ConclusionsThis is the first description of all TR loci in the cat. The genomic organization of feline TR loci was similar to that of previously described jawed vertebrates (gnathostomata) and is compatible with the birth-and-death model of evolution. The large-scale characterization of feline TR genes provides comprehensive baseline data on immune repertoires in healthy cats and will facilitate the development of improved reagents for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative diseases in cats. In addition, these data might benefit studies using cats as a large animal model for human disease.

Euroclonality-NGS DNA Capture Panel for Integrated Analysis of IG/TR Rearrangements, Translocations, Copy Number and Sequence Variation in Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Introduction: Current diagnostic standards for lymphoproliferative disorders include detection of clonal immunoglobulin (IG) and/or T cell receptor (TR) rearrangements, translocations, copy number alterations (CNA) and somatic mutations. These analyses frequently require a series of separate tests such as clonality PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridisation and/or immunohistochemistry, MLPA or SNParrays and sequencing. The EuroClonality-NGS DNA capture (EuroClonality-NDC) panel, developed by the EuroClonality-NGS Working Group, was designed to characterise all these alterations by capturing variable, diversity and joining IG and TR genes along with additional clinically relevant genes for CNA and mutation analysis. Methods: Well characterised B and T cell lines (n=14) representing a diverse repertoire of IG/TR rearrangements were used as a proficiency assessment to ensure 7 testing EuroClonality centres achieved optimal sequencing performance using the EuroClonality-NDC optimised and standardised protocol. A set of 56 IG/TR rearrangements across the 14 cell lines were compiled based on detection by Sanger, amplicon-NGS and capture-NGS sequencing technologies. For clinical validation of the NGS panel, clinical samples representing both B and T cell malignancies (n=280), with ≥ 5% tumour infiltration were collected from 10 European laboratories, with 88 (31%) being formalin fixed paraffin-embedded samples. Samples were distributed to the 7 centres for library preparation, hybridisation with the EuroClonality-NDC panel and sequencing on a NextSeq 500, using the EuroClonality-NDC standard protocol. Sequencing data were analysed using a customised version of ARResT/Interrogate, with independent review of the results by 2 centres. All cases exhibiting discordance between the benchmark and capture NGS results were submitted to an internal review committee comprising members of all participating centres. Results: All 7 testing centres detected all 56 rearrangements of the proficiency assessment and continued through to the validation phase. A total of 10/280 (3.5%) samples were removed from the validation analysis due to NGS failures (n=1), tumour infiltration &amp;lt; 5% (n=7), and sample misidentification (n=2). The EuroClonality-NDC panel detected B cell clonality (i.e. detection of at least one clonal rearrangement at IGH, IGK or IGL loci) in 189/197 (96%) B cell malignancies. Seven of the 8 discordant cases were post-germinal centre malignancies exhibiting Ig somatic hypermutation. The EuroClonality-NDC panel detected T cell clonality (i.e. detection of at least one clonal rearrangement at TRA, TRB, TRD or TRG loci) in 70/73 (96%) T cell malignancies. In all 3 discordant cases analysis of benchmark PCR data was not able to detect clonality at any TR loci. Next, we examined whether the EuroClonality-NDC panel could detect clonality at each of the individual loci, resulting in sensitivity values of 95% or higher for all IG/TR loci, with the exception of those where limited benchmark data were available, i.e. IGL (n=3) and TRA (n=7). The specificity of the panel was assessed on benign reactive lesions (n=21) that did not contain clonal IG/TR rearrangements based on BIOMED-2/EuroClonality PCR results; no clonality was observed by EuroClonality-NDC in any of the 21 cases. Limit of detection (LOD) assessment to detect IG/TR rearrangements was performed using cell line blends with each of the 7 centres receiving blended cell lines diluted to 10%, 5.0%, 2.5% and 1.25%. Across all 7 centres the overall detection rate was 100%, 94.1%, 76.5% and 32.4% respectively, giving an overall LOD of 5%. Sufficient data were available in 239 samples for the analysis of translocations. The correct translocation was detected in 137 out of 145 cases, resulting in a sensitivity of 95%. Table 1 shows how translocations identified by the EuroClonality-NDC protocol were restricted to disease subtypes known to harbour those types of translocations. Analysis of CNA and somatic mutations in all samples is underway and will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: The EuroClonality-NDC panel, with an optimised laboratory protocol and bioinformatics pipeline, detects IG and TR rearrangements and translocations with high sensitivity and specificity with a LOD ≤ 5% and provides a single end-to-end workflow for the simultaneous detection of IG/TR rearrangements, translocations, CNA and sequence variants. Table. Disclosures Stamatopoulos: Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Honoraria, Research Funding. Klapper:Roche, Takeda, Amgen, Regeneron: Honoraria, Research Funding. Ferrero:Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; EUSA Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Servier: Speakers Bureau. van den Brand:Gilead: Speakers Bureau. Groenen:Gilead: Speakers Bureau. Brüggemann:Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Consultancy. Langerak:Gilead: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: Research Funding; Genentech, Inc.: Research Funding; Janssen: Speakers Bureau. Gonzalez:Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

The Camel Adaptive Immune Receptors Repertoire as a Singular Example of Structural and Functional Genomics.

The adaptive immune receptors repertoire is highly plastic, with its ability to produce antigen-binding molecules and select those with high affinity for their antigen. Species have developed diverse genetic and structural strategies to create their respective repertoires required for their survival in the different environments. Camelids, until now, considered as a case of evolutionary innovation because of their only heavy-chain antibodies, represent a new mammalian model particularly useful for understanding the role of diversity in the immune system function. Here, we review the structural and functional characteristics and the current status of the genomic organization of camel immunoglobulins (IG) or antibodies, α/ß and γ/δ T cell receptors (TR), and major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In camelid humoral response, in addition to the conventional antibodies, there are IG with “only-heavy-chain” (no light chain, and two identical heavy gamma chains lacking CH1 and with a VH domain designated as VHH). The unique features of these VHH offer advantages in biotechnology and for clinical applications. The TRG and TRD rearranged variable domains of Camelus dromedarius (Arabian camel) display somatic hypermutation (SHM), increasing the intrinsic structural stability in the γ/δ heterodimer and influencing the affinity maturation to a given antigen similar to immunoglobulin genes. The SHM increases the dromedary γ/δ repertoire diversity. In Camelus genus, the general structural organization of the TRB locus is similar to that of the other artiodactyl species, with a pool of TRBV genes positioned at the 5’ end of three in tandem D-J-C clusters, followed by a single TRBV gene with an inverted transcriptional orientation located at the 3’ end. At the difference of TRG and TRD, the diversity of the TRB variable domains is not shaped by SHM and depends from the classical combinatorial and junctional diversity. The MHC locus is located on chromosome 20 in Camelus dromedarius. Cytogenetic and comparative whole genome analyses revealed the order of the three major regions “Centromere-ClassII-ClassIII-ClassI”. Unexpectedly low extent of polymorphisms and haplotypes was observed in all Old World camels despite different geographic origins.

Comparative Analysis of the TRB Locus in the Camelus Genus.

T cells can be separated into two major subsets based on the heterodimer that forms their T cell receptors. αβ T cells have receptors consisting of α and β chains, while γδ T cells are composed of γ and δ chains. αβ T cells play an essential role within the adaptive immune responses against pathogens. The recent genomic characterization of the Camelus dromedarius T cell receptor β (TRB) locus has allowed us to infer the structure of this locus from the draft genome sequences of its wild and domestic Bactrian congeners, Camelus ferus and Camelus bactrianus. The general structural organization of the wild and domestic Bactrian TRB locus is similar to that of the dromedary, with a pool of TRBV genes positioned at the 5′ end of D-J-C clusters, followed by a single TRBV gene located at the 3′ end with an inverted transcriptional orientation. Despite the fragmented nature of the assemblies, comparative genomics reveals the existence of a perfect co-linearity between the three Old World camel TRB genomic sequences, which enables the transfer of information from one sequence to another and the filling of gaps in the genomic sequences. A virtual camelid TRB locus is hypothesized with the presence of 33 TRBV genes distributed in 26 subgroups. Likewise, in the artiodactyl species, three in-tandem D-J-C clusters, each composed of one TRBD gene, six or seven TRBJ genes, and one TRBC gene, are placed at the 3′ end of the locus. As reported in the ruminant species, a group of four functional TRY genes at the 5′ end and only one gene at the 3′ end, complete the camelid TRB locus. Although the gene content is similar, differences are observed in the TRBV functional repertoire, and genes that are functional in one species are pseudogenes in the other species. Hence, variations in the functional repertoire between dromedary, wild and domestic Bactrian camels, rather than differences in the gene content, may represent the molecular basis explaining the disparity in the TRB repertoire between the Camelus species. Finally, our data contribute to the knowledge about the evolutionary history of Old World camelids.

Usage of Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) Assays for T Cell Quantification in Cancer.

T cells fulfill a central role in cell-mediated immunity and can be found in the circulation and lymphoid organs upon maturation. For clinical applications, it can be important to quantify (infiltrated) T cells accurately in a variety of body fluids and tissues of benign, inflammatory, or malignant origin. For decades, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry have been the accustomed methods to quantify T cells. Although these methods are widely used, they depend on the accessibility of T-cell epitopes and therefore require fresh, frozen, or fixated material of a certain quality. Whenever samples are low in quantity or quality, an accurate quantification can be impeded. By shifting the focus from epitopes to DNA, quantification of T cells remains achievable.Mature T cells differ genetically from other cell types as a result of T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements. This genetic dissimilarity can be exploited to quantify the T-cell fraction in DNA specimens. Conventionally, multiplex PCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), combined with deep-sequencing techniques, can be applied to determine T-cell content. However, these approaches typically target the whole TCR repertoire, thereby supplying additional information about TCR use. Considering this, a simple T-cell quantification, unwantedly, turns into a complex, expensive, and time-consuming procedure. We have developed two generic single duplex ddPCR assays as alternative methods to quantify T cells in a relatively simple, cheap, and fast manner by targeting sequences located between the Dδ2 and Dδ3 genes (TRD locus) and Dβ1 and Jβ1.1 genes (TRB locus). These specific TCR loci become deleted systematically early during lymphoid differentiation and therefore will serve as biomarkers for the quantification of mature T cells. Here, we describe a simple and sensitive ddPCR-based method to quantify T cells relatively fast, accurately and independently of the cellular context.