scholarly journals Long-lived T follicular helper cells retain plasticity and help sustain humoral immunity

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (45) ◽  
pp. eaay5552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Künzli ◽  
David Schreiner ◽  
Tamara C. Pereboom ◽  
Nivedya Swarnalekha ◽  
Ludivine C. Litzler ◽  
...  

CD4+ memory T cells play an important role in protective immunity and are a key target in vaccine development. Many studies have focused on T central memory (Tcm) cells, whereas the existence and functional significance of long-lived T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are controversial. Here, we show that Tfh cells are highly susceptible to NAD-induced cell death (NICD) during isolation from tissues, leading to their underrepresentation in prior studies. NICD blockade reveals the persistence of abundant Tfh cells with high expression of hallmark Tfh markers to at least 400 days after infection, by which time Tcm cells are no longer found. Using single-cell RNA-seq, we demonstrate that long-lived Tfh cells are transcriptionally distinct from Tcm cells, maintain stemness and self-renewal gene expression, and, in contrast to Tcm cells, are multipotent after recall. At the protein level, we show that folate receptor 4 (FR4) robustly discriminates long-lived Tfh cells from Tcm cells. Unexpectedly, long-lived Tfh cells concurrently express a distinct glycolytic signature similar to trained immune cells, including elevated expression of mTOR-, HIF-1–, and cAMP-regulated genes. Late disruption of glycolysis/ICOS signaling leads to Tfh cell depletion concomitant with decreased splenic plasma cells and circulating antibody titers, demonstrating both unique homeostatic regulation of Tfh and their sustained function during the memory phase of the immune response. These results highlight the metabolic heterogeneity underlying distinct long-lived T cell subsets and establish Tfh cells as an attractive target for the induction of durable adaptive immunity.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Künzli ◽  
David Schreiner ◽  
Tamara Pereboom ◽  
Nivedya Swarnalekha ◽  
Jonas Lötscher ◽  
...  

SUMMARYCD4 memory T cells play an important role in protective immunity and are a key target in vaccine development. Many studies have focused on T central memory (TCM) cells, while the existence and functional significance of T follicular helper (TFH) memory cells is controversial. Here we show that TFH memory cells are highly susceptible to NAD induced cell death (NICD) during isolation from tissues, leading to their under-representation in prior studies. NICD blockade reveals the persistence of abundant TFH memory cells, with high expression of hallmark TFH markers, that persist to at least 400 days after infection, by which time TCM cells are no longer found. Using single cell RNA-seq we demonstrate that TFH memory cells are transcriptionally distinct from TCM cells, maintain stemness and self-renewal gene expression, and, in contrast to TCM cells, are multipotent following recall. Surprisingly, TFH memory cells concurrently express a distinct glycolytic signature similar to trained immune cells, including elevated expression of mTOR, HIF-1 and cAMP regulated genes. Late disruption of glycolysis/ICOS signaling leads to TFH memory cell depletion concomitant with decreased splenic plasma cells and circulating antibody titers, demonstrating both unique homeostatic regulation of memory TFH and their sustained function during the memory phase of the immune response. These results highlight the metabolic heterogeneity underlying distinct memory T cell subsets and establish TFH memory cells as an attractive target for the induction of long-lived adaptive immunity.HIGHLIGHTSCell death during isolation from the tissue prevents the full recovery of TFH memory cellsTFH memory cells are transcriptionally distinct from TCM cells and maintain a broader recall capacityTFH memory cells are maintained in the absence of antigen but require ICOS signaling and glycolysisTFH memory cells support late phase antibody production by splenic plasma cells


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 1737-1737
Author(s):  
Cheryl H Rozanski ◽  
Ramon Arens ◽  
Louise Carlson ◽  
Jayakumar Nair ◽  
Lawrence H. Boise ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1737 Protective immunity against infection requires sustained antibody production by long-lived plasma cells (LLPC) that survive for years/decades within specialized niches. What regulates/supports this survival remains largely unknown. However, is has been shown normal and transformed (human multiple myeloma) LLPC are critically dependent on the bone marrow microenvironment including cell-to-cell interactions. Leading us to rationalize, modulating this interaction could either enhance antibody production for cancer vaccine development or conversely compromise the survival of transformed/normal LLPC in the bone marrow microenvironment. We have shown the T cell costimulatory receptor CD28 expressed on both normal and transformed LLPC plays an essential role. While LLPC and short-lived plasma cells (SLPC) both express CD28, its activation in vitro only significantly increases the survival and IgG production of LLPC. These observations led us to directly investigate the role of CD28 in LLPC survival as well as cell-cell interactions with CD80/CD86+ bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDC). Utilizing normal murine bone marrow and splenic PC as our model system we further investigated the role of CD28 in LLPC function and survival. We have previously shown, in vitro serum starvation experiments, direct activation of CD28 increased survival of LLPC by 12-fold (p<0.05), whereas CD28 activation of SLPC did not induce survival. Addition of BMDC improved the survival of LLPC 2-fold over that seen with media alone, and resulted in a significant increase in IgG production (p<0.001). In contrast, CD28-/- PC had no increase in survival when cocultured with BMDC, suggesting a direct role for CD28 in PC-DC interaction. Consistent with these findings we now show that in vivo, vaccinated bone marrow CD28-/-:μMT chimeras had significantly reduces long-term antibody titers and LLPC (but not SLPC) survival from t1/2 of 426 to 63 days. Additionally, LLPC CD28 modulates the microenvironment by inducing CD80/CD86+ stromal cell production of the supportive cytokine IL-6 (p<0.001 vs. BMDC/PC alone), which was abrogated by blocking CD80 and CD86 (p<0.05). From the above experiments we hypothesized IL-6 was playing a significant role in the survival of LLPC, however to our surprise LLPC cocultured with WT or IL-6-/- BMDC maintained equivalent LLPC numbers, interestingly however LLPC cocultures with BMDC showed a 3-fold increase of IgG compared to LLPC cocultured with IL-6-/- BMDC (p<0.001). These data suggest CD28 is a key molecular component in LLPC survival, whereas IL-6 contributes to Ig production. Our data demonstrates that signaling through CD28 directly supports the survival of LLPC, sustaining long term protective antibody titers. These findings suggest CD28 plays an important role in maintaining the quality of protective durable humoral immunity. Strategies to augment CD28 signaling may lead to greater LLPC survival and persistent antibody titers in cancer vaccine development. Conversely, blocking CD28 signaling could compromise the survival of transformed myeloma cells which are critically dependent on the bone marrow microenvironment. Disclosures: Boise: University of Chicago: Patents & Royalties.


Author(s):  
Hannah R. Brown ◽  
Tammy L. Donato ◽  
Halldor Thormar

Measles virus specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) has been found in the brains of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a slowly progressing disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in children. IgG/albumin ratios indicate that the antibodies are synthesized within the CNS. Using the ferret as an animal model to study the disease, we have been attempting to localize the Ig's in the brains of animals inoculated with a cell associated strain of SSPE. In an earlier report, preliminary results using Protein A conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (PrAPx) (Dynatech Diagnostics Inc., South Windham, ME.) to detect antibodies revealed the presence of immunoglobulin mainly in antibody-producing plasma cells in inflammatory lesions and not in infected brain cells.In the present experiment we studied the brain of an SSPE ferret with neutralizing antibody titers of 1:1024 in serum and 1:512 in CSF at time of sacrifice 7 months after i.c. inoculation with SSPE measles virus-infected cells. The animal was perfused with saline and portions of the brain and spinal cord were immersed in periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde (P-L-P) fixative. The ferret was not perfused with fixative because parts of the brain were used for virus isolation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingjuan Yin ◽  
Yongzhen Xiong ◽  
Dongmei Liang ◽  
Hao Tang ◽  
Qian Hong ◽  
...  

Abstract Background An estimated 5–10 % of healthy vaccinees lack adequate antibody response following receipt of a standard three-dose hepatitis B vaccination regimen. The cellular mechanisms responsible for poor immunological responses to hepatitis B vaccine have not been fully elucidated to date. Methods There were 61 low responders and 56 hyper responders involved in our study. Peripheral blood samples were mainly collected at D7, D14 and D28 after revaccinated with a further dose of 20 µg of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. Results We found low responders to the hepatitis B vaccine presented lower frequencies of circulating follicular helper T (cTfh) cells, plasmablasts and a profound skewing away from cTfh2 and cTfh17 cells both toward cTfh1 cells. Importantly, the skewing of Tfh cell subsets correlated with IL-21 and protective antibody titers. Based on the key role of microRNAs involved in Tfh cell differentiation, we revealed miR-19b-1 and miR-92a-1 correlated with the cTfh cell subsets distribution and antibody production. Conclusions Our findings highlighted a decrease in cTfh cells and specific subset skewing contribute to reduced antibody responses in low responders.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam K. Wheatley ◽  
Jennifer A. Juno ◽  
Jing J. Wang ◽  
Kevin J. Selva ◽  
Arnold Reynaldi ◽  
...  

AbstractThe durability of infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 immunity has major implications for reinfection and vaccine development. Here, we show a comprehensive profile of antibody, B cell and T cell dynamics over time in a cohort of patients who have recovered from mild-moderate COVID-19. Binding and neutralising antibody responses, together with individual serum clonotypes, decay over the first 4 months post-infection. A similar decline in Spike-specific CD4+ and circulating T follicular helper frequencies occurs. By contrast, S-specific IgG+ memory B cells consistently accumulate over time, eventually comprising a substantial fraction of circulating the memory B cell pool. Modelling of the concomitant immune kinetics predicts maintenance of serological neutralising activity above a titre of 1:40 in 50% of convalescent participants to 74 days, although there is probably additive protection from B cell and T cell immunity. This study indicates that SARS-CoV-2 immunity after infection might be transiently protective at a population level. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines might require greater immunogenicity and durability than natural infection to drive long-term protection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2723
Author(s):  
Linhua Tian ◽  
Elzafir B. Elsheikh ◽  
Paul N. Patrone ◽  
Anthony J. Kearsley ◽  
Adolfas K. Gaigalas ◽  
...  

Quantitative and robust serology assays are critical measurements underpinning global COVID-19 response to diagnostic, surveillance, and vaccine development. Here, we report a proof-of-concept approach for the development of quantitative, multiplexed flow cytometry-based serological and neutralization assays. The serology assays test the IgG and IgM against both the full-length spike antigens and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike antigen. Benchmarking against an RBD-specific SARS-CoV IgG reference standard, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD antibody titer was quantified in the range of 37.6 µg/mL to 31.0 ng/mL. The quantitative assays are highly specific with no correlative cross-reactivity with the spike proteins of MERS, SARS1, OC43 and HKU1 viruses. We further demonstrated good correlation between anti-RBD antibody titers and neutralizing antibody titers. The suite of serology and neutralization assays help to improve measurement confidence and are complementary and foundational for clinical and epidemiologic studies.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 26-26
Author(s):  
Jean-Baptiste Alberge ◽  
Bastien Jamet ◽  
Clement Bailly ◽  
Cyrille Touzeau ◽  
Jonathan Cruard ◽  
...  

Background Positron emission tomography (PET) using 18Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) provides independent prognostic informations in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients (Moreau et al, ASH 2019; Moreau et al, JCO 2017; Zamagni et al, Blood 2011). At baseline, FDG-PET/CT characteristics such as maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), presence of extramedullary disease (EMD), and paramedullary disease (PMD) define high-risk NDMM patients. Similarly, the presence of negative FDG-PET/CT at baseline has been associated with favorable outcome in NDMM patients (Abe et al, EJNMMI 2019; Moreau et al, ASH 2019). The aim of the present study was to identify MM molecular features associated with these functional imaging biomarkers. Methods A group of 136 patients from CASSIOPET, a companion study of the CASSIOPEIA cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02541383) were subjected to whole genome expression profiling using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on sorted bone marrow plasma cells in addition to FDG-PET/CT imaging at baseline. RNA-seq reads were aligned to hg38 reference genome with STAR and subjected to differential expression testing with DESeq2 with sample purity treated as a model covariate. High risk group with the GEP70 signature and classification from the seven molecular subgroups (CD-1, CD-2, HY, LB, MF, MS, and PR) were determined by weighted mean value of gene expression (Zhan et al, Blood 2006). Special attention was paid to genes associated with glucose metabolism and related to plasma cells proliferation. On FDG-PET/CT, SUVmax of areas of focally increased tracer uptake on bone was determined and the presence of EMD or PMD identified. Results FDG-PET/CT was positive in 108 patients out of 136 (79,4%), with 19 (14%) and 15 (11%) of them presenting PMD and EMD disease respectively. Expression level of glucose transporter GLUT1 was independent of these three imaging biomarkers (FDG-PET/CT positivity, EMD and PMD), while HK2 was downregulated in negative scans only (Fold Change = 2.1, padj=0.02). GLUT5 expression was associated with positive FDG-PET/CT (Fold Change = 3.5, padj = 8E-4). Both GLUT1 and HK2 weakly correlated with SUVmax (r=0.26 and 0.36, respectively). Of note, negative FDG-PET/CT were enriched for the LB group of patients, consistent with the lower incidence of MRI-defined bone lesions reported in this subgroup, and it remained independent of the GEP70 signature. Furthermore, high risk GEP70 signature was associated with a SUVmax ≥ 4, and correlated with the presence of PMD (OR=3.2, CI=[0.95-10.6], p=0.03), but not with EMD (p=0.7).Conversely, there was no patient from the LB group with detected PMD on imaging, but 25% (2/8) showed EMD, suggesting that different biological features support both disease patterns. Finally, positive PET/CT profiles seemed to display two distinct signatures with either high expression of proliferation genes (MKI67, PCNA, TOP2A, STMN1), or high expression of GLUT5 and lymphocyte antigens (CD19, CD30L, and CCR2), suggesting a different phenotype for this subgroup. This finding was independent of a high SUVmax. Conclusion Our study confirmed that negative FDG-PET/CT at baseline is associated with low HK2 expression while positive exams showed increased GLUT5 expression and proliferation markers. We describe a strong correlation between two imaging biomarkers (baseline SUVmax and PMD) and high risk signature and molecular subgroup with highly proliferative disease. On the contrary, EMD appeared independent of high risk signature or molecular subgroups. Additional studies will confirm and extend the correlation between imaging and clinical features of the disease and molecular characteristics of malignant plasma cells. Disclosures Touzeau: Sanofi: Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses. Moreau:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Celgene/Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 42-43
Author(s):  
Prajish Iyer ◽  
Lu Yang ◽  
Zhi-Zhang Yang ◽  
Charla R. Secreto ◽  
Sutapa Sinha ◽  
...  

Despite recent developments in the therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Richter's transformation (RT), an aggressive lymphoma, remains a clinical challenge. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has shown promise in selective lymphoma types, however, only 30-40% RT patients respond to anti-PD1 pembrolizumab; while the underlying CLL failed to respond and 10% CLL patients progress rapidly within 2 months of treatment. Studies indicate pre-existing T cells in tumor biopsies are associated with a greater anti-PD1 response, hence we hypothesized that pre-existing T cell subset characteristics and regulation in anti-PD1 responders differed from those who progressed in CLL. We used mass cytometry (CyTOF) to analyze T cell subsets isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 19 patients with who received pembrolizumab as a single agent. PBMCs were obtained baseline(pre-therapy) and within 3 months of therapy initiation. Among this cohort, 3 patients had complete or partial response (responders), 2 patients had rapid disease progression (progressors) (Fig. A), and 14 had stable disease (non-responders) within the first 3 months of therapy. CyTOF analysis revealed that Treg subsets in responders as compared with progressors or non-responders (MFI -55 vs.30, p=0.001) at both baseline and post-therapy were increased (Fig. B). This quantitative analysis indicated an existing difference in Tregs and distinct molecular dynamic changes in response to pembrolizumab between responders and progressors. To delineate the T cell characteristics in progressors and responders, we performed single-cell RNA-seq (SC-RNA-seq; 10X Genomics platform) using T (CD3+) cells enriched from PBMCs derived from three patients (1 responder: RS2; 2 progressors: CLL14, CLL17) before and after treatment. A total of ~10000 cells were captured and an average of 1215 genes was detected per cell. Using a clustering approach (Seurat V3.1.5), we identified 7 T cell clusters based on transcriptional signature (Fig.C). Responders had a larger fraction of Tregs (Cluster 5) as compared with progressors (p=0.03, Fig. D), and these Tregs showed an IFN-related gene signature (Fig. E). To determine any changes in the cellular circuitry in Tregs between responders and progressors, we used FOXP3, CD25, and CD127 as markers for Tregs in our SC-RNA-seq data. We saw a greater expression of FOXP3, CD25, CD127, in RS2 in comparison to CLL17 and CLL14. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed the upregulation of genes involved in lymphocyte activation and FOXP3-regulated Treg development-related pathways in the responder's Tregs (Fig.F). Together, the greater expression of genes involved in Treg activation may reduce the suppressive functions of Tregs, which led to the response to anti-PD1 treatment seen in RS2 consistent with Tregs in melanoma. To delineate any state changes in T cells between progressors and responder, we performed trajectory analysis using Monocle (R package tool) and identified enrichment of MYC/TNF/IFNG gene signature in state 1 and an effector T signature in state 3 For RS2 after treatment (p=0.003), indicating pembrolizumab induced proliferative and functional T cell signatures in the responder only. Further, our single-cell results were supported by the T cell receptor (TCR beta) repertoire analysis (Adaptive Biotechnology). As an inverse measure of TCR diversity, productive TCR clonality in CLL14 and CLL17 samples was 0.638 and 0.408 at baseline, respectively. Fifty percent of all peripheral blood T cells were represented by one large TCR clone in CLL14(progressor) suggesting tumor related T-cell clone expansion. In contrast, RS2(responder) contained a profile of diverse T cell clones with a clonality of 0.027 (Fig. H). Pembrolizumab therapy did not change the clonality of the three patients during the treatment course (data not shown). In summary, we identified enriched Treg signatures delineating responders from progressors on pembrolizumab treatment, paradoxical to the current understanding of T cell subsets in solid tumors. However, these data are consistent with the recent observation that the presence of Tregs suggests a better prognosis in Hodgkin lymphoma, Follicular lymphoma, and other hematological malignancies. Figure 1 Disclosures Kay: Pharmacyclics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Oncotracker: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Rigel: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Juno Theraputics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Agios Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Cytomx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astra Zeneca: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Morpho-sys: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Tolero Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bristol Meyer Squib: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Acerta Pharma: Research Funding; Sunesis: Research Funding; Dava Oncology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Research Funding; MEI Pharma: Research Funding. Ansell:AI Therapeutics: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Trillium: Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Research Funding. Ding:Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Octapharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; MEI Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; alexion: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Beigene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; DTRM: Research Funding; Merck: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: pembrolizumab


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-An Kung ◽  
Chung-Guei Huang ◽  
Sheng-Yu Huang ◽  
Kuan-Ting Liu ◽  
Peng-Nien Huang ◽  
...  

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the importance of an international standard (IS) for SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titer detection, with the aim of calibrating different diagnostic techniques. In this study, IS was applied to calibrate neutralizing antibody titers (IU/mL) and binding antibody titers (BAU/mL) in response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Serum samples were collected from participants receiving the Moderna (n = 20) and Pfizer (n = 20) vaccines at three time points: pre-vaccination, after one dose, and after two doses. We obtained geometric mean titers of 1404.16 and 928.75 IU/mL for neutralizing antibodies after two doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, respectively. These values provide an important baseline for vaccine development and the implementation of non-inferiority trials. We also compared three commercially available kits from Roche, Abbott, and MeDiPro for the detection of COVID-19 antibodies based on binding affinity to S1 and/or RBD. Our results demonstrated that antibody titers measured by commercial assays are highly correlated with neutralizing antibody titers calibrated by IS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han Sun ◽  
Hu-Qin Yang ◽  
Kan Zhai ◽  
Zhao-Hui Tong

B cells play vital roles in host defense against Pneumocystis infection. However, the features of the B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire in disease progression remain unclear. Here, we integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell BCR sequencing of immune cells from mouse lungs in an uninfected state and 1–4 weeks post-infection in order to illustrate the dynamic nature of B cell responses during Pneumocystis infection. We identified continuously increased plasma cells and an elevated ratio of (IgA + IgG) to (IgD + IgM) after infection. Moreover, Pneumocystis infection was associated with an increasing naïve B subset characterized by elevated expression of the transcription factor ATF3. The proportion of clonal expanded cells progressively increased, while BCR diversity decreased. Plasma cells exhibited higher levels of somatic hypermutation than naïve B cells. Biased usage of V(D)J genes was observed, and the usage frequency of IGHV9-3 rose. Overall, these results present a detailed atlas of B cell transcriptional changes and BCR repertoire features in the context of Pneumocystis infection, which provides valuable information for finding diagnostic biomarkers and developing potential immunotherapeutic targets.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document