A novel TNFR2 agonist antibody expands highly potent regulatory T cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (661) ◽  
pp. eaba9600
Author(s):  
Heather Torrey ◽  
Willem M. Kühtreiber ◽  
Yoshiaki Okubo ◽  
Lisa Tran ◽  
Katherine Case ◽  
...  

Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) restrict immune system activity, such as in response to self-antigens, and are switched on by tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2). Therapeutic activation of TNFR2, thereby expanding Treg cells and suppressing immune activity, may be beneficial to patients with various inflammatory diseases. Here, we characterized a new human TNFR2-directed antibody agonist isolated from mice. We found that the antibody agonist expanded the number of Treg cells within cultures of primary human CD4+ T cells from healthy donors and patients with type 1 diabetes or Sézary syndrome. These Treg cells had increased metabolic gene expression and intracellular itaconate concentrations, characteristics associated with maximally suppressive, anti-inflammatory Treg cells. Furthermore, antibody-expanded Treg cells repressed the activity of primary human CD8+ effector T cells (Teff cells). Epitope mapping suggested that the antibody bound to TNFR2 through a natural cross-linking surface and that Treg cell expansion was independent of the antibody Fc region. In addition, Treg cell expansion was not increased by adding either supplemental TNF ligand or a cross-linking reagent, suggesting that the antibody agonist by itself can elicit maximal activity, a notion that was confirmed by increased secretion of soluble TNFR2. Pending in vivo tests, these features indicate that this TNFR2 antibody agonist has the potential to safely and effectively treat various inflammatory disorders.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 103 (12) ◽  
pp. 4594-4601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mizuko Mamura ◽  
WoonKyu Lee ◽  
Timothy J. Sullivan ◽  
Angelina Felici ◽  
Anastasia L. Sowers ◽  
...  

Abstract Tgf-β1-/- mice develop a progressive, lethal, inflammatory syndrome, but mechanisms leading to the spontaneous activation of Tgf-β1-/- T cells remain unclear. Here we show the disruption of CD28 gene expression accelerates disease in Tgf-β1-/- mice, and we link this increase in severity to a reduction in the number of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. CD4+CD25+ T cells develop normally in Tgf-β1-/- mice and display characteristic expression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR), αEβ7 integrin, and Foxp3. Adoptive transfer of Tgf-β1-/- splenocytes to Tgf-β1+/+/Rag2-/- mice induced an autoimmune inflammatory disease with features similar to those of the Tgf-β1-/- phenotype, and disease transfer was accelerated by the depletion of Tgf-β1-/- CD4+CD25+ T cells from donor splenocytes. Cotransfer of Tgf- β1-/- CD4+CD25+ T cells clearly attenuated disease in Rag2-/- recipients of CD25+-depleted Tgf-β1-/- spleen and lymph node cells, but suppression was incomplete when compared with Tgf-β1+/+ CD4+CD25+ T cells. These data demonstrate that CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells develop in complete absence of endogenous transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression and that autocrine TGF-β1 expression is not essential for these cells to suppress inflammation in vivo. (Blood. 2004;103:4594-4601)


2007 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 533-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludovic Tibor Krausz ◽  
Rodolfo Bianchini ◽  
Simona Ronchetti ◽  
Katia Fettucciari ◽  
Giuseppe Nocentini ◽  
...  

Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-Related (GITR) protein is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily that modulates acquired and natural immune response. It is expressed in several cells and tissues, including T cells, natural killer cells, and, at lower levels, in cells of innate immunity. GITR is activated by its ligand, GITRL, mainly expressed on antigen presenting and endothelial cells. Recent evidence suggests that the GITR/GITRL system participates in the development of inflammatory responses, including shock, either due to early response of neutrophils and macrophages, or together with autoimmune/allergic pathogenesis. The pro-inflammatory role of the GITR/GITRL system is due to: 1) modulation of the extravasation process, 2) activation of innate immunity cells, 3) activation of effector T cells also favored by partial inhibition of suppressor T cells and modulation of dendritic function. This review summarizes thein vivorole of the GITR/GITRL system in inflammation and shock, explaining the mechanisms responsible for their effects, considering the interplay among the different cells of the immune system and transduction pathways activated by GITR and GITRL triggering. The hidden aspects about GITR/GITRL function, crucial for treatment planning of inflammatory diseases and shock by modulation of this system is stressed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Supannikar Tawinwung ◽  
Dhirarin Junsaeng ◽  
Supanut Utthiya ◽  
Phisit Khemawoot

Abstract Background ECa 233 is a standardized extract of C. asiatica containing the triterpenoid glycosides, madecassoside to asiaticoside in the ratio of (1.5 ± 0.5):1. Anti-inflammatory activities of ECa 233 have been reported; however the immunomodulatory effects of ECa 233 on regulatory T cells, which have a pivotal role in immune regulation, has not been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of ECa 233 on regulatory T cells that may provide benefits in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Methods ECa 233 was prepared as oral suspension in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose and administered to male Wistar rats via oral gavage. The pharmacokinetics and toxicity of ECa 233 were evaluated. Splenic lymphocytes were isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry and qPCR to determine the immunomodulatory effects of ECa 233 on regulatory T cells. Results All rats had good tolerability to ECa 233 and other test preparations. The pharmacokinetic study showed low oral bioavailability for both triterpenoids, with the maximum plasma concentration reached at 4 h for asiaticoside and at 0.5 h for madecassoside. Multiple oral administration of ECa 233 reduced the frequency of T cells, particularly CD8 T cells in rats. ECa 233 enhanced the percentage of regulatory T cells, characterized by high expression of CD25+ and upregulation of FoxP3 gene. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that ECa 233 possesses immunosuppressive properties by enhancing regulatory T cells. These results provide in vivo evidence for the anti-inflammatory action of ECa 233, in line with previously reports, and the potential uses of ECa 233 in the treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (7) ◽  
pp. 1222-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin J Gaborit ◽  
Antoine Roquilly ◽  
Cédric Louvet ◽  
Abderrahmane Sadek ◽  
Benoit Tessoulin ◽  
...  

Abstract Sepsis causes inflammation-induced immunosuppression with lymphopenia and alterations of CD4+ T-cell functions that renders the host prone to secondary infections. Whether and how regulatory T cells (Treg) are involved in this postseptic immunosuppression is unknown. We observed in vivo that early activation of Treg during Staphylococcus aureus sepsis induces CD4+ T-cell impairment and increases susceptibility to secondary pneumonia. The tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 positive (TNFR2pos) Treg subset endorsed the majority of effector immunosuppressive functions, and TNRF2 was particularly associated with activation of genes involved in cell cycle and replication in Treg, probably explaining their maintenance. Blocking or deleting TNFR2 during sepsis decreased the susceptibility to secondary infection. In humans, our data paralleled those in mice; the expression of CTLA-4 was dramatically increased in TNFR2pos Treg after culture in vitro with S. aureus. Our findings describe in vivo mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced immunosuppression and identify TNFR2pos Treg as targets for therapeutic intervention.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (8) ◽  
pp. 2655-2661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devi K. Banerjee ◽  
Madhav V. Dhodapkar ◽  
Elyana Matayeva ◽  
Ralph M. Steinman ◽  
Kavita M. Dhodapkar

AbstractCD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg's) play an important role in the maintenance of immune tolerance. The mechanisms controlling the induction and maintenance of Treg's in humans need to be defined. We find that human myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) are superior to other antigen presenting cells for the maintenance of FOXP3+ Treg's in culture. Coculture of DCs with autologous T cells leads to an increase in both the number of Treg's, as well as the expression of FOXP3 protein per cell both in healthy donors and myeloma patients. DC-mediated expansion of FOXP3high Treg's is enhanced by endogenous but not exogenous interleukin-2 (IL-2), and DC-T-cell contact, including the CD80/CD86 membrane costimulatory molecules. DCs also stimulate the formation of Treg's from CD25- T cells. The efficacy of induction of Treg's by DCs depends on the nature of the DC maturation stimulus, with inflammatory cytokine-treated DCs (Cyt-DCs) being the most effective Treg inducers. DC-induced Treg's from both healthy donors and patients with myeloma are functional and effectively suppress T-cell responses. A single injection of cytokine-matured DCs led to rapid enhancement of FOXP3+ Treg's in vivo in 3 of 3 myeloma patients. These data reveal a role for DCs in increasing the number of functional FOXP3high Treg's in humans.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (19) ◽  
pp. 4034-4044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol H. Miao ◽  
Benjamin R. Harmeling ◽  
Steven F. Ziegler ◽  
Benjamin C. Yen ◽  
Troy Torgerson ◽  
...  

Abstract Gene transfer of a factor VIII (FVIII) plasmid into hemophilia A (HemA) mice achieved supraphysiologic FVIII expression, but triggered production of high-titer FVIII-specific antibodies and loss of functional FVIII activity. To test whether FVIII-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) can modulate immune responses against FVIII, we developed a HemA mouse model in which all T cells overexpressed Foxp3 (HemA/Foxp3-Tg). FVIII plasmid therapy did not induce antibody production in HemA/Foxp3-Tg mice. CD4+Foxp3+ T cells isolated from plasmid-treated HemA/Foxp3-Tg mice significantly suppressed proliferation of FVIII-stimulated CD4+ effector T cells. The percentage of CD4+ T cells expressing CD25, glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 increased significantly in spleen and peripheral blood for 9 weeks. Mice receiving adoptively transferred Tregs from FVIII-exposed HemA/Foxp3-Tg mice produced significantly reduced antibody titers compared with controls after initial challenge with FVIII plasmid and second challenge 16 weeks after first plasmid treatment. Adoptively transferred Tregs engrafted and distributed at 2% to 4% in the Treg compartment of blood, lymph nodes, and spleens of the recipient mice and induced activation of endogenous Tregs; the engraftment decreased to negligible levels over 8 to 12 weeks. Antigen-specific Tregs can provide long-lasting protection against immune responses in vivo and limit recall responses induced by a second challenge via infectious tolerance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
pp. 1325-1339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amara Seng ◽  
Kelsey L. Krausz ◽  
Dong Pei ◽  
Devin C. Koestler ◽  
Ryan T. Fischer ◽  
...  

Abstract Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of immune cells that suppress the immune response. Treg therapy for inflammatory diseases is being tested in the clinic, with moderate success. However, it is difficult to isolate and expand Tregs to sufficient numbers. Engineered Tregs (eTregs) can be generated in larger quantities by genetically manipulating conventional T cells to express FOXP3. These eTregs can suppress in vitro and in vivo but not as effectively as endogenous Tregs. We hypothesized that ectopic expression of the transcription factor Helios along with FOXP3 is required for optimal eTreg immunosuppression. To test this theory, we generated eTregs by retrovirally transducing total human T cells (CD4+ and CD8+) with FOXP3 alone or with each of the 2 predominant isoforms of Helios. Expression of both FOXP3 and the full-length isoform of Helios was required for eTreg-mediated disease delay in a xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease model. In vitro, this corresponded with superior suppressive function of FOXP3 and full-length Helios-expressing CD4+ and CD8+ eTregs. RNA sequencing showed that the addition of full-length Helios changed gene expression in cellular pathways and the Treg signature compared with FOXP3 alone or the other major Helios isoform. Together, these results show that functional human CD4+ and CD8+ eTregs can be generated from total human T cells by coexpressing FOXP3 and full-length Helios.


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