scholarly journals The Quest for the Best: How TCR Affinity, Avidity, and Functional Avidity Affect TCR-Engineered T-Cell Antitumor Responses

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1720
Author(s):  
Diana Campillo-Davo ◽  
Donovan Flumens ◽  
Eva Lion
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Functional Avidity ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Cell Therapies ◽  
Tcr Affinity ◽  
Key Aspects

Over the past decades, adoptive transfer of T cells has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. In particular, T-cell receptor (TCR) engineering of T cells has marked important milestones in developing more precise and personalized cancer immunotherapies. However, to get the most benefit out of this approach, understanding the role that TCR affinity, avidity, and functional avidity play on how TCRs and T cells function in the context of tumor-associated antigen (TAA) recognition is vital to keep generating improved adoptive T-cell therapies. Aside from TCR-related parameters, other critical factors that govern T-cell activation are the effect of TCR co-receptors on TCR–peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) stabilization and TCR signaling, tumor epitope density, and TCR expression levels in TCR-engineered T cells. In this review, we describe the key aspects governing TCR specificity, T-cell activation, and how these concepts can be applied to cancer-specific TCR redirection of T cells.

scholarly journals CCL21 mediates CD4+ T-cell costimulation via a DOCK2/Rac-dependent pathway

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (3) ◽  
pp. 580-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathrin Gollmer ◽  
François Asperti-Boursin ◽  
Yoshihiko Tanaka ◽  
Klaus Okkenhaug ◽  
Bart Vanhaesebroeck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cd4 T Cells ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Early Time ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Activation Markers

Abstract CD4+ T cells use the chemokine receptor CCR7 to home to and migrate within lymphoid tissue, where T-cell activation takes place. Using primary T-cell receptor (TCR)–transgenic (tg) CD4+ T cells, we explored the effect of CCR7 ligands, in particular CCL21, on T-cell activation. We found that the presence of CCL21 during early time points strongly increased in vitro T-cell proliferation after TCR stimulation, correlating with increased expression of early activation markers. CCL21 costimulation resulted in increased Ras- and Rac-GTP formation and enhanced phosphorylation of Akt, MEK, and ERK but not p38 or JNK. Kinase-dead PI3KδD910A/D910A or PI3Kγ-deficient TCR-tg CD4+ T cells showed similar responsiveness to CCL21 costimulation as control CD4+ T cells. Conversely, deficiency in the Rac guanine exchange factor DOCK2 significantly impaired CCL21-mediated costimulation in TCR-tg CD4+ T cells, concomitant with impaired Rac- but not Ras-GTP formation. Using lymph node slices for live monitoring of T-cell behavior and activation, we found that G protein-coupled receptor signaling was required for early CD69 expression but not for Ca2+ signaling. Our data suggest that the presence of CCL21 during early TCR signaling lowers the activation threshold through Ras- and Rac-dependent pathways leading to increased ERK phosphorylation.

scholarly journals Suboptimal T-cell receptor signaling compromises protein translation, ribosome biogenesis, and proliferation of mouse CD8 T cells

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (30) ◽  
pp. E6117-E6126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas C. J. Tan ◽  
John Knight ◽  
Thomas Sbarrato ◽  
Kate Dudek ◽  
Anne E. Willis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Ribosome Biogenesis ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Mrna Translation ◽  
Protein Translation ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Tcr Signaling

Global transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of T cells have been rich sources of unbiased data for understanding T-cell activation. Lack of full concordance of these datasets has illustrated that important facets of T-cell activation are controlled at the level of translation. We undertook translatome analysis of CD8 T-cell activation, combining polysome profiling and microarray analysis. We revealed that altering T-cell receptor stimulation influenced recruitment of mRNAs to heavy polysomes and translation of subsets of genes. A major pathway that was compromised, when TCR signaling was suboptimal, was linked to ribosome biogenesis, a rate-limiting factor in both cell growth and proliferation. Defective TCR signaling affected transcription and processing of ribosomal RNA precursors, as well as the translation of specific ribosomal proteins and translation factors. Mechanistically, IL-2 production was compromised in weakly stimulated T cells, affecting the abundance of Myc protein, a known regulator of ribosome biogenesis. Consequently, weakly activated T cells showed impaired production of ribosomes and a failure to maintain proliferative capacity after stimulation. We demonstrate that primary T cells respond to various environmental cues by regulating ribosome biogenesis and mRNA translation at multiple levels to sustain proliferation and differentiation.

scholarly journals Unc119, a Novel Activator of Lck/Fyn, Is Essential for T Cell Activation

2004 ◽  
Vol 199 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena M. Gorska ◽  
Susan J. Stafford ◽  
Osman Cen ◽  
Sanjiv Sur ◽  
Rafeul Alam
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Src Homology

The first step in T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) signaling is the activation of the receptor-bound Src kinases, Lck and Fyn. The exact mechanism of this process is unknown. Here, we report that the novel Src homology (SH) 3/SH2 ligand–Uncoordinated 119 (Unc119) associates with CD3 and CD4, and activates Lck and Fyn. Unc119 overexpression increases Lck/Fyn activity in T cells. In Unc119-deficient T cells, Lck/Fyn activity is dramatically reduced with concomitant decrease in interleukin 2 production and cellular proliferation. Reconstitution of cells with Unc119 reverses the signaling and functional outcome. Thus, Unc119 is a receptor-associated activator of Src-type kinases. It provides a novel mechanism of signal generation in the TCR complex.

The actin cloud induced by LFA-1–mediated outside-in signals lowers the threshold for T-cell activation

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 168-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun-ichiro Suzuki ◽  
Sho Yamasaki ◽  
Jennifer Wu ◽  
Gary A. Koretzky ◽  
Takashi Saito
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Immunological Synapse ◽  
Adaptor Protein ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Lymphocyte Function ◽  
Tcr Signaling

Abstract The dynamic rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton plays critical roles in T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling and immunological synapse (IS) formation in T cells. Following actin rearrangement in T cells upon TCR stimulation, we found a unique ring-shaped reorganization of actin called the “actin cloud,” which was specifically induced by outside-in signals through lymphocyte function–associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) engagement. In T-cell–antigen-presenting cell (APC) interactions, the actin cloud is generated in the absence of antigen and localized at the center of the T-cell–APC interface, where it accumulates LFA-1 and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. The LFA-1–induced actin cloud formation involves ADAP (adhesion- and degranulation-promoting adaptor protein) phosphorylation, LFA-1/ADAP assembly, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, and occurs independent of TCR and its proximal signaling. The formation of the actin cloud lowers the threshold for subsequent T-cell activation. Thus, the actin cloud induced by LFA-1 engagement may serve as a possible platform for LFA-1–mediated costimulatory function for T-cell activation.

scholarly journals Optimization of T Cell Redirecting Strategies: Obtaining Inspirations From Natural Process of T Cell Activation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiyuan Gao ◽  
Yuedi Wang ◽  
Feifei Luo ◽  
Yiwei Chu
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Immunological Synapse ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Antigen Receptors ◽  
Cell Therapies

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) redirected T cell against tumors is one of the most promising immunotherapy approaches. However, insufficient clinical outcomes are still observed in treatments of both solid and non-solid tumors. Limited efficacy and poor persistence are two major challenges in redirected T cell therapies. The immunological synapse (IS) is a vital component during the T cell response, which largely determines the clinical outcomes of T cell-based therapies. Here, we review the structural and signaling characteristics of IS formed by natural T cells and redirected T cells. Furthermore, inspired by the elaborate natural T cell receptor-mediated IS, we provide potential strategies for higher efficacy and longer persistence of redirected T cells.

Inhibition of T cell activation and function by the adaptor protein CIN85

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (567) ◽  
pp. eaav4373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei Suen Kong ◽  
Akiko Hashimoto-Tane ◽  
Yusuke Kawashima ◽  
Machie Sakuma ◽  
Tadashi Yokosuka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Adaptor Protein ◽  
Adaptor Proteins ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Sh2 Domain ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Signaling Complex

T cell activation is initiated by signaling molecules downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR) that are organized by adaptor proteins. CIN85 (Cbl-interacting protein of 85 kDa) is one such adaptor protein. Here, we showed that CIN85 limited T cell responses to TCR stimulation. Compared to activated wild-type (WT) T cells, those that lacked CIN85 produced more IL-2 and exhibited greater proliferation. After stimulation of WT T cells with their cognate antigen, CIN85 was recruited to the TCR signaling complex. Early TCR signaling events, such as phosphorylation of ζ-chain–associated protein kinase 70 (Zap70), Src homology 2 (SH2) domain–containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa (SLP76), and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (Erk), were enhanced in CIN85-deficient T cells. The inhibitory function of CIN85 required the SH3 and PR regions of the adaptor, which associated with the phosphatase suppressor of TCR signaling–2 (Sts-2) after TCR stimulation. Together, our data suggest that CIN85 is recruited to the TCR signaling complex and mediates inhibition of T cell activation through its association with Sts-2.

scholarly journals Recruitment of Slp-76 to the Membrane and Glycolipid-Enriched Membrane Microdomains Replaces the Requirement for Linker for Activation of T Cells in T Cell Receptor Signaling

2000 ◽  
Vol 192 (7) ◽  
pp. 1047-1058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy J. Boerth ◽  
Jeffrey J. Sadler ◽  
Daniel E. Bauer ◽  
James L. Clements ◽  
Shereen M. Gheith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Promoter Activity ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Membrane Microdomains ◽  
Tcr Signaling

Two hematopoietic-specific adapters, src homology 2 domain–containing leukocyte phosphoprotein of 76 kD (SLP-76) and linker for activation of T cells (LAT), are critical for T cell development and T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Several studies have suggested that SLP-76 and LAT function coordinately to promote downstream signaling. In support of this hypothesis, we find that a fraction of SLP-76 localizes to glycolipid-enriched membrane microdomains (GEMs) after TCR stimulation. This recruitment of SLP-76 requires amino acids 224–244. The functional consequences of targeting SLP-76 to GEMs for TCR signaling are demonstrated using a LAT/SLP-76 chimeric protein. Expression of this construct reconstitutes TCR-inducted phospholipase Cγ1 phosphorylation, extracellular signal–regulated kinase activation, and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) promoter activity in LAT-deficient Jurkat T cells (J.CaM2). Mutation of the chimeric construct precluding its recruitment to GEMs diminishes but does not eliminate its ability to support TCR signaling. Expression of a chimera that lacks SLP-76 amino acids 224–244 restores NFAT promoter activity, suggesting that if localized, SLP-76 does not require an association with Gads to promote T cell activation. In contrast, mutation of the protein tyrosine kinase phosphorylation sites of SLP-76 in the context of the LAT/SLP-76 chimera abolishes reconstitution of TCR function. Collectively, these experiments show that optimal TCR signaling relies on the compartmentalization of SLP-76 and that one critical function of LAT is to bring SLP-76 and its associated proteins to the membrane.

scholarly journals microRNA-mediated regulation of mTOR complex components facilitates discrimination between activation and anergy in CD4 T cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 211 (11) ◽  
pp. 2281-2295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoine Marcais ◽  
Rory Blevins ◽  
Johannes Graumann ◽  
Amelie Feytout ◽  
Gopuraja Dharmalingam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cd4 T Cells ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Foxp3 Expression ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Tcr Signals ◽  
Mtor Activity

T cell receptor (TCR) signals can elicit full activation with acquisition of effector functions or a state of anergy. Here, we ask whether microRNAs affect the interpretation of TCR signaling. We find that Dicer-deficient CD4 T cells fail to correctly discriminate between activating and anergy-inducing stimuli and produce IL-2 in the absence of co-stimulation. Excess IL-2 production by Dicer-deficient CD4 T cells was sufficient to override anergy induction in WT T cells and to restore inducible Foxp3 expression in Il2-deficient CD4 T cells. Phosphorylation of Akt on S473 and of S6 ribosomal protein was increased and sustained in Dicer-deficient CD4 T cells, indicating elevated mTOR activity. The mTOR components Mtor and Rictor were posttranscriptionally deregulated, and the microRNAs Let-7 and miR-16 targeted the Mtor and Rictor mRNAs. Remarkably, returning Mtor and Rictor to normal levels by deleting one allele of Mtor and one allele of Rictor was sufficient to reduce Akt S473 phosphorylation and to reduce co-stimulation–independent IL-2 production in Dicer-deficient CD4 T cells. These results show that microRNAs regulate the expression of mTOR components in T cells, and that this regulation is critical for the modulation of mTOR activity. Hence, microRNAs contribute to the discrimination between T cell activation and anergy.

scholarly journals CD4 Inhibits Helper T Cell Activation at Lower Affinity Threshold for Full-Length T Cell Receptors Than Single Chain Signaling Constructs

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah K. Johnson ◽  
Wyatt Magoffin ◽  
Sheldon J. Myers ◽  
Jordan G. Finnell ◽  
John C. Hancock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Antigen Receptors ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Tcr Affinity

CD4+ T cells are crucial for effective repression and elimination of cancer cells. Despite a paucity of CD4+ T cell receptor (TCR) clinical studies, CD4+ T cells are primed to become important therapeutics as they help circumvent tumor antigen escape and guide multifactorial immune responses. However, because CD8+ T cells directly kill tumor cells, most research has focused on the attributes of CD8+ TCRs. Less is known about how TCR affinity and CD4 expression affect CD4+ T cell activation in full length TCR (flTCR) and TCR single chain signaling (TCR-SCS) formats. Here, we generated an affinity panel of TCRs from CD4+ T cells and expressed them in flTCR and three TCR-SCS formats modeled after chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to understand the contributions of TCR-pMHCII affinity, TCR format, and coreceptor CD4 interactions on CD4+ T cell activation. Strikingly, the coreceptor CD4 inhibited intermediate and high affinity TCR-construct activation by Lck-dependent and -independent mechanisms. These inhibition mechanisms had unique affinity thresholds dependent on the TCR format. Intracellular construct formats affected the tetramer staining for each TCR as well as IL-2 production. IL-2 production was promoted by increased TCR-pMHCII affinity and the flTCR format. Thus, CD4+ T cell therapy development should consider TCR affinity, CD4 expression, and construct format.

scholarly journals Uncovering a novel role of PLCβ4 in selectively mediating TCR signaling in CD8+ but not CD4+ T cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 218 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miwa Sasai ◽  
Ji Su Ma ◽  
Masaaki Okamoto ◽  
Kohei Nishino ◽  
Hikaru Nagaoka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Cd4 T Cells ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Cd8 T Cell ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Tcr Signaling

Because of their common signaling molecules, the main T cell receptor (TCR) signaling cascades in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are considered qualitatively identical. Herein, we show that TCR signaling in CD8+ T cells is qualitatively different from that in CD4+ T cells, since CD8α ignites another cardinal signaling cascade involving phospholipase C β4 (PLCβ4). TCR-mediated responses were severely impaired in PLCβ4-deficient CD8+ T cells, whereas those in CD4+ T cells were intact. PLCβ4-deficient CD8+ T cells showed perturbed activation of peripheral TCR signaling pathways downstream of IP3 generation. Binding of PLCβ4 to the cytoplasmic tail of CD8α was important for CD8+ T cell activation. Furthermore, GNAQ interacted with PLCβ4, mediated double phosphorylation on threonine 886 and serine 890 positions of PLCβ4, and activated CD8+ T cells in a PLCβ4-dependent fashion. PLCβ4-deficient mice exhibited defective antiparasitic host defense and antitumor immune responses. Altogether, PLCβ4 differentiates TCR signaling in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and selectively promotes CD8+ T cell–dependent adaptive immunity.

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