scholarly journals A class II MHC-targeted vaccine elicits immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (44) ◽  
pp. e2116147118
Author(s):  
Novalia Pishesha ◽  
Thibault J. Harmand ◽  
Paul W. Rothlauf ◽  
Patrique Praest ◽  
Ryan K. Alexander ◽  
...  

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in over 100 million infections and millions of deaths. Effective vaccines remain the best hope of curtailing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, morbidity, and mortality. The vaccines in current use require cold storage and sophisticated manufacturing capacity, which complicates their distribution, especially in less developed countries. We report the development of a candidate SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that is purely protein based and directly targets antigen-presenting cells. It consists of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor-binding domain (SpikeRBD) fused to an alpaca-derived nanobody that recognizes class II major histocompatibility complex antigens (VHHMHCII). This vaccine elicits robust humoral and cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Both young and aged mice immunized with two doses of VHHMHCII-SpikeRBD elicit high-titer binding and neutralizing antibodies. Immunization also induces strong cellular immunity, including a robust CD8 T cell response. VHHMHCII-SpikeRBD is stable for at least 7 d at room temperature and can be lyophilized without loss of efficacy.

Reproduction ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 689-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J Cannon ◽  
John S Davis ◽  
Joy L Pate

Luteal cells express class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and can stimulate T lymphocyte proliferationin vitro. However, it is unknown whether luteal cells express the intracellular components necessary to process the peptides presented by class II MHC molecules. The objective of the present study was to examine the expression and regulation of three major class II-associated antigen processing components – class II MHC-associated invariant chain (Ii), DMα and DMβ – in luteal tissue. Corpora lutea were collected early in the estrous cycle, during midcycle and late in the estrous cycle, and at various times following administration of a luteolytic dose of prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) to the cow. Northern analysis revealed the presence of mRNA encoding each of the class II MHC-associated antigen processing proteins in luteal tissue. Ii mRNA concentrations did not change during the estrous cycle, whereas DMα and DMβ mRNA concentrations were highest in midcycle luteal tissue compared with either early or late luteal tissue. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) reduced DMα mRNA concentrations in cultured luteal cells in the presence of LH or PGF2α. DMα and DMβ mRNA were also present in highly enriched cultures of luteal endothelial (CLENDO) cells, and DMα mRNA concentrations were greater in CLENDO cultures compared with mixed luteal cell cultures. Expression of invariant chain, DMα and DMβ genes indicates that cells within the corpus luteum express the minimal requirements to act as functional antigen-presenting cells, and the observation that CLENDO cells are a source of DMα and DMβ mRNA indicates that non-immune cells within the corpus luteum may function as antigen-presenting cells.


Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1810
Author(s):  
Kento Masaki ◽  
Yuhji Hiraki ◽  
Hiroka Onishi ◽  
Yuka Satoh ◽  
Paul A. Roche ◽  
...  

In addition to antigen presentation to CD4+ T cells, aggregation of cell surface major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules induces signal transduction in antigen presenting cells that regulate cellular functions. We previously reported that crosslinking of MHC-II induced the endocytosis of MHC-II, which was associated with decreased surface expression levels in murine dendritic cells (DCs) and resulted in impaired activation of CD4+ T cells. However, the downstream signal that induces MHC-II endocytosis remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found that the crosslinking of MHC-II induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, which was necessary for crosslinking-induced MHC-II endocytosis. We also found that these events were suppressed by inhibitors of Syk and phospholipase C (PLC). Treatments with a phorbol ester promoted MHC-II endocytosis, whereas inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) suppressed crosslinking-induced endocytosis of MHC-II. These results suggest that PKC could be involved in this process. Furthermore, crosslinking-induced MHC-II endocytosis was suppressed by inhibitors of clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Our results indicate that the crosslinking of MHC-II could stimulate Ca2+ mobilization and induce the clathrin-dependent endocytosis of MHC-II in murine DCs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Francis ◽  
Runqiang Chen ◽  
Sahba Khorsandzadeh ◽  
Qidong Hu ◽  
Xiaoxuan Lyu ◽  
...  

AbstractThe exploration and identification of safe and effective vaccines for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has captured the world’s attention and remains an ongoing issue in order to protect against emerging variants of concern (VoCs) while generating long lasting immunity. Here, we report the synthesis of a novel messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding the spike protein in a lipid nanoparticle formulation (LNP) (STI-7264) that generates robust humoral and cellular immunity following immunization of C57Bl6 mice. In efforts to continually improve immunity, a lymphatic drug delivery device (MuVaxx) was engineered and tested to modulate immune cells at the injection site (epidermis and dermis) and draining lymph node (LN) to elicit adaptive immunity. Using MuVaxx, immune responses were elicited and maintained at a 10-fold dose reduction compared to traditional intramuscular (IM) administration as measured by anti-spike antibodies, cytokine producing CD8 T cells, and neutralizing antibodies against the Washington (Wild Type, WT) and South African (beta) variants. Remarkably, a 4-fold elevated T cell response was observed in MuVaxx administered vaccination as compared to that of IM administered vaccination. Thus, these data support further investigation into STI-7264 and lymphatic mediated delivery using MuVaxx for SARS-CoV-2 and VoCs vaccines.


2002 ◽  
Vol 70 (7) ◽  
pp. 3874-3880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandrine Henri ◽  
Joan Curtis ◽  
Hubertus Hochrein ◽  
David Vremec ◽  
Ken Shortman ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells which initiate and regulate T-cell immune responses. Here we show that murine splenic DCs can be ranked on the basis of their ability to phagocytose and harbor the obligately intracellular parasite Leishmania major. CD4+ CD8− DCs are the most permissive host cells for L. major amastigotes, followed by CD4− CD8− DCs; CD4− CD8+ cells are the least permissive. However, the least susceptible CD4− CD8+ DC subset was the best interleukin-12 producer in response to infection. Infection did not induce in any DC subset production of the proinflammatory cytokine gamma interferon and nitric oxide associated with the induction of Th1 responses. The number of parasites phagocytosed by DCs was low, no more than 3 organisms per cell, compared to more than 10 organisms per macrophage. In infected DCs, the parasites are located in a parasitophorous vacuole containing both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 molecules, similar to their location in the infected macrophage. The parasite-driven redistribution of MHC class II to this compartment indicates that infected DCs should be able to present parasite antigen.


2010 ◽  
Vol 78 (12) ◽  
pp. 5138-5150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holger Rüssmann ◽  
Klaus Panthel ◽  
Brigitte Köhn ◽  
Stefan Jellbauer ◽  
Sebastian E. Winter ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Extracellular Yersinia pseudotuberculosis employs a type III secretion system (T3SS) for translocating virulence factors (Yersinia outer proteins [Yops]) directly into the cytosol of eukaryotic cells. Recently, we used YopE as a carrier molecule for T3SS-dependent secretion and translocation of listeriolysin O (LLO) from Listeria monocytogenes. We demonstrated that translocation of chimeric YopE/LLO into the cytosol of macrophages by Yersinia results in the induction of a codominant antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell response in orally immunized mice. In this study, we addressed the requirements for processing and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II presentation of chimeric YopE proteins translocated into the cytosol of macrophages by the Yersinia T3SS. Our data demonstrate the ability of Yersinia to counteract exogenous MHC class II antigen presentation of secreted hybrid YopE by the action of wild-type YopE and YopH. In the absence of exogenous MHC class II antigen presentation, an alternative pathway was identified for YopE fusion proteins originating in the cytosol. This endogenous antigen-processing pathway was sensitive to inhibitors of phagolysosomal acidification and macroautophagy, but it did not require the function either of the proteasome or of transporters associated with antigen processing. Thus, by an autophagy-dependent mechanism, macrophages are able to compensate for the YopE/YopH-mediated inhibition of the endosomal MHC class II antigen presentation pathway for exogenous antigens. This is the first report demonstrating that autophagy might enable the host to mount an MHC class II-restricted CD4 T-cell response against translocated bacterial virulence factors. We provide critical new insights into the interaction between the mammalian immune system and a human pathogen.


1992 ◽  
Vol 176 (1) ◽  
pp. 275-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
M A Blackman ◽  
F E Lund ◽  
S Surman ◽  
R B Corley ◽  
D L Woodland

It has been established that at least some V beta 17+ T cells interact with an endogenous superantigen encoded by the murine retrovirus, Mtv-9. To analyze the role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules in presenting the Mtv-9 encoded superantigen, vSAG-9 to V beta 17+ hybridomas, a panel of nine hybridomas was tested for their ability to respond to A20/2J (H-2d) and LBK (H-2a) cells which had been transfected with the vSAG-9 gene. Whereas some of the hybridomas recognized vSAG-9 exclusively in the context of H-2a, other hybridomas recognized vSAG-9 exclusively in the context of H-2d or in the context of both H-2d and H-2a. These results suggest that: (a) the class II MHC molecule plays a direct role in the recognition of retroviral superantigen by T cells, rather than serving simply as a platform for presentation; and, (b) it is likely that components of the TCR other than V beta are involved in the vSAG-9/TCR/class II interaction.


2006 ◽  
Vol 203 (5) ◽  
pp. 1319-1328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher A. Lazarski ◽  
Francisco A. Chaves ◽  
Andrea J. Sant

DM edits the peptide repertoire presented by major histocompatibility complex class II molecules by professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), favoring presentation of some peptides over others. Despite considerable research by many laboratories, there is still significant uncertainty regarding the biochemical attributes of class II–peptide complexes that govern their susceptibility to DM editing. Here, using APCs that either do or do not express DM and a set of unrelated antigens, we found that the intrinsic kinetic stability of class II–peptide complexes is tightly correlated with the effects of DM editing within APCs. Furthermore, through the use of kinetic stability variants of three independent peptides, we demonstrate that increasing or decreasing the kinetic stability of class II–peptide complexes causes a corresponding alteration in DM editing. Finally, we show that the spontaneous kinetic stability of class II complexes correlates directly with the efficiency of presentation by DM+ APCs and the immunodominance of that class II–peptide complex during an immune response. Collectively, these results suggest that the pattern of DM editing in APCs can be intentionally changed by modifying class II–peptide interactions, leading to the desired hierarchy of presentation on APCs, thereby promoting recruitment of CD4 T cells specific for the preferred peptides during an immune response.


Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Plasil ◽  
Wijkmark ◽  
Elbers ◽  
Oppelt ◽  
Burger ◽  
...  

This study brings new information on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III sub-region genes in Old World camels and integrates current knowledge of the MHC region into a comprehensive overview for Old World camels. Out of the MHC class III genes characterized, TNFA and the LY6 gene family showed high levels of conservation, characteristic for MHC class III loci in general. For comparison, an MHC class II gene TAP1, not coding for antigen presenting molecules but functionally related to MHC antigen presenting functions was studied. TAP1 had many SNPs, even higher than the MHC class I and II genes encoding antigen presenting molecules. Based on this knowledge and using new camel genomic resources, we constructed an improved genomic map of the entire MHC region of Old World camels. The MHC class III sub-region shows a standard organization similar to that of pig or cattle. The overall genomic structure of the camel MHC is more similar to pig MHC than to cattle MHC. This conclusion is supported by differences in the organization of the MHC class II sub-region, absence of functional DY genes, different organization of MIC genes in the MHC class I sub-region, and generally closer evolutionary relationships of camel and porcine MHC gene sequences analyzed so far.


1997 ◽  
Vol 186 (4) ◽  
pp. 549-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
José A. Villadangos ◽  
Richard J. Riese ◽  
Christoph Peters ◽  
Harold A. Chapman ◽  
Hidde L. Ploegh

Antigen-presenting cells (APC) degrade endocytosed antigens into peptides that are bound and presented to T cells by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Class II molecules are delivered to endocytic compartments by the class II accessory molecule invariant chain (Ii), which itself must be eliminated to allow peptide binding. The cellular location of Ii degradation, as well as the enzymology of this event, are important in determining the sets of antigenic peptides that will bind to class II molecules. Here, we show that the cysteine protease cathepsin S acts in a concerted fashion with other cysteine and noncysteine proteases to degrade mouse Ii in a stepwise fashion. Inactivation of cysteine proteases results in incomplete degradation of Ii, but the extent to which peptide loading is blocked by such treatment varies widely among MHC class II allelic products. These observations suggest that, first, class II molecules associated with larger Ii remnants can be converted efficiently to class II–peptide complexes and, second, that most class II–associated peptides can still be generated in cells treated with inhibitors of cysteine proteases. Surprisingly, maturation of MHC class II in mice deficient in cathepsin D is unaffected, showing that this major aspartyl protease is not involved in degradation of Ii or in generation of the bulk of antigenic peptides.


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