Coexpression of the T-cell receptor constant α domain triggers tumor reactivity of single-chain TCR-transduced human T cells

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 115 (25) ◽  
pp. 5154-5163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf-Holger Voss ◽  
Simone Thomas ◽  
Christina Pfirschke ◽  
Beate Hauptrock ◽  
Sebastian Klobuch ◽  
...  

Abstract Transfer of tumor antigen–specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) into human T cells aims at redirecting their cytotoxicity toward tumors. Efficacy and safety may be affected by pairing of natural and introduced TCRα/β chains potentially leading to autoimmunity. We hypothesized that a novel single-chain (sc)TCR framework relying on the coexpression of the TCRα constant α (Cα) domain would prevent undesired pairing while preserving structural and functional similarity to a fully assembled double-chain (dc)TCR/CD3 complex. We confirmed this hypothesis for a murine p53-specific scTCR. Substantial effector function was observed only in the presence of a murine Cα domain preceded by a TCRα signal peptide for shuttling to the cell membrane. The generalization to a human gp100-specific TCR required the murinization of both C domains. Structural and functional T-cell avidities of an accessory disulfide-linked scTCR gp100/Cα were higher than those of a dcTCR. Antigen-dependent phosphorylation of the proximal effector ζ-chain–associated protein kinase 70 at tyrosine 319 was not impaired, reflecting its molecular integrity in signaling. In melanoma-engrafted nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice, adoptive transfer of scTCR gp100/Cα transduced T cells conferred superior delay in tumor growth among primary and long-term secondary tumor challenges. We conclude that the novel scTCR constitutes a reliable means to immunotherapeutically target hematologic malignancies.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3716-3716
Author(s):  
Simone Thomas ◽  
Ralf H. Voss ◽  
Ratna Intan ◽  
Renate Engel ◽  
Juergen Kuball ◽  
...  

Abstract Grafting T cells by tumor-antigen specific T cell receptors (TCR) could trigger the initiation of effector function and redirect T cell cytotoxicity towards tumors. We utilized various HLA-A2.1 transgenic mice to bypass human MDM2- and p53-specific self-tolerance. In contrast to the use of HuCD8×A2Kb transgenic mice to generate an MDM2-specific CD8-dependent TCR, we generated a high-affinity, CD8-independent p53-specific TCR in single human A2.1 transgenic mice. The efficiency of double chain (dc) TCR modified T cells could be affected by the incorrect TCR α/β chain pairing between endogenous and transgenic TCR constructs to form hybrid TCR potentially leading to autoimmunity. To address this concern, chimeric A2.1-restricted peptide-specific murine single chain (sc) TCRs were constructed (Vα-Li-VβCβ) and retrovirally transduced into human T cells. Despite detectable surface expression, these chimeric receptors were not able to convey any MDM2- or p53-specific cytolytic activity. Therefore we developed a truncated TCR-alpha domain (Cα) comprising solely the TCRα signal peptide, the ecto-domain, the transmembrane region as well as the cytoplasmic tail and cotransduced these construct with the scTCRs. We anticipated that Cα would stabilize scTCR expression by interacting with the single chain beta chain. Indeed, this approach not only led to increased expression levels of the chimeric scTCRs, but also induced specific lysis of A2.1 positive MDM2 or p53 peptide-pulsed target cells as well as solid tumor cell lines. Recognition of malignant targets by p53 specific scTCR transduced CD4 and CD8-positive T cells was equivalent to that observed with double-chain p53 TCR gene modified effector cells. To test whether this concept is applicable to human TCRs as well, we constructed a human gp100-specific scTCR and a human Cα domain. In contrast to the gp100-specific double chain TCR, only a marginal expression pattern was observed for the human scTCR / Cα constructs. Introduction of an additional disulfide bond within the constant domains in order to stabilize TCR surface expression showed no effect. Since murine TCR are expressed on human T cells to a much higher extent, the human constant β-domain of the scTCR was replaced by murine Cβ. Comparable to the murine scTCR concept, the chimerized scTCR coexpressed with murine Cα demonstrated high cell surface expression and triggered cytotoxicity of malignant A2.1/gp100-positive targets. In summary, our results lay a commonly applicable conceptual basis for the construction of therapeutic scTCR to prevent recombination of natural and transgenic dcTCR alpha and beta chains.


1991 ◽  
Vol 174 (4) ◽  
pp. 891-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
S M Friedman ◽  
M K Crow ◽  
J R Tumang ◽  
M Tumang ◽  
Y Q Xu ◽  
...  

While all known microbial superantigens are mitogenic for human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), the functional response induced by Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived superantigen (MAM) is unique in that MAM stimulation of PBL consistently results in T cell-dependent B cell activation characterized by polyclonal IgM and IgG production. These immunostimulatory effects of MAM on the humoral arm of the human immune system warranted a more precise characterization of MAM-reactive human T cells. Using an uncloned MAM reactive human T cell line as immunogen, we have generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb) (termed C1) specific for the T cell receptor V beta gene expressed by the major fraction of MAM-reactive human T cells, V beta 17. In addition, a V beta 17- MAM-reactive T cell population exists, assessed by MAM, induced T cell proliferation and cytotoxic T cell activity. mAb C1 will be useful in characterizing the functional properties of V beta 17+ T cells and their potential role in autoimmune disease.


1988 ◽  
Vol 168 (5) ◽  
pp. 1899-1916 ◽  
Author(s):  
J A Bluestone ◽  
R Q Cron ◽  
M Cotterman ◽  
B A Houlden ◽  
L A Matis

Analyses of TCR-bearing murine and human T cells have defined a unique subpopulation of T cells that express the TCR-gamma/delta proteins. The specificity of TCR-gamma/delta T cells and their role in the immune response have not yet been elucidated. Here we examine alloreactive TCR-gamma/delta T cell lines and clones that recognize MHC-encoded antigens. A BALB/c nu/nu (H-2d)-derived H-2k specific T cell line and derived clones were both cytolytic and released lymphokines after recognition of a non-classical H-2 antigen encoded in the TL region of the MHC. These cells expressed the V gamma 2/C gamma 1 protein in association with a TCR-delta gene product encoded by a Va gene segment rearranged to two D delta and one J delta variable elements. A second MHC-specific B10 nu/nu (H-2b) TCR-gamma/delta T cell line appeared to recognize a classical H-2D-encoded MHC molecule and expressed a distinct V gamma/C gamma 4-encoded protein. These data suggest that many TCR-gamma/delta-expressing T cells may recognize MHC-linked antigens encoded within distinct subregions of the MHC. The role of MHC-specific TCR-gamma/delta cells in immune responses and their immunological significance are discussed.


1993 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaizhong Hu ◽  
Màrio Rui Queirò ◽  
Marcel G. J. Tilanus ◽  
Roel A. Weger ◽  
Henk-Jan Schuurman

F1000Research ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 2344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Preeti Sharma ◽  
David M. Kranz

Adoptive T-cell therapies have shown exceptional promise in the treatment of cancer, especially B-cell malignancies. Two distinct strategies have been used to redirect the activity of ex vivo engineered T cells. In one case, the well-known ability of the T-cell receptor (TCR) to recognize a specific peptide bound to a major histocompatibility complex molecule has been exploited by introducing a TCR against a cancer-associated peptide/human leukocyte antigen complex. In the other strategy, synthetic constructs called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that contain antibody variable domains (single-chain fragments variable) and signaling domains have been introduced into T cells. Whereas many reviews have described these two approaches, this review focuses on a few recent advances of significant interest. The early success of CARs has been followed by questions about optimal configurations of these synthetic constructs, especially for efficacy against solid tumors. Among the many features that are important, the dimensions and stoichiometries of CAR/antigen complexes at the synapse have recently begun to be appreciated. In TCR-mediated approaches, recent evidence that mutated peptides (neoantigens) serve as targets for endogenous T-cell responses suggests that these neoantigens may also provide new opportunities for adoptive T-cell therapies with TCRs.


eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Pettmann ◽  
Anna Huhn ◽  
Enas Abu Shah ◽  
Mikhail A Kutuzov ◽  
Daniel B Wilson ◽  
...  

T cells use their T-cell receptors (TCRs) to discriminate between lower-affinity self and higher-affinity non-self pMHC antigens. Although the discriminatory power of the TCR is widely believed to be near-perfect, technical difficulties have hampered efforts to precisely quantify it. Here, we describe a method for measuring very low TCR/pMHC affinities, and use it to measure the discriminatory power of the TCR, and the factors affecting it. We find that TCR discrimination, although enhanced compared with conventional cell-surface receptors, is imperfect: primary human T cells can respond to pMHC with affinities as low as KD ~1 mM. The kinetic proofreading mechanism fit our data, providing the first estimates of both the time delay (2.8 s) and number of biochemical steps (2.67) that are consistent with the extraordinary sensitivity of antigen recognition. Our findings explain why self pMHC frequently induce autoimmune diseases and anti-tumour responses, and suggest ways to modify TCR discrimination.


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