scholarly journals IGHV sequencing reveals acquired N-glycosylation sites as a clonal and stable event during follicular lymphoma evolution

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 135 (11) ◽  
pp. 834-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariette Odabashian ◽  
Emanuela Carlotti ◽  
Shamzah Araf ◽  
Jessica Okosun ◽  
Filomena Spada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Somatic Hypermutation ◽  
Variable Region ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Tumor Evolution ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Glycosylation Sites

Abstract Follicular lymphoma B cells undergo continuous somatic hypermutation (SHM) of their immunoglobulin variable region genes, generating a heterogeneous tumor population. SHM introduces DNA sequences encoding N-glycosylation sites asparagine-X-serine/threonine (N-gly sites) within the V-region that are rarely found in normal B-cell counterparts. Unique attached oligomannoses activate B-cell receptor signaling pathways after engagement with calcium-dependent lectins expressed by tissue macrophages. This novel interaction appears critical for tumor growth and survival. To elucidate the significance of N-gly site presence and loss during ongoing SHM, we tracked site behavior during tumor evolution and progression in a diverse group of patients through next-generation sequencing. A hierarchy of subclones was visualized through lineage trees based on SHM semblance between subclones and their discordance from the germline sequence. We observed conservation of N-gly sites in more than 96% of subclone populations within and across diagnostic, progression, and transformation events. Rare N-gly-negative subclones were lost or negligible from successive events, in contrast to N-gly-positive subclones, which could additionally migrate between anatomical sites. Ongoing SHM of the N-gly sites resulted in subclones with different amino acid compositions across disease events, yet the vast majority of resulting DNA sequences still encoded for an N-gly site. The selection and expansion of only N-gly-positive subclones is evidence of the tumor cells’ dependence on sites, despite the changing genomic complexity as the disease progresses. N-gly sites were gained in the earliest identified lymphoma cells, indicating they are an early and stable event of pathogenesis. Targeting the inferred mannose-lectin interaction holds therapeutic promise.

Immunogenetic Profiling of Follicular Lymphoma Reveals Universal N-Glycosylation Sites Introduced into the B Cell Receptor by Somatic Mutation and Suggests Relevance to Lymphoma Pathogenesis.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 606-606
Author(s):  
Christian H. Ottensmeier ◽  
Katy J. McCann ◽  
Peter Johnson ◽  
Freda K. Stevenoson
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Somatic Mutation ◽  
Essential Feature ◽  
Variable Region ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Single Amino Acid ◽  
Cell Repertoire ◽  
Antigen Binding Site ◽  
Glycosylation Sites

Abstract Immunogenetic analysis of B-cell malignancies can provide important information that relates to the cellular origin and clonal history of these lymphomas and give clues as to possible pathogenic mechanisms. In follicular lymphoma (FL), immunoglobulin variable region (V) genes are commonly somatically mutated and display intraclonal heterogeneity consistent with location in the germinal centre (GC). In this analysis of 44 cases of FL we find that, with minor exceptions, both the VH and VL gene usage reflects that of the normal B cell repertoire, indicative of a common antigenic drive and in support of a final transforming event in the GC. We have previously reported a high incidence of potential N-glycosylation sites in the VH genes of FL, which have been introduced by the process of somatic mutation. Here we have assessed both the VH and VL genes and find that sites are universally present and further demonstrate that they are available for functional glycosylation. The majority of sites are found in VH (81%) and are located predominantly within CDR2 and CDR3, with few sites present in the FRs. Sites are also evident in VL (45%) where they are focused mainly in CDR3 and CDR1. A minor subset (10%) has sites in VL only. In total, 26 different N-glycosylation motifs were observed, with NIS being the most commonly used. The natural motif in the V4–34 germline gene appears unimportant, and can be lost. Scrutiny of the somatic mutations giving rise to these motifs reveals that the acquisition of sites was predominantly (73%) achieved by a single amino acid (aa) replacement to Asn at position 1 of the motif, either with or without an additional, non-essential aa replacement at another position. Common ‘hotspots’ were observed within the CDR2 for the VH gene segments V3–23, V3–48, V3–07 and V3–15. It appears likely that the acquisition of N-glycosylation sites in the antigen-binding site during somatic mutation in the GC and the subsequent addition of oligosaccharides is important to the lifestyle of FL and may provide a critical second tumorigenic event. In turn, it may be possible to exploit this seemingly essential feature to develop novel therapeutic approaches.

Acquisition of potential N-glycosylation sites in the immunoglobulin variable region by somatic mutation is a distinctive feature of follicular lymphoma

Blood ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 99 (7) ◽  
pp. 2562-2568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delin Zhu ◽  
Helen McCarthy ◽  
Christian H. Ottensmeier ◽  
Peter Johnson ◽  
Terry J. Hamblin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Somatic Mutation ◽  
Germinal Center ◽  
Variable Region ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Single Chain Fv ◽  
Glycosylation Sites ◽  
Vh Genes

Most patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) have somatically mutated V genes with intraclonal variation, consistent with location in the germinal center site. Using our own and published sequences, we have investigated the frequency of potential N-glycosylation sites introduced into functional VH genes as a consequence of somatic mutation. FL cells were compared with normal memory B cells or plasma cells matched for similar levels of mutation. Strikingly, novel sites were detected in 55 of 70 (79%) patients with FL, compared to 7 of 75 (9%) in the normal B-cell population (P < .001). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLCL) showed an intermediate frequency (13 of 32 [41%] patients). Myeloma and the mutated subset of chronic lymphocytic leukemia showed frequencies similar to those of normal cells in 5 of 64 (8%) patients and 5 of 40 (13%) patients, respectively. In 3 of 3 random patients with FL, immunoglobulin was expressed as recombinant single-chain Fv inPichia pastoris, and glycosylation was demonstrated. These findings indicate that N-glycosylation of the variable region may be common in FL and in a subset of DLCL. Most novel sites are located in the complementarity-determining regions. VH sequences of nonfunctional VH genes contained few sites, arguing for positive selection in FL. One possibility is that the added carbohydrate in the variable region contributes to interaction with elements in the germinal center environment. This common feature of FL may be critical for tumor behavior.

Insertion of atypical glycans into the tumor antigen-binding site identifies DLBCLs with distinct origin and behavior

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgia Chiodin ◽  
Joel D. Allen ◽  
Dean Bryant ◽  
Philip Rock ◽  
Enrica Antonia Martino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Variable Region ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Antigen Binding ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
Antigen Binding Site ◽  
Lymphoma Cells ◽  
X Ray Crystallography ◽  
Significant Gene

Glycosylation of the surface immunoglobulin variable region is a remarkable follicular lymphoma-associated feature rarely seen in normal B cells. Here, we define a subset of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) which acquire N-glycosylation sites selectively in the immunoglobulin (Ig) complementary-determining-regions (CDR) of the antigen-binding sites. Mass-spectrometry and X-ray crystallography demonstrate how the inserted glycans are stalled at oligomannose-type structures due to burial in the CDR loops. Acquisition of sites occurs in ~50% of germinal center B-cell-like DLBCL, mainly of the genetic EZB subtype, irrespective of IGHV-D-J use. This markedly contrasts with the activated B-cell-like DLBCL Ig, which rarely has sites in the CDR, and appears not to acquire oligomannose-type structures. Acquisition of CDR-located acceptor sites associates with mutations of epigenetic regulators and BCL2 translocations, indicating an origin shared with follicular lymphoma. Within the EZB subtype, these sites associate with more rapid disease progression and with significant gene-set enrichment of the B-cell receptor, PI3K/AKT/MTORC1, glucose metabolism, and MYC signaling pathways, particularly in the fraction devoid of MYC translocations. The oligomannose-type glycans on the lymphoma cells interact with the candidate lectin DC-SIGN, mediating low-level signals, and lectin-expressing cells form clusters with lymphoma cells. Both clustering and signaling are inhibited by antibodies specifically targeting the DC-SIGN carbohydrate-recognition-domain. Oligomannosylation of the tumor immunoglobulin is a post-translational modification that readily identifies a distinct GCB-DLBCL category with more aggressive clinical behavior, and could be a potential precise therapeutic target via antibody-mediated inhibition of the tumor Ig interaction with DC-SIGN-expressing M2-polarized macrophages.

scholarly journals Critical influences on the pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 131 (21) ◽  
pp. 2297-2306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf Küppers ◽  
Freda K. Stevenson
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Somatic Hypermutation ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Aggressive Lymphoma ◽  
Surface Immunoglobulin ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract The development of follicular lymphoma (FL) from a founder B cell with an upregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), via the t(14;18) translocation, to a proliferating clone, poised to undergo further transformation to an aggressive lymphoma, illustrates the opportunistic Darwinian process of tumorigenesis. Protection against apoptosis allows an innocent cell to persist and divide, with dangerous accumulation of further mutational changes, commonly involving inactivation of chromatin-modifying genes. But this is not all. FL cells reflect normal B cells in relying on expression of surface immunoglobulin. In doing so, they add another supportive mechanism by exploiting the natural process of somatic hypermutation of the IGV genes. Positive selection of motifs for addition of glycan into the antigen-binding sites of virtually all cases, and the placement of unusual mannoses in those sites, reveals a posttranslational strategy to engage the microenvironment. A bridge between mannosylated surface immunoglobulin of FL cells and macrophage-expressed dendritic cell–specific ICAM-3–grabbing nonintegrin produces a persistent low-level signal that appears essential for life in the hostile germinal center. Early-stage FL therefore requires a triad of changes: protection from apoptosis, mutations in chromatin modifiers, and an ability to interact with lectin-expressing macrophages. These changes are common and persistent. Genetic/epigenetic analysis is providing important data but investigation of the posttranslational landscape is the next challenge. We have one glimpse of its operation via the influence of added glycan on the B-cell receptor of FL. The consequential interaction with environmental lectins illustrates how posttranslational modifications can be exploited by tumor cells, and could lead to new approaches to therapy.

A “Universal” Lectin-Mediated Interaction Drives B-Cell Receptor Signaling In Primary Follicular Lymphoma Cells

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 4291-4291
Author(s):  
Graham Packham ◽  
Serge Krysov ◽  
Vania Coelho ◽  
Peter Johnson ◽  
Freda K. Stevenson
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
B Cell Receptor ◽  
Malignant Cells ◽  
Glycosylation Sites ◽  
Mannose Binding

Abstract B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling has been identified as a critical driver of B-cell malignancies and as a target for therapeutic attack. Clinical responses to novel inhibitors of BCR-associated kinases have been relatively modest in follicular lymphoma (FL) and a more detailed knowledge of BCR function in these cells is required. Surface Ig (sIg) is unusual in FL since variable regions contain N-linked glycosylation sites which are introduced by somatic mutation. These are rarely found in normal B cells, indicating strong positive selective pressure in malignant cells. Remarkably, added sugars terminate with high mannose suggesting a novel function for FL BCRs in binding to, and perhaps receiving stimulation via, microenvironmental mannose-binding lectins. In previous studies we demonstrated that candidate mannose-binding lectins, including DC-SIGN, promote intracellular calcium mobilization in primary FL cells, but not normal B cells. In this work, we characterized in more detail the response of FL cells to DC-SIGN and its inhibition by BCR-targeted kinase inhibitors. Initial studies using immunoblotting demonstrated that, like anti-Ig antibodies, DC-SIGN caused increased phosphorylation of the downstream kinases AKT and ERK in primary FL samples. DC-SIGN treatment also resulted in increased expression of the MYC oncoprotein in a subset of samples. In contrast to FL samples, DC-SIGN did not increase AKT or ERK phosphorylation in normal B cells although anti-IgM induced strong responses in these cells. Overall, responses to DC-SIGN were similar in IgM+ and IgG+ FL samples. Flow cytometry demonstrated that DC-SIGN also increased phosphorylation of proximal signaling kinases (SYK and BTK), as well as phosphorylation of PLCγ2 in FL samples, and that DC-SIGN-induced signaling occurred within the CD19+BCL2+ malignant cells. Flow cytometry also revealed intraclonal variation in responses to DC-SIGN and, like responses to anti-Ig, DC-SIGN responses were strongest in a sub-population of malignant cells with high CD20 expression. Finally, we demonstrated that tamatinib, the active form of the SYK inhibitor pro-drug fostamatinib, significantly inhibited phosphorylation of ERK and PLCγ2 induced by either anti-Ig or DC-SIGN. Overall our results are consistent with the hypothesis that N-linked glycosylation sites, introduced into BCRs by somatic mutation, are selected for in FL since they confer signaling responsiveness following binding of environmental lectins. Like canonical antigen signaling, lectin-mediated signaling via the BCR appears to be susceptible to therapeutic blockade using kinase inhibitors. However, further analysis of this novel lectin-mediated pathway may reveal novel targets for optimal therapeutic attack. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Molecular Diagnostics on Microfabricated Electrophoretic Devices: From Slab Gel- to Capillary- to Microchip-based Assays for T- and B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders

1999 ◽  
Vol 45 (11) ◽  
pp. 1906-1917 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole J Munro ◽  
Karen Snow ◽  
Jeffrey A Kant ◽  
James P Landers
Keyword(s):  
Capillary Electrophoresis ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Molecular Biology ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Variable Region ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Chain Gene

Abstract Background: Current methods for molecular-based diagnosis of disease rely heavily on modern molecular biology techniques for interrogating the genome for aberrant DNA sequences. These techniques typically include amplification of the target DNA sequences followed by separation of the amplified fragments by slab gel electrophoresis. As a result of the labor-intensive, time-consuming nature of slab gel electrophoresis, alternative electrophoretic formats have been developed in the form of capillary electrophoresis and, more recently, multichannel microchip electrophoresis. Methods: Capillary electrophoresis was explored as an alternative to slab gel electrophoresis for the analysis of PCR-amplified products indicative of T- and B-cell malignancies as a means of defining the elements for silica microchip-based diagnosis. Capillary-based separations were replicated on electrophoretic microchips. Results: The microchip-based electrophoretic separation effectively resolved PCR-amplified fragments from the variable region of the T-cell receptor-γ gene (150–250 bp range) and the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (80–140 bp range), yielding diagnostically relevant information regarding the presence of clonal DNA populations. Although hydroxyethylcellulose provided adequate separation power, the need for a coated microchannel for effective resolution necessitated additional preparative steps. In addition, preliminary data are shown indicating that polyvinylpyrrolidone may provide an adequate matrix without the need for microchannel coating. Conclusions: Separation of B- and T-cell gene rearrangement PCR products on microchips provides diagnostic information in dramatically reduced time (160 s vs 2.5 h) with no loss of diagnostic capacity when compared with current methodologies. As illustrated, this technology and methodology holds great potential for extrapolation to the abundance of similar molecular biology-based techniques.

scholarly journals Self-antigen recognition by follicular lymphoma B-cell receptors

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (20) ◽  
pp. 4182-4190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kacey L. Sachen ◽  
Michael J. Strohman ◽  
Jonathan Singletary ◽  
Ash A. Alizadeh ◽  
Nicole H. Kattah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Somatic Hypermutation ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Antigen Recognition ◽  
Variable Regions ◽  
B Cell Malignancy ◽  
Unique Cell ◽  
Self Antigen

Abstract Follicular lymphoma is a monoclonal B-cell malignancy with each patient's tumor expressing a unique cell surface immunoglobulin (Ig), or B-cell receptor (BCR), that can potentially recognize antigens and/or transduce signals into the tumor cell. Here we evaluated the reactivity of tumor derived Igs for human tissue antigens. Self-reactivity was observed in 26% of tumor Igs (25 of 98). For one follicular lymphoma patient, the recognized self-antigen was identified as myoferlin. This patient's tumor cells bound recombinant myoferlin in proportion to their level of BCR expression, and the binding to myoferlin was preserved despite ongoing somatic hypermutation of Ig variable regions. Furthermore, BCR-mediated signaling was induced after culture of tumor cells with myoferlin. These results suggest that antigen stimulation may provide survival signals to tumor cells and that there is a selective pressure to preserve antigen recognition as the tumor evolves.

scholarly journals DC-SIGN binding to mannosylated B-cell receptors in follicular lymphoma down-modulates receptor signaling capacity

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz Valle-Argos ◽  
Giorgia Chiodin ◽  
Dean J. Bryant ◽  
Joe Taylor ◽  
Elizabeth Lemm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Lectin Binding ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
B Cell Receptor ◽  
Cell Surface Expression ◽  
Receptor Signaling ◽  
Variable Regions ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Glycosylation Sites

AbstractIn follicular lymphoma (FL), surface immunoglobulin (sIg) carries mandatory N-glycosylation sites in the variable regions, inserted during somatic hypermutation. These glycosylation sites are tumor-specific, indicating a critical function in FL. Added glycan unexpectedly terminates at high mannose (Mann) and confers capability for sIg-mediated interaction with local macrophage-expressed DC-SIGN lectin resulting in low-level activation of upstream B-cell receptor signaling responses. Here we show that despite being of low-level, DC-SIGN induces a similar downstream transcriptional response to anti-IgM in primary FL cells, characterized by activation of pathways associated with B-cell survival, proliferation and cell–cell communication. Lectin binding was also able to engage post-transcriptional receptor cross-talk pathways since, like anti-IgM, DC-SIGN down-modulated cell surface expression of CXCR4. Importantly, pre-exposure of a FL-derived cell line expressing sIgM-Mann or primary FL cells to DC-SIGN, which does not block anti-IgM binding, reversibly paralyzed the subsequent Ca2+ response to anti-IgM. These novel findings indicate that modulation of sIg function occurs in FL via lectin binding to acquired mannoses. The B-cell receptor alternative engagement described here provides two advantages to lymphoma cells: (i) activation of signaling, which, albeit of low-level, is sufficient to trigger canonical lymphoma-promoting responses, and (ii) protection from exogenous antigen by paralyzing anti-IgM-induced signaling. Blockade of this alternative engagement could offer a new therapeutic strategy.

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