Downregulation of CD30, Resistance to MMAE, and Upregulation of MDR1 Are All Associated with Resistance to Brentuximab Vedotin

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 3643-3643
Author(s):  
Robert Chen ◽  
Jessie Hou ◽  
Edward Newman ◽  
Young Kim ◽  
Cecile Donohue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Gene Expression Profiling ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Primary Tumor ◽  
Expression Profiling ◽  
Primary Tumors ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Mts Assay

Abstract Background: Both Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) express surface CD30. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an antibody-drug conjugate that delivers a potent cytotoxic agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), specifically to cells expressing surface CD30. Although BV elicits a high response rate (75% in HL and 86% in ALCL), the majority of patients who do not attain complete response (CR) will eventually develop resistance to BV. It is not known whether resistance to BV is through a) CD 30 alterations b) resistance to cytotoxic agent MMAE or c) overexpression of drug exporters. We developed 2 BV-resistant cell models and obtained primary lymphoma samples from patients with relapsed/progressive disease post BV therapy. We examined CD30 expression, MMAE resistance, drug exporter expression, and gene expression profiles in vitro and in vivo to determine mechanisms of resistance to BV. Methods: HL cell line(L428) and ALCL cell line (KARPAS 299) were used for in vitro experiments. The selection of BV resistant cell model (L428R and KARPAS 299R) used two different approaches (pulsatile or constant exposure). Both BV resistance and MMAE resistance were confirmed by MTS assays. CD30 expression was measured by flow cytometry,qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. Drug exporter expression was measured using qRT-PCR to MDR1, MRP1, and MRP3. In vivo experiments utilized primary tumor samples from 15 HL and 4 ALCL patients who had developed relapsed/progressive disease post BV treatment. CD30 expression was assessed by immunohistocytochemistry (IHC). Gene expression profiling was performed in both parental and resistant HL and ALCL cells, and in 4 ALCL primary tumor samples using Affymetrix whole genome GeneChip® Human Genome U133 2.0 Plus. Results: MTS assay showed the IC50 of KARPAS 299R to BV shifted from 24 +/- 10 ng/ml to 28 +/- 9 ug/ml, an 1183-fold increase. MTS assay also showed the IC50 of KARPAS 299R to MMAE only increased 2-fold when compared to KARPAS 299. Flow cytometry showed downregulation of surface CD30 expression in KARPAS 299R as compared to KARPAS 299 parental (59% vs. 96%, median intensity 78 +/- 17 vs. 591 +/- 51). This downregulation was confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting for CD30. As KARPAS 299R is a mixed cell population, we sorted them into CD30+ and CD30- subpopulations. We then analyzed for BV sensitivity based on CD 30 expression status in KARPAS 299R. MTS assay showed that KARPAS 299R CD30+ cells were equally as resistant to BV as KARPAS 299R CD30- cells (figure 1A). IHC performed in 4 ALCL primary tumor samples showed persistent CD 30 expression in relapsed/progressive tumor specimens post BV treatment. Gene expression profiling on KARPAS 299R showed downregulation of CD30 as compared to KARPAS 299. Gene expression profiling on pre- and post-treatment ALCL samples (8) did not show significant differences in CD30 expression. The top four upregulated genes in relapsed/progressive samples as compared to pretreatment samples were LCE3D, WNT3, TNNT, CITED2. The top four downregulated genes in relapsed/progressive samples as compared to pretreatment samples were CXCL13, C4orf7, MS4A1, and IGJ. MTS assay showed that the IC50 of L428R to BV has shifted from 32 +/- 11 ug/ml to 391 +/- 92 ug/ml, a 12-fold increase. MTS assays showed the IC50 of L428R to MMAE has increased 99-folds when compared to L428 (figure 1B). No difference was seen in CD 30 expression by flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, or western blotting between L428R vs. L428. IHC performed in 15 HL primary tumors show persistent CD30 expression in relapsed/progressive tumor specimen post-BV treatment. qRT-PCR showed upregulation of MDR1mRNA in L428R as compared to L428. Gene expression profiling on L428R showed upregulation of MDR1 as compared to L428. Conclusion: Downregulation of CD30 is seen in BV-resistant ALCL cell model. However, sensitivity to BV did not depend solely on the level of CD30 expression as CD30+ cell subpopulations still exhibited resistance to BV in vitro. Upregulation of MDR-1 and resistance to MMAE were seen in BV-resistant HL cells, rather than downregluation of CD30. Downregulation of CD30 was not seen in HL or ALCL primary tumors. Further work is ongoing to explore/validate potential targets derived from gene expression profiling in ALCL primary tumors. Figure 1A Sensitivity to BV is not related to CD30 expression Figure 1A. Sensitivity to BV is not related to CD30 expression Figure 1B. Figure 1B. Viability of L-428 parental versus BV-resistant cells Disclosures Chen: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau, Travel expenses Other.

ANGIOPOIETIN1 - a Novel Factor Implicated In MLL-Rearranged Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Regulated In a Fusion Gene-Dependent Manner

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 66-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Garrido Castro ◽  
Simon Bomken ◽  
Lidija Seslija ◽  
Ronald Stam ◽  
Elda S Latif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Gene Expression Profiling ◽  
Expression Profiling ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Qrt Pcr

Abstract Abstract 66 Background: MLL-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is prevalent in infants, constituting 70% of the cases. The preferred MLL translocation partner is the gene AF4, resulting in t(4;11)(q21;q23), which arises in 50% of infant ALL patients. This translocation generates the fusion genes MLL/AF4 and AF4/MLL, and is associated with an aggressive clinical presentation and poor outcome. Biologically, cells expressing MLL/AF4 show resistance to stress- and chemotherapy-related apoptosis. Concordantly, we have previously shown that RNAi-mediated depletion of MLL/AF4 in the t(4;11)-positive ALL cell line SEM results in induction of cell death and impaired both clonogenicity and in vivo engraftment. In order to characterize this phenotype on a molecular level, we have performed gene expression profiling of SEM cells depleted of MLL/AF4 and corresponding controls. Expression of >1000 genes was affected, including a subset of angiogenic genes, most prominently ANGIOPOIETIN1 (ANGPT1), a proangiogenic cytokine reported to play a role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence and bone marrow (BM) niche maintenance, but to date not implicated in ALL. Here we report a novel link between ANGPT1 expression and MLL-rearranged ALL. Methods: Gene expression profiling was performed using the Illumina HT-12 platform and data processed using BeadStudio and Genespring software suites. ANGPT1 expression was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and ANGPT1 protein secretion determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The MLL/AF4 status of cells was modulated with fusion transcript-specific siRNAs and knockdown monitored by qRT-PCR. RNAi-mediated depletion of ANGPT1 was achieved using siRNA or lentiviral shRNA constructs, and validated on transcript and protein level. Effects on cell cycle progression and proliferation in response to ANGPT1 knockdown in t(4;11)-positive cells were assessed by flow cytometry and trypan blue exclusion assay, respectively. For in vivo studies, SEM cells were sequentially transduced to express both luciferase and either non-target control shRNA (shNTC) or shANGPT1. Doubly transduced cells were selected for and FACS-sorted prior to intrafemoral transplantation into immunodeficient NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mice. Disease progression was monitored using bioluminescence imaging and engraftment assessed by flow cytometry at the terminal timepoint. Results: ANGPT1 expression was screened in a MLL-rearranged ALL patient cohort (n=35), comprising t(4;11)-positive (n=20), t(11;19)-positive (n=10) and t(9;11)-positive patients (n=5), and in a MLL-wildtype BCP ALL patient cohort (n=8). MLL-rearranged patients showed ANGPT1 upregulation, t(4;11)-positive patients having the strongest overexpression by 232-fold when compared to ANGPT1 levels in CD19+ peripheral blood (PB) cells. A 27-fold and 13-fold upregulation was detected in t(11;19)- and t(9;11)-positive patients, respectively. Conversely, MLL-wildtype BCP ALL patients had similar ANGPT1 levels as CD19+ PB cells, with only a 2-fold increase. In addition to its high expression in t(4;11)-positive ALL, ANGPT1 levels were shown to be dependent on MLL/AF4; a reduction of ANGPT1 mRNA and protein correlated with siRNA-mediated MLL/AF4 depletion in a time-dependent manner in both cell lines and primary patient samples. This was concordant with expression array data, which indicated an up to 4-fold decrease of ANGPT1 in response to MLL/AF4 depletion. The functional role of ANGPT1 in t(4;11)-positive ALL was assessed by RNAi; sustained depletion of ANGPT1 in SEM cells resulted in cell cycle arrest and a marked decrease in proliferation. In vivo, mice transplanted with shANGPT1 expressing SEM cells showed reduced splenic infiltration and development of solid tumours at the injection site, as opposed to a systemic spread of the disease and massive splenomegaly in mice injected with shNTC expressing SEM cells. Conclusions: In this study we have identified ANGPT1 as a novel player in t(4;11)-positive ALL, as defined by overexpression, MLL/AF4-dependent regulation and functional consequences in vivo and in vitro. Currently we are investigating ANGPT1-mediated signalling in t(4;11) ALL cells, as it represents an attractive potential therapeutic target. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals 256CONSTRUCTION OF A BOVINE CDNA ARRAY TO MONITOR GENE EXPRESSION PROFILES IN BOVINE PREIMPLANTATION EMBRYOS

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 248
Author(s):  
C. Wrenzycki ◽  
T. Brambrink ◽  
D. Herrmann ◽  
J.W. Carnwath ◽  
H. Niemann
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Expression Profiling ◽  
Expression Profiling ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Cdna Array ◽  
Preimplantation Embryos ◽  
Average Insert Size ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Public Data

Array technology is a widely used tool for gene expression profiling, providing the possibility to monitor expression levels of an unlimited number of genes in various biological systems including preimplantation embryos. The objective of the present study was to develop and validate a bovine cDNA array and to compare expression profiles of embryos derived from different origins. A bovine blastocyst cDNA library was generated. Poly(A+)RNA was extracted from in vitro-produced embryos using a Dynabead mRNA purification kit. First-strand synthesis was performed with SacIT21 primer followed by randomly primed second-strand synthesis with a DOP primer mix (Roche) and a global PCR with 35 cycles using SacIT21 and DOP primers. Complementary DNA fragments from 300 to 1500bp were extracted from the gel and normalized via reassoziation and hydroxyapatite chromatography. Resulting cDNAs were digested with SacI and XhoI, ligated into a pBKs vector, and transfected into competent bacteria (Stratagene). After blue/white colony selection, plasmids were extracted and the inserts were subjected to PCR using vector specific primers. Average insert size was determined by size idenfication on agarose gels stained with ethidium bromide. After purification via precipitation and denaturation, 192 cDNA probes were double-spotted onto a nylon membrane and bound to the membrane by UV cross linking. Amplified RNA (aRNA) probes from pools of three or single blastocysts were generated as described recently (Brambrink et al., 2002 BioTechniques, 33, 3–9) and hybridized to the membranes. Expression profiles of in vitro-produced blastocysts cultured in either SOF plus BSA or TCM plus serum were compared with those of diploid parthenogenetic ones generated by chemical activation. Thirty-three probes have been sequenced and, after comparison with public data bases, 26 were identified as cDNAs or genes. Twelve out of 192 (6%) seem to be differentially expressed within the three groups;; 7/12 (58%) were down-regulated, 3/12 (25%) were up-regulated in SOF-derived embryos, and 2/12 (20%) were up-regulated in parthenogenetic blastocysts compared to their in vitro-generated counterparts. Three of these genes involved in calcium signaling (calmodulin, calreticulin) and regulation of actin cytoskeleton (destrin) were validated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR (Wrenzycki et al., 2001 Biol. Reprod. 65, 309–317) employing poly(A+) RNA from a single blastocyst as starting material. No differences were detected in the relative abundance of the analysed gene transcripts within the different groups. These findings were confirmed employing the aRNA used for hybridization in RT-PCR and showed a good representativity of the selected transcripts. Results indicate that it is possible to construct a homologous cDNA array which could be used for gene expression profiling of bovine preimplantation embryos. Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG Ni 256/18-1).

scholarly journals Innate inflammatory gene expression profiling in potential brain-dead donors: detailed investigation of the effect of common corticosteroid therapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 440-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Gholamnezhadjafari ◽  
Nader Tajik ◽  
Reza Falak ◽  
Reza Aflatoonian ◽  
Sanaz Dehghan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Gene Expression Profiling ◽  
Expression Profiling ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Organ Donors ◽  
Complement Components ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Brain Dead

Our study aimed to assess the influence of common methylprednisolone therapy on innate inflammatory factors in potential brain-dead organ donors (BDDs). The study groups consisted of 50 potential BDDs who received 15 mg/kg/d methylprednisolone and 25 live organ donors (LDs) as control group. Innate immunity gene expression profiling was performed by RT-PCR array. Soluble serum cytokines and chemokines, complement components, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) were measured by ELISA. Surface expression of TLR2 and TLR4 were determined using flow cytometry. Gene expression profiling revealed up-regulation of TLRs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, MYD88, NF-κB, NF-κB1A, IRAK1, STAT3, JAK2, TNF-α, IL-1β, CD86 and CD14 in the BDD group. Remarkably, the serum levels of C-reactive protein and HSP70 were considerably higher in the BDD group. In addition, serum amounts of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, HMGB1, HSP70, C3a and C5a, but not IL-8, sCD86 or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, were significantly increased in the BDD group. Significant differences were observed in flow cytometry analysis of TLR2 and TLR4 between the two groups. In summary, common methylprednisolone therapy in BDDs did not adequately reduce systemic inflammation, which could be due to inadequate doses or inefficient impact on other inflammatory-inducing pathways, for example oxidative stress or production of damage-associated molecules.

scholarly journals In Vitro Transcription Amplification and Labeling Methods Contribute to the Variability of Gene Expression Profiling with DNA Microarrays

2006 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changqing Ma ◽  
Maureen Lyons-Weiler ◽  
Wenjing Liang ◽  
William LaFramboise ◽  
John R. Gilbertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Expression Profiling ◽  
Expression Profiling ◽  
Dna Microarrays ◽  
In Vitro Transcription

Intraplatform Reproducibility and Technical Precision of Gene Expression Profiling in Four Laboratories Investigating 112 Leukemia Samples: The DACH Study.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 2383-2383
Author(s):  
Alexander Kohlmann ◽  
Elisabeth Haschke-Becher ◽  
Barbara Wimmer ◽  
Ariana Huber-Wechselberger ◽  
Sandrine Meyer-Monard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Expression Profiling ◽  
Expression Profiling ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Unsupervised Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Total Rna

Abstract Gene expression profiling has the potential to offer consistent objective diagnostic test results once a standardized protocol is established. We investigated the robustness, precision, and reproducibility of this technology and present data that complements the Microarray Innovations in LEukemia study (MILE study). In four laboratories, located in Germany (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH) (DACH study), replicates of 112 patient samples were analyzed using the AmpliChip Leukemia research test. Patient samples were centrally collected and diagnosed in daily routine at the Munich Leukemia Laboratory and represented 8 distinct classes of acute and chronic leukemias, with non-leukemia as control group. After purification of the mononuclear cells by Ficoll density centrifugation, 4 × 5 million cells were frozen in lysis buffer and stored at −80°C. Equipped with identical instruments, software, and reagents, study operators were trained on the microarray sample preparation protocol using total RNA from commercially available cell lines. Upon receipt of the frozen lysates each of the four laboratories purified the total RNA from the 112 technical quadruplicates. 99.3% (445/448) of the sample preparations were successfully performed. On average, 8.4 μg, 7.2 μg, 7.4 μg, or 7.5 μg of total RNA, respectively, were isolated from the mononuclear cells from the four laboratories. In three samples less than 1.0 μg of total RNA was obtained and thus the preparation failed. Bland-Altman plots of agreement showed that any two centers were unlikely to have more than an 8.3 μg difference in yield of total RNA from the same sample. On average there was between 0.1 μg to 1.2 μg difference in total RNA yield from the same sample. Further processing of the 445 samples resulted in 437 (98.2%) successfully performed in vitro transcription reactions, i.e. obtained cRNA yield of >8.0 μg. On average there was between 0.4 μg to 7.4 μg difference in cRNA yield from the same sample. After hybridization to microarrays on average, 46.1%, 48.6%, 46.5%, and 47.3% of probe sets were detected as present with mean scaling factors of 4.3, 2.9, 3.9, and 3.7, respectively. The mean values and standard deviations of distributions of the coefficient of variation (CV) within each site over all the probe sets of the quantile normalized signals on the chip were 27.2% (StdDev: 12.3%), 27.0% (StdDev: 12.3%), 27.3% (StdDev: 12.3%), 26.9% (StdDev: 12.4%), respectively. Furthermore, in unsupervised hierarchical cluster and principal component analyses replicates from the same patient always clustered closely together, with no indications of association between gene expression profiles due to different operators or laboratories. In conclusion, we demonstrated that microarray analysis can be performed with remarkably high inter-laboratory reproducibility and with comparable quality and high technical precision across laboratories.

Correlates of Lenalidomide Induced Immune Stimulation and Response in CLL: Analysis in Patients on Treatment

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 979-979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georg Aue ◽  
Stefania Pittaluga ◽  
Delong Liu ◽  
Larry Stennett ◽  
Susan Soto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Expression Profiling ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Immune Stimulation ◽  
Intramural Research Program ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Program Research

Abstract Abstract 979 Lenalidomide's mechanism of action in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is not well understood. In vitro data suggest that anti-leukemic immune responses are important. Tumor flare reactions during treatment have been associated with response in some but not other studies. In vivo data that mechanistically link immune stimulation to clinical responses are lacking. We designed an independent, single center, phase II trial of lenalidomide in relapsed/refractory CLL (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00465127). Here we report final clinical data and results of multiple translational analyses that indicate that an IFNy centered immune response is critical for response. A 3 week on, 3 weeks off treatment scheme (42 day cycles) was chosen to pulse immune stimulation while trying to minimize myelosuppression. The starting dose was 20 mg daily for the first 10 patients and 10 mg for the subsequent 23. Response was measured at 24 weeks. 5 patients, 4 with del 17p, achieved a PR by IWCLL criteria (16%) and were eligible to continue drug for 4 more cycles; the PFS in these patients was 16 months compared to 7 months for all other (p<0.001). Myelosupression remained the limiting side effect. A cytokine release syndrome often accompanied by tumor flare reactions was seen in 78% of patients in cycle 1 and often recurred in subsequent cycles. Compared to other studies it appears that the long treatment free period increased the inflammatory reaction upon restarting of L. All correlative analyses reported here were performed on PBMCs, lymph node (LN) core biopsies and serum obtained from patients during cycle 1 and 2 and included flow cytometry, gene expression profiling (Affymetrix arrays), and cytokine measurements. Nine patients with decreased lymphadenopathy ≥10% (10–85%) on CT after 4 cycles were considered responders (R) for correlative studies. There was a significant decrease in CLL count (median 14% on day 8 and 49% on day 22, p<0.01) and in the number of circulating T (CD3, CD4, CD8) and NK-cells (n=22, p<0.05) with no difference between R and non-responders (NR). In contrast, the CD3 count in LN core biopsies increased 1.4 fold in R compared to matched pre-treatment biopsies (p<0.05) with no change in NR (0.95 fold). In the L free interval CLL cells rebounded to pre-treatment levels. A rapid rebound of CLL counts during treatment interruptions has been previously described but its mechanism is not well understood. In migration assays we observed a 3-fold increased migration towards SDF-1 for L compared to control cells (p=0.03), indicating that increased homing of lymphocytes to tissue sites may be responsible for the rapid decrease in peripheral counts. The cell surface molecules CD40, 54, 86, 95, DR5 were upregulated (p<0.05) while CD5 and 20 were downregulated (p<0.001) on circulating CLL cells. Effects on CD54 and CD5 were stronger in R than NR (p<0.05). Next we performed gene expression profiling on purified PB-CLL cells and LN core biopsies obtained on day 8. L induced upregulation of 95 genes, many of which are known to be regulated by interferon gamma (IFNγ). The comparison with a gene expression signature induced by recombinant IFNγ in CLL cells cultured in vitro confirmed the significant induction of a typical IFNγ response by L in vivo (n=24, p<0.0001). The IFNγ response in PB-CLL cells was no different in R vs NR (n=12, p=0.78), but in LN biopsies it was more prominent in R (n=7) than NR (n=5) (p<0.05). Consistently the IFNG gene was upregulated in LN biopsies of R but actually decreased in NR (p=0.001). Serum IFNγ levels were elevated on L (n=14 at all time points, day 4 p=0.03, day 8 p=0.01, day 22 p=0.02, day 49 p<0.01), but off drug returned to pretreatment levels. Next we sought to determine the source of IFNγ. The tumor cells are ruled out as IFNG was not expressed in purified CLL cells. By flow cytometry the number of IFNγ secreting CD4 T-cells increased on day 8 from 0.8% to 1.5%, p=0.006), an effect that was stronger in R had than NR (p<0.05). IFNγ positive NK cells did not increase on L. These data provide a first mechanistic link between the degree of Lenalidomide induced immune activation to clinical response in CLL. Based on our experience we suggest that continued dosing of L may be superior to dose interruptions. Disclosures: Aue: NHLBI, Intramural Research Program: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide is not FDA approved for CLL. Wiestner:NHLBI, Intramural Research Program: Research Funding.

Gene Expression Profiling Implicates Attenuation of NFkB Signalling By Regulatory T Cells in Modulating Dendritic Cell Function

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 3068-3068
Author(s):  
Lindsay Nicholson ◽  
Emily Mavin ◽  
Lynne Minto ◽  
Julie Irving ◽  
Anne Dickinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Regulatory T Cells ◽  
Gene Expression Profiling ◽  
Pathway Analysis ◽  
Expression Profiling ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Antigen Presenting ◽  
Unique Genes

Abstract Dendritic cells (DC) play a key role in the pathogenesis of Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD), a complication of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and offer an attractive target for therapy. Regulatory T cells (Treg) have a potent immunoregulatory effect on the maturation and the antigen-presenting cell (APC) function of DC and adoptive transfer of Treg is highly efficacious in the induction of tolerance in an experimental model of GvHD and has entered Phase I clinical trials. Several mechanisms of suppression have been proposed, including Treg acting directly on DCs, attenuating their antigen-presenting and co-stimulatory functions by arresting their maturation. However, the molecular basis underpinning these effects in DCs remains ill-defined. We investigated the effect of Treg treatment on DCs by conducting gene expression profiling and confirmed the functional consequences using downstream assays. Immature, mature and Treg-treated DCs were generated from immuno-magnetic isolated monocytes (im-DC, mat-DC and Treg-DC, respectively) and moDC populations were generated using a well-established 6 day culture with GM-CSF and IL-4, followed by 24 hour LPS maturation. Treg were added on day 3 of culture at a 3:1 ratio. All cell populations were harvested on day 7 and sorted via FSC/SSC/CD3neg gating to remove Treg present in the co-culture and control for any changes in gene expression caused by shear stress. Gene expression profiling was carried out using the Illumina HumanHT12 microarray platform. Data was processed using R/Bioconductor workflows and the functional significance of differentially expressed genes was evaluated using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. Mat-DC and Treg-DC expression profiles were compared relative to the im-DC for data analysis. Upon LPS treatment, the levels of 1834 unique genes were differentially regulated in mat-DC by at least twofold (862 genes upregulated/972 downregulated) compared to the im-DC counterparts. In the Treg-DC, 1326 unique genes were differentially modulated (633 genes upregulated/693 genes downregulated). Microarray analysis of the CD markers identified a higher expression of the previously identified surface markers CD80, CD83 and CD86 in the mat-DC compared to the Treg-treated counterpart (validated by flow cytometry), confirming the semi-mature phenotype. Novel findings from the dataset include the reduction of the endocytotic-related genes, CD206 and CD209, in the Treg-DCs compared to the im-DC and this reduction manifested functionally in an impaired antigen uptake, as assessed by FITC-Dextran. Additionally, the surface marker, CD38, was downregulated in the Treg-DC compared to the mat-DC, confirmed by flow cytometry. CD38 has been shown to be NFκB-dependent and a marker of maturation in monocyte-derived DCs, further supporting the semi-mature phenotype. Furthermore, CD38 is functionally involved in CD83 expression and IL-12 induction. We assessed IL-12 cytokine secretion by Treg-treated DCs and showed a significantly reduced level of induction compared to mat-DC (p=0.0079). Pathway analysis revealed NFκB-related genes to be downregulated in the Treg-DC compared to the mat-DC. These differentially expressed genes included the TLR-adaptor protein, MYD88, the NFκB subunit, RELB and an inhibitor of NFκB, NFκB1A. This finding, coupled to the importance of NFκB signalling pathway in DC function, prompted us to investigate it at the functional level by measuring levels of phosphorylation of serine 536 of the RelA subunit as a marker of activity in response to LPS stimulation. DC cultured in the absence of Tregs (mat-DC) showed significantly higher levels of Ser536 phosphorylation when compared to those unstimulated cells (im-DC) (p= 0.0018). Concordant with the gene expression data, Treg-treated DCs (Treg-DC), showed a significantly attenuated NFκB activation when compared to their LPS-stimulated DCs counterparts (p = 0.0191), however, signalling was not completely abolished compared to those unstimulated DCs (p= 0.0003). In conclusion, gene expression profiles of Treg-treated DCs are significantly different to their mat-DC and im-DC counterparts. Here, we present the novel finding that Tregs modulate DC function, in part, by attenuation of the NFkB signalling pathway, arresting the DCs at a semi-mature phenotype, as evidenced by expression arrays and functional assays. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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