Review
Immunology
Min Hu, Natasha M. Rogers, Jennifer Li, Geoff Y. Zhang, Yuan Min Wang, Karli Shaw, Philip J. O'Connell, Stephen Alexander
Summary: Tregs play a crucial role in kidney transplantation by limiting immune activation and potentially reducing the need for immunosuppression. Studies have shown their importance in improving allo-specific Treg function in both animal and human models.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Evelien Schurgers, David C. Wraith
Summary: The immune response to exogenous proteins can affect the effectiveness of protein replacement therapies by causing anti-drug antibodies, which can override the benefits of treatment. To overcome this issue, reinstating immunological tolerance to the administered protein is necessary.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Naomi Benne, Danielle ter Braake, Arie Jan Stoppelenburg, Femke Broere
Summary: This article discusses the strategy of using nanoparticles to deliver antigens and restore immune tolerance. It highlights potential cell targets and application methods for nanoparticles, as well as how nanoparticles carrying immunomodulators can activate tolerance in other antigen-presenting cell types. It also emphasizes the importance of considering relevant factors when translating animal studies to clinical applications.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nina Pilat, Romy Steiner, Jonathan Sprent
Summary: The limited success of solid organ transplantation is influenced by the insufficiency of immunosuppressive regimens to control chronic rejection and late graft loss. However, regulatory T cells (Tregs) have shown potential in inducing allograft tolerance and prolonging graft survival. The first Treg-based clinical trials have yielded promising results, demonstrating the feasibility and safety of Treg therapy in organ transplantation. Nevertheless, there are still unresolved questions regarding Treg phenotype, dosage, antigen-specificity, adjunct immunosuppressants, and efficacy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Faezeh Dangkoub, Mojtaba Sankian, Mohsen Tafaghodi, Mahmoud Reza Jaafari, Ali Badiee
Summary: This paper reviews the application of nanocarriers in inducing immunotolerance, with a focus on targeted delivery to APCs and direct targeting of autoreactive lymphocytes. The physicochemical properties and composition of NCs play essential roles in achieving the desired immunological outcome, making them a promising approach for treating autoimmune diseases in humans.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yibin Liu, Anna Keib, Brigitte Neuber, Lei Wang, Angelika B. Riemer, Maria Bonsack, Angela Huckelhoven-Krauss, Anita Schmitt, Carsten Mueller-Tidow, Michael Schmitt
Summary: The transcription factor SOX11 is overexpressed in glioblastoma (GBM), and in silico prediction identified a novel peptide FMACSPVAL as a potential target for T cell-based immunotherapy. This peptide exhibited high binding affinity to the HLA-A*0201 molecule and generated SOX11-specific CD8(+) T cells in vitro. Positive responses to SOX11 were observed in 9 out of 32 healthy donors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Mauricio Campos-Mora, Javiera De Solminihac, Carolina Rojas, Cristina Padilla, Monica Kurte, Rodrigo Pacheco, Thilo Kaehne, Ursula Wyneken, Karina Pino-Lagos
Summary: This study demonstrates that Treg cells secrete sEV containing Nrp1, which play a crucial role in regulating the phenotype and proliferation of effector CD4+ T cells, as well as promoting skin transplantation tolerance.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Brendan K. Reed, John W. Kappler
Summary: The search for T cell antigens driving T1D has been ongoing for over three decades. Recent research has revealed that many important MHCII-presented epitopes are actually fusions of peptide fragments from different proteins, attributed to a process called reverse proteolysis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Zachary C. C. Stensland, Christopher A. A. Magera, Hali Broncucia, Brittany D. D. Gomez, Nasha M. M. Rios-Guzman, Kristen L. L. Wells, Catherine A. A. Nicholas, Marynette Rihanek, Maya J. J. Hunter, Kevin P. P. Toole, Peter A. A. Gottlieb, Mia J. J. Smith
Summary: Recent evidence suggests that a specific subset of B cells, termed B(ND)2, may play a role in the rapid progression of young-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D). These B(ND)2 cells are highly activated and show increased insulin reactivity, correlating with anti-insulin autoantibody levels. They have the capacity to secrete antibodies and serve as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to T cells. Identifying and understanding the role of these B(ND)2 cells may contribute to the knowledge of T1D pathogenesis.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Michal P. Kuczma, Edyta A. Szurek, Anna Cebula, Vu L. Ngo, Maciej Pietrzak, Piotr Kraj, Timothy L. Denning, Leszek Ignatowicz
Summary: The study suggests that T cell anergy induction plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of self-immunity. Disruption in peripherally-induced Tregs formation or exposure to selective self-peptides can result in an accumulation of anergic cells. Additionally, microbial antigens can induce anergy and promote the conversion of naive T cells to regulatory T cells.
MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Pierre Henschel, Sybille Landwehr-Kenzel, Niklas Engels, Andrea Schienke, Jakob Kremer, Tobias Riet, Nella Redel, Konstantinos Iordanidis, Valerie Saetzler, Katharina John, Miriam Heider, Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski, Heiner Wedemeyer, Elmar Jaeckel, Fatih Noyan
Summary: Researchers have developed an HLA-A2specific CAR vector that co-expresses FOXP3, which can increase the safety and efficacy of CAR-Treg products. Stable expression of FOXP3 in Tregs prevents conversion into pathogenic T effector cells under pro-inflammatory conditions.
JOURNAL OF AUTOIMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jakob Kremer, Pierre Henschel, Daniel Simon, Tobias Riet, Christine Falk, Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski, Heiner Wedemeyer, Fatih Noyan, Elmar Jaeckel
Summary: The study demonstrated that enhancing the function and stability of CAR-Tregs through membrane-associated IL-2 expression is effective. The results showed that these cells are more stable under inflammatory conditions, survive better in the Treg niche, and are resistant to CNI therapy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sayuri Iwai, Aiko Okada, Kei Sasano, Masayuki Endo, Sho Yamazaki, Xin Wang, Takashi Shimbo, Takuji Tomimatsu, Tadashi Kimura, Katsuto Tamai
Summary: The study found that mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) transferred by maternal microchimerism have the potential to induce immune tolerance, which can be further enhanced with drug therapy. This research provides insights into immune tolerance induction and paves the way for developing new therapies for autoimmune or genetic diseases using maternally derived cells.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ewa Maria Sroka, Mathilde Lavigne, Marika Pla, Chrysoula Daskalogianni, Maria Camila Tovar-Fernandez, Rodrigo Prado Martins, Benedicte Manoury, Guillaume Darrasse-Jeze, Megane Nascimento, Sebastien Apcher, Robin Fahraeus
Summary: This study found that introducing an MHC class I epitope sequence into the intron of the beta-globin gene in mice can generate immune tolerance. Translation initiation within the intron produces peptides for MHC class I immune tolerance, providing an explanation for the tolerance of alternative tissue-specific splicing by the immune system.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Trim Lajqi, David Frommhold, Christian Gille, Hannes Hudalla
Summary: Innate immune cells have the potential to develop immunological memory through a process called trained immunity. This process is characterized by increased production of inflammatory mediators and changes in cellular functions. We have established a two-hit stimulation protocol in vitro to induce memory-like responses in murine bone marrow neutrophils. This protocol can be used to study the evolving field of memory-like innate immunity. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) promote dose-dependent contrasting memory-like responses.
CELLULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Christian J. Maine, Guilhem Richard, Darina S. Spasova, Shigeki J. Miyake-Stoner, Jessica Sparks, Leonard Moise, Ryan P. Sullivan, Olivia Garijo, Melissa Choz, Jenna M. Crouse, Allison Aguilar, Melanie D. Olesiuk, Katie Lyons, Katrina Salvador, Melissa Blomgren, Jason L. DeHart, Kurt I. Kamrud, Gad Berdugo, Anne S. De Groot, Nathaniel S. Wang, Parinaz Aliahmad
Summary: By combining antigen selection, construct design, and a robust vaccine platform based on SMARRT technology, effective control of tumor growth and generation of high-quality T cell responses can be achieved in both mice and non-human primates, showing promise for translational and clinical application in therapeutic oncology vaccines.
Article
Immunology
Anne S. De Groot, Amy S. Rosenberg, S. M. Shahjahan Miah, Gail Skowron, Brian J. Roberts, Sandra Lelias, Frances E. Terry, William D. Martin
Summary: Identification of T cell epitopes recognized by Tregs can help understand the role of thymic Tregs and induced Tregs in autoimmune diseases and allergies. The Tregitope FV621 derived from Factor V has potent immunomodulatory effects, suppressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses and inhibiting immune responses in vivo and in vitro, especially when conjugated to albumin. Prospective identification tools combined with validating assays may facilitate future Tregitope discoveries.
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patricia Markham Risica, Meghan L. McCarthy, Katherine L. Barry, Susan P. Oliverio, Kim M. Gans, Anne S. De Groot
Summary: The Vida Sana Program (VSP) has shown promising improvements in metabolic outcomes for Hispanic populations at higher risk for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, presenting a successful model for community-connected interventions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guilhem Richard, Anne S. De Groot, Gary D. Steinberg, Tzintzuni Garcia, Alec Kacew, Matthew Ardito, William D. Martin, Gad Berdugo, Michael F. Princiotta, Arjun Balar, Randy F. Sweis
Summary: Utilizing the immunoinformatic system Ancer for neoantigen analysis can enhance risk stratification and survival prediction accuracy, demonstrating superior performance in bladder cancer research.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Kenneth D. Tucker, Brian C. Schanen, Timothy W. Phares, Emily Sassano, Frances E. Terry, Pooja Hindocha, Leonard Moise, Vinayaka Kotraiah, William D. Martin, Anne S. De Groot, Donald R. Drake, Gabriel M. Gutierrez, Amy R. Noe
Summary: Immunization with radiation-attenuated sporozoites is effective in protecting against malaria infection primarily through CD8 T cell responses, but limited by parasite strain. To develop liver stage malaria vaccines targeting CD8 T cells, conserved epitopes covering a broad range of HLA supertypes are essential. By combining in silico analysis to select conserved proteins and in vitro evaluation of synthesized peptides, novel CD8 T cell epitopes capable of stimulating immune responses across major HLA alleles have been identified for potential inclusion in future vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Marieme Dembele, Shao Tao, Amir H. Massoud, S. M. Shahjahan Miah, Sandra Lelias, Anne S. De Groot, Bruce D. Mazer
Summary: IgG Tregitopes have been shown to attenuate symptoms of allergic airway disease by inducing highly suppressive antigen-specific Tregs and establishing antigen-specific tolerance. Tregitope therapy can reduce allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and lung inflammation, potentially offering a synthetic alternative to IVIg in conditions like asthma.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Lauren M. Meyers, Andres H. Gutierrez, Christine M. Boyle, Frances Terry, Bethany G. McGonnigal, Andres Salazar, Michael F. Princiotta, Wiliam D. Martin, Anne S. De Groot, Leonard Moise
Summary: This study identified peptide epitopes associated with SARS-CoV-2 T-cell immunity and demonstrated epitope-specific T-cell responses through direct restimulation and T-cell expansion. Immunization of HLA-DR3 transgenic mice generated a potent Th1-skewed, epitope-specific memory response, offering a potential approach for developing T-cell-targeted vaccines.
Review
Immunology
Guilhem Richard, Michael F. Princiotta, Dominique Bridon, William D. Martin, Gary D. Steinberg, Anne S. De Groot
Summary: The field of cancer therapy has been transformed in less than a decade with the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors, next generation sequencing, and the discovery of neoantigens. Immune responses to neoantigens through vaccination have become a focus in precision immunotherapy. Validation of personalized vaccine design pipelines is crucial for revolutionizing neoantigen-based vaccine design and delivery.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ann E. Sluder, Susan Raju Paul, Leonard Moise, Christina Dold, Guilhem Richard, Laura Silva-Reyes, Laurie A. Baeten, Anja Scholzen, Patrick M. Reeves, Andrew J. Pollard, Anja Garritsen, Richard A. Bowen, Anne S. De Groot, Christine Rollier, Mark C. Poznansky
Summary: This study aimed to develop a T cell-targeted vaccine to induce specific cell-mediated immunity for protection against Q fever. By selecting suitable epitopes and expressing them in viral vectors, the vaccine candidates showed antigen-specific T cell responses in animal models, establishing a foundation for future vaccine efficacy studies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Leonard Moise, Lauren M. Meyers, Hyesun Jang, Mayara Grizotte-Lake, Christine M. Boyle, Bethany McGonnigal, Pan Ge, Ted M. Ross, Anne S. De Groot
Summary: Strategies to enhance immunogenicity of influenza vaccines are crucial for pandemic preparedness. A study showed that incorporating a memory CD4(+) T cell epitope from H3N2 into H7N9 HA can improve immune response and antibody production.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Swan Tan, Lenny Moise, Douglas S. Pearce, Constantinos S. Kyriakis, Andres H. Gutierrez, Ted M. Ross, Justin Bahl, Anne S. De Groot
Summary: This study used the EpiCC tool to assess the impact of the emergent H1N1 G4 swine influenza A virus (G4) on swine and human populations. The results showed that the T cell epitope cross-conservation between US commercial swine vaccines and G4 was poor, while a recent European swine influenza vaccine (HL03) provided good protection against G4.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Katherine Barry, Johanna A. Suskin, Julia Testa, Morgan Leonard, Anne S. De Groot
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportional impact on uninsured and minority populations, exacerbating long-standing health inequities. Free clinics, such as Clinica Esperanza/Hope Clinic (CEHC), play an important role in improving access to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for at-risk individuals during the pandemic.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jiani Chen, Swan Tan, Vasanthi Avadhanula, Leonard Moise, Pedro A. Piedra, Anne S. De Groot, Justin Bahl
Summary: This study computationally predicted T cell epitopes in the F and G proteins of RSV wild circulating strains and found that RSV strains can be clustered into three RSV-A groups and two RSV-B groups on the T epitope landscape, suggesting potentially distinct T cell immunity. The study also observed higher conservation of F protein T cell epitopes among recent epidemic strains and decreased content of G protein T cell epitopes. These findings are valuable for vaccine design and assessment.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tiffani Crippin, Karamoko Tounkara, Eliza Squibb, Sarah Beseme, Katherine Barry, Kotou Sangare, Saidou Coulibaly, Pinda Fane, Aliou Bagayoko, Ousmane A. Koita, Ibrahima Teguete, Anne S. De Groot
Summary: Cervical cancer, mainly caused by HPV, is a major health issue in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in West Africa. This study highlights the importance of community-centered education campaigns and the use of story-telling cloth to increase awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening in the region, where knowledge about HPV and CC is limited.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Anne S. De Groot, Sundos Khan, Aimee E. Mattei, Sandra Lelias, William D. Martin
Summary: Biologics developers are exploring non-antibody modalities for therapeutic interventions, using modified "natural" protein scaffolds to deliver bioactive sequences. These new non-antibody scaffolds have advantages such as smaller size, improved stability, and easier synthesis compared to monoclonal antibodies, and are believed to have low immunogenic potential. However, evaluating their immunogenicity risk potential, especially related to T cell epitopes, is still necessary. Assessing the immunogenicity of scaffold proteins is important for drug developers and clinicians.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)