Perforin-2 is a pore-forming effector of endocytic escape in cross-presenting dendritic cells.

During initiation of antiviral and antitumor T cell-mediated immune responses, dendritic cells (DCs) cross-present exogenous antigens on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Cross-presentation relies on the unusual "leakiness" of endocytic compartments in DCs, whereby internalized proteins escape into the cytosol for proteasome-mediated generation of MHC I-binding peptides. Given that type 1 conventional DCs excel at cross-presentation, we searched for cell type-specific effectors of endocytic escape. We devised an assay suitable for genetic screening and identified a pore-forming protein, perforin-2 (Mpeg1), as a dedicated effector exclusive to cross-presenting cells. Perforin-2 was recruited to antigen-containing compartments, where it underwent maturation, releasing its pore-forming domain. Mpeg1-/- mice failed to efficiently prime CD8+ T cells to cell-associated antigens, revealing an important role for perforin-2 in cytosolic entry of antigens during cross-presentation.

Type 1 conventional dendritic cell fate and function are controlled by DC-SCRIPT.

The functional diversification of dendritic cells (DCs) is a key step in establishing protective immune responses. Despite the importance of DC lineage diversity, its genetic basis is not fully understood. The transcription factor DC-SCRIPT is expressed in conventional DCs (cDCs) and their committed bone marrow progenitors but not in plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). We show that mice lacking DC-SCRIPT displayed substantially impaired development of IRF8 (interferon regulatory factor 8)-dependent cDC1, whereas cDC2 numbers increased marginally. The residual DC-SCRIPT-deficient cDC1s had impaired capacity to capture and present cell-associated antigens and to secrete IL-12p40, two functional hallmarks of this population. Genome-wide mapping of DC-SCRIPT binding and gene expression analyses revealed a key role for DC-SCRIPT in maintaining cDC1 identity via the direct regulation of cDC1 signature genes, including Irf8 Our study reveals DC-SCRIPT to be a critical component of the gene regulatory program shaping the functional attributes of cDC1s.

Antigen presentation genes in gadoid species (haddock: Melanogrammus aeglefinus and Atlantic cod: Gadus morhua) raise questions about cross-presentation pathways and glycosylated beta-2-microglobulin.

The Atlantic cod immune system deviates from antigen presentation processes seen in other vertebrates in that it lacks the necessary genes for exogenous antigen presentation (i.e., MHC-II and li) and a key MHC-II interacting molecule necessary for T-helper cell function (i.e., CD4), while possessing an expanded repertoire of MHC-I genes that facilitate endogenous antigen presentation. These observations, combined with the identification of putative endosomal sorting signals in MHC-I cytoplasmic tails, have led to speculation that cod rely on cross-presentation of exogenous antigens to elicit cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses against extracellular threats. In light of this suggestion, we investigated MHC-I transcriptional profiles and endosomal sorting signals in a closely related gadoid species, the haddock. Analysis of transcripts from one individual identified 13 unique MHC-I molecules, including two non-classical molecules as determined by the level of conservation at their peptide anchoring sites. This suggests that like the cod, the haddock has an expanded MHC-I repertoire. Analysis of haddock MHC-I cytoplasmic tail sequences revealed that the dileucine- and tyrosine-based endosomal signaling motifs, that are suggested to facilitate cross-presentation in cod, were absent. Closer examination of the cod signaling motifs, including their relative position in the cytoplasmic tail region, indicates that these motifs might be non-functional, further supporting the need for functional studies to assess cross-presentation. Finally, in silico analysis and in vitro N-type de-glycosylation experiments demonstrate that haddock and cod beta-2-microglobulin (ß2M) are glycosylated at the same NQT sequon. Interestingly, whole genome tBLASTn searches also revealed that putative ß2 M glycosylation sites appear frequently within the Gadiformes lineage, as the predictive NQT and other N-X-S/T sequons were located in ß2M orthologues from 19 of the 25 additional gadoid genomes analyzed. Though the exact significance of ß2M glycosylation has yet to be elucidated, phylogenetic comparisons predict that the same NQT glycosylation sequence occurs in 13 additional species comprising four different orders of Actinopterygii (Gymnotiformes, Esociformes, Beryciformes and Perciformes). This suggests either that this feature has arisen independently in multiple lineages or that it comes from a common ancestor and has been lost or modified in many species. Together, the analysis of gadoid MHC-I genes and ß2M molecules highlights the challenges in generalizing immune system paradigms across the most diverse vertebrate lineage (i.e., fish) and between fish and more well-studied mammals.

Contribution of proteasome-catalyzed peptide cis-splicing to viral targeting by CD8+ T cells in HIV-1 infection.

Peptides generated by proteasome-catalyzed splicing of noncontiguous amino acid sequences have been shown to constitute a source of nontemplated human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) epitopes, but their role in pathogen-specific immunity remains unknown. CD8+ T cells are key mediators of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) control, and identification of novel epitopes to enhance targeting of infected cells is a priority for prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. To explore the contribution of proteasome-catalyzed peptide splicing (PCPS) to HIV-1 epitope generation, we developed a broadly applicable mass spectrometry-based discovery workflow that we employed to identify spliced HLA-I-bound peptides on HIV-infected cells. We demonstrate that HIV-1-derived spliced peptides comprise a relatively minor component of the HLA-I-bound viral immunopeptidome. Although spliced HIV-1 peptides may elicit CD8+ T cell responses relatively infrequently during infection, CD8+ T cells primed by partially overlapping contiguous epitopes in HIV-infected individuals were able to cross-recognize spliced viral peptides, suggesting a potential role for PCPS in restricting HIV-1 escape pathways. Vaccine-mediated priming of responses to spliced HIV-1 epitopes could thus provide a novel means of exploiting epitope targets typically underutilized during natural infection.

CD91 on dendritic cells governs immunosurveillance of nascent, emerging tumors.

The immune system detects aberrant, premalignant cells and eliminates them before the development of cancer. Immune cells, including T cells, have been shown to be critical components in eradicating these aberrant cells, and when absent in the host, incidence of cancer increases. Here, we show that CD91, a receptor expressed on antigen-presenting cells, is required for priming immune responses to nascent, emerging tumors. In the absence of CD91, effector immune responses are subdued, and tumor incidence and progression are amplified. We also show that, consequently, tumors that arise in the absence of CD91 express neo-epitopes with indices that are indicative of greater immunogenicity. Polymorphisms in human CD91 that are expected to affect ligand binding are shown to influence antitumor immune responses in cancer patients. This study presents a molecular mechanism for priming immune responses to nascent, emerging tumors that becomes a predictor of cancer susceptibility and progression.

Novel Cre-Expressing Mouse Strains Permitting to Selectively Track and Edit Type 1 Conventional Dendritic Cells Facilitate Disentangling Their Complexity in vivo.

Type 1 conventional DCs (cDC1) excel in the cross-priming of CD8+ T cells, which is crucial for orchestrating efficient immune responses against viruses or tumors. However, our understanding of their physiological functions and molecular regulation has been limited by the lack of proper mutant mouse models allowing their conditional genetic targeting. Because the Xcr1 and A530099j19rik (Karma/Gpr141b) genes belong to the core transcriptomic fingerprint of mouse cDC1, we used them to engineer two novel Cre-driver lines, the Xcr1Cre and KarmaCre mice, by knocking in an IRES-Cre expression cassette into their 3'-UTR. We used genetic tracing to characterize the specificity and efficiency of these new models in several lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues, and compared them to the Clec9aCre mouse model, which targets the immediate precursors of cDCs. Amongst the three Cre-driver mouse models examined, the Xcr1Cre model was the most efficient and specific for the fate mapping of all cDC1, regardless of the tissues examined. The KarmaCre model was rather specific for cDC1 when compared with the Clec9aCre mouse, but less efficient than the Xcr1Cre model. Unexpectedly, the Xcr1Cre model targeted a small fraction of CD4+ T cells, and the KarmaCre model a significant proportion of mast cells in the skin. Importantly, the targeting specificity of these two mouse models was not changed upon inflammation. A high frequency of germline recombination was observed solely in the Xcr1Cre mouse model when both the Cre and the floxed alleles were brought by the same gamete irrespective of its gender. Xcr1, Karma, and Clec9a being differentially expressed within the cDC1 population, the three CRE-driver lines examined showed distinct recombination patterns in cDC1 phenotypic subsets. This advances our understanding of cDC1 subset heterogeneity and the differentiation trajectory of these cells. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, upon informed use, the Xcr1Cre and KarmaCre mouse models represent the best tools currently reported to specifically and faithfully target cDC1 in vivo, both at steady state and upon inflammation. Future use of these mutant mouse models will undoubtedly boost our understanding of the biology of cDC1.

WDFY4 is required for cross-presentation in response to viral and tumor antigens.

During the process of cross-presentation, viral or tumor-derived antigens are presented to CD8+ T cells by Batf3-dependent CD8α+/XCR1+ classical dendritic cells (cDC1s). We designed a functional CRISPR screen for previously unknown regulators of cross-presentation, and identified the BEACH domain-containing protein WDFY4 as essential for cross-presentation of cell-associated antigens by cDC1s in mice. However, WDFY4 was not required for major histocompatibility complex class II presentation, nor for cross-presentation by monocyte-derived dendritic cells. In contrast to Batf3 -/- mice, Wdfy4 -/- mice displayed normal lymphoid and nonlymphoid cDC1 populations that produce interleukin-12 and protect against Toxoplasma gondii infection. However, similar to Batf3 -/- mice, Wdfy4 -/- mice failed to prime virus-specific CD8+ T cells in vivo or induce tumor rejection, revealing a critical role for cross-presentation in antiviral and antitumor immunity.

Rapid Detection of Prunus Necrotic Ringspot Virus by Reverse Transcription-cross-priming Amplification Coupled with Nucleic Acid Test Strip Cassette.

Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) is one of the most devastating viruses to Prunus spp. In this study, we developed a diagnostic system RT-CPA-NATSC, wherein reverse transcription-cross-priming amplification (RT-CPA) is coupled with nucleic acid test strip cassette (NATSC), a vertical flow (VF) visualization, for PNRSV detection. The RT-CPA-NATSC assay targets the encoding gene of the PNRSV coat protein with a limit of detection of 72 copies per reaction and no cross-reaction with the known Prunus pathogenic viruses and viroids, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. The reaction is performed on 60 °C and can be completed less than 90 min with the prepared template RNA. Field sample test confirmed the reliability of RT-CPA-NATSC, indicating the potential application of this simple and rapid detection method in routine test of PNRSV.

Purification of the Membrane Compartment for Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Degradation of Exogenous Antigens in Cross-presentation.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are highly capable of processing and presenting internalized exogenous antigens upon major histocompatibility class (MHC) I molecules also known as cross-presentation (CP). CP plays an important role not only in the stimulation of naïve CD8+ T cells and memory CD8+ T cells for infectious and tumor immunity but also in the inactivation of self-acting naïve T cells by T cell anergy or T cell deletion. Although the critical molecular mechanism of CP remains to be elucidated, accumulating evidence indicates that exogenous antigens are processed through endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) after export from non-classical endocytic compartments. Until recently, characterizations of these endocytic compartments were limited because there were no specific molecular markers other than exogenous antigens. The method described here is a new vesicle isolation protocol, which allows for the purification of these endocytic compartments. Using this purified microsome, we reconstituted the ERAD-like transport, ubiquitination, and processing of the exogenous antigen in vitro, suggesting that the ubiquitin-proteasome system processed the exogenous antigen after export from this cellular compartment. This protocol can be further applied to other cell types to clarify the molecular mechanism of CP.

Autophagy-related protein Vps34 controls the homeostasis and function of antigen cross-presenting CD8α+ dendritic cells.

The class III PI3K Vacuolar protein sorting 34 (Vps34) plays a role in both canonical and noncanonical autophagy, key processes that control the presentation of antigens by dendritic cells (DCs) to naive T lymphocytes. We generated DC-specific Vps34-deficient mice to assess the contribution of Vps34 to DC functions. We found that DCs from these animals have a partially activated phenotype, spontaneously produce cytokines, and exhibit enhanced activity of the classic MHC class I and class II antigen-presentation pathways. Surprisingly, these animals displayed a defect in the homeostatic maintenance of splenic CD8α+ DCs and in the capacity of these cells to cross-present cell corpse-associated antigens to MHC class I-restricted T cells, a property that was associated with defective expression of the T-cell Ig mucin (TIM)-4 receptor. Importantly, mice deficient in the Vps34-associated protein Rubicon, which is critical for a noncanonical form of autophagy called "Light-chain 3 (LC3)-associated phagocytosis" (LAP), lacked such defects. Finally, consistent with their defect in the cross-presentation of apoptotic cells, DC-specific Vps34-deficient animals developed increased metastases in response to challenge with B16 melanoma cells. Collectively, our studies have revealed a critical role of Vps34 in the regulation of CD8α+ DC homeostasis and in the capacity of these cells to process and present antigens associated with apoptotic cells to MHC class I-restricted T cells. Our findings also have important implications for the development of small-molecule inhibitors of Vps34 for therapeutic purposes.

Distinct Transcriptional Programs Control Cross-Priming in Classical and Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells.

Both classical DCs (cDCs) and monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs) are capable of cross-priming CD8(+) T cells in response to cell-associated antigens. We found that Ly-6C(hi)TREML4(-) monocytes can differentiate into Zbtb46(+) Mo-DCs in response to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) but that Ly-6C(hi)TREML4(+) monocytes were committed to differentiate into Ly-6C(lo)TREML4(+) monocytes. Differentiation of Zbtb46(+) Mo-DCs capable of efficient cross-priming required both GM-CSF and IL-4 and was accompanied by the induction of Batf3 and Irf4. However, monocytes require IRF4, but not BATF3, to differentiate into Zbtb46(+) Mo-DCs capable of cross-priming CD8(+) T cells. Instead, Irf4(-/-) monocytes differentiate into macrophages in response to GM-CSF and IL-4. Thus, cDCs and Mo-DCs require distinct transcriptional programs of differentiation in acquiring the capacity to prime CD8(+) T cells. These differences may be of consideration in the use of therapeutic DC vaccines based on Mo-DCs.

Clusterin facilitates apoptotic cell clearance and prevents apoptotic cell-induced autoimmune responses.

Clusterin (Clu), an extracellular chaperone, exhibits characteristics of soluble innate immunity receptors, as assessed by its ability to bind some bacteria strains. In this study, we report that Clu also binds specifically to late apoptotic cells but not to live, early apoptotic, or necrotic cells. Histones, which accumulate on blebs during the apoptotic process, represent privileged Clu-binding motifs at the surface of late apoptotic cells. As a consequence, Clu potentiates, both in vitro and in vivo, the phagocytosis of late apoptotic cells by macrophages. Moreover, the increased phagocytosis of late apoptotic cells induced by Clu favors the presentation and cross-presentation of apoptotic cell-associated antigens. Finally, we observed that, in a model of apoptotic cell-induced autoimmunity, and relative to control mice, Clu(-/-) mice develop symptoms of autoimmunity, including the generation of anti-dsDNA antibodies, deposition of immunoglobulins and complement components within kidneys, and splenomegaly. These results identify Clu as a new molecule partner involved in apoptotic cell efferocytosis and suggest a protective role for Clu in inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Efficient induction of cross-presentating human B cell by transduction with human adenovirus type 7 vector.

Although human autologous B cells represent a promising alternative to dendritic cells (DCs) for easy large-scale preparation, the naive human B cells are always poor at antigen presentation. The safe and effective usage record of human adenovirus type 7 (HAdV7) live vaccines makes it attractive as a promising vaccine vector candidate. To investigate whether HAdV7 vector could be used to induce the human B cells cross-presentation, in the present study, we constructed the E3-defective recombinant HAdV7 vector encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). We demonstrated that naive human B cells can efficiently be transduced, and that the MAPKs/NF-κB pathway can be activated by recombinant HAdV7. We proved that cytokine TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10, surface molecule MHC class I and the CD86, antigen-processing machinery (APM) compounds ERp57, TAP-1, and TAP-2. were upregulated in HAdV7 transduced human B cells. We also found that CEA-specific IFNγ expression, degranulation, and in vitro and ex vivo cytotoxicities are induced in autologous CD8(+) T cells presensitized by HAd7CEA modified human B cells. Meanwhile, our evidences clearly show that Toll-like receptors 9 (TLR9) antagonist IRS 869 significantly eliminated most of the HAdV7 initiated B cell activation and CD8(+) T cells response, supporting the role and contribution of TLR9 signaling in HAdV7 induced human B cell cross-presentation. Besides a better understanding of the interactions between recombinant HAdV7 and human naive B cells, to our knowledge, the present study provides the first evidence to support the use of HAdV7-modified B cells as a vehicle for vaccines and immunotherapy.

Lymph-borne CD8α+ dendritic cells are uniquely able to cross-prime CD8+ T cells with antigen acquired from intestinal epithelial cells.

Cross-presentation of cellular antigens is crucial for priming CD8(+) T cells, and generating immunity to intracellular pathogens--particularly viruses. It is unclear which intestinal phagocytes perform this function in vivo. To address this, we examined dendritic cells (DCs) from the intestinal lymph of IFABP-tOVA 232-4 mice, which express ovalbumin in small intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Among lymph DCs (LDCs) only CD103(+) CD11b(-) CD8α(+) DCs cross-present IEC-derived ovalbumin to CD8(+) OT-I T cells. Similarly, in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), cross-presentation of IEC-ovalbumin was limited to the CD11c(+) MHCII(hi) CD8α(+) migratory DCs, but absent from all other subsets, including the resident CD8α(hi) DCs. Crucially, delivery of purified CD8α(+) LDCs, but not other LDC subsets, into the MLN subcapsular lymphatic sinus induced proliferation of ovalbumin-specific, gut-tropic CD8(+) T cells in vivo. Finally, in 232-4 mice treated with R848, CD8α(+) LDCs were uniquely able to cross-prime interferon γ-producing CD8(+) T cells and drive their migration to the intestine. Our results clearly demonstrate that migrating CD8α(+) intestinal DCs are indispensable for cross-presentation of cellular antigens and, in conditions of inflammation, for the initial differentiation of effector CD8(+) T cells. They may therefore represent an important target for the development of antiviral vaccinations.

Tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells exhibit defective cross-presentation of tumor antigens, but is reversed by chemotherapy.

Cross-presentation defines the unique capacity of an APC to present exogenous Ag via MHC class I molecules to CD8(+) T cells. DCs are specialized cross-presenting cells and as such have a critical role in antitumor immunity. DCs are routinely found within the tumor microenvironment, but their capacity for endogenous or therapeutically enhanced cross-presentation is not well characterized. In this study, we examined the tumor and lymph node DC cross-presentation of a nominal marker tumor Ag, HA, expressed by the murine mesothelioma tumor AB1-HA. We found that tumors were infiltrated by predominantly CD11b(+) DCs with a semimature phenotype that could not cross-present tumor Ag, and therefore, were unable to induce tumor-specific T-cell activation or proliferation. Although tumor-infiltrating DCs were able to take up, process, and cross-present exogenous cell-bound and soluble Ags, this was significantly impaired relative to lymph node DCs. Importantly, however, systemic chemotherapy using gemcitabine reversed the defect in Ag cross-presentation of tumor DCs. These data demonstrate that DC cross-presentation within the tumor microenvironment is defective, but can be reversed by chemotherapy. These results have important implications for anticancer therapy, particularly regarding the use of immunotherapy in conjunction with cytotoxic chemotherapy.

FcRγ-chain ITAM signaling is critically required for cross-presentation of soluble antibody-antigen complexes by dendritic cells.

The uptake of Ag-Ab immune complexes (IC) after the ligation of activating FcγR on dendritic cells (DC) leads to 100 times more efficient Ag presentation than the uptake of free Ags. FcγRs were reported to facilitate IC uptake and simultaneously induce cellular activation that drives DC maturation and mediates efficient T cell activation. Activating FcγRs elicit intracellular signaling via the ITAM domain of the associated FcRγ-chain. Studies with FcRγ-chain knockout (FcRγ(-/-)) mice reported FcRγ-chain ITAM signaling to be responsible for enhancing both IC uptake and DC maturation. However, FcRγ-chain is also required for surface expression of activating FcγRs, hampering the dissection of ITAM-dependent and independent FcγR functions in FcRγ(-/-) DCs. In this work, we studied the role of FcRγ-chain ITAM signaling using DCs from NOTAM mice that express normal surface levels of activating FcγR, but lack functional ITAM signaling. IC uptake by bone marrow-derived NOTAM DCs was reduced compared with wild-type DCs, but was not completely absent as in FcRγ(-/-) DCs. In NOTAM DCs, despite the uptake of ICs, both MHC class I and MHC class II Ag presentation was completely abrogated similar to FcRγ(-/-) DCs. Secretion of cytokines, upregulation of costimulatory molecules, and Ag degradation were abrogated in NOTAM DCs in response to FcγR ligation. Cross-presentation using splenic NOTAM DCs and prolonged incubation with OVA-IC was also abrogated. Interestingly, in this setup, proliferation of CD4(+) OT-II cells was induced by NOTAM DCs. We conclude that FcRγ-chain ITAM signaling facilitates IC uptake and is essentially required for cross-presentation, but not for MHC class II Ag presentation.

Temporal lineage tracing of Aire-expressing cells reveals a requirement for Aire in their maturation program.

Understanding the cellular dynamics of Aire-expressing lineage(s) among medullary thymic epithelial cells (AEL-mTECs) is essential for gaining insight into the roles of Aire in establishment of self-tolerance. In this study, we monitored the maturation program of AEL-mTECs by temporal lineage tracing, in which bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mice expressing tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase under control of the Aire regulatory element were crossed with reporter strains. We estimated that the half-life of AEL-mTECs subsequent to Aire expression was ∼7-8 d, which was much longer than that reported previously, owing to the existence of a post-Aire stage. We found that loss of Aire did not alter the overall lifespan of AEL-mTECs, inconsistent with the previous notion that Aire expression in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) might result in their apoptosis for efficient cross-presentation of self-antigens expressed by AEL-mTECs. In contrast, Aire was required for the full maturation program of AEL-mTECs, as exemplified by the lack of physiological downregulation of CD80 during the post-Aire stage in Aire-deficient mice, thus accounting for the abnormally increased CD80(high) mTECs seen in such mice. Of interest, increased CD80(high) mTECs in Aire-deficient mice were not mTEC autonomous and were dependent on cross-talk with thymocytes. These results further support the roles of Aire in the differentiation program of AEL-mTECs.

Comparative transcriptional and functional profiling defines conserved programs of intestinal DC differentiation in humans and mice.

Dendritic cells (DCs) that orchestrate mucosal immunity have been studied in mice. Here we characterized human gut DC populations and defined their relationship to previously studied human and mouse DCs. CD103(+)Sirpα(-) DCs were related to human blood CD141(+) DCs and to mouse intestinal CD103(+)CD11b(-) DCs and expressed markers of cross-presenting DCs. CD103(+)Sirpα(+) DCs aligned with human blood CD1c(+) DCs and mouse intestinal CD103(+)CD11b(+) DCs and supported the induction of regulatory T cells. Both CD103(+) DC subsets induced the TH17 subset of helper T cells, while CD103(-)Sirpα(+) DCs induced the TH1 subset of helper T cells. Comparative analysis of transcriptomes revealed conserved transcriptional programs among CD103(+) DC subsets and identified a selective role for the transcriptional repressors Bcl-6 and Blimp-1 in the specification of CD103(+)CD11b(-) DCs and intestinal CD103(+)CD11b(+) DCs, respectively. Our results highlight evolutionarily conserved and divergent programming of intestinal DCs.

Hantaviral mechanisms driving HLA class I antigen presentation require both RIG-I and TRIF.

Hantaviruses are emerging human pathogens. They induce an unusually strong antiviral response of human HLA class I (HLA-I) restricted CD8⁺ T cells that may contribute to tissue damage and hantavirus-associated disease. In this study, we analyzed possible hantaviral mechanisms that enhance the HLA-I antigen presentation machinery. Upon hantavirus infection of various human and primate cell lines, we observed transactivation of promoters controlling classical HLA molecules. Hantavirus-induced HLA-I upregulation required proteasomal activity and was associated with increased TAP expression. Intriguingly, human DCs acquired the capacity to cross-present antigen upon hantavirus infection. Furthermore, knockdown of TIR domain containing adaptor inducing IFN-ß or retinoic acid inducible gene I abolished hantavirus-driven HLA-I induction. In contrast, MyD88-dependent viral sensors were not involved in HLA-I induction. Our results show that hantaviruses strongly boost the HLA-I antigen presentation machinery by mechanisms that are dependent on both retinoic acid inducible gene I and TIR domain containing adaptor inducing IFN-ß.

Kinetics of adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) and AAV8 capsid antigen presentation in vivo are identical.

Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors 2 and 8 have been used in clinical trials for patients with hemophilia, and data suggest that the capsid-specific CD8⁺ T cell response has had a negative impact on therapeutic success. To date the pattern of capsid cross-presentation from AAV2 and AAV8 transduction in vivo has not been elucidated. Previously, we have demonstrated that an engineered AAV2 virus carrying the immune-dominant SIINFEKL peptide in the capsid backbone was indistinguishable from wild type with respect to titer, tropism, and the ability to induce capsid-specific CD8⁺ T cell responses in vivo. In this study, we used the same strategy to engineer an AAV8 vector and demonstrated that antigen from SIINFEKL peptide-integrated AAV8 capsid was effectively presented via either plasmid transfection or AAV8 transduction in vitro. The tissue tropism and transgene expression kinetics of the engineered AAV8 vector in vivo were identical to that of wild-type AAV8. Animal studies show that capsid antigen presentation from AAV transduction was dose dependent, and more importantly, the proliferation of capsid-specific CD8⁺ T cells had similar kinetics (detectable before 30 days and undetectable after 40 days) for both AAV2 and AAV8 vectors. Elucidation of the kinetics of capsid antigen presentation from AAV transduction by various serotypes provides new insight into the potential impact CD8⁺ T cells can have during clinical trials and may help with rational design of effective strategies to prevent capsid-specific CD8⁺ T cell-mediated elimination of AAV-transduced target cells.