RESUMO
PURPOSE: Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections were widely reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, acting as a hidden source of infection. Many existing studies investigating asymptomatic immunity failed to recruit true asymptomatic individuals. Thus, we conducted a longitudinal cohort study to evaluate humoral- and cell-mediated responses to infection and vaccination in well-defined asymptomatic young adults (the Asymptomatic COVID-19 in Education [ACE] cohort). METHODS: Asymptomatic testing services located at three UK universities identified asymptomatic young adults who were subsequently recruited with age- and sex-matched symptomatic and uninfected controls. Blood and saliva samples were collected after SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan infection, and again after vaccination. 51 participant's anti-spike antibody titres, neutralizing antibodies, and spike-specific T-cell responses were measured, against both Wuhan and Omicron B.1.1.529.1. RESULTS: Asymptomatic participants exhibited reduced Wuhan-specific neutralization antibodies pre- and post-vaccination, as well as fewer Omicron-specific neutralization antibodies post-vaccination, compared to symptomatic participants. Lower Wuhan and Omicron-specific IgG titres in asymptomatic individuals were also observed pre- and post-vaccination, compared to symptomatic participants. There were no differences in salivary IgA levels. Conventional flow cytometry analysis and multi-dimensional clustering analysis indicated unvaccinated asymptomatic participants had significantly fewer Wuhan-specific IL-2 secreting CD4+ CD45RA+ T cells and activated CD8+ T cells than symptomatic participants, though these differences dissipated after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic infection results in decreased antibody and T cell responses to further exposure to SARS-CoV-2 variants, compared to symptomatic infection. Post-vaccination, antibody responses are still inferior, but T cell immunity increases to match symptomatic subjects, emphasising the importance of vaccination to help protect asymptomatic individuals against future variants.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Neutralizantes , Anticorpos Antivirais , Infecções Assintomáticas , COVID-19 , Imunidade Celular , Imunidade Humoral , SARS-CoV-2 , Humanos , COVID-19/imunologia , SARS-CoV-2/imunologia , Masculino , Feminino , Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Anticorpos Neutralizantes/sangue , Anticorpos Neutralizantes/imunologia , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Vacinas contra COVID-19/imunologia , Estudos de Coortes , Estudos Longitudinais , Vacinação , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Imunoglobulina G/imunologia , Reino Unido/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Glicoproteína da Espícula de Coronavírus/imunologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated that blocking the PI3Kδ signalling enzyme (by administering a small molecule inhibitor, PI-3065) can potently improve the anti-tumour T-cell response through direct inhibition of Tregs. This treatment also has a negative impact on MDSC numbers but the primary mechanism driving this effect has remained unclear. METHODS: The 4T1 breast cancer mouse model was used in combination with PI-3065 to gain insights into the effect of PI3Kδ inhibition on MDSCs. RESULTS: PI-3065 treatment resulted in a concomitant reduction in MDSC expansion and tumour size. However, targeting Tregs independent of PI-3065 was also associated with reduced tumour volume and MDSC numbers. Surgical removal of tumours resulted in a rapid and significant decline in MDSC numbers, whilst ex vivo studies using cells from PI-3065-treated mice demonstrated no direct effect of the inhibitor on MDSC activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that MDSCs are not inhibited directly by PI-3065 treatment but that their reduced recruitment and immunosuppression within the tumour microenvironment is an indirect consequence of PI3Kδ-inhibition-driven tumour control. This indicates that PI3Kδ inhibition drives tumour immunity by breaking down multiple immunosuppressive pathways through both direct mechanisms (on Treg) and indirect mechanisms, secondary to tumour control (on MDSCs).
Assuntos
Células Supressoras Mieloides , Neoplasias , Animais , Camundongos , Linfócitos T Reguladores , Microambiente Tumoral , Proliferação de CélulasRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The T cell cytokine profile is a key prognostic indicator of post-surgical outcome for colorectal cancer (CRC). Whilst TH1 (IFN-γ+) cell-mediated responses generated in CRC are well documented and are associated with improved survival, antigen-specific TH17 (IL-17A+) responses have not been similarly measured. METHODS: We sought to determine the cytokine profile of circulating tumour antigen-(5T4/CEA) specific T cells of 34 CRC patients to address whether antigen-specific IL-17A responses were detectable and whether these were distinct to IFN-γ responses. RESULTS: As with IFN-γ-producing T cells, anti-5T4/CEA TH17 responses were detectable predominantly in early stage (TNM I/II) CRC patients. Moreover, whilst IL-17A was always produced in association with IFN-γ, this release was mainly from two distinct T cell populations rather than by 'dual producing' T cells. Patients mounting both tumour-specific TH1+/TH17+ responses exhibited prolonged relapse-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Tumour antigen-specific TH17 responses play a beneficial role in preventing post-operative colorectal tumour recurrence.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Neoplasias/imunologia , Neoplasias Colorretais/imunologia , Cirurgia Colorretal/mortalidade , Interleucina-17/imunologia , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/imunologia , Células Th1/imunologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Neoplasias Colorretais/patologia , Neoplasias Colorretais/cirurgia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Interferon gama/metabolismo , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/patologia , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/cirurgia , Prognóstico , Taxa de SobrevidaRESUMO
Although metastatic disease is responsible for the majority of cancer deaths, tests of novel immunotherapies in mouse tumour models often focus on primary tumours without determining whether these therapies also target metastatic disease. This study examined the impact of depleting Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg), on lung metastases, using a mouse model of breast cancer. After Treg-depletion, generation of an immune response to the primary tumour was a critical determinant for limiting development of metastasis. Indeed, resection of the primary tumour abrogated any effect of Treg-depletion on metastases. In addition, whilst the immune response, generated by the primary tumour, prevented metastases development, it had little impact on controlling established disease. Collectively, the data indicate that metastatic cells in the lung are not controlled by immune responses induced by the primary tumour. These findings indicate that targeting Tregs alone will not suffice for treating lung metastases.
Assuntos
Imunoterapia/métodos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/imunologia , Depleção Linfocítica/métodos , Linfócitos do Interstício Tumoral/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Neoplasias de Mama Triplo Negativas/imunologia , Animais , Feminino , Fatores de Transcrição Forkhead/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/secundário , Neoplasias Pulmonares/terapia , Linfócitos do Interstício Tumoral/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Linfócitos T Reguladores/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias de Mama Triplo Negativas/patologia , Neoplasias de Mama Triplo Negativas/terapiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The relationship between intestinal epithelial integrity and the development of intestinal disease is of increasing interest. A reduction in mucosal integrity has been associated with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and potentially could have links with colorectal cancer development. The Ussing chamber system can be utilised as a valuable tool for measuring gut integrity. Here we describe step-by-step methodology required to measure intestinal permeability of both mouse and human colonic tissue samples ex vivo, using the latest equipment and software. This system can be modified to accommodate other tissues. METHODS: An Ussing chamber was constructed and adapted to support both mouse and human tissue to measure intestinal permeability, using paracellular flux and electrical measurements. Two mouse models of intestinal inflammation (dextran sodium sulphate treatment and T regulatory cell depletion using C57BL/6-FoxP3DTR mice) were used to validate the system along with human colonic biopsy samples. RESULTS: Distinct regional differences in permeability were consistently identified within mouse and healthy human colon. In particular, mice showed increased permeability in the mid colonic region. In humans the left colon is more permeable than the right. Furthermore, inflammatory conditions induced chemically or due to autoimmunity reduced intestinal integrity, validating the use of the system. CONCLUSIONS: The Ussing chamber has been used for many years to measure barrier function. However, a clear and informative methods paper describing the setup of modern equipment and step-by-step procedure to measure mouse and human intestinal permeability isn't available. The Ussing chamber system methodology we describe provides such detail to guide investigation of gut integrity.
Assuntos
Colite/metabolismo , Colo/metabolismo , Eletrodiagnóstico/instrumentação , Mucosa Intestinal/metabolismo , Animais , Colite/induzido quimicamente , Sulfato de Dextrana , Eletrodiagnóstico/métodos , Fluorescência , Humanos , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , PermeabilidadeRESUMO
The frequency of CD4(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells is often significantly increased in the blood of tumour-bearing mice and people with cancer. Moreover, Treg cell frequencies are often higher in tumours compared with blood and lymphoid organs. We wished to determine whether certain chemokines expressed within the tumour mass selectively recruit Treg cells, thereby contributing to their enrichment within the tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte pool. To achieve this goal, the chemokine profile of carcinogen-induced fibrosarcomas was determined, and the chemokine receptor expression profiles of both CD4(+) Foxp3(-) and CD4(+) Foxp3(+) T cells were compared. These analyses revealed that the tumours are characterized by expression of inflammatory chemokines (CCL2, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, CCL12, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CX3CL1), reflected by an enrichment of activated Foxp3(-) and Foxp3(+) T cells expressing T helper type 1-associated chemokine receptors. Notably, we found that CXCR3(+) T cells were significantly enriched in the tumours although curiously we found no evidence that CXCR3 was required for their recruitment. Instead, CXCR3 marks a population of activated Foxp3(-) and Foxp3(+) T cells, which use multiple and overlapping ligand receptor pairs to guide their migration to tumours. Collectively, these data indicate that enrichment of Foxp3(+) cells in tumours characterized by expression of inflammatory chemokines, does not occur via a distinct chemokine axis, thus selective chemokine blockade is unlikely to represent a meaningful therapeutic strategy for preventing Treg cell accumulation in tumours.
Assuntos
Carcinógenos/toxicidade , Quimiocinas/imunologia , Fibrossarcoma/induzido quimicamente , Fibrossarcoma/imunologia , Proteínas de Neoplasias/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Animais , Movimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Movimento Celular/genética , Movimento Celular/imunologia , Quimiocinas/genética , Feminino , Fibrossarcoma/genética , Fibrossarcoma/patologia , Humanos , Metilcolantreno/toxicidade , Camundongos , Camundongos Transgênicos , Proteínas de Neoplasias/genética , Receptores CXCR3/genética , Receptores CXCR3/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/patologia , Células Th1/imunologia , Células Th1/patologiaRESUMO
The tumor microenvironment comprises newly formed blood and lymphatic vessels which shape the influx, retention and departure of lymphocytes within the tumor mass. Thus, by influencing the intratumoral composition of lymphocytes, these vessels affect the manner in which the adaptive immune system responds to the tumor, either promoting or impairing effective antitumor immunity. In our study, we utilized a mouse model of carcinogen-induced fibrosarcoma to examine the composition of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes during tumor progression. In particular, we sought to determine whether CD4(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) became enriched during tumor progression thereby contributing to tumor-driven immunosuppression. This was not the case as the proportion of Tregs and effector CD4(+) T cells actually declined within the tumor owing to the unexpected accumulation of naïve T cells. However, we found no evidence for antigen-driven migration of these T cells or for their participation in an antitumor immune response. Our data support the notion that lymphocytes can enter tumors via aberrantly formed blood and lymphatic vessels. Such findings suggest that targeting both the tumor vasculature and lymphatics will alter the balance of lymphocyte subpopulations that enter the tumor mass. A consideration of this aspect of tumor immunology may be critical to the success of solid cancer immunotherapies.
Assuntos
Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Fibrossarcoma/imunologia , Linfócitos do Interstício Tumoral/imunologia , Neovascularização Patológica/imunologia , Microambiente Tumoral/imunologia , Animais , Carcinógenos/toxicidade , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Fibrossarcoma/patologia , Citometria de Fluxo , Imuno-Histoquímica , Ativação Linfocitária/imunologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Neovascularização Patológica/patologiaRESUMO
Balancing the generation of immune responses capable of controlling virus replication with those causing immunopathology is critical for the survival of the host and resolution of influenza-induced inflammation. Based on the capacity of interleukin-6 (IL-6) to govern both optimal T-cell responses and inflammatory resolution, we hypothesised that IL-6 plays an important role in maintaining this balance. Comparison of innate and adaptive immune responses in influenza-infected wild-type control and IL-6-deficient mice revealed striking differences in virus clearance, lung immunopathology and generation of heterosubtypic immunity. Mice lacking IL-6 displayed a profound defect in their ability to mount an anti-viral T-cell response. Failure to adequately control virus was further associated with an enhanced infiltration of inflammatory monocytes into the lung and an elevated production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFN-α and TNF-α. These events were associated with severe lung damage, characterised by profound vascular leakage and death. Our data highlight an essential role for IL-6 in orchestrating anti-viral immunity through an ability to limit inflammation, promote protective adaptive immune responses and prevent fatal immunopathology.
Assuntos
Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Vírus da Influenza A/fisiologia , Interleucina-6/imunologia , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/imunologia , Pneumonia Viral/imunologia , Animais , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/virologia , Movimento Celular/genética , Células Cultivadas , Citocinas/metabolismo , Feminino , Mediadores da Inflamação/metabolismo , Interleucina-6/genética , Ativação Linfocitária/genética , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/genética , Pneumonia Viral/genética , Pneumonia Viral/patologia , Carga Viral/genética , Replicação Viral/genéticaRESUMO
CD4+ T cells are central to adaptive immunity. Their role in cross-protection in viral infections such as influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is well documented; however, molecular rules governing T cell receptor (TCR) engagement of peptide-human leukocyte antigen (pHLA) class II are less understood. Here, we exploit an aspect of HLA class II presentation, the peptide-flanking residues (PFRs), to "tune" CD4+ T cell responses within an in vivo model system of influenza. Using a recombinant virus containing targeted substitutions at immunodominant HLA-DR1 epitopes, we demonstrate limited weight loss and improved clinical scores after heterosubtypic re-challenge. We observe enhanced protection linked to lung-derived influenza-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells prior to re-infection. Structural analysis of the ternary TCR:pHLA complex identifies that flanking amino acids influence side chains in the core 9-mer peptide, increasing TCR affinity. Augmentation of CD4+ T cell immunity is achievable with a single mutation, representing a strategy to enhance adaptive immunity that is decoupled from vaccine modality.
Assuntos
Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos , Vírus da Influenza A , Mutação , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T , Animais , Feminino , Humanos , Camundongos , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/imunologia , Epitopos/imunologia , Vírus da Influenza A/imunologia , Vírus da Influenza A/genética , Influenza Humana/imunologia , Influenza Humana/virologia , Influenza Humana/prevenção & controle , Ativação Linfocitária/imunologia , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/imunologia , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/virologia , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T/imunologia , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T/metabolismo , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T/genéticaRESUMO
Decline of cell-mediated immunity is often attributed to decaying T-cell numbers and their distribution in peripheral organs. This study examined the hypothesis that qualitative as well as quantitative changes contribute to the declining efficacy of CD8(+) T-cell memory. Using a model of influenza virus infection, where loss of protective CD8(+) T-cell immunity was observed 6 months postinfection, we found no decline in antigen-specific T-cell numbers or migration to the site of secondary infection. There was, however, a large reduction in antigen-specific CD8(+) T-cell degranulation, cytokine secretion, and polyfunctionality. A profound loss of high-avidity T cells over time indicated that failure to confer protective immunity resulted from the inferior functional capacity of remaining low avidity cells. These data imply that high-avidity central memory T cells wane with declining antigen levels, leaving lower avidity T cells with reduced functional capabilities.
Assuntos
Alphainfluenzavirus/imunologia , Degranulação Celular/imunologia , Movimento Celular/imunologia , Imunidade Celular , Memória Imunológica , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/imunologia , Animais , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos , Citocinas/imunologia , Citocinas/metabolismo , Alphainfluenzavirus/metabolismo , Camundongos , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/metabolismo , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
School nurses provide an important role in the continuity of health care especially for adolescents who are at high risk for significant health concerns. The purpose of this study was to assess adolescents' health information needs and identify their preferences for accessing health information. Using an inductive qualitative research design, 11 focus groups were conducted with a convenience sample of 101 junior high and high school students in suburban northeastern Illinois. The students identified a variety of health concerns and emphasized the need for accessible, high-quality, and personally relevant information. Most students favored taking an active role in learning about their health. They preferred to directly access information from qualified individuals within comfortable, trusting, and respectful relationships or to indirectly retrieve information from reliable resources. Finally, students emphasized the need for privacy and a variety of learning options depending on the specific health topic.
Assuntos
Comunicação , Educação em Saúde/métodos , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Disseminação de Informação , Avaliação das Necessidades , Adolescente , Fatores Etários , Defesa do Consumidor , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Humanos , Illinois , Aprendizagem , Masculino , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Serviços de Enfermagem EscolarRESUMO
T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 are thought to protect against infection and development of COVID-19, but direct evidence for this is lacking. Here, we associated whole-blood-based measurement of SARS-CoV-2-specific interferon-γ-positive T cell responses with positive COVID-19 diagnostic (PCR and/or lateral flow) test results up to 6 months post-blood sampling. Amongst 148 participants donating venous blood samples, SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell response magnitude is significantly greater in those who remain protected versus those who become infected (P < 0.0001); relatively low magnitude T cell response results in a 43.2% risk of infection, whereas high magnitude reduces this risk to 5.4%. These findings are recapitulated in a further 299 participants testing a scalable capillary blood-based assay that could facilitate the acquisition of population-scale T cell immunity data (14.9% and 4.4%, respectively). Hence, measurement of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells can prognosticate infection risk and should be assessed when monitoring individual and population immunity status.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Anticorpos Antivirais , Humanos , Interferon gama , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Linfócitos TRESUMO
High endothelial venules (HEV) are specialized post capillary venules that recruit naïve T cells and B cells into secondary lymphoid organs (SLO) such as lymph nodes (LN). Expansion of HEV networks in SLOs occurs following immune activation to support development of an effective immune response. In this study, we used a carcinogen-induced model of fibrosarcoma to examine HEV remodeling after depletion of regulatory T cells (Treg). We used light sheet fluorescence microscopy imaging to visualize entire HEV networks, subsequently applying computational tools to enable topological mapping and extraction of numerical descriptors of the networks. While these analyses revealed profound cancer- and immune-driven alterations to HEV networks within LNs, these changes did not identify successful responses to treatment. The presence of HEV networks within tumors did however clearly distinguish responders from nonresponders. Finally, we show that a successful treatment response is dependent on coupling tumor-associated HEV (TA-HEV) development to T-cell activation implying that T-cell activation acts as the trigger for development of TA-HEVs which subsequently serve to amplify the immune response by facilitating extravasation of T cells into the tumor mass.
Assuntos
Neoplasias , Linfócitos T Reguladores , Humanos , Vênulas , Imageamento Tridimensional , LinfonodosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza A infection affects a significant cohort of the global population annually, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic strategies are of limited efficacy, and during a pandemic outbreak would only be available to a minority of the global population. Over-the-counter medicines are routinely taken by individuals suffering from influenza, but few studies have been conducted to determine their effectiveness in reducing pulmonary immunopathology or the influence they exert upon the generation of protective immunity. METHODS: A mouse model of influenza infection was utilised to assess the efficacy of paracetamol (acetaminophen) in reducing influenza-induced pathology and to examine whether paracetamol affects generation of protective immunity. RESULTS: Administration (intraperitoneal) of paracetamol significantly decreased the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the airway spaces, reduced pulmonary immunopathology associated with acute infection and improved the overall lung function of mice, without adversely affecting the induction of virus-specific adaptive responses. Mice treated with paracetamol exhibited an ability to resist a second infection with heterologous virus comparable with that of untreated mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that paracetamol dramatically reduces the morbidity associated with influenza but does not compromise the development of adaptive immune responses. Overall, these data support the utility of paracetamol for reducing the clinical symptoms associated with influenza virus infection.
Assuntos
Acetaminofen/uso terapêutico , Anti-Inflamatórios não Esteroides/uso terapêutico , Vírus da Influenza A Subtipo H1N1 , Vírus da Influenza A Subtipo H3N2 , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções Respiratórias/tratamento farmacológico , Acetaminofen/farmacologia , Imunidade Adaptativa/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Anti-Inflamatórios não Esteroides/farmacologia , Celecoxib , Inibidores de Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/uso terapêutico , Dinoprostona/metabolismo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Avaliação Pré-Clínica de Medicamentos/métodos , Feminino , Imunidade Inata/efeitos dos fármacos , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Fígado/fisiopatologia , Pulmão/metabolismo , Pulmão/patologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/imunologia , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/patologia , Infecções por Orthomyxoviridae/virologia , Pirazóis/uso terapêutico , Infecções Respiratórias/imunologia , Infecções Respiratórias/patologia , Infecções Respiratórias/virologia , Sulfonamidas/uso terapêutico , Carga Viral/efeitos dos fármacos , Eliminação de Partículas Virais/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Nourishing children with liver disease is a challenging task; however, appropriate assessment and well-timed nutritional interventions are paramount for a good long-term outcome in these patients. An appropriate balance of macronutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins is important, as is the route of administration. This review aims to highlight the practical points in nutrition assessment and also provides a guide to the various nutritional interventions available for children with chronic liver disease.
Assuntos
Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Infantil , Hepatopatias/terapia , Desnutrição/prevenção & controle , Apoio Nutricional , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Doença Crônica , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Hepatopatias/complicações , Hepatopatias/diagnóstico , Hepatopatias/fisiopatologia , Desnutrição/diagnóstico , Desnutrição/etiologia , Desnutrição/fisiopatologia , Avaliação Nutricional , Necessidades Nutricionais , Estado Nutricional , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Despite striking successes, immunotherapies aimed at increasing cancer-specific T cell responses are unsuccessful in most patients with cancer. Inactivating regulatory T cells (Treg) by inhibiting the PI3Kδ signaling enzyme has shown promise in preclinical models of tumor immunity and is currently being tested in early phase clinical trials in solid tumors. METHODS: Mice bearing 4T1 mammary tumors were orally administered a PI3Kδ inhibitor (PI-3065) daily and tumor growth, survival and T cell infiltrate were analyzed in the tumor microenvironment. A second treatment schedule comprised PI3Kδ inhibitor with anti-LAG3 antibodies administered sequentially 10 days later. RESULTS: As observed in human immunotherapy trials with other agents, immunomodulation by PI3Kδ-blockade led to 4T1 tumor regressor and non-regressor mice. Tumor infiltrating T cells in regressors were metabolically fitter than those in non-regressors, with significant enrichments of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, T cell factor 1 (TCF1)+ T cells and CD69- T cells, compatible with induction of a sustained tumor-specific T cell response. Treg numbers were significantly reduced in both regressor and non-regressor tumors compared with untreated tumors. The remaining Treg in non-regressor tumors were however significantly enriched with cells expressing the coinhibitory receptor LAG3, compared with Treg in regressor and untreated tumors. This striking difference prompted us to sequentially block PI3Kδ and LAG3. This combination enabled successful therapy of all mice, demonstrating the functional importance of LAG3 in non-regression of tumors on PI3Kδ inhibition therapy. Follow-up studies, performed using additional cancer cell lines, namely MC38 and CT26, indicated that a partial initial response to PI3Kδ inhibition is an essential prerequisite to a sequential therapeutic benefit of anti-LAG3 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that LAG3 is a key bottleneck to successful PI3Kδ-targeted immunotherapy and provide a rationale for combining PI3Kδ/LAG3 blockade in future clinical studies.
Assuntos
Antígenos CD/metabolismo , Classe I de Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinases/metabolismo , Imunoterapia/métodos , Neoplasias/imunologia , Animais , Feminino , Humanos , Camundongos , Microambiente Tumoral , Proteína do Gene 3 de Ativação de LinfócitosRESUMO
The nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) influences the ability of tumor-specific T cells to control tumor growth. In this study, we performed an unbiased comparison of the TME of regulatory T-cell (Treg)-replete and Treg-depleted carcinogen-induced tumors, including Treg-depleted responding (regressing) and non-responding (growing) tumors. This analysis revealed an inverse relationship between extracellular matrix (ECM) and T-cell infiltrates where responding tumors were T-cell rich and ECM poor, whereas the converse was observed in non-responder tumors. For this reason, we hypothesized that the ECM acted as a barrier to successful T-cell infiltration and tumor rejection. However, further experiments revealed that this was not the case but instead showed that an effective T-cell response dramatically altered the density of ECM in the TME. Along with loss of ECM and high numbers of infiltrating T cells, responder tumors were distinguished by the development of lymphatic and blood vessel networks with specialized immune function. ECM-rich tumors exhibited a stem cell-like gene expression profile and superior tumor-initiating capacity, whereas such features were absent in responder tumors. Overall, these findings define an extended role for an effective immune response, not just in direct killing of tumor cells but in widescale remodeling of the TME to favor loss of ECM, elimination of cancer stem cells, and propagation of adaptive immunity.
Assuntos
Neoplasias/etiologia , Células-Tronco Neoplásicas/metabolismo , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/metabolismo , Microambiente Tumoral/imunologia , Animais , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Matriz Extracelular , Feminino , Humanos , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Neoplasias/patologia , Microambiente Tumoral/genéticaRESUMO
T cell recognition of peptides presented by human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) is mediated by the highly variable T cell receptor (TCR). Despite this built-in TCR variability, individuals can mount immune responses against viral epitopes by using identical or highly related TCRs expressed on CD8+ T cells. Characterization of these TCRs has extended our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern the recognition of peptide-HLA. However, few examples exist for CD4+ T cells. Here, we investigate CD4+ T cell responses to the internal proteins of the influenza A virus that correlate with protective immunity. We identify five internal epitopes that are commonly recognized by CD4+ T cells in five HLA-DR1+ subjects and show conservation across viral strains and zoonotic reservoirs. TCR repertoire analysis demonstrates several shared gene usage biases underpinned by complementary biochemical features evident in a structural comparison. These epitopes are attractive targets for vaccination and other T cell therapies.
Assuntos
Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Epitopos/imunologia , Região Variável de Imunoglobulina/genética , Vírus da Influenza A/imunologia , Adulto , Motivos de Aminoácidos , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Aves/virologia , Regiões Determinantes de Complementaridade/química , Sequência Conservada , Epitopos/química , Feminino , Células Germinativas/metabolismo , Antígeno HLA-DR1/imunologia , Humanos , Epitopos Imunodominantes/química , Epitopos Imunodominantes/imunologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Peptídeos/química , Peptídeos/imunologia , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T/metabolismo , Suínos/virologia , Doadores de Tecidos , Proteínas Virais/imunologia , Adulto Jovem , Zoonoses/imunologia , Zoonoses/virologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: To comprehensively assess the Randot Preschool stereo test in young children, including testability, normative values, test/retest reliability and sensitivity and specificity for detecting binocular vision disorders. METHODS: We tested 1005 children aged 2-11 years with the Randot Preschool stereo test, plus a cover/uncover test to detect heterotropia. Monocular visual acuity was assessed in both eyes using Keeler Crowded LogMAR visual acuity test for children aged 4 and over. RESULTS: Testability was very high: 65% in two-year-olds, 92% in three-year-olds and ~100% in older children. Normative values: In 389 children aged 2-5 with apparently normal vision, 6% of children scored nil (stereoblind). In those who obtained a threshold, the mean log threshold was 2.06 log10 arcsec, corresponding to 114 arcsec, and the median threshold was 100 arcsec. Most older children score 40 arcsec, the best available score. We found a small sex difference, with girls scoring slightly but significantly better. Test/retest reliability: ~99% for obtaining any score vs nil. Agreement between stereo thresholds is poor in children aged 2-5; 95% limit of agreement = 0.7 log10 arcsec: five-fold change in stereo threshold may occur without any change in vision. In children over 5, the test essentially acts only as a binary classifier since almost all non-stereoblind children score 40 arcsec. Specificity (true negative rate): >95%. Sensitivity (true positive rate): poor, <50%, i.e. around half of children with a demonstrable binocular vision abnormality score well on the Randot Preschool. CONCLUSIONS: The Randot Preschool is extremely accessible for even very young children, and is very reliable at classifying children into those who have any stereo vision vs those who are stereoblind. However, its ability to quantify stereo vision is limited by poor repeatability in children aged 5 and under, and a very limited range of scores relevant to children aged over 5.
Assuntos
Estrabismo/diagnóstico , Transtornos da Visão/diagnóstico , Testes Visuais/métodos , Visão Binocular/fisiologia , Idoso , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Percepção de Profundidade/fisiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Exame Físico , Estrabismo/fisiopatologia , Transtornos da Visão/fisiopatologia , Acuidade Visual/fisiologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: To describe a new stereotest in the form of a game on an autostereoscopic tablet computer designed to be suitable for use in the eye clinic and present data on its reliability and the distribution of stereo thresholds in adults. METHODS: Test stimuli were four dynamic random-dot stereograms, one of which contained a disparate target. Feedback was given after each trial presentation. A Bayesian adaptive staircase adjusted target disparity. Threshold was estimated from the mean of the posterior distribution after 20 responses. Viewing distance was monitored via a forehead sticker viewed by the tablet's front camera, and screen parallax was adjusted dynamically so as to achieve the desired retinal disparity. RESULTS: The tablet must be viewed at a distance of greater than â¼35 cm to produce a good depth percept. Log thresholds were roughly normally distributed with a mean of 1.75 log10 arcsec = 56 arcsec and SD of 0.34 log10 arcsec = a factor of 2.2. The standard deviation agrees with previous studies, but ASTEROID thresholds are approximately 1.5 times higher than a similar stereotest on stereoscopic 3D TV or on Randot Preschool stereotests. Pearson correlation between successive tests in same observer was 0.80. Bland-Altman 95% limits of reliability were ±0.64 log10 arcsec = a factor of 4.3, corresponding to an SD of 0.32 log10 arcsec on individual threshold estimates. This is similar to other stereotests and close to the statistical limit for 20 responses. CONCLUSIONS: ASTEROID is reliable, easy, and portable and thus well-suited for clinical stereoacuity measurements. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: New 3D digital technology means that research-quality psychophysical measurement of stereoacuity is now feasible in the clinic.