LT（K63／R72）, a New Mutant of Escherichia coli Heat-labile Enterotoxin, Exhibits Characteristics More Similar to LT（K63） than LT（R72）

LT(K63), a non-toxic mutant and LT(R72), a low toxic mutant of E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin are frequently used mucosal adjuvants. In many cases, the adjuvanticity of LT(K63) is lower than that of LT(R72), but LT(K63), which induces a mixed Th1/Th2 response, exhibits a higher level of protection than LT(R72) which induces a polarized Th2-type response. To utilize the advantages of both adjuvants, a doublemutation LT(K63/R72) was generated and purified. The characterization results showed that there was no significant difference in production rate and immunogenicity between wild type LT and LT mutants. The results also showed that the toxicity and the trypsin sensitivity of LT(K63/R72) are between that of LT(K63)and LT(R72). Using HPLC, when samples in an OHpak SB-800 column were eluted by denatural buffer(TEAN containing 10 mg/ml SDS), we found the stability of LT(K63/R72) was higher than that of LT(R72)and lower than that of LT(K63). Through further analyzes, we found that LT(K63/R72) exhibits characteristics more closely related to LT(K63) than LT(R72).     

Anti-tumor activity of stability-engineered IgG-like bispecific antibodies targeting TRAIL-R2 and LTβR

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) represent an emerging class of biologics that achieve dual targeting with a single agent. Recombinant DNA technologies have facilitated a variety of creative bispecific designs with many promising therapeutic applications; however, practical methods for producing high quality BsAbs that have good product stability, long serum half-life, straightforward purification, and scalable production have largely been limiting. Here we describe a protein-engineering approach for producing stable, scalable tetravalent IgG-like BsAbs. The stability-engineered IgG-like BsAb was envisioned to target and crosslink two TNF family member receptors, TRAIL-R2 (TNF-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand Receptor-2) and LTβR (Lymphotoxin-beta Receptor), expressed on the surface of epithelial tumor cells with the goal of triggering an enhanced anti-tumor effect. Our IgG-like BsAbs consists of a stability-engineered anti-LTβR single chain Fv (scFv) genetically fused to either the N- or C-terminus of the heavy chain of a full-length anti-TRAIL-R2 IgG1 monoclonal antibody. Both N- or C-terminal BsAbs were active in inhibiting tumor cell growth in vitro, and with some cell lines demonstrated enhanced activity relative to the combination of parental Abs. Pharmacokinetic studies in mice revealed long serum half-lives for the BsAbs. In murine tumor xenograft models, therapeutic treatment with the BsAbs resulted in reduction in tumor volume either comparable to or greater than the combination of parental antibodies, indicating that simultaneously targeting and cross-linking receptor pairs is an effective strategy for treating tumor cells. These studies support that stability-engineering is an enabling step for producing scalable IgG-like BsAbs with properties desirable for biopharmaceutical development.Key words: bispecific antibodies, single-chain Fv, immunoglobulins, antibody therapeutics, protein stability, pharmacokinetics, protein engineering, tumor inhibition, cancer treatment     

Biology and signal transduction pathways of the Lymphotoxin-αβ/LTβR system

This review focuses on the biological functions and signalling pathways activated by Lymphotoxin α (LTα)/Lymphotoxin β (LTβ) and their receptor LTβR. Genetic mouse models shed light on crucial roles for LT/LTβR to build and to maintain the architecture of lymphoid organs and to ensure an adapted immune response against invading pathogens. However, chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, cell death or cancer development are disorders that occur when the LT/LTβR system is twisted. Biological inhibitors, such as antagonist antibodies or decoy receptors, have been developed and used in clinical trials for diseases associated to the LT/LTβR system. Recent progress in the understanding of cellular trafficking and NF-κB signalling pathways downstream of LTα/LTβ may bring new opportunities to develop therapeutics that target the pathological functions of these cytokines.     

人的LT及TNF基因克隆

美国Genentech公司用遗传工程方法在大肠杆菌中克隆了两种具有抗癌活性的毒素:人的淋巴细胞毒素(LT)和肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)。对这两种提纯的毒素进行生物学活性检测的结果表明,微克量的TNF就能使肿瘤坏死,LT对人和鼠的好几种肿瘤细胞系有明显的抗增殖作用,并能破坏鼠类体内的肉瘤。对氨基酸序列分析的结果表明,这两种大分子的氨基酸顺序约有30％的同源性。分子内部有两个很保守的区段,一段可能与结合细胞受体有     

Therapeutic efficacy of tumor-targeted IL2 in LTα−/− mice depends on conditioned T cells

An effective immunological eradication of tumors by the adaptive immune system depends on T cell priming, expansion of specific T cells and their effector function. It has been shown that either step may be impaired in the tumor-bearing host, and several strategies have been used to improve antitumor immune responses. In this regard, tumor-targeted IL2 therapy leads to the destruction of established melanoma metastases in fully immune competent mice as previously demonstrated. This effect has been attributed, but never directly confirmed, to the boost of antigen-experienced T cells. To this end, we demonstrate the absence of any antitumor effect of targeted IL2 in mice characterized by an impaired priming of T cell responses. Notably, in these animals tumor-targeted IL2 therapy induced tumor regression only after adoptive transfer of tumor-conditioned splenocytes. A detailed analysis revealed that T cells present within the transferred splenocytes were actively participating in the immune response as these were clonally expanded after targeted IL2 therapy. In summary, we demonstrate here that in LTα^−/− mice lacking sufficient numbers of tumor-specific T cells only the passive transfer of such cells prior to therapy restores the efficacy of tumor-targeted IL2 therapy. Thus, the antitumor effect of tumor-targeted IL2 is indeed based on the boost of pre-existing T cell responses.     

Immunotherapeutic targeting of LIGHT/LTβR/HVEM pathway fully recapitulates the reduced cytotoxic phenotype of LIGHT-deficient T cells

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)/TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamily members play essential roles in the development of the different phases of the immune response. Mouse LIGHT (TNFSF14) is a type II transmembrane protein with a C-terminus extracellular TNF homology domain (THD) that assembles in homotrimers and regulates the course of the immune responses by signaling through 2 receptors, the herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM, TNFSFR14) and the lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR, TNFSFR3). LIGHT is a membrane-bound protein transiently expressed on activated T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and immature dendritic cells that can be proteolytically cleaved by a metalloprotease and released to the extracellular milieu. The immunotherapeutic potential of LIGHT blockade was evaluated in vivo. Administration of an antagonist of LIGHT interaction with its receptors attenuated the course of graft-versus-host reaction and recapitulated the reduced cytotoxic activity of LIGHT-deficient T cells adoptively transferred into non-irradiated semiallogeneic recipients. The lack of LIGHT expression on donor T cells or blockade of LIGHT interaction with its receptors slowed down the rate of T cell proliferation and decreased the frequency of precursor alloreactive T cells, retarding T cell differentiation toward effector T cells. The blockade of LIGHT/LTβR/HVEM pathway was associated with delayed downregulation of interleukin-7Rα and delayed upregulation of inducible costimulatory molecule expression on donor alloreactive CD8 T cells that are typical features of impaired T cell differentiation. These results expose the relevance of LIGHT/LTβR/HVEM interaction for the potential therapeutic control of the allogeneic immune responses mediated by alloreactive CD8 T cells that can contribute to prolong allograft survival.     

Transcriptome Analysis of MSC and MSC-Derived Osteoblasts on Resomer? LT706 and PCL: Impact of Biomaterial Substrate on Osteogenic Differentiation

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) represent a particularly attractive cell type for bone tissue engineering because of their ex vivo expansion potential and multipotent differentiation capacity. MSC are readily differentiated towards mature osteoblasts with well-established protocols. However, tissue engineering frequently involves three-dimensional scaffolds which (i) allow for cell adhesion in a spatial environment and (ii) meet application-specific criteria, such as stiffness, degradability and biocompatibility.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In the present study, we analysed two synthetic, long-term degradable polymers for their impact on MSC-based bone tissue engineering: PLLA-co-TMC (Resomer® LT706) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). Both polymers enhance the osteogenic differentiation compared to tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) as determined by Alizarin red stainings, scanning electron microscopy, PCR and whole genome expression analysis. Resomer® LT706 and PCL differ in their influence on gene expression, with Resomer® LT706 being more potent in supporting osteogenic differentiation of MSC. The major trigger on the osteogenic fate, however, is from osteogenic induction medium.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates an enhanced osteogenic differentiation of MSC on Resomer® LT706 and PCL compared to TCPS. MSC cultured on Resomer® LT706 showed higher numbers of genes involved in skeletal development and bone formation. This identifies Resomer® LT706 as particularly attractive scaffold material for bone tissue engineering.     

Immunological tumor destruction in a murine melanoma model by targeted LTα independent of secondary lymphoid tissue

Background We previously demonstrated that targeting lymphotoxin α (LTα) to the tumor evokes its immunological destruction in a syngeneic B16 melanoma model. Since treatment was associated with the induction of peritumoral tertiary lymphoid tissue, we speculated that the induced immune response was initiated at the tumor site. Methods and results In order to directly test this notion, we analyzed the efficacy of tumor targeted LTα in LTα knock-out (LTα^−/−) mice which lack peripheral lymph nodes. To this end, we demonstrate that tumor-targeted LTα mediates the induction of specific T-cell responses even in the absence of secondary lymphoid organs. In addition, this effect is accompanied by the initiation of tertiary lymphoid tissue at the tumor site in which B and T lymphocytes are compartmentalized in defined areas and which harbor expanded numbers of tumor specific T cells as demonstrated by in situ TRP-2/K^b tetramer staining. Mechanistically, targeted LTα therapy seems to induce changes at the tumor site which allows a coordinated interaction of immune competent cells triggering the induction of tertiary lymphoid tissue. Conclusion Thus, our data demonstrate that targeted LTα promotes an accelerated immune response by enabling the priming of T cells at the tumor site.     

Both Functional LTβ Receptor and TNF Receptor 2 Are Required for the Development of Experimental Cerebral Malaria

Background

TNF-related lymphotoxin α (LTα) is essential for the development of Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA)-induced experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). The pathway involved has been attributed to TNFR2. Here we show a second arm of LTα-signaling essential for ECM development through LTβ-R, receptor of LTα1β2 heterotrimer.

Methodology/Principal Findings

LTβR deficient mice did not develop the neurological signs seen in PbA induced ECM but died at three weeks with high parasitaemia and severe anemia like LTαβ deficient mice. Resistance of LTαβ or LTβR deficient mice correlated with unaltered cerebral microcirculation and absence of ischemia, as documented by magnetic resonance imaging and angiography, associated with lack of microvascular obstruction, while wild-type mice developed distinct microvascular pathology. Recruitment and activation of perforin⁺ CD8⁺ T cells, and their ICAM-1 expression were clearly attenuated in the brain of resistant mice. An essential contribution of LIGHT, another LTβR ligand, could be excluded, as LIGHT deficient mice rapidly succumbed to ECM.

Conclusions/Significance

LTβR expressed on radioresistant resident stromal, probably endothelial cells, rather than hematopoietic cells, are essential for the development of ECM, as assessed by hematopoietic reconstitution experiment. Therefore, the data suggest that both functional LTβR and TNFR2 signaling are required and non-redundant for the development of microvascular pathology resulting in fatal ECM.     

毒素原性大肠杆菌肠毒素LT、ST融合研究进展

腹泻是世界范围的常见病。据WHO报告,在发展中国家,毒素原性大肠杆菌(enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, ETEC)所引起的腹泻占25％以上,在由工业化国家去发展中国家的旅游者腹泻中ETEC引起的占60～70％。ETEC是我国急性感染性腹泻的第三位病原。     

产肠毒素大肠杆菌肠毒素LT,ST融合的研究进展

产肠毒素大肠杆菌（ＥＴＥＣ）肠毒素ＬＴ与ＳＴ融合是ＥＴＥＣ多价疫苗候选株研制的一项重要工作,ＬＴ与ＳＴ的化学偶联研究已证明融合后可使小分子的ＳＴ获得免疫原性成为完全抗原,而基因融合对构建多价疫苗则是更重要的手段。本文着重介绍了近年来对ＬＴ与ＳＴ基因融合的研究,特别是一些影响基因融合效果因素的基础性研究。这些都为候选株的研制提供了研究手段和依据,并对广泛的基因融合研究具有理论意义。     

5’端非翻译区对LT—B基因表达的影响

ｍＲＮＡ５＇端非翻译区的不同结构可影响基因表达,为了改善编码人毒素源性大肠杆菌热敏感肠毒素Ｂ亚单位的ＬＴ－Ｂ基因的表达水平,我们把该基因置于ｐＢＶ２２０载体的ＰＲＰ１串联启动子游,构建了带有不同核苷酸组成的５＇端非翻译区重组体。这些重组体。这些重组体分别在大肠杆菌ＨＢ１０１和ＤＨ５ａ中表达。结果表明,起始密码前有两个连续串联ＳＢ序列的ＬＴ－Ｂ基因的表达水平低于只有单个ＳＤ序列下的表达水平,而翻译偶     

5’端非翻译区对LT—B基因表达的影响

RNA 5’端非翻译区的不同结构可影响基因表达,为了改善编码人毒素源性大肠杆菌热敏感肠毒素B亚单位的LT—B基因的表达水平,我们把该基因置于pBV220载体的PRPL串联启动子下游,构建了带有不同核苷酸组成的5’端非翻译区的重组体。这些重组体分别在大肠杆菌Hblol和DH5a中表达。结果表明,起始密码前有两个连续串联SD序列的LT—B基因的表达水平低于只有单个SD序列下的表达水平,而翻译偶联可使表达改善;用不同的SD序列LT—B基因的表达水平也有所不同,用基因本身sD序列可能要比用pBV220 PL启动于下游的SD序列好;在只含单个LT－B基因SD序列的重组体中,5’端非翻译区序列的长短对LT—B基因表达没有什么影响;重组体在HB101中的表达水平高于在DH5α中的表达水平。     

协同凝集法检测大肠埃希氏菌LT毒素的研究

产毒素大肠埃希氏菌（ＥＴＥＣ）是致急性腹泻、旅游者腹泻的重要病原。该菌可产生不耐热（ＬＴ）和耐热（ＳＴ）二类肠毒素。ＳＴ因分子量小,难以制备出单（多）克隆抗体,故一般免疫学检查手段难以检出。ＬＴ分子量较大,且与霍乱毒素（ＣＴ）具有共同的抗原性,故可用...     

肠毒性大肠杆菌gspD基因敲除以及对LT毒素分泌的影响

本研究利用λRed重组系统构建了肠毒性大肠杆菌(ETEC)H10407菌的gsp D基因敲除株,并利用PCR和测序技术进行了验证。随后对gsp D基因敲除株和野生株生长曲线进行测定,并利用Western Blot技术对培养上清液和细胞沉淀中的LT毒素分别进行检测。发现gsp D基因敲除对ETEC H10407生长无显著影响,野生型大肠杆菌的LT毒素不仅存在于培养上清液中,还存在于细胞沉淀,而gsp D基因敲除株的LT毒素仅在细胞沉淀中被检测到。本研究的结果表明gsp D基因敲除的ETEC,其LT毒素在细菌细胞内积累并不释放至细胞外,说明Ⅱ型分泌系统(T2SS)中的gsp D基因对调控LT毒素分泌至细胞外起到了关键作用。     

表达大肠杆菌LT—B抗原的减毒鼠伤寒沙门氏菌株的构建

采用无毒的鼠伤寒沙门氏菌sR一1l△Cya,△Crp,△asd菌株作为宿主菌,选择相应的asd+表达载体构建了含大肠杆菌肠毒素B亚基基因(toxB)的重组质粒,并通过两次转化引入宿主菌,构成了平衡致死的重组体。特异性的测定表明,这种无抗药性的杂合菌株能较高水平地表达LT—B抗原,可望成为预防ETEC腹泻和相应的沙门氏菌病双价口服活疫苗的研究基础。