Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
  • A61K39/39—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies characterised by the immunostimulating additives, e.g. chemical adjuvants
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
  • A61K39/0005—Vertebrate antigens
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
  • A61K38/16—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
  • A61K38/17—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
  • A61K38/19—Cytokines; Lymphokines; Interferons
  • A61K38/193—Colony stimulating factors [CSF]
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K40/00—Cellular immunotherapy
  • A61K40/10—Cellular immunotherapy characterised by the cell type used
  • A61K40/19—Dendritic cells
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K40/00—Cellular immunotherapy
  • A61K40/20—Cellular immunotherapy characterised by the effect or the function of the cells
  • A61K40/24—Antigen-presenting cells [APC]
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K40/00—Cellular immunotherapy
  • A61K40/40—Cellular immunotherapy characterised by antigens that are targeted or presented by cells of the immune system
  • A61K40/41—Vertebrate antigens
  • A61K40/42—Cancer antigens
  • A61K40/4201—Neoantigens
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K40/00—Cellular immunotherapy
  • A61K40/40—Cellular immunotherapy characterised by antigens that are targeted or presented by cells of the immune system
  • A61K40/41—Vertebrate antigens
  • A61K40/42—Cancer antigens
  • A61K40/4202—Receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants
  • A61K40/421—Immunoglobulin superfamily
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
  • A61K47/50—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates
  • A61K47/51—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates the non-active ingredient being a modifying agent
  • A61K47/68—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates the non-active ingredient being a modifying agent the modifying agent being an antibody, an immunoglobulin or a fragment thereof, e.g. an Fc-fragment
  • A61K47/6835—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates the non-active ingredient being a modifying agent the modifying agent being an antibody, an immunoglobulin or a fragment thereof, e.g. an Fc-fragment the modifying agent being an antibody or an immunoglobulin bearing at least one antigen-binding site
  • A61K47/6849—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates the non-active ingredient being a modifying agent the modifying agent being an antibody, an immunoglobulin or a fragment thereof, e.g. an Fc-fragment the modifying agent being an antibody or an immunoglobulin bearing at least one antigen-binding site the antibody targeting a receptor, a cell surface antigen or a cell surface determinant
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P35/00—Antineoplastic agents
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07K—PEPTIDES
  • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IG], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
  • C07K16/18—Immunoglobulins [IG], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans
  • C07K16/28—Immunoglobulins [IG], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants
  • C07K16/2803—Immunoglobulins [IG], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants against the immunoglobulin superfamily
  • C07K16/283—Immunoglobulins [IG], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants against the immunoglobulin superfamily against Fc-receptors, e.g. CD16, CD32, CD64
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
  • A61K2039/505—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies comprising antibodies
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
  • A61K2039/57—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies characterised by the type of response, e.g. Th1, Th2
  • A61K2039/572—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies characterised by the type of response, e.g. Th1, Th2 cytotoxic response
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07K—PEPTIDES
  • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
  • C07K2317/70—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by effect upon binding to a cell or to an antigen
  • C07K2317/75—Agonist effect on antigen
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N2501/00—Active agents used in cell culture processes, e.g. differentation
  • C12N2501/20—Cytokines; Chemokines
  • C12N2501/22—Colony stimulating factors (G-CSF, GM-CSF)
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N2501/00—Active agents used in cell culture processes, e.g. differentation
  • C12N2501/998—Proteins not provided for elsewhere
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N2506/00—Differentiation of animal cells from one lineage to another; Differentiation of pluripotent cells
  • C12N2506/11—Differentiation of animal cells from one lineage to another; Differentiation of pluripotent cells from blood or immune system cells
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N5/00—Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell lines; Tissues; Cultivation or maintenance thereof; Culture media therefor
  • C12N5/06—Animal cells or tissues; Human cells or tissues
  • C12N5/0602—Vertebrate cells
  • C12N5/0634—Cells from the blood or the immune system
  • C12N5/0639—Dendritic cells, e.g. Langherhans cells in the epidermis

Definitions

• Described herein are methods and compositions for use in generating or promoting an immune response to cancer or an infection, comprising promoting differentiation of neutrophils into dendritic cells using a combination of GMCSF and (i) an immune complex comprising an antigen and an antibody to the antigen comprising an Fc region that binds to FcyRIIA or FcyRIIIB, (ii) a conjugate comprising an antigen and an anti-FcyRIIIB antibody, or (iii) an anti-FcyRIIIB antibody.
• DC Dendritic cells
• MHCII MHCII
• peptides generated from cytosolic proteins are loaded on MHCI to activate naive CD4 + helper and CD8 + cytotoxic T cells, respectively.
• DCs also cross-present antigen, wherein extracellular antigens taken into vesicles gain access to the cytosol and MHCI pathway to prime CD8 + T cells. This property is thought to be exclusive to DCs and exploited for cell-based immunotherapy to treat cancer as well as infections l ’ 2 ’ 3 .
• the present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that FcyR mediated antigen intake by neutrophils results in their differentiation into migratory dendritic-like cells that activate naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
• Neutrophils specialized for microbe elimination, can acquire functions of antigen presenting cells following cytokine stimulation.
• cytokine stimulation can acquire functions of antigen presenting cells following cytokine stimulation.
• NDDC dendritic cell-like features
• Neutrophils from humanized mice show that both FcyRIIIB and FcyRIIA support the generation of NDDCs.
• Intravenously delivered antigen- conjugated antibody against neutrophil FcyRIIIB in mice generates NDDCs in blood and spleen, supports CD8 T cell proliferation and cytolytic functions and in the presence of GM-CSF reduces tumor growth.
• antigen- conjugated anti-FcyRIIIB converts human neutrophils into NDDCs.
• FcyRIIIB -mediated antigen delivery can be exploited to elicit effective acquired immunity to tumors and pathogens.
• the methods comprise providing a population of neutrophils comprising neutrophils that express one or both of FcyRIIA and/or FcyRIIIB; contacting the neutrophils in culture with Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM- CSF) and an immune complex (IC) comprising an antigen and an antibody, wherein the antibody comprises an antigen binding portion that binds to the antigen and an Fc region that binds to FcyRIIA and/or FcyRIIIB; and maintaining the population of neutrophils in culture in the presence of GM-CSF and IC under conditions and for a time sufficient for the neutrophils to differentiate into DCs.
• GM- CSF Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
• IC immune complex
• the antigen comprises a tag, and an antibody that binds to the tag portion of the antigen.
• the antigen is a tumor antigen. These cells can be used, e.g., in a method of treating cancer. Also provided herein are methods of treating a subject who has cancer, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of cells generated by this method. In some embodiments, the antigen is from a pathogen. These cells can be used, e.g., in a method of treating an infection wherein the antigen is from the pathogen with which the subject is infected. Also provided herein are methods of treating a subject who is infected with a pathogen, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of these cells generated, wherein the antigen is from the pathogen with which the subject is infected.
• conjugates e.g., fusion protein or chemical conjugate
• an antigen e.g., fusion protein or chemical conjugate
• an antibody comprising an antigen-binding domain that binds to FCYRIII.
• the antigen is a tumor antigen or an antigen from a pathogen.
• the methods comprise providing a population of neutrophils comprising neutrophils that express one or both of FcyRIIA and/or FcyRIIIB; contacting the population of neutrophils in culture with the conjugates described herein, and optionally Gran ul ocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and maintaining the population of neutrophils in culture in the presence of the conjugate and GM-CSF under conditions and for a time sufficient for the neutrophils to differentiate into DCs.
• GM-CSF Gran ul ocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor
• the antigen is a tumor antigen.
• These DCs can be used, e.g., in a method of treating cancer. Also provided are methods of treating a subject who has cancer, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of DCs generated by these methods.
• the antigen is from a pathogen.
• These DCs can be used, e.g., in a method of treating an infection wherein the antigen is from the pathogen with which the subject is infected. Also provided are methods of treating a subject who is infected with a pathogen, the administering to the subject an effective amount of these DCs, wherein the antigen is from the pathogen with which the subject is infected.
• a conjugate as described herein comprising (i) an antigen, and (ii) an antibody comprising an antigen-binding domain that binds to FcyRIII, and optionally Granulocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).
• the subject has cancer, and the antigen is a tumor antigen.
• the subject has an infection with a pathogen, and the antigen is from the pathogen.
• DCs dendritic cells
• methods for generating a population of dendritic cells comprising providing a population of neutrophils that express one or both of FcyRIIA and/or FcyRIIIB, e.g., from a subject; contacting the neutrophils in culture with an antibody that comprises an antigen binding portion that binds to the antigen and an Fc region that binds to FcyRIIA and/or FcyRIIIB; and maintaining the population of neutrophils in culture under conditions and for a time sufficient for the neutrophils to differentiate into DCs.
• DCs dendritic cells
• the population of neutrophils is maintained in the presence of GM-CSF and/or IC.
• populations of dendritic cells generated by a method described herein, e.g., for use in a method of treating a subject, preferably a subject from whom the population of neutrophils was obtained.
• the population of neutrophils comprising neutrophils that express one or both of FcyRIIA and/or FcyRIIIB was obtained from a subject, and the method further comprises administering the differentiated dendritic cells to the subject from whom the population of neutrophils was obtained.
• the subject has a myeloid neoplasm or an infection e.g., a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.
• a myeloid neoplasm or an infection e.g., a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.
• kits for treating a subject who has a myeloid neoplasm or an infection e.g., a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.
• the methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of an antibody comprising an antigen binding domain that binds to FcyRIII.
• the subject has a myeloid neoplasm selected from the group consisting of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).
• AML acute myeloid leukemia
• MDS myelodysplastic syndrome
• MPN myeloproliferative neoplasms
• antigens comprises any structure which is capable of inducing an immune response in an organism either by itself or when coupled to a suitable carrier molecule or cell. Therefore, antigens according to the present invention include low molecular compounds which serve as haptens as well as whole cells such as tumor cells as well as the parts thereof such as polypeptides, oligopeptides derived therefrom, lipids such as glycolipids, polysaccharides and nucleic acids.
• FIGs. 1A-G FcyR engagement by immune complexes promotes neutrophil differentiation into dendritic cells.
• A-B Mature neutrophils isolated from wild-type mice were incubated with indicated model immune complexes (ICs) composed of OVA- anti-OVA, Nip-OVA-anti-Nip or BSA-anti-BSA or individual components for 2hrs, washed and cultured with GM-CSF (A), or treated with SLE patient or normal (NH) sera, or ICs generated with IgG from anti-RNP positive SLE sera and RNP (SLE-IgG+RNP) or IgG from normal sera plus RNP (NHS-IgG+RNP) and cultured in media without GM- CSF (B).
• ICs model immune complexes
• mice with knock-in of tdTomato in the Ly6G locus were subjected to anti-GBM nephritis.
• indicated tissues were isolated from naive mice (Control) and mice subjected to anti-GBM nephritis and CD45 + , Lin- and tdTomato positive cells were evaluated for DC markers (CDllc + MHCII + ). This population was further analyzed for DC markers (middle panel) and DC subset markers (bottom panel) were additionally evaluated in mice subjected to anti-GBM nephritis.
• FIGs. 2A-D Antigen uptake by neutrophil FcyRIIA or FcyRIIIB generates DCs that activate CD4 and CD8 cells.
• A) Isolated WT and g _/ neutrophils were incubated with FITC-OVA or FITC-OVA-IC for the indicated times. The FITC positive signal is a measure of FITC-OVA uptake. Mean % positive cells ⁇ s.e.m. are given. n 5 per group. Unpaired student t-test was used to compare the mean percentage of
• NDDCs were generated with GM-CSF alone (-), OVA or OVA-ICs. After 3 days in culture, adherent cells were incubated with CFSE labeled CD8 T cells, OT-I, which recognize OVA 257 264 peptide in the context of H2Kb-MHC class I. As a positive control GM-CSF generated NDDC were pulsed with the OVA peptide SIINFEKL (B), or CD4 Tcells, OT-II, which recognize OVA 323 339 peptide in the context of I-Ab-MHC class II (C).
• CFSE dye dilution represents distinct generations of proliferating cells.
• Graphs show mean % cells dividing ⁇ s.e.m.
• One way ANOVA with Dunnett multiple comparisons was used to compare the mean percentages of GM-CSF (-), OVA and OVA-ICs in different genotypes as indicated. *P ⁇ 0.05 and **P ⁇ 0.005.
• FIGs. 3A-E Neutrophil derived DCs are migratory and promote an antigen dependent delayed type hypersensitivity response and B16F10 tumor immunity.
• OVA-IC or OVA-fed neutrophils from wild-type (A, C-E) or b-actin-RFP (B) mice were cultured ex vivo to generate NDDC.
• A) NDDCs were CFSE labeled and injected i.v. at day -3. At day 0, their presence in blood, spleen, liver and lung was determined by flow cytometry.
• B) Mice were injected with OVA-IC b-actin-RFP- NDDC in the footpad at day -7 and at day 0, intravital microscopy was performed on the popliteal lymph node.
• NDDCs no OVA
• NDDC loaded with OVA or OVA-IC from WT or MyD88-TRIF were injected i.v. on day -7.
• B16F10-OVA cells were implanted s.c. at day 0 and tumor volumes were measured over time. The number of mice per group is in parenthesis.
• OVA peptide-specific CD8 T cells in the spleen (top) and draining lymph nodes (bottom) of OVA (left) and OVA-IC (right) groups were quantitated by FACs using OVA-peptide tetrameric complexes. Mean ⁇ s.e.m. Unpaired student t-test was used to compare OVA versus OVA-IC samples. **P ⁇ 0.01.
• FIGs. 4A-G Engagement of FcyRIIIB on blood neutrophils with antigen conjugated to antibody generates immunogenic DCs.
• Wild-type, g _/ , FcyRIIA(2A)/Y / , FcyRIIIB(3B)/Y _/ and FCYRIIIB+FCYRIIA (2A3B)/g _/ mice were used
• A) Anti-FcYRIIIB 3G8 antibody conjugated to FITC-OVA (3G8-OVA) was given i.v. to mice and FITC- OVA uptake (top panel) and neutrophil and DC markers (middle and bottom panel) were assessed in the blood and spleen at indicated times. Representative FACs profiles in blood are shown.
• mice were given an i.v. injection of 3G8-OVA at day -3 and CFSE labeled OT-I CD8 T cells at day 0. At day 3, spleens were harvested and CD8 proliferation was assessed by CFSE dilution. Representative histograms of CD8 dividing cells (bar) in spleen and starting CD8 population (Con, light grey) are shown.
• mice were given an i.v. injection at day -10 of 3G8-OVA, and at day 0, OVA-peptide-pulsed and unpulsed target wild-type splenocytes labeled with high and low CFSE, respectively. The spleen was harvested 16hrs later and the % of target cells killed evaluated. Mean ⁇ s.e.m. was evaluated and compared for statistical significance using ANOVA and Dunnett’s correction.
• spleens were analyzed for OVA-peptide specific effector CD8 T cells (CD62 10 CD44 m ) using MHCI-tetramers, CD4 and Treg cells.
• FCYRIIIB internalization was assessed using anti-FcYRIIIB antibody REA (589) that binds to an epitope distinct from 3G8.
• FcyRIIA levels were evaluated using antibody IV.3. Multiple t-test was used to evaluate the significance between the isotype and 308- OVA at the indicated time points, **P ⁇ 0.005.
• FIGs. 5A-G A) Gating strategy to assess purity of murine neutrophils isolated from bone marrow of mice. Cells were stained with CD l ib, Ly6G, MUCH, CDllc and CD115 and evaluated. B) Gating strategy for the expression of DC markers CDllc and MUCH, co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 and migratory receptor CCR7 on NDDCs generated from neutrophils treated with model ICs or their individual components. Representative strategy for OVA-IC generated NDDC is shown Single cells were gated using FSC-H and FSC-A. All the live cells that are negative for lineage markers (CD3, NK1.1, CD19) and negative for fixable viability dye were further gated for CDllc, MUCH and Ly6G.
• NDDCs derived from WT and MyD88 _/ TRIF were analyzed for CDllc, MHCn and Ly6G expression (top panel). The positive cells were further evaluated for CD86, CD80 (middle panel) and CCR7 (bottom panel). The student t-test for unpaired comparisons with Dunn-Bonferoni was used **P ⁇ 0.005.
• FIG. 6 Neutrophils isolated from WT and b2 microglobulin deficient (-/-) mice were treated with GM-CSF alone (-), OVA or OVA-ICs and cultured for 3 days.
• Adherent NDDCs were co-cultured with CFSE labeled OT-I T cells or OT-II T cells.
• GM-CSF generated NDDC were pulsed with the OVA peptide SIINFEKL. Percent proliferation was measured by CFSE dye dilution.
• FIGs. 7A-E A) Anti-FcyRIIIB 3G8 antibody conjugated to FITC-OVA (308- OVA) was given i.v. to mice. After 3.5hrs blood was isolated and internalization of FITC- OVA, FcyRIIIB (CD16) and FcyRIIA (CD32) was assessed. Anti-CD16 antibody REA 589 binds to an epitope distinct from 3G8. Gating strategy of FITC-OVA, FcyRIIIB and FcyRIIA is shown.
• FIG. 8 FcyR mediated antigen-antibody uptake leads to neutrophil differentiation into antigen loaded dendritic cells that promote antigen specific T cell responses.
• Neutrophils incubated ex vivo with antigen-antibody immune complexes (ICs ) enhances antigen uptake (1).
• Anti-FcyRIIIB-antigen (protein or peptide) conjugate (FcyRIIIB vaccine) injected i.v selectively binds to and triggers antigen internalization by neutrophils (2).
• FIGs. 9A-D A) Schematic illustration of a NDDC vaccine, comprising an anti- FcyRIIIB antibody conjugated to a tumor antigen.
• neutrophils which destroy pathogens and are considered end-differentiated immune effector cells with a limited life span 4 .
• neutrophils cultured with the survival factor GM-CSF and cytokines can acquire DC phenotypic markers and functional characteristics 5 and have been detected in inflammatory lesions in mice and human patients 5, 6 .
• the potency of neutrophil-derived DCs in effector immunity, the identification of molecular pathways that can potentially drive neutrophil-derived DCs to migrate and cross-present, and strategies for possibly harnessing these cells for therapeutic gain remain largely unexplored.
• FcyRIII and FcyRIV require the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) containing g-chain for cell surface expression and signaling and mice with g-chain deficiency (g-/-) are protected from tissue injury in several autoimmune disease models.
• ITAM immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif
• FcyRIIA Humans express the low affinity ITAM-containing single polypeptide FcyRIIA on neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, DCs and platelets while the glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)- linked FcyRIIIB is almost exclusively expressed on neutrophils.
• the g-chain associated FcyRIIIA is expressed on natural killer cells and monocytes/macrophages 9 .
• FcyRIIA promotes neutrophil cytotoxic functions 10 and on DCs, enhances maturation and cross presentation 11 as does its murine counterparts 12 .
• Transgenic expression of FcyRIIA in mice increases susceptibility to autoimmune mediated injury, can drive an anti-tumor vaccine response 11, 12 and promotes anaphylaxis 9 .
• FcyRIIIB Much less is known about FcyRIIIB function. It promotes some neutrophil functions in collaboration with FcyRIIA 10 and can alone support IC-induced neutrophil accumulation 13 .
• FcyRIIIB like FcyRIIA, can endocytose ICs and support uptake of ICs deposited within blood vessel walls 14 .
• FcyRIIB is an inhibitory receptor conserved in humans and mice that is primarily expressed on B cells, macrophages and DCs 8 . It is also detected on neutrophils but primarily in individuals with the infrequent FcyRIIB.4 promoter haplotype 15 .
• blood neutrophil FcyR- mediated antigen uptake transduces signals that simultaneously drives antigen uptake and neutrophil differentiation into a mature DC-like phenotype thus ensuring large number of antigen loaded DCs that accumulate in the spleen and promote MHCI and MHCn dependent T cell activation (see schematic in Fig. 8).
• NDDC antigen loaded DCs that accumulate in the spleen and promote MHCI and MHCn dependent T cell activation
• FcyR-mediated antigen-antibody uptake to differentiation may avoid autoimmune responses as it would preferentially favor the presentation of peptide derived from opsonized, non-self antigens to CD8 + cytotoxic cells 11, 12 as is the case during secondary exposure to antigen.
• Engaging FcyRIIIB alone is sufficient to trigger neutrophil differentiation into migratory, cross-presenting DCs. This identifies a new role for this elusive neutrophil specific GPI-linked receptor in linking innate and adaptive immunity in response to blood borne antigens and indicates that IC- induced differentiation does not require ITAM signaling.
• mice expressing both FcyRIIA and FcyRIIIB had superior CTL proliferation, target cell killing (FIGs. 4B-C).
• the intravenous immunization with FcyRIIIB antibody-antigen conjugates may represent a robust platform to both generate large quantities of DCs in situ and deliver antigen for optimal T cell activation and cross-presentation.
• pro- and anti- tumorigenic functions for neutrophils in cancer have been described 32 the engagement of FcyRs, well-known opsonic receptors in host defense, may harness the neutrophils pro- tumorigenic capacity.
• the present studies have identified FcyRIIIB mediated delivery of antigen as a new pathway for both generating DCs and delivering antigen to a compartment favorable for cross-presentation. This process, optionally combined with GM-CSF treatment, can be exploited to generate immunogenic DCs to combat cancer and infection
• kits to induce antigen specific immunity deliver antigen to neutrophils such that antigen uptake triggers neutrophil differentiation into antigen presenting DCs that activate CD4+ T helper and CD8+ T cytotoxic cells.
• the methods of delivery are 1) antigen-antibody immune complexes that engage the uniquely human FcyRIIA and GPI-linked FcgRIIIB or murine counterparts on neutrophils to generate NDDCs in vitro that are then administered to patients, and 2) an anti-FcyRIIIB antibody conjugated to antigen
• Either of method 1 or 2 can be used to treat patients with cancer or infectious diseases to increase antigen specific immunity, with potential use as a preventative vaccine to reduce risk of cancer or infection.
• to“treat” cancer means to ameliorate at least one symptom of the cancer.
• Administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound described herein for the treatment of a cancer can result in decreased or stabilized tumor burden, decreased or stabilized tumor size, decreased or stabilized tumor growth rate, decreased or stabilized tumor serum markers, and decreased or stabilized risk of metastasis.
• the subjects can be, e.g., mammals, e.g., human or veterinary subjects. Although humans are used as examples herein, other mammals can also be treated using the present methods, with species-appropriate antibodies and other reagents.
• the methods generally include identifying a subject who has a tumor, e.g., a cancer.
• a cancer refers to cells having the capacity for autonomous growth, i.e., an abnormal state or condition characterized by rapidly proliferating cell growth.
• Hyperproliferative and neoplastic disease states may be categorized as pathologic, i.e., characterizing or constituting a disease state, or may be categorized as non-pathologic, i.e., a deviation from normal but not associated with a disease state.
• a cancer will be associated with the presence of one or more tumors, i.e., abnormal cell masses.
• tumor is meant to include all types of cancerous growths or oncogenic processes, metastatic tissues or malignantly transformed cells, tissues, or organs, irrespective of histopathologic type or stage of invasiveness.
• “Pathologic hyperproliferative” cells occur in disease states characterized by malignant tumor growth.
• the methods described herein can be practiced on subjects with solid tumors or hematopoietic tumors, which are malignancies of cells of the immune system. Methods for identifying or diagnosing subjects with cancers are known in the art. Tumors include malignancies of the various organ systems, such as affecting lung, breast, thyroid, lymphoid, gastrointestinal, and genito-urinary tract, as well as
• adenocarcinomas which include malignancies such as most colon cancers, renal-cell carcinoma, prostate cancer and/or testicular tumors, non-small cell carcinoma of the lung, cancer of the small intestine and cancer of the esophagus.
• the term“carcinoma” is art recognized and refers to malignancies of epithelial or endocrine tissues including respiratory system carcinomas, gastrointestinal system carcinomas, genitourinary system carcinomas, testicular carcinomas, breast carcinomas, prostatic carcinomas, endocrine system carcinomas, and melanomas.
• the disease is renal carcinoma or melanoma.
• Exemplary carcinomas include those forming from tissue of the cervix, lung, prostate, breast, head and neck, colon and ovary.
• carcinosarcomas e.g., which include malignant tumors composed of carcinomatous and sarcomatous tissues.
• An“adenocarcinoma” refers to a carcinoma derived from glandular tissue or in which the tumor cells form recognizable glandular structures.
• the term “sarcoma” is art recognized and refers to malignant tumors of mesenchymal derivation.
• cancers evaluated or treated by the methods described herein include epithelial cancers, such as a lung cancer (e.g., non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)), breast cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, or ovarian cancer.
• epithelial cancers such as a lung cancer (e.g., non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)), breast cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, or ovarian cancer.
• NSCLC non-small-cell lung cancer
• Epithelial malignancies are cancers that affect epithelial tissues.
• hematologic malignancies includes cancers that arise for progenitor cells in the bone marrow, such as acute leukemias, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and myelodysplastic syndromes; that arise from peripheral lymphoid tissues, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemias or mature T and B cells (such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia); or that arise from plasma cells or plasma cell precursors (such as multiple myeloma and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma).
• progenitor cells in the bone marrow such as acute leukemias, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and myelodysplastic syndromes
• peripheral lymphoid tissues such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemias or mature T and B cells (such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
• plasma cells or plasma cell precursors such as
• cancers evaluated or treated by the methods described herein include myeloid neoplasms, malignancies of the immune system, e.g., acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).
• AML acute myeloid leukemia
• MDS myelodysplastic syndrome
• MPN myeloproliferative neoplasms
• the first methods includes the use of neutrophils that are exposed to antigen- antibody immune complexes that bind to FcyRIIA and/or FcyRIIIB in the presence of GMCSF, to promote their differentiation into dendritic cells (DCs). These DCs are referred to herein as NDDCs, and are expected to be more effective in promoting CD4+ T cell and CD 8+ T cell proliferation than DCs generated by GM-CSF plus soluble antigen. Large number of neutrophils can be harvested in a single blood draw as neutrophils represent 55-70% of circulating leukocytes in humans.
• the method delivers antigen in vitro in immune complexes that engage activating FcyRs to both promote differentiation and facilitate antigen presentation to CD4 T cells and cross-presentation to CD8 cells, a specialized characteristic of classical DCs.
• the methods include providing a population of neutrophils.
• the neutrophils are autologous, but HLA compatible heterologous neutrophils can also be used.
• Methods for obtaining neutrophils from a sample of peripheral blood are known in the art and can include commercially available human neutrophil enrichment kit (EASYSEP).
• the population of neutrophils is enriched for cells expressing FcyRIIA and/or FcyRIIIB, e.g., using FACS, microfluidic devices, or other cell sorting methods.
• the neutrophils are incubated in the presence of GMCSF (e.g., 5-15 ng/ml, e.g., 8-12 ng/ml, e.g., 10 ng/ml GMCSF) and antigen-antibody immune complexes.
• GMCSF e.g., 5-15 ng/ml, e.g., 8-12 ng/ml, e.g., 10 ng/ml GMCSF
• antigen-antibody immune complexes include a tumor associated antigen (e.g., a Cancer Testis (CT) antigen, a protein that is normally expressed only on human germ line cells, but is also present in a subset of malignant tumors), e.g., a CT antigen listed in Table A, or a neoantigen that arises from tumor-specific mutations.
• Neoantigens can arise from any genomic mutation altering protein sequence.
• CT Antigens Table A Tumor antigens (CT Antigens)
• neoantigens are used, preferably the neoantigens expressed in an individual subject are identified and used, e.g., as described in Hu et al., Nat Rev Immunol. 2018 Mar; 18(3): 168-182; Ott et al, Nature. 2017 Jul 13;547(7662):217-221 ; Carreno et al., Science. 2015 348(6236): 803-808; and Linette and Carreno, Trends Mol Med. 2017 Oct;23(10):869-871.
• the tumor antigen is bound to an antibody that recognizes the antigen (via the antigen-binding domain) and binds to FcyRIIA and/or FcyRIIIB (via the Fc domain) to cause clustering of the receptors on the cell surface, which in turn leads to the internalization of the FcyRs and the bound antibody-antigen complexes.
• the antibody is IgG, preferably IgG isolated from the individual subject who will be treated.
• serum samples are incubated with Protein G high-capacity agarose beads; other methods for purifying IgG from a subject can be used.
• IgG from other individuals, e.g., commercially available IgG can be used.
• Recombinant IgG can also be used.
• human or humanized IgG is used.
• the antibodies are selected or optimized for binding FcyRIIIB and/or FcyRIIA.
• the Fab regions recognize antigen while the Fc region bind FcyRs.
• the affinity for Fc is influenced by the FcyRIIA and FcyRIIIB variant and the IgG subclass.
• IgGl-4 Four subclasses of human IgGl (IgGl-4) exist.
• the binding affinity of IgG to FcyRIIA and/or FcyRIIIB is highest for IgGl and IgG3 (Bruhns et al., Blood 113, 3716-3725 (2009); Ivan and Colovai, Hum Immunol 67, 479-491 (2006); Bruggeman et al., J Immunol 199, 204-211 (2017)). Since lower complement activating capacity favors FcyR binding, IgGl would be preferred over IgG3. Most anti-tumor therapeutic antibodies are also IgGl . FcyR binding is influenced by N-linked glycosylation at Asn297 in the Fc domain.
• the core N-linked glycoforms can be modified with galactose, fucose and/or sialic acid to generate up to 500 different glycoforms (Jefferis, Nat Rev Drug Discov 8, 226-234 (2009)). Hypofucosylation favors IgGl interaction with FcyRIIIB while effects on FyRIIA are minimal (Bruhns et al.,
• the antibody is an antibody that recognizes the antigen and binds it directly.
• existing or new therapeutic antibodies to tumor extracellular or intracellular antigens e.g., HER2/neu for breast cancer, EGFR for many epithelial tumors like non-small cell lung carcinoma, colorectal cancer, (see, e.g., Corraliza-Gorjon et al., 2017 Front Immunol doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2017.01804) or PRL-3, an intracellular cancer related phosphatase that is externalized (Trenevska et al, 2017 Front Immunol doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2017.01001) ; alternatively, the antigen can be produced as a fusion protein with a tag to which the antibody binds.
• the antigen-antibody complexes are generated by a method in which the antigen is generated with a“tag” (e.g. KLH, currently used in patients, Wimmers et al, Scientific Reports 7, Article number: 43486 (2017), or polyhistidine, FLAG, Softagl and Softag3, and Streptag II (see, e.g., Arnau et al, Protein Expression and Purification 48 (2006) 1-13) or human peptide sequence to which a humanized antibody binds.
• a humanized mouse anti-KLH monoclonal antibody (Abeam, Sino Biologicals, Rockland Immunochemicals) can be used. In this way, antibodies would not have to be tailored to each antigen.
• the antigen/antibody immune complexes would be incubated with neutrophils to generate NDDC presenting antigen.
• the neutrophils can also be incubated in the presence of tumor cells opsonized with anti-tumor antibodies, resulting in neutrophil uptake of debris and antigens and subsequent differentiation into antigen presenting DCs.
• the neutrophils can also be incubated with anti-FcgRIIIB (3G8)-antigen conjugate (described in Method 2) and FcgRIIA (IV3)-antigen conjugate where IV3 specifically recognizes FcgRIIA.
• anti-FcgRIIIB (3G8)-antigen conjugate (described in Method 2)
• FcgRIIA IV3-antigen conjugate where IV3 specifically recognizes FcgRIIA.
• Another embodiment is a bispecific antibody that contain antigen-binding sites for FcgRIIIB and FcgRIIA in one IgG molecule and would therefore engage and cluster both receptors simultaneously (Sedykh et al., 2018.
• Bispecific antibodies design, therapy, perspectives Drug Des Devel Ther. 12: 195-208).
• the neutrophils are incubated in the presence of the immune complexes and GMCSF for long enough for the cells to mature into dendritic-type cells (as noted above, referred to herein as NDDCs), e.g., for 2-5 days.
• NDDCs dendritic-type cells
• the NDDCs can optionally be maintained in culture for a further time to allow for proliferation.
• the cells can then be washed, optionally purified and/or concentrated, and administered to a subject, e.g., intravenously. Recovered NDDCs may also be frozen before use.
• NDDCs intravenous delivery of in vitro generated NDDCs with antigen- antibody complexes made with the“model” antigen ovalbumin (OVA) and anti-OVA results in their accumulation in the spleen.
• Immunized mice exhibited immunity to B16F10-OVA melanoma, which is typically associated with antigen specific CD8 T cells in tumor draining lymph nodes. This immunity was reversed if CD8 T cells are depleted from the mice.
• the immunized mice showed a delayed type hypersensitivity response to antigen, which suggested that NDDCs stimulate CD4 T cell functions.
• the present methods provide an advantage over currently-used technologies that rely on blood apheresis to isolate autologous monocytes followed by generation of antigen loaded DCs in vitro by culturing cells with cytokines and antigen followed by reintroduction of cells into patients (see, e.g., Van Willigen et al., Frontiers in Immunol. 2018 Oct 1;9:2265; Tanyi et al., Sci Transl Med. 2018 Apr 11 ; 10(436)).
• neutrophils Unlike blood monocytes that only represent a small population of peripheral blood cells (2%), neutrophils represent 55-70% of peripheral blood leukocytes, which allows large numbers of these cells to be isolated from a single blood draw and differentiated into NDDCs, eliminating the need for blood apheresis. Presentation of antigen within an immune complex that engages FcyRIIA and FcyRIIIB also promotes antigen cross-presentation and activation of CD8 T cells, which is minimal when soluble antigen is given alone.
• incubation of neutrophils expressing human FcyRIIIB or FcYRIIIB+FcyRIIA with anti-FcyRIIIB-OVA conjugate (vaccine) resulted in antigen uptake and neutrophil transdifferentiation into NDDCs.
• Neutrophils lacking FcyRIIIB did not respond to this treatment.
• Human neutrophils incubated with anti-FcyRIIIB antibody conjugated to antigen (vaccine) internalized the antigen and differentiate into NDDCs.
• the conjugate is incubated with human neutrophils in the presence of GMCSF, e.g., as described above in Method 1, to drive differentiation into NDDCs that can then be administered to a subject in need thereof.
• mice developed antigen specific cytolytic CD8 T cells as assessed in an in vivo CD8 T cell proliferation and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) assay, and developed antigen (i.e. OVA) specific CD8 T cells in a B 16F10-0 VA melanoma model.
• CTL cytotoxic T-lymphocyte
• OVA antigen specific CD8 T cells in a B 16F10-0 VA melanoma model.
• Mice that were treated with anti-FcgRIIIB-OVA antigen and 5 consecutive injections of GM-CSF developed antigen (i.e. OVA) specific CD8+ T cells in a B16F10- OVA melanoma model and exhibited a significant reduction in tumor growth.
• the conjugate is delivered intravenously to a subject, optionally in addition to GMCSF.
• GMCSF GMCSF.
• These methods can be used to deliver the antigen intravenously to promote neutrophil differentiation in vivo into NDDC that in turn generate antigen specific cytolytic T cells.
• the in vivo generation of NDDCs has the advantage of allowing neutrophils to uptake additional antigen, through phagocytosis and trogocytosis of tumor cells as they are differentiating into NDDCs.
• the present methods provide an advantage over currently-used technologies that rely on injection of antigen conjugated antibody to classical DC receptors and require the inclusion of adjuvants such as toll like receptor agonists for efficacy (Macri et al, Clin Transl Immunology. 2016 Mar 18;5(3):e66; these adjuvants are not needed using the present methods.
• the route of delivery to access relevant classical DC subset also remains a challenge.
• the DC receptors targeted in the currently-used technologies are often present in other cell types, which increases the possibility of unwanted side effects while the approach described herein specifically targets FcyRIIIB that is almost exclusively expressed on neutrophils.
• targeting neutrophils versus DCs is advantageous as neutrophils represent the largest fraction of circulating leukocytes, which increases the number of antigen presenting cells that can be generated in vivo as well as in vitro.
• a construct comprising an anti-FcyRIIIB antibody conjugated to a tumor antigen is used (see, e.g., Fig. 9A). Tumor antigens are described above.
• Anti-FcyRIIIB antibodies are known in the art, as are methods of making them.
• Anti-FcyRIIIB antibodies are commercially available, e.g., from Abbexa Ltd; Abeam; Abeomics; antibodies-online; Aviva Systems Biology; Biogems International, Inc.; BioLegend; Biorbyt; CEDARLANE; Cell Sciences; Creative Diagnostics; Elabscience Biotechnology Inc.; EXBIO Praha, a.s.; GeneTex; Invitrogen Antibodies; LifeSpan BioSciences; MBL International; Miltenyi Biotec; MyBioSource.com; NSJ Bioreagents; OriGene Technologies; Peninsula Laboratories International, Inc.; ProSci, Inc; R&D Systems; Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.; Signalway Antibody LLC; Sino Biological, Inc.; SouthernBiotech; STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.; and United States Biological.
• the antibody is 3G8 (e.g., available from biolegend, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, and others; see, e.g., Perussia and Trinchieri, J Immunol
• the antibody also recognizes FcyRIIIA (CD 16a: a transmembrane isoform of the GPI-bnked FcyRIIIB, CD 16b) that is present on macrophages and NK cells.
• FcyRIIIA CD 16a: a transmembrane isoform of the GPI-bnked FcyRIIIB, CD 16b
• the antibody is a FcyRIIIB specific antibody that does not bind to FcyRIIIA.
• the anti-FcyRIIIB can be used alone (without a relevant conjugated antigen, see for example Fig. 9B, e.g., for conditions in which neutrophils are the source of antigens, including but not limited to myeloid neoplasms and infections where the neutrophil acquires the antigen following uptake of the pathogen or infected cellular debris or following the infection of the neutrophil itself by the pathogen.
• a relevant conjugated antigen see for example Fig. 9B, e.g., for conditions in which neutrophils are the source of antigens, including but not limited to myeloid neoplasms and infections where the neutrophil acquires the antigen following uptake of the pathogen or infected cellular debris or following the infection of the neutrophil itself by the pathogen.
• a special cancer treatment problem is found in myeloid neoplasms (including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and
• MPN myeloproliferative neoplasms
• progenitors of the innate immune system that harbor driver and passenger mutations (Lindsley and Ebert, 2013) that result in neoantigens.
• These tumors usually relapse after treatment with current chemotherapy regimens, and patients are often too old and/or too sick to tolerate allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Webster and Pratz, 2018).
• the methods described herein use the FCYRIIIB antibody (without exogenous antigen) to convert neutrophils that originate from a mutated clone into NDDCs. This can be done in vitro using neutrophils from the subject as described above in Method 1, or in vivo, which would eliminate the need for ex vivo manipulation, as well as the need to isolate large numbers of autologous dendritic cells, which can be challenging due to their low abundance, thus requiring blood apheresis.
• FCYRIIIB antibody-induced NDDCs loaded with endogenous neoantigens on MHCI, should stimulate the activation of autologous T cells to kill the malignant myeloid cells, including leukemia stem cells that lie at the root of these neoplasms.
• This strategy does not require ex vivo manipulation of the tumor cells, nor does it require any knowledge of the tumor neoantigens.
• Neutrophils may also be a source of immunogenic“foreign” antigens in infectious diseases via uptake of pathogens (e.g., bacteria, fungus and virus) or infected cellular material or by direct infection by certain organism such as intracellular bacteria
• pathogens e.g., bacteria, fungus and virus
• neutrophils were not shown to prime naive CD8 T cells, which is an essential property restricted to classical antigen presenting cells such as DCs and required for subsequent initiation of immune responses (Hufford et al, 2012).
• the observed ability to present peptide on MHCI for recognition by effector CD8 T cells and subsequent target cell killing is a common property of most nucleated cells that has evolved to protect the host against pathogens.
• the virally infected neutrophils don’t express MHCII necessary for activation of naive and effector CD4 T cells (Hufford et al, 2012), which support CD8 T cell responses and other immune functions and thus have limited antigen presenting functions.
• antibody refers to an immunoglobulin molecules, preferably IgG, as well as modified forms, or antigen-binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof.
• the antibody can be polyclonal, monoclonal, recombinant, chimeric, de-immunized or humanized, fully human, non-human, (e.g., murine), or single chain antibody.
• the antibody has effector function and can fix complement.
• Antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof described herein can be made from whole precursor or parent antibodies using techniques known in the art. Exemplary techniques are discussed in more detail herein.
• Antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof described herein can be made or manufactured using techniques that are known in the art. In certain embodiments, antibody molecules or fragments thereof are
• recombinantly produced i.e., are produced using recombinant DNA technology.
• Antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof described herein also include derivatives that are modified, e.g., by the covalent attachment of any type of molecule to the antibody such that covalent attachment does not prevent the antibody from specifically binding to its cognate epitope.
• the antibody derivatives include antibodies that have been modified, e.g., by glycosylation, acetylation, pegylation, phosphorylation, amidation, derivatization by known protecting/blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, linkage to a cellular ligand or other protein, etc. Any of numerous chemical modifications may be carried out by known techniques, including, but not limited to specific chemical cleavage, acetylation, formylation, metabolic synthesis of tunicamycin, etc. Additionally, the derivative may contain one or more non-classical amino acids.
• antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof described herein will not elicit a deleterious immune response in the animal to be treated, e.g., in a human.
• binding molecules, e.g., antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof described herein are derived from a patient, e.g., a human patient, and are subsequently used in the same species from which they are derived, e.g., human, alleviating or minimizing the occurrence of deleterious immune responses.
• De-immunization can also be used to decrease the immunogenicity of an antibody.
• the term "de-immunization” includes alteration of an antibody to modify T cell epitopes; see, e.g., international applications W098/52976 and
• VH and VL sequences from the starting antibody are analyzed and a human T cell epitope "map" from each V region showing the location of epitopes in relation to complementarity determining regions (CDRs) and other key residues within the sequence.
• Individual T cell epitopes from the T cell epitope map are analyzed in order to identify alternative amino acid substitutions with a low risk of altering activity of the final antibody.
• a range of alternative VH and VL sequences are designed comprising combinations of amino acid substitutions and these sequences are subsequently incorporated into a range of binding polypeptides, e.g., FcyRIII-specific antibodies or immunospecific fragments thereof for use in the diagnostic and treatment methods disclosed herein, which are then tested for function.
• variant antibodies typically, between 12 and 24 variant antibodies are generated and tested. Complete heavy and light chain genes comprising modified V and human C regions are then cloned into expression vectors and the subsequent plasmids introduced into cell lines for the production of whole antibody. The antibodies are then compared in appropriate biochemical and biological assays, and the optimal variant is identified.
• a humanized version of the 3G8 antibody is used.
• 3G8 is a well-characterized mouse IgG kl mAh specific for FyRIII (CD 16).
• a humanized 3G8 antibody will be as generated using standard methods. The most common method, as described for FcyRIIA mouse antibody, IV.3 (Chen et al. Ann Rheum Dis 78, 228-237 (2019)), is the grafting of the complementary determining regions (CDR) of the heavy and light chains of the mouse 3G8 antibody on to the closest human germline variable heavy and variable kappa chain genes.
• CDR complementary determining regions
• an antibody polypeptide described herein may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a fusion protein.
• fusion proteins are chimeric molecules which comprise, for example, an immunoglobulin FcyRIII-binding antibody and at least one heterologous tumor antigen sequence.
• the amino acid sequences may normally exist in separate proteins that are brought together in the fusion polypeptide or they may normally exist in the same protein but are placed in a new arrangement in the fusion polypeptide. Fusion proteins may be created, for example, by chemical synthesis, or by creating and translating a polynucleotide in which the peptide regions are encoded in the desired relationship.
• heterologous as applied to a polynucleotide or a polypeptide, means that the polynucleotide or polypeptide is derived from a distinct entity from that of the rest of the entity to which it is being compared. For instance, as used herein, a
• heterologous polypeptide to be fused to an antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment, variant, or analog thereof is derived from a non-immunoglobulin polypeptide of the same species, or an immunoglobulin or non-immunoglobulin polypeptide of a different species.
• antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof described herein may further be recombinantly fused to a heterologous polypeptide at the N- or C-terminus or chemically conjugated (including covalent and non-co valent conjugations) to polypeptides or other
• Antibodies may be branched, for example, as a result of ubiquitination, and they may be cyclic, with or without branching. Cyclic, branched, and branched cyclic antibodies may result from posttranslation natural processes or may be made by synthetic methods.
• Modifications include acetylation, acylation, ADP-ribosylation, amidation, covalent attachment of flavin, covalent attachment of a heme moiety, covalent attachment of a nucleotide or nucleotide derivative, covalent attachment of a lipid or lipid derivative, covalent attachment of phosphatidylinositol, cross-linking, cyclization, disulfide bond formation, demethylation, formation of covalent cross-links, formation of cysteine, formation of pyroglutamate, formylation, gamma-carboxylation, glycosylation, GPI anchor formation, hydroxylation, iodination, methylation, myristoylation, oxidation, pegylation, proteolytic processing, phosphorylation, prenylation, racemization, selenoylation, sulfation, transfer- RNA mediated addition of amino acids to proteins such as arginylation, and
• conjugates can be assembled using a variety of techniques depending on the selected agent to be conjugated.
• conjugates with biotin can be prepared, e.g., by reacting an FCYRIII-antibody polypeptide with an activated ester of biotin such as the biotin N-hydroxysuccinimide ester.
• ⁇ -linking reagents include glutaraldehyde (links molecules to N-terminus of peptides), carbodiimide (EDC) (attaches to C-terminus of peptide); succinimide esters (e.g., MBS, SMCC) (binds free amino group and Cysteine residues); benzidine (BDB) (links to Tyrosine residues), periodate (attaches to carbohydrate groups); isothiocyanate; carbodiimide/activated ester (EDC/NHS) coupling;
• a reactive azide group can be site specifically introduced to the protein surface using enzymatic ligation as a posttranslational modification, which can in turn be conjugated to an alkyne- containing polymer using highly efficient click
• the antibodies described herein can be fused to heterologous polypeptides to increase the in vivo half-life of the polypeptides or for use in immunoassays using methods known in the art.
• PEG can be conjugated to the antibodies described herein to increase their half-life in vivo; see, e.g., Leong et al, Cytokine 16 (2001), 106-119; Adv. in Drug Deliv. Rev. 54 (2002), 531; or Weir et al., Biochem. Soc. Transactions 30 (2002), 512.
• an antigen associated with a pathogen in place of a tumor antigen, is used.
• the pathogen can be, e.g., a viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic pathogen; antigens include viruses as well as their parts and any prokaryotic organism such as bacteria as well as eukaryotic organisms.
• the pathogen can be, or can be associated with, E. faecium, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, A. baumanii, P. aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species,
• Tat protein, gag p24/p41 and nef for HIV/AIDs (Steinman, Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 21, 3-8 (2008)); Plasmodia Circumsporozoite for Malaria (Steinman, Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 21, 3-8 (2008)); Yersinia Pestis LcrV for pneumonia (Steinman, Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 21, 3-8 (2008)); Leishmania major LACK (Leishmania activated C kinase) antigen for Leishmaniasis (Steinman, Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 21, 3-8 (2008)); Pneumoniae capsular serotype antigen for streptococcus pneumonia (Reglinski et al, NPJ Vaccines 3, 53 (2016); Vi capsular polysaccharide for Salmonella Typhi (Li et al., NPJ Vaccines 3, 1 (2016)); ZIKV non-struct
• the methods and compositions can be used to treat a subject who has an infection, or to elicit an immune response that reduces risk of a later-acquired infection or reduces severity of a later-acquired infection.
• compositions comprising an anti-FcyRIII antibody as an active ingredient.
• Pharmaceutical compositions typically include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• pharmaceutically acceptable carrier includes saline, solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic agents, and the like, compatible with pharmaceutical administration.
• Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into the compositions, e.g., GMCSF can be included in the FcgRIII antibody-antigen conjugate immunization.
• the compositions can also include an adjuvant to increase T cell response.
• nanoparticles that enhance T cell response can be included, e.g., as described in Stano et al, Vaccine (2012) 30:7541-6 and Swaminathan et al, Vaccine (2016) 34: 110-9. See also Panagioti et al, Front. Immunol., 16 February 2018; doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.00276.
• an adjuvant comprising poly-ICLC (carboxymethylcellulose, polyinosinic- polycytidylic acid, and poly-L-lysine double-stranded RNA), Imiquimods, CpG oligodeoxynuceotides and formulations (IC31, QB10), AS04 (aluminium salt formulated with 3-0-desacyl-4'-monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL)), AS01 (MPL and the saponin QS- 21), and/or MPLA can also be used. See, e.g., Coffman et al, Immunity.
• compositions are typically formulated to be compatible with its intended route of administration.
• routes of administration include parenteral, e.g., intravenous administration.
• solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, application can include the following components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. pH can be adjusted with acids or bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide.
• the parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.
• compositions suitable for injectable use can include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion.
• suitable carriers include physiological saline, bacteriostatic water, Cremophor ELTM (BASF, Parsippany, NJ) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS).
• the composition must be sterile and should be fluid to the extent that easy syringability exists. It should be stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage and must be preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
• the carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyetheylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof.
• the proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.
• Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be achieved by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like.
• isotonic agents for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, sodium chloride in the composition.
• Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent that delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
• Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the active compound in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
• dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle, which contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above.
• the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying, which yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile- filtered solution thereof.
• the therapeutic compounds are prepared with carriers that will protect the therapeutic compounds against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems.
• a controlled release formulation including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems.
• Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid.
• Such formulations can be prepared using standard techniques, or obtained commercially, e.g., from Alza Corporation and Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes targeted to selected cells with monoclonal antibodies to cellular antigens) can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,522,811.
• compositions can be included in a container, pack, or dispenser together with instructions for administration.
• mice were on a C57B1/6 background and include: wild-type mice, FcR g _/ (Takai et al.,Cell 76, 519-529 (1994)), g _/ mice expressing human FcyRs (FcyRII A g -/ , FcyRIIIB/Y and FcyRII A+FcyRIIIB Y ) (Tsuboi et al., Immunity 28, 833-846 (2008)), b2hi / (Koller et al., Science 248, 1227-1230 (1990)) (The Jackson Laboratory #002087), MyD88/TRIF _/ (Yamamoto et al., Science 301, 640-643 (2003)),“Catchup” mice expressing tdTomato under the Ly6G promoter (Hasenberg et al, Nat Methods 12, 445- 452 (2015)), OT-I (expressing the transgenic T cell receptor recognizing ovalbumin residues residue
• SLE patient SLE
• N SLE Normal
• SLE systemic lupus erythematosus
• HC healthy control
• SEM standard error of the mean
• SLEDAI systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index
• dsDNA double stranded DNA antibodies
• ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• CRP C- reactive protein.
• Murine GM-CSF (#315-03), human GM-CSF (#300-03), murine G-CSF (#AF- 250-05), were from Peprotech.
• BSA (#A-7970), OVA (#A5503) anti-BSA rabbit antibody (#B7276) and anti-OVA rabbit antibody (#C6534) were form Sigma Aldrich.
• FITC-OVA (#023020) was from Thermofisher).
• NIP-OVA 11 NIPs per OVA
• anti- NIP human IgGl chimeric antibody with lambda light mouse chains and heavy human chains
• Anti- FcyRIIIB (3G8) (Biolegend) conjugated to FITC-OVA (#023020, Thermofisher) at a ratio of 2 FITC-OVA: 1 IgG was generated by Biolegend as described below.
• Accutase cell detachment solution (#07920) was from STEMCEFF Technologies. FACS antibodies used, including catalog numbers, clones and dilutions, are in Table 2.1 and 2.2. For depletion experiments, anti-mouse CD4 (GK1.5, #BE0003), anti-mouse CD8 (2.43, #BE0061) and rat IgG2b Isotype control (FTF-2, #BE0090) were obtained from BioCell.
• FITC-OVA conjugation to 3G8 antibody is achieved by click chemistry.
• FITC- OVA lyophilized powder (Thermofisher, cat#023020) was dissolved in phosphate buffer pH 7.0 and activated with azide containing reagent Azido-PEG4-NHS Ester (Click Chemistry Tools).
• the azide-activated FITC-OVA is purified by G-25 sephadex resin.
• the 3G8 antibody is activated by DTT followed by DBCO-PEG4-Maleimide (Click
• the DBCO-modified 3G8 antibody is incubated with azide-activated FITC-OVA at a molar ratio of 1 :3 (Antibody: Dye).
• the conjugation is quenched with sodium azide and loaded onto a superdex 200 column to separate free antibody from free FITC-OVA.
• Fractions containing 1 : 1 and 1 :2 were pooled with the final ratio being approximately 1.4 ⁇ 1.5.
• solutions containing 2 mg/ml of anti- OVA, anti -NIP-OVA or anti-BSA antibodies were added to 0.2 mg/ml of OVA, FITC- OVA, NIP-OVA or BSA or 0.1 mg/ml of OVA, FITC-OVA, NIP-OVA or BSA in PBS at a 1 : 1 ratio and incubated overnight at 37°C to generate IC that are referred to as IC solution 1 and IC solution 2, respectively.
• the excess antibody in the mixture results in the appearance of a precipitate (insoluble immune complexes).
• Peripheral blood was drawn into BD VacutainerTM Venous Blood Collection Tubes SST. Tubes were centrifugated at 2500/g for 30 min. Serum was aliquoted and frozen at -80°C. To purify IgG, serum samples were incubated with Protein G high- capacity agarose beads (Genesee Scientific, #20-538). Antibody was eluted with 0.1M Glycine (pH2.7) and the samples were neutralized immediately with the neutralization buffer (1M Tris-HCl, pH 9). The samples were then dialyzed in PBS overnight and concentrated using lOOkDa centrifugal filters (Millipore, UFC910024).
• solutions containing 2 mg/ml of purified SLE IgG or normal human IgG were mixed with equal volumes of 0.3 mg/ml of Sm/RNP complexes (#SRC-3000, Immunovision) in PBS (without Ca, Mg) and incubated for 4 hrs at 37C.
• Neutrophil isolation Mice were euthanized and femurs and tibias were flushed with ice-cold RPMI 1640 using a 25 -gauge needle attached to a 20 cc syringe and clumps were dispersed by passing the cell suspension through a 1ml pipet tip several times. Collected cells were filtered through a 70 um strainer into a 50 ml Falcon tube, pelleted and resuspended in PBS containing 2% FBS and 1 mM EDTA at lxl 0 8 cells/ml.
• Neutrophils were isolated by negative selection using the EasySep Mouse Neutrophil Enrichment Kit 19762 (STEMCELL Technologies). Aliquots of the isolated cells were taken to determine neutrophil count and viability by trypan blue exclusion. Viability was also determined by FACS using the fluorescent viability dye Fixable Viability Dye eFluor 780 (ThermoFisher). Purity was assessed by flow cytometry (see Fig.6)
• Isolated murine neutrophils were resuspended in RPMI medium (RPMI 1640 with L-glutamine and 25 mM HEPES, supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and penicillin/streptomycin (50 U/ml penicillin and 50 pg/ml streptomycin). 2x10 6 cells/well were plated in 6-well plates in 2 ml of RPMI medium and incubated at 37°C in 5% CO2.
• Neutrophils were additionally cultured with one or more of the following: GM-CSF (10 ng/ml), SLE patient IgG or normal human IgG (20 ug/ml), with 10 ng/ml of GM-CSF, or with SLE patient sera or normal human sera (50 ul/ml) alone (without GM-CSF).
• GM-CSF 10 ng/ml
• SLE patient IgG or normal human IgG (20 ug/ml) or with SLE patient sera or normal human sera (50 ul/ml) alone (without GM-CSF).
• ICs prepared IC containing solutions as described in“Generation of model immune complexes” were mixed thoroughly before use and cells were incubated with IOmI/ml of IC solution 1 plus IOmI/ml of IC solution 2 (OVA, FITC-OVA, NIP-OVA or BSA containing ICs).
• soluble OVA, FITC-OVA, NIP-OVA or BSA were used at 1.5 pg/ml, amounts that are equivalent to that contained in their respective ICs.
• soluble OVA, FITC-OVA, NIP-OVA or BSA were used at 1.5 pg/ml, amounts that are equivalent to that contained in their respective ICs.
• antibodies were incubated with 20ug/ml anti-OVA, anti-BSA or anti-NFP-OVA.
• Neutrophils were incubated for 2 hrs at 37C, 5% C02 in medium in falcon tubes with gentle rocking. Cells were pelleted at 300g, washed with PBS and cultured in RPMI medium supplemented with lOng/ml of GM-CSF.
• Peripheral blood was drawn from healthy human volunteers into tubes containing trisodium citrate, citric acid and dextrose (Vacutainer ACD Solution A, BD).
• Autologous serum used for culture of cells was obtained by drawing blood into BD VacutainerTM Venous Blood Collection Tubes SST, centrifuging at 2500xg for 30 min and collecting the supernatant.
• blood was supplemented with GM- CSF (10 ng/ml) for 30 min at 37°C followed by addition of FITC-IgG isotype control or FcyRIIIB (3G8)-FITC-OVA conjugate for 2 h.
• Hetasep (STEMCELL Technologies) according to manufacturer protocols to deplete red blood cells and enrich leukocytes.
• the leukocyte-rich plasma layer was washed with PBS and the residual red blood cells were lysed using ammonium chloride solution for 10 minutes on ice, washed with PBS and resuspended in RPMI 1640 with L-glutamine and 25mM HEPES, which was supplemented with 2.5% autologous serum and
• penicillin/streptomycin 50 U/ml penicillin and 50 pg/ml streptomycin.
• 2x10 6 cells were plated in 6-well plates in 2 ml of medium supplemented with 10 ng/ml of GM-CSF or 50 m ⁇ /ml of serum from healthy donors of from SLE patients. After 48 hours, cells were harvested using Accutase and evaluated for dendritic cell differentiation by flow cytometry as described.
• Flow cytometry was performed on either a FACSCanto II or LSRFortessa- 12- color analyzers.
• FCS flow cytometry standard format
• 3.0 data file was used to export data that was analyzed using FlowJo (Mac version 10.5).
• Compensation controls were created for each fluorochrome.
• BD multicolor compensation beads were stained as compensation controls for FITC, Pe, Pe/Cy7, PerCP Cy5.5, APC, APC/Cy7, BV421 and BV605.
• cells were stained with the Fixable Viability Dye eFluor 780 (ThermoFisher) to gate out dead cells.
• FSC-A Forward and side scatter gates were used to discriminate doublets and debris (FSC-A, FSC-H, SSC-A x SSC-H). Matched isotypes were used as controls, negative gating was based on FMO (fluorescence minus one) strategy. Only viable cells were included for the studies.
• FACS buffer PBS supplemented with 2% FCS and 2mM EDTA
• mouse BD Fc block or human TruStain FcX 20 min at 4C.
• Samples were incubated with the indicated fluorochrome- conjugated antibodies for 30 min at 4C, washed with PBS and fixed with 1%
• CD1 lc For phenotypic and functional analysis of bone marrow derived neutrophils and NDDC, antibodies for the following cell surface markers were used: CD1 lc, MHC-II, Ly6G, CD80, CD86 and CCR7 (see Table 2.1 for details). Within the viable population of lineage negative (CD3, NK1.1 and CD 19), CDl lc + and MHC-II + events were gated and Ly6G expression was analyzed. The CD1 lc + MHC-II + and Ly6G + population was further analyzed for expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD80, CD86 and the migratory marker CCR7. The CD1 lc gates were based on FMO controls and CD80,
• CD86 and CCR7 were based on isotype and FMO controls. Displayed numbers are CD1 lc + , MHC-II + and Ly6G + events expressed as %.
• CD 103 and CD8a were analyzed further on CD1 lc + , MHC-II + and Ly6G + population.
• FITC and Ly6G gates were set based on isotype control.
• Anti-Ly6G was coupled with APC fluorochrome.
• anti-CD3, -CD4 and -CD8 antibodies were used.
• Singlets of CD3 + , CD4 + or CD8 + viable cells were gated for further analysis. Histograms are from one representative donor, display populations of CFSE+ events (filled histogram) and were set based on isotype controls. Clear histograms indicate day 0 staining of CFSE + events.
• Flow cytometric analysis of human blood neutrophils and dendritic cells To evaluate cell markers in circulating leukocytes in whole blood of SLE patients and paired normal controls, 100 pL of blood was incubated with antibodies for the following surface markers: CD10, CD15, CD1 lc, MHC-II, CD80, CCR7 (see Table 2.2). Within the viable population of lineage negative (CD3, CD19 and CD56), CD11 c + and MHC-II + events were gated and CD 10 and CD 15 expression was analyzed. The CD1 lc + MHC-II + , CD10 + and CD 15+ population was further analyzed for CD80 and CCR7 markers. The DC subset markers Clec9a, XCR1 and CD141 were also evaluated. Red blood cells were lysed using lysis buffer (BD Pharm Lyse) and the samples were analyzed by flow cytometry in an LSR Fortessa cytometer (BD bioscience).
• lysis buffer BD Pharm Lyse
• cells from the indicated genotypes were cultured with FITC-OVA or FITC-OVA-anti-OVA model immune complexes generated as detailed above. At the indicated times, cells were collected, stained with anti-Ly6G and subjected to FACs analysis.
• FITC-IgG isotype control or anti-FcYRIIIB (3G8)-FITC-OVA antibody conjugate (8.5 to 12.5 pg/ml) with gentle agitation on a rocking table for the indicated times.
• Samples were then treated with ammonium chloride solution (STEMCELL Technologies #07800) for 10 minutes on ice to lyse red blood cells, washed with PBS and subjected to FACS analysis with the indicated antibodies: anti-CDIO, -CD15 -CD16 (REA-589) - CD16(3G8) and -CD32 (IV3).
• Neutrophils isolated from WT or MyD88/TRIF-/ mice were incubated with PBS (vehicle), OVA or OVA-anti-OVA ICs for 2hrs and cultured in RPMI medium (RPMI 1640 with L-glutamine and 25 mM HEPES, supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and penicillin/streptomycin (50 U/ml penicillin and 50 pg/ml streptomycin) with 10 ng/ml GM-CSF. After 3 days, non-adherent cells were gently removed and the remaining adherent cells were detached with Accutase.
• mice were injected intravenously into Isofluorane anesthetized mice 7 days prior to inoculation of B16F10-OVA cells.
• 100 m ⁇ of PBS solution containing the 3G8 (anti-FcyRIIIB)-FITC- OVA (30 pg) or FITC-OVA (12 pg) was injected i.v. into mice 6 hrs after an intraperitoneal injection of 5pg of GM-CSF. 4 additional daily injections of GM-CSF were given. 10 days after 3G8-OVA conjugate or FITC-OVA injection, mice were challenged with a subcutaneous injection of 2xl0 5 B16F10-OVA cells.
• mice were injected retro orbitally with 30 pg of 3G8 (anti-FcyRIIIB)-FITC-OVA.
• Blood samples were taken at the indicated times and subjected to red blood cell lysis using ACK lysis buffer, washed with PBS and analyzed by FACS with antibodies for the following markers: Ly6G, CD1 lc, CD1 lb, MHC-II, CD80 and CCR7 (Fig 4A); Ly6C, CD115, CD16(REA-589) and CD32 (Fig S3).
• Spleens were harvested after 3 days and processed as described in organ harvest section. OTI and OTII proliferation assays in vitro and in vivo :
• T-cells from the ovalbumin specific transgenic OT-I and OT-II mice were isolated from spleen and lymph nodes by positive selection. Cells were enriched with microbeads conjugated to anti-mouse CD8a (Ly-2) (Miltenyi) for enrichment of CD8+ T-cells or anti-mouse CD4 (L3T4) (Miltenyi) for CD4 + T-cell enrichment. Final preparations contained 85-90% CD8 + or CD4 + T-cells.
• NDDC NDDC were pulsed with 1 m/ml OVA257-26424hrs prior to the addition of T cells.
• OT-I and OT-II cells were resuspended in PBS (10 7 cells/ml) containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin (Sigma) and incubated with CellTrace Violet at 5 mM for 20 min at 37C. The reaction was stopped with 10% FCS and the cells were washed twice with cold PBS and resuspended in RPMI supplemented with 10% FCS, L-glutamine and pen/strep. NDDC were co incubated with 2x105 CellTrace Violet-labeled OT-I or OT-II cells. After 3 days of culture with OT-I or 5 days with OT-II, cells were washed with PBS and stained for analysis by flow cytometry.
• OT-I and OT-II cells were labeled with CellTrace Violet dye as described for in vitro assays.
• Cells were resuspended in PBS and injected i.v. (3x10 6 cells/mouse) into recipient mice that had received an i.v. injection of 30 ug of FCYRIIIB- FITC-OVA conjugate at day -10.
• mice were euthanized and cells from the spleen were harvested and stained for flow cytometry analysis.
• Recipient mice were injected with 30 ug of FcyRIIIB-FITC-OVA at day -7.
• target splenocytes were generated by harvesting spleens from WT naive mice and incubating half the cells with (“pulsed”) half without (“unpulsed”) 1 pg/ml OVA257-264 (SIINFEKL Analytical Biotechnology Services, Boston) for 1 hr at 37C in RPMI supplemented withl0% FCS.
• the cells were washed and resuspended in PBS and the pulsed and unpulsed cells were labelled with 6 mM CellTrace Violet (Thermofisher, C34557) (pulsed) or 1 mM CellTrace Violet (unpulsed) respectively for 20 min at 37C.
• the cells were washed and resuspended in PBS, and lxlO 6 pulsed and lxlO 6 unpulsed cells were injected i.v. into the indicated recipient mice. 16 hours later, spleens from recipient mice were harvested and assessed for loss of pulsed targets by flow cytometry.
• B16F10 cells expressing soluble OVA were cultured in vitro in DMEM/high glucose supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and maintained at sub-confluent density.
• Mice were anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of a ketamine/xylazine cocktail (90 mg/kg ketamine, 10 mg/kg xylazine), shaved and injected in the flank subcutaneously with 2x10 5 tumor cells in 100 m ⁇ HBSS. Tumors were measured with a caliper every 1-2 days once palpable in any one group (long diameter and short diameter) and tumor volume was calculated using an ellipsoid formula (l/2XDxd 2 ) where D and d are the longer and shorter diameter respectively.
• mice were given 100 pg of the anti-CD4 or anti-CD8 antibody or isotype controls via an intraperitoneal injection at the indicated days. Organs and tumors were surgically removed and processed within 30 minutes of removal.
• DTH Delayed type hypersensitivity
• OVA-IC or OVA fed neutrophils were cultured in the presence of GM-CSF. 3 days later, non-adherent cells were discarded and adherent cells were harvested using Accutase and lxlO 6 NNDC were injected i.v. into wild type recipient mice. 7 days after immunization, 50 pg of soluble OVA in 100 m ⁇ PBS was injected into the right rear foot pad and an equal volume of PBS was injected in the left rear foot pad and served as a control. Paw swelling was measured on day 0 before OVA injection and 24 hours after OVA challenge using digital calipers. The magnitude of the DTH response was calculated as the thickness after and before OVA challenge. For histological analyses of the DTH response, paws were collected, fixed in formalin solution, neutral buffered, 10% (Sigma, HT-50-14-120ml) and processed for H&E staining using standard
• mice 12- weeks-old mice were preimmunized subcutaneously with 0.05 mg of rabbit IgG (Thermofisher #31235) with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (Thermo) and nonviable desiccated Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (Difco, Michigan) at day -3 and given an intravenous injection of 100 pL nephrotoxic serum (NTS) at day 0.
• Control animals received an injection of PBS at day -3 and an intravenous injection of PBS at day 0.
• Spot urine samples were collected at the indicated time points and mice were euthanized for histological and FACS analysis at day 14.
• Kidneys were harvested using Collagenase Type II/Hyaluronidase (StemCell Technologies) and draining lymph nodes, non-draining lymph nodes and spleen were harvested as described above for the B16F 10 tumor model. Td-tomato+ cells were gated, analyzed for CD1 lc and MHC-II expression and positive cells were evaluated for CD80 and CD86 expression. Subset DC marker analysis included CD8a, XCR1 and CD 103.
• mice were resuspended in 25 m ⁇ of PBS and injected into the right hind footpad of wild- type C57B1/6 mice at day 0. (10-10.5) x 10 6 OT-1 b-actin-GFP cells in 200 m ⁇ PBS were injected i.v. 30 minutes before NDDC injection. At day 3 after NDDC injection, mice were anesthetized with a mixture of ketamine (50 mg kg-1) and xylazine (10 mg kg-1) injected intraperitoneally.
• ketamine 50 mg kg-1
• xylazine 10 mg kg-1
• the jugular vein of the anesthetized mice was cannulated to allow intravenous delivery of Qtracker 655 Vascular dye as well as additional anesthetics if required.
• the right popliteal lymph node was prepared microsurgically and positioned on a custom-made microscope stage for intravital microscopy. During microsurgery, attention was given to spare blood vessels and afferent lymph vessels.
• the exposed lymph node was submerged in normal saline, covered in glass coverslip with a thermocouple placed next to the lymph node to monitor local temperature which was maintained at 37°C. Two-photon intravital imaging was performed with an upright microscope (Prairie Technologies) and a water-immersion 20X objective (0.95 numerical aperture).
• a MaiTai Tksapphire laser (Spectra-Physics) was tuned to 870nm and 900 nm for two-photon excitation and second harmonic generation. Images of xy sections (512x512 pixels) were acquired every 1.5-2 seconds for 5 minutes (analysis) or 10 minutes (videos) with electronic zoom varying from IX to 3X. Emitted light and second- harmonic signals were directed through 450/80-nm, 525/50-nm and 630/120-nm bandpass filters and detected with non-descanned detectors. Files were saved as multiple TIF images and imported into FIJI (Schindelin et al, Nat Methods 9, 676-682 (2012)) for analysis or Imaris software (Bitplane) for export as videos
• Models were fitted using maximum likelihood, and likelihood ratio tests were used to test whether slopes differed across groups and whether inclusion of quadratic terms improved model fit. Models were fitted using the Mixed routine in STATA version 13. A model adding the quadratic term was not significantly better than the model assuming linearity over time with separate slopes per group.
• Fig. 5A purified murine bone marrow derived neutrophils (Fig. 5A) incubated with immune-complexes (IC) in the presence of GM-CSF assumed a phenotype similar to DCs (CD1 lc + MHCII + ) at a significantly higher frequency than neutrophils cultured in GM-CSF alone while retaining their expression of the neutrophil marker, Ly6G (Fig. 1A and Fig. 5B).
• ICs also enhanced maturation, which was characterized by increased expression of co-stimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86) and CCR7 (Fig. 1 A) required for optimal T cell responses and DC migration to secondary lymphoid organs, respectively 16 .
• XCR1, CD103 and CD8a surface markers of the so-called DC1 subset, which is specialized to cross-present exogenous antigens to CD8 T cells 2 were detected on DCs generated in the presence of GM-CSF alone and were not further enhanced by ICs (Fig. 5C).
• Siglec-A a marker of plasmacytoid DCs was not observed in any of the groups (Fig. 5C).
• the acquisition of DC-like features was also enhanced when murine neutrophils were incubated with ICs present in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (Fig. IB, Fig.
• NDDC The frequency of NDDC that expressed the co-stimulatory molecule CD80, CCR7 and DC subset marker Clec9A, but not CD141, correlated with lupus clinical scores (Fig. 1C-D, Fig. 5F).
• anti-GBM anti-glomerular basement
• Fig. IE a surrogate of lupus nephritis, NDDCs were increased in renal tissue, draining lymph nodes and spleen compared to naive animals.
• Neutrophils from FcR g-chain deficient mice failed to differentiate in response to SLE serum demonstrating a requirement for activating FcyRs in the process (Fig. IF).
• differentiation to NDDC was observed in neutrophils isolated from y /_ mice expressing human FcyRIIA (FcyRIIA/y 7 ) or FcyRIIIB (FcyRIIIB/y 7 ) selectively on neutrophils 13 (Fig. IF), suggesting that either of the two human activating FcyRs support neutrophil conversion into DCs.
• NDDCs remained viable for at least 9 days in culture (Fig. IF).
• a (vaccine) treatment of neutrophils isolated from y _/ mice expressing human FcyRIIIB (FcyRIIIB y ) converted the neutrophils to NDDCs.
• treated neutrophils from y _/ mice or y _/ mice expressing human FcyRIIA (FcyRIIA/y 7 ) showed no conversion (Fig. 1G).
• TLR Toll-like receptor
• NDDCs derived from neutrophils fed OVA-IC also robustly activated naive CD4 T cells and these were more effective than those derived from neutrophils fed soluble OVA (Fig. 2C).
• DCs differentiated from g _/ neutrophils were defective in OVA- IC dependent activation of CD4 and CD8 T cells while the same directly loaded with OVA peptide exhibited normal CD8 T cell proliferation.
• NDDCs from g _/ neutrophils expressing either FcyRIIA or FcyRIIIB supported activation of both T cell subsets (Fig. 2B-C). TLRs were not required as T cell proliferation was similar in DCs originated from OVA-IC loaded WT and MYD88/TRIF 7 neutrophils (Fig. 2D).
• OVA-IC generated NDDCs injected locally into the footpad of mice accumulated in the draining popliteal LN where they displayed active dendrite extensions and prolonged contacts with CD8 + T cells (Fig. 3B).
• OVA-IC generated NDDCs exhibited the capacity to accumulate in secondary lymphoid organs where they activate T cell function.
• OVA-IC generated NDDCs were active in a delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) model 25 , which has been reported to rely on a CD4 Thl -driven recall response to antigen and subsequent neutrophil-rich inflammatory response 26 . That is, mice receiving OVA-IC generated NDDCs i.v. followed 7 days later by soluble OVA subcutaneously in the footpad developed tissue swelling and immune cell infiltration.
• DTH delayed type hypersensitivity
• mice prophylactically immunized with OVA generated NDDCs developed large tumors with volumes that were slightly reduced compared to mice receiving no OVA immunization (Fig. 3D).
• tumor growth was completely inhibited in mice given OVA-IC generated NDDC (Fig. 3D).
• the anti tumor response in the latter was associated with the accumulation of OVA specific CD8 + T cells in the spleen and draining lymph node (Fig. 3D). Tumor growth in immunized mice was dependent solely on CD8 and not CD4 T cells as assessed with immunodepleting antibodies (Fig. 3E).
• Antigen conjugated to antibody that targets endocytic receptors on classical, monocyte derived DCs can induce antigen specific T cell responses and immunity in mice when combined with TLRs 1 .
• TLRs 1 TLRs 1 .
• targeting FcyRIIIB on blood neutrophils would deliver DC differentiation signals specifically to neutrophils to both generate large numbers of antigen-presenting cells and deliver antigen via an FcyR that promotes antigen cross-presentation.
• Analysis of blood within 3.5 hrs of 3G8-OVA injection revealed internalization of the conjugate and FCYRIIIB in neutrophils as assessed by evaluating surface levels of the receptor, while FCYRIIA remained at the surface (Fig. 7A).
• Ly6G + cells that expressed CD1 lc and MHCII, co-stimulatory markers and CCR7 were detected in the blood while 3G8-OVA labelling and DC differentiation markers were not observed in similarly treated g _/ mice (Fig. 4A).
• 3G8-OVA conjugate also resulted in NDDCs in the spleen, assessed 72 hrs after i.v. injection (Fig. 4A).
• FCYRIIIB and FCYRIIA expressed downstream of the MRP8 promoter was detected on a proportion of CD115 + monocytes 13 that are also Ly6C + (Fig. 7B).
• mice i.v. with recombinant GM-CSF were treated mice i.v. with recombinant GM-CSF for five consecutive days that began on the day of 3G8-OVA immunization.
• GM-CSF rendered the B16F10-OVA tumor responsive to the 3G8-OVA conjugate (Fig. 4D, Fig. 7D) that correlated with the generation of OVA-specific CD8 effector T cells, an increase of the CD8 to Treg ratio in the spleen (Fig. 4E, Fig.
• neutrophils given 3G8-OVA had significantly greater expression of CD1 l c, MUCH, co-stimulatory molecules and CCR7 compared to those treated with isotype control (Fig. 4G).
• Human DC subsets with antigen cross-presenting capabilities express XCR1, CD 141 and Clec9A 31 .
• XCR1 was increased in neutrophils given 3G8-OVA versus isotype control while CD 141 expression was high but comparable between the two groups and the small increase in Clec9A was not statistically significant (Fig. 4H).
• Neutrophils were isolated from a normal human volunteer (normal), Patient 1 (diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia) or Patient 2 (diagnosed with myeloid dysplastic syndrome, with driver mutations as determined by a rapid heme panel) and autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were frozen down.
• the isolated neutrophils were incubated with media alone, a n t i - F cy R 111 B - O VA conjugate (Vaccine) or the isotype control of non-FcyRIIIB binding antibody (Isotype) in the presence of GM-CSF.
• PBMCs were defrosted, T cells were isolated and autologous T cells were incubated with cognate cultures of neutrophils/NDDCs at a ratio of 4: 1. Co-cultures were done in triplicates. After 18hrs of co-culture, an IFNy ELISPOT assay, which detects IFN generation by activated T cells was performed. Each spot represented an individual cell secreting cytokine.
• NDDCs were generated in these patients, as assessed by the expression of DC markers outlined in FIG 1. The NDDCs were incubated with autologous T cells from the same patient, which would be predicted to have T cells reactive against tumor neoantigens albeit in low abundance.
• Influenza-infected neutrophils within the infected lungs act as antigen presenting cells for anti-viral CD8(+) T cells.
• IL-15/IL-15Ralpha/CD80- expressing AML cell vaccines eradicate minimal residual disease in leukemic mice.
• Neutrophils may be a vehicle for viral replication and dissemination in human H5N1 avian influenza. Clin Infect Dis 47, 1575-1578.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Immunology (AREA)
• Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
• Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
• Organic Chemistry (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
• Proteomics, Peptides & Aminoacids (AREA)
• General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Zoology (AREA)
• Microbiology (AREA)
• Gastroenterology & Hepatology (AREA)
• Mycology (AREA)
• Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
• Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
• Cell Biology (AREA)
• Biochemistry (AREA)
• Biophysics (AREA)
• Molecular Biology (AREA)
• Peptides Or Proteins (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Hematology (AREA)
• Medicines Containing Antibodies Or Antigens For Use As Internal Diagnostic Agents (AREA)
• Biotechnology (AREA)
• Medicines That Contain Protein Lipid Enzymes And Other Medicines (AREA)
• Medicines Containing Material From Animals Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)
• Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
• Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)
• Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
• Developmental Biology & Embryology (AREA)
• Virology (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)

Priority Applications (2)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=71735513

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Cited By (2)

Families Citing this family (2)

Citations (8)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 2020
  • 2020-01-22 WO PCT/US2020/014642 patent/WO2020154424A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2020-01-22 JP JP2021542444A patent/JP7670614B2/ja active Active
  • 2020-01-22 US US17/424,431 patent/US12589140B2/en active Active

Patent Citations (8)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events