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Induction of tumor-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTLs) via immunization relies on the presentation of tumor-associated peptides in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules by dendritic cells (DCs). To achieve presentation of exogenous peptides into MHC class I, cytosolic processing and cross-presentation are required. Vaccination strategies aiming to induce tumor-specific CD8+ T cells via this exogenous route therefore pose a challenge. In this study, we describe improved CD8+ T cell induction and in vivo tumor suppression of mono-palmitic acid-modified (C16:0) antigenic peptides, which can be attributed to their unique processing route, efficient receptor-independent integration within lipid bilayers, and continuous intracellular accumulation and presentation through MHC class I. We propose that this membrane-integrating feature of palmitoylated peptides can be exploited as a tool for quick and efficient antigen enrichment and MHC class I loading. Importantly, both DCs and non-professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), similar to tumor cells, facilitate anti-tumor immunity by efficient CTL priming via DCs and effective recognition of tumors through enhanced presentation of antigens., Graphical abstract, A dual loading vaccination strategy with palmitoylated peptides is developed to induce robust anti-tumor immunity. Dendritic cells are loaded with palmitoylated peptides to activate antigen-specific T cells, while tumor cells are loaded with palmitoylated peptides to present epitopes for enhanced recognition by antigen-specific T cells.

Monocytes are antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that play diverse roles in promoting or regulating inflammatory responses, but their role in T cell stimulation is not well defined. In inflammatory conditions, monocytes frequently show increased expression of CD169/Siglec-1, a type-I interferon (IFN-I)-regulated protein. However, little is known about the phenotype and function of these CD169+ monocytes. Here, we have investigated the phenotype of human CD169+ monocytes in different diseases, their capacity to activate CD8+ T cells, and the potential for a targeted-vaccination approach. Using spectral flow cytometry, we detected CD169 expression by CD14+ CD16- classical and CD14+ CD16+ intermediate monocytes and unbiased analysis showed that they were distinct from dendritic cells, including the recently described CD14-expressing DC3. CD169+ monocytes expressed higher levels of co-stimulatory and HLA molecules, suggesting an increased activation state. IFNα treatment highly upregulated CD169 expression on CD14+ monocytes and boosted their capacity to cross-present antigen to CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, we observed CD169+ monocytes in virally-infected patients, including in the blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of COVID-19 patients, as well as in the blood of patients with different types of cancers. Finally, we evaluated two CD169-targeting nanovaccine platforms, antibody-based and liposome-based, and we showed that CD169+ monocytes efficiently presented tumor-associated peptides gp100 and WT1 to antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, our data indicate that CD169+ monocytes are activated monocytes with enhanced CD8+ T cell stimulatory capacity and that they emerge as an interesting target in nanovaccine strategies, because of their presence in health and different diseases.

Contains fulltext : 215802.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) The human skin is an attractive anti-tumor vaccination site due to the vast network of dendritic cell (DC) subsets that carry antigens to the draining lymph nodes and stimulate tumor specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in. Specific vaccine delivery to skin DC can be accomplished by targeting glycan coated antigens to C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) such as DC-SIGN expressed by human dermal DCs and Langerin expressed by Langerhans cells (LCs), which facilitate endocytosis and processing for antigen presentation and T cell activation. Although there are multiple human skin DC subsets, targeting individual DC subsets and receptors has been a focus in the past. However, the simultaneous targeting of multiple human skin DC subsets that mobilize the majority of the skin antigen presenting cells (APC) is preferred to accomplish more robust and efficient T cell stimulation. Dual CLR targeting using a single tumor vaccine has been difficult, as we previously showed Langerin to favor binding and uptake of monovalent glyco-peptides whereas DC-SIGN favors binding of larger multivalent glyco-particles such as glyco-liposomes. Methods: We used branched polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers as scaffold for melanoma specific gp100 synthetic long peptides and the common DC-SIGN and Langerin ligand Lewis Y (Le(Y)), to create multivalent glyco-dendrimers with varying molecular weights for investigating dual DC-SIGN and Langerin targeting. Using DC-SIGN(+) monocyte derived DC (moDC) and Langerin(+) primary LC we investigated glyco-dendrimer CLR targeting properties and subsequent gp100 specific CD8(+) T cell activation in vitro. In situ targeting ability to human dermal DC and LC through intradermal injection in a human skin explant model was elucidated. Results: Dual DC-SIGN and Langerin binding was achieved using glyco-dendrimers of approximately 100kD, thereby fulfilling our criteria to simultaneously target LCs and CD1a(+) and CD14(+) dermal DC in situ. Both DC-SIGN and Langerin targeting by glyco-dendrimers resulted in enhanced internalization and gp100 specific CD8(+) T cell activation. Conclusion: We designed the first glyco-vaccine with dual CLR targeting properties, thereby reaching multiple human skin DC subsets in situ for improved anti-tumor CD8(+) T cell responses.

Glycans present in biological glycoconjugates have several structural and functional roles. Elucidation of glycan structure and biological function is critical to understand their role in physiological and pathogenic process, enabling the development of diagnostic methods and disease treatment. Immobilized glycosidases are powerful tools for glycan analysis, as they are able to remove specific carbohydrates without altering the protein structure. Here we describe the individual immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae β-galactosidase and Canavalia ensiformis α-mannosidase onto agarose and silica magnetic nanoparticles activated with cyanate ester groups. High immobilization yields (70-90%) were achieved, keeping above 60% of its original activity. Immobilized glycosidases were effective in the selective deglycosylation of model glycoproteins and a Fasciola hepatica lysate, evidenced by a decrease in specific lectin recognition of 40-50% after enzymatic deglycosylation. Immobilized glycosidases were reused for several deglycosylation cycles without loss of effectiveness. Their use was extended to the elucidation of the glycan role of native glycoconjugates. A decrease in the recognition of lactoferrin treated with α-mannosidase by a C-type lectin receptor, DC-SIGN was found. Also the specific deglycosylation of a F. hepatica lysate demonstrated the relevance of mannosylated glycans in the induction of Th2/Treg immune responses during the infection. Our results show successful immobilization of specific glycosidases in nano-supports and validate their utility to identify glycans biological functions.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are key initiators of the adaptive immunity, and upon recognition of pathogens are able to skew T cell differentiation to elicit appropriate responses. DCs possess this extraordinary capacity to discern external signals using receptors that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns. These can be glycan-binding receptors that recognize carbohydrate structures on pathogens or pathogen-associated patterns that additionally bind receptors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs). This study explores the early signaling events in DCs upon binding of α2-3 sialic acid (α2-3sia) that are recognized by Immune inhibitory Sialic acid binding immunoglobulin type lectins. α2-3sias are commonly found on bacteria, e.g. Group B Streptococcus, but can also be expressed by tumor cells. We investigated whether α2-3sia conjugated to a dendrimeric core alters DC signaling properties. Through phosphoproteomic analysis, we found differential signaling profiles in DCs after α2-3sia binding alone or in combination with LPS/TLR4 co-stimulation. α2-3sia was able to modulate the TLR4 signaling cascade, resulting in 109 altered phosphoproteins. These phosphoproteins were annotated to seven biological processes, including the regulation of the IL-12 cytokine pathway. Secretion of IL-10, the inhibitory regulator of IL-12 production, by DCs was found upregulated after overnight stimulation with the α2-3sia dendrimer. Analysis of kinase activity revealed altered signatures in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. PhosphoSTAT3 (Ser727) and phosphoSTAT5A (Ser780), involved in the regulation of the IL-12 pathway, were both downregulated. Flow cytometric quantification indeed revealed de- phosphorylation over time upon stimulation with α2-3sia, but no α2-6sia. Inhibition of both STAT3 and -5A in moDCs resulted in a similar cytokine secretion profile as α-3sia triggered DCs. Conclusively, this study revealed a specific alteration of the JAK-STAT pathway in DCs upon simultaneous α2-3sia and LPS stimulation, altering the IL10:IL-12 cytokine secretion profile associated with reduction of inflammation. Targeted control of the STAT phosphorylation status is therefore an interesting lead for the abrogation of immune escape that bacteria or tumors impose on the host.

Summary Dendritic cells (DCs) are key in the initiation of the adaptive T cell responses to tailor adequate immunity that corresponds to the type of pathogen encountered. Oppositely, DCs control the resolution phase of inflammation and are able to induce tolerance after receiving anti-inflammatory cytokines or upon encounter of self-associated molecular patterns, such as α2-3 linked sialic acid (α2-3sia). Objective: We here investigated whether α2-3sia, that bind immune inhibitory Siglec receptors, would alter signaling and reprogramming of LPS-stimulated human monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs). Methods and Results: Transcriptomic analysis of moDCs stimulated with α2-3sia-conjugated dendrimers revealed differentially expressed genes related to metabolic pathways, cytokines, and T cell differentiation. An increase in genes involved in ATPase regulator activity, oxidoreductase activity, and glycogen metabolic processes was detected. Metabolic extracellular flux analysis confirmed a more energetic moDC phenotype upon α2-3sia binding as evidenced by an increase in both glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. TH1 differentiation promoting genes IFNL and IL27, were significantly downregulated in the presence of α2-3sia. Functional assays confirmed that α2-3sia binding to moDCs induced phosphorylation of Siglec-9, reduced production of inflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IL-6, and increased IL-10. Surprisingly, α2-3sia-differentiated moDCs promoted FoxP3+CD25+/-CD127- regulatory T cell differentiation and decreased FoxP3-CD25-CD127- effector T cell proliferation. Conclusions: In conclusion, we demonstrate that α2-3sia binding to moDCs, phosphorylates Siglec-9, alters metabolic pathways, cytokine signaling, and T cell differentiation processes in moDCs and promotes regulatory T cells. The sialic acid-Siglec axis on DCs is therefore, a novel target to induce tolerance and to explore for immunotherapeutic interventions aimed to restore inflammatory processes.

Significance Current immunotherapies only benefit a minority of all cancer patients, so it is necessary to develop other strategies to boost patients’ antitumor CD8+ T cell responses. Here, we formulated a liposomal vaccine carrier that selectively delivers tumor antigens and Toll-like receptor agonists to human CD169/Siglec-1+ antigen-presenting cells (APCs) through the incorporation of gangliosides that are natural ligands of CD169. This liposomal vaccine binds to a variety of human CD169+ APCs, including monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) and the recently described Axl+ DCs. Uptake of the vaccine results in robust cross-presentation and activation of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Our findings demonstrate a unique vaccination platform by targeting human CD169+ DCs to stimulate antitumor T cell responses., Priming of CD8+ T cells by dendritic cells (DCs) is crucial for the generation of effective antitumor immune responses. Here, we describe a liposomal vaccine carrier that delivers tumor antigens to human CD169/Siglec-1+ antigen-presenting cells using gangliosides as targeting ligands. Ganglioside-liposomes specifically bound to CD169 and were internalized by in vitro-generated monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) and macrophages and by ex vivo-isolated splenic macrophages in a CD169-dependent manner. In blood, high-dimensional reduction analysis revealed that ganglioside-liposomes specifically targeted CD14+ CD169+ monocytes and Axl+ CD169+ DCs. Liposomal codelivery of tumor antigen and Toll-like receptor ligand to CD169+ moDCs and Axl+ CD169+ DCs led to cytokine production and robust cross-presentation and activation of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Finally, Axl+ CD169+ DCs were present in cancer patients and efficiently captured ganglioside-liposomes. Our findings demonstrate a nanovaccine platform targeting CD169+ DCs to drive antitumor T cell responses.

Background Although promising developments in cancer vaccination have been made, therapeutic effectiveness is often insufficient. Liposomal vaccine effectiveness could be enhanced by antigen encapsulation and incorporation of molecules that actively target to antigen presenting cells to enhance T cell activation. CD169-expressing splenic macrophages are located in the marginal zone and efficiently capture particulate antigens such as viruses and exosomes from the blood circulation. Upon antigen capture CD169+ macrophages transfer antigen to cross-presenting dendritic cells that are responsible for the activation of CD8+ T cells. Methods Here we prepared liposomes that contain a physiological ligand for CD169, the ganglioside GM3, to facilitate uptake by CD169+ macrophages. We assessed how various amounts of targeting molecule GM3, decoration with PEG and liposomal size affected binding and uptake by CD169+ macrophages in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we evaluated the stability of liposomal preparations in plasma. As a proof of concept, we prepared GM3-liposomes with a long ovalbumin peptide and tested the capacity of these liposomes to induce CD8+ and CD4+ T cell activation and compared it to control liposomes and soluble peptide. Results These data indicate that targeting of splenic CD169 macrophages can be optimized by careful selection of constituents of the liposomal delivery vehicle. Moreover, optimized GM3-mediated liposomal targeting to CD169 macrophages results in potent immune responses. Conclusions GM3-mediated liposomal targeting to CD169 macrophages presents as a promising strategy for cancer vaccines Ethics Approval All animal experiments were approved by the local animal welfare body.

In this study we developed a liposome-based vaccine containing palmitoylated synthetic long peptides (SLP) and alpha galactosylceramide (αGC) to specifically target dendritic cells (DC) for activation of both innate (invariant natural killer T-cells [iNKT]) and adaptive (CD8+ T-cells) players of the immune system. Combination of model tumor specific antigens (gp100/MART-1) formulated as a SLP and αGC in one liposome results in strong activation of CD8+ and iNKT, as measured by IFNγ secretion. Moreover, addition of lipo-Lewis Y (LeY) to the liposomes for C-type lectin targeting increased not only uptake by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC), dermal dendritic cells and Langerhans cells but also enhanced gp100-specific CD8+ T- and iNKT cell activation by human skin-emigrated antigen presenting cells in an ex vivo explant model. Loading of moDC with liposomes containing LeY also showed priming of MART-126−35L specific CD8+ T-cells. In conclusion, chemically linking a lipid tail to a glycan-based targeting moiety and SLP combined with αGC in one liposome allows for easy generation of vaccine formulations that target multiple skin DC subsets and induce tumor antigen specific CD8+ T- and iNKT cells. These liposomes present a new vaccination strategy against tumors.

Many tumors display alterations in the biosynthetic pathways of glycosylation, resulting in increased expression of specific tumor-associated glycan structures. Expression of these altered glycan structures is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis. Antigen presenting cells can recognize tumor-associated glycan structures, including the truncated O-glycan Tn antigen, via specific glycan receptors. Tn antigen-mediated activation of the C-type lectin MGL on dendritic cells induces regulatory T cells via the enhanced secretion of IL-10. Although these findings indicate that MGL engagement by glycan ligands can modulate immune responses, the impact of MGL ligation on dendritic cells is still not completely understood. Therefore, we employed RNA sequencing, GO term enrichment and pathway analysis on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells stimulated with two different MGL glycan ligands. Our analyses revealed a reduced expression of genes coding for key enzymes involved in the glycolysis pathway, TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. In concordance with this, extracellular flux analysis confirmed the decrease in glycolytic activity upon MGL triggering in human dendritic cells. To our knowledge, we are the first to report a diminished glycolytic activity of human dendritic cells upon C-type lectin stimulation. Overall, our findings highlight the impact of tumor-associated glycans on dendritic cell biology and metabolism and will increase our understanding on how glycans can shape immunity.

Injection of antigenic peptides has been widely used as a vaccine strategy to boost T cell immunity. However, the poor immunogenicity of single peptides can potentially be strengthened through modification of the tertiary structure and the selection of the accompanying adjuvant. Here, we generated antigenic peptides into non-linear trimers by solid phase peptide synthesis, thereby enhancing antigen presentation by dendritic cells to CD8+ T cells in vitro and in vivo. CD8+ T cells from mice vaccinated with trimers showed an KLRG1+ effector phenotype and were able to recognize and kill antigen-expressing tumor cells ex vivo. Importantly, trimers outperformed synthetic long peptide in terms of T cell response even when equal number of epitopes were used for immunization. To improve the synthesis of trimers containing difficult peptide sequences, we developed a novel small molecule that functions as conjugation platform for synthetic long peptides. This platform, termed Antigen MAtriX (AMAX) improved yield, purity and solubility of trimers over conventional solid phase synthesis strategies. AMAX outperformed synthetic long peptides in terms of both CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses and allowed functionalization with DC-SIGN-binding carbohydrates for in vivo dendritic cell targeting strategies, boosting T cell responses even further. Moreover, we show that agonistic CD40 antibody combined with MF59 (AddaVax) emulsion synergistically improves the antigen-specific T cell response of the AMAX in vivo. Also, tumor-associated antigens and neo-antigens could be incorporated in AMAX for tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Importantly, immunization with a mix of neoantigen AMAX could reduce tumor growth in a pre-clinical syngeneic mouse model. Hence, we provide pre-clinical support for the induction of effector CD8+ T cells through the adaptable AMAX platform as easy implementable peptidic vaccination strategy against any antigen of choice, including neoantigens for anti-tumor immunity.

Human skin is a prime vaccination site containing multiple antigen presenting cells (APC), including Langerhans cells (LC) and dendritic cells (DC). APC deliver antigens to lymph nodes for induction of adaptive immunity through stimulating antigen specific T- and B-cells. Since intradermal (ID) injections require specific training, easy applicable delivery systems like laser microporation are emerging. In mice, combination of laser treatment and allergen injection showed enhanced T-cell responses and skewing of B-cell responses without adjuvants. However, it remains to be elucidated whether laser microporation can alter human skin DC phenotype and function without adjuvants. In an ex-vivo human skin explant model, we compared ID injection and laser microporation as anti-tumor vaccination strategy. A melanoma specific synthetic long peptide and multivalent dendrimer with gp100 antigen were used as vaccine formulation to measure APC phenotype, emigration and ability to stimulate gp100 specific CD8+ T-cells. We show that skin APC phenotype and emigration capacity was similar after laser microporation and ID injection. However, laser microporation reduced vaccine uptake by APC, resulting in decreased induction of gp100 specific CD8+ T-cell activation. To conclude, in our human skin model ID injection remains the most potent strategy to deliver antigens to skin APC for T-cell induction.Graphical Abstract

Contains fulltext : 215800.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Glioblastoma is the most prevalent and aggressive primary brain tumour for which total tumour lysate-pulsed dendritic cell vaccination is currently under clinical evaluation. Glioblastoma extracellular vesicles (EVs) may represent an enriched cell-free source of tumour-associated (neo-) antigens to pulse dendritic cells (DCs) for the initiation of an anti-tumour immune response. Capture and uptake of EVs by DCs could occur in a receptor-mediated and presumably glycan-dependent way, yet the glycan composition of glioblastoma EVs is unknown. Here, we set out to characterize the glycocalyx composition of glioblastoma EVs by lectin-binding ELISA and comprehensive immunogold transmission electron microscopy (immuno-TEM). The surface glycan profile of human glioblastoma cell line-derived EVs (50-200 nm) was dominated by alpha-2,3- and alpha-2,6 linked sialic acid-capped complex N-glycans and bi-antennary N-glycans. Since sialic acids can trigger immune inhibitory sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin (Siglec) receptors, we screened for Siglec ligands on the EVs. Glioblastoma EVs showed significant binding to Siglec-9, which is highly expressed on DCs. Surprisingly, however, glioblastoma EVs lack glycans that could bind Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular adhesion molecule-3-Grabbing Non-integrin (DC-SIGN, CD209), a receptor that mediates uptake and induction of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell activation. Therefore, we explored whether modification of the EV glycan surface could reduce immune inhibitory Siglec binding, while enhancing EV internalization by DCs in a DC-SIGN dependent manner. Desialylation with a pan-sialic acid hydrolase led to reduction of sialic acid expression on EVs. Moreover, insertion of a high-affinity ligand (Lewis(Y)) for DC-SIGN resulted in a four-fold increase of uptake by monocyte-derived DCs. In conclusion, we show that the glycocalyx composition of EVs is a key factor of efficient DC targeting and that modification of the EV glycocalyx potentiates EVs as anti-cancer vaccine.

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves a misdirected immune attack against myelin in the brain and spinal cord, leading to profound neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. While the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis have been widely studied, the suppression mechanisms that lead to the resolution of the autoimmune response are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of the C-type lectin receptor macrophage galactose-type lectin (MGL), usually expressed on tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells (APCs), as a negative regulator of autoimmune-driven neuroinflammation. Methods We used in silico, immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and flow cytometry analysis to explore the expression and functionality of MGL in human macrophages and microglia, as well as in MS post-mortem tissue. In vitro, we studied the capacity of MGL to mediate apoptosis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)-derived T cells and mouse CD4+ T cells. Finally, we evaluated in vivo and ex vivo the immunomodulatory potential of MGL in EAE. Results MGL plays a critical role in the resolution phase of EAE as MGL1-deficient (Clec10a−/−) mice showed a similar day of onset but experienced a higher clinical score to that of WT littermates. We demonstrate that the mouse ortholog MGL1 induces apoptosis of autoreactive T cells and diminishes the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory autoantibodies. Moreover, we show that MGL1 but not MGL2 induces apoptosis of activated mouse CD4+ T cells in vitro. In human settings, we show that MGL expression is increased in active MS lesions and on alternatively activated microglia and macrophages which, in turn, induces the secretion of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10, underscoring the clinical relevance of this lectin. Conclusions Our results show a new role of MGL-expressing APCs as an anti-inflammatory mechanism in autoimmune neuroinflammation by dampening pathogenic T and B cell responses, uncovering a novel clue for neuroprotective therapeutic strategies with relevance for in MS clinical applications. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12974-019-1522-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The lack of tumor-reactive T cells is one reason why immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies still fail in a significant proportion of melanoma patients. A vaccination that induces melanoma-specific T cells could potentially enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we describe a vaccination strategy in which melanoma antigens are targeted to mouse and human CD169 and thereby induce strong melanoma antigen-specific T cell responses. CD169 is a sialic acid receptor expressed on a subset of mouse splenic macrophages that captures antigen from the blood and transfers it to dendritic cells (DCs). In human and mouse spleen, we detected CD169+ cells at an equivalent location using immunofluorescence microscopy. Immunization with melanoma antigens conjugated to antibodies (Abs) specific for mouse CD169 efficiently induced gp100 and Trp2-specific T cell responses in mice. In HLA-A2.1 transgenic mice targeting of the human MART-1 peptide to CD169 induced strong MART-1-specific HLA-A2.1-restricted T cell responses. Human gp100 peptide conjugated to Abs specific for human CD169 bound to CD169-expressing monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) and resulted in activation of gp100-specific T cells. Together, these data indicate that Ab-mediated antigen targeting to CD169 is a potential strategy for the induction of melanoma-specific T cell responses in mice and in humans.

Sialic acids are negatively charged nine-carbon carboxylated monosaccharides that often cap glycans on glycosylated proteins and lipids. Because of their strategic location at the cell surface, sialic acids contribute to interactions that are critical for immune homeostasis via interactions with sialic acid-binding Ig-type lectins (siglecs). In particular, these interactions may be of importance in cases where sialic acids may be overexpressed, such as on certain pathogens and tumors. We now demonstrate that modification of antigens with sialic acids (Sia-antigens) regulates the generation of antigen-specific regulatory T (Treg) cells via dendritic cells (DCs). Additionally, DCs that take up Sia-antigen prevent formation of effector CD4(+) and CD8(+)T cells. Importantly, the regulatory properties endowed on DCs upon Sia-antigen uptake are antigen-specific: only T cells responsive to the sialylated antigen become tolerized. In vivo, injection of Sia-antigen-loaded DCs increased de novo Treg-cell numbers and dampened effector T-cell expansion and IFN-γ production. The dual tolerogenic features that Sia-antigen imposed on DCs are Siglec-E-mediated and maintained under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, loading DCs with Sia-antigens not only inhibited the function of in vitro-established Th1 and Th17 effector T cells but also significantly dampened ex vivo myelin-reactive T cells, present in the circulation of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. These data indicate that sialic acid-modified antigens instruct DCs in an antigen-specific tolerogenic programming, enhancing Treg cells and reducing the generation and propagation of inflammatory T cells. Our data suggest that sialylation of antigens provides an attractive way to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance.

The potential of the skin immune system to generate immune responses is well established, and the skin is actively exploited as a vaccination site. Human skin contains several antigen-presenting cell subsets with specialized functions. In particular, the capacity to cross-present exogenous antigens to CD8+ T cells is of interest for the design of effective immunotherapies against viruses or cancer. Here, we show that primary human Langerhans cells (LCs) were able to cross-present a synthetic long peptide (SLP) to CD8+T cells. In addition, modification of this SLP using antibodies against the receptor langerin, but not dectin-1, further enhanced the cross-presenting capacity of LCs through routing of internalized antigens to less proteolytic early endosome antigen 1+early endosomes. The potency of LCs to enhance CD8+T-cell responses could be further increased through activation of LCs with the toll-like receptor 3 ligand polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (pI:C). Altogether, the data provide evidence that human LCs are able to cross-present antigens after langerin-mediated internalization. Furthermore, the potential for antigen modification to target LCs specifically provides a rationale for generating effective anti-tumor or anti-viral cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses.

DC-SIGN is an antigen uptake receptor expressed on dendritic cells (DCs) with specificity for glycans present on a broad variety of pathogens and is capable of directing its cargo to MHC-I and MHC-II pathways for the induction of CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses, respectively. Therefore, DC-SIGN is a very promising target for the delivery of antigen for anti-cancer vaccination. Although the endocytic route leading to MHC-II presentation is characterized to a large extent, the mechanisms controlling DC-SIGN targeted cross-presentation of exogenous peptides on MHC-I, are not completely resolved yet. In this paper, we used imaging flow cytometry and antigen-specific CD8+ T cells to investigate the intracellular fate of DC-SIGN and its cargo in human DCs. Our data demonstrates that immature DCs and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) stimulated DCs had similar internalization capacity and were both able to cross-present antigen targeted via DC-SIGN. Interestingly, simultaneous triggering of TLR4 and DC-SIGN on DCs resulted in the translocation of cargo to the cytosol, leading to proteasome-dependent processing and increased CD8+ T cell activation. Understanding the dynamics of DC-SIGN-mediated uptake and processing is essential for the design of optimal DC-SIGN-targeting vaccination strategies aimed at enhancing CD8+ T cell responses.

339977 The efficacy of vaccination studies aimed at targeting antigens to human DC-SIGN (hDC-SIGN) have been notoriously difficult to study in vivo, as eight dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) homologs have been described in mice. CD209a/SIGNR5 has been coined as the mouse DC-SIGN (mDC-SIGN) ortholog, based on its expression and location in the genome. Nonetheless, which properties of hDC-SIGN are covered by mDC-SIGN is poorly investigated. One of the most important functions of DC-SIGN is the induction of adaptive immunity. As such, the aim of this study is to determine the capability of mDC-SIGN to induce adaptive immune responses. Here, we show that mDC-SIGN is expressed on GM-CSF cultured bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and macrophages. However, mDC-SIGN is an internalizing receptor which, unlike hDC-SIGN, quickly resurfaces after internalization. Binding of OVA-coupled anti-mDC-SIGN antibody by BMDCs leads to quick internalization, processing, and presentation to antigen-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, which can be boosted using the TLR4 ligand, monophosphoryl lipid A. In the homeostatic condition, mDC-SIGN is mostly expressed on myeloid cells in the skin and spleen. A subcutaneous injection of fluorescent anti-mDC-SIGN reveals specific targeting to mDC-SIGN+ skin dendritic cells (DCs) and monocyte-derived DCs in situ. A subcutaneous vaccination strategy containing OVA-coupled anti-mDC-SIGN antibody generated antigen-specific polyfunctional CD8+ T cell and CD4+ T cell responses and a strong isotype-switched OVA-specific antibody response in vivo. We conclude that mDC-SIGN shows partly overlapping similarities to hDC-SIGN and that targeting mDC-SIGN provides a valuable approach to investigate the immunological function of DC-SIGN in vivo. This work was supported by the European Research Council Advanced grant 339977 to YK, SS, LK, and MC. Sí

Tuberculosis remains a major global health problem and efforts to develop a more effective vaccine have been unsuccessful so far. Targeting antigens (Ags) to dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo has emerged as a new promising vaccine strategy. In this approach, Ags are delivered directly to DCs via antibodies that bind to endocytic cell-surface receptors. Here, we explored DC-specific-ICAM3-grabbing-nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) targeting as a potential vaccine against tuberculosis. For this, we made use of the hSIGN mouse model that expresses human DC-SIGN under the control of the murine CD11c promoter. We show that in vitro and in vivo delivery of anti-DC-SIGN antibodies conjugated to Ag85B and peptide 25 of Ag85B in combination with anti-CD40, the fungal cell wall component zymosan, and the cholera toxin-derived fusion protein CTA1-DD induces strong Ag-specific CD4+ T-cell responses. Improved anti-mycobacterial immunity was accompanied by increased frequencies of Ag-specific IFN-γ+ IL-2+ TNF-α+ polyfunctional CD4+ T cells in vaccinated mice compared with controls. Taken together, in this study we provide the proof of concept that the human DC-SIGN receptor can be efficiently exploited for vaccine purposes to promote immunity against mycobacterial infections. Fil: Velasquez, Lis Noelia. Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; Alemania. Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research; Alemania. Medical School Hannover; Alemania Fil: Stüve, Philipp. Medical School Hannover; Alemania. Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; Alemania. Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research; Alemania Fil: Gentilini, Maria Virginia. Medical School Hannover; Alemania. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; Alemania. Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research; Alemania Fil: Swallow, Maxine. Medical School Hannover; Alemania. Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; Alemania. Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research; Alemania Fil: Bartel, Judith. Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; Alemania. Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research; Alemania. Medical School Hannover; Alemania Fil: Lycke, Nils Yngve. Universidad de Gotemburgo; Suecia Fil: Barkan, Daniel. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Israel Fil: Martina, Mariana Andrea. Universidad Católica de Córdoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Lujan, Hugo Daniel. Universidad Católica de Córdoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Kalay, Hakan. VU University Medical Center; Países Bajos Fil: van Kooyk, Yvette. VU University Medical Center; Países Bajos Fil: Sparwasser, Tim D.. Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; Alemania. Medical School Hannover; Alemania. Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research; Alemania Fil: Berod, Luciana. Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; Alemania. Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research; Alemania. Medical School Hannover; Alemania

Splenic CD169(+) macrophages are located in the marginal zone to efficiently capture blood-borne pathogens. Here, we investigate the requirements for the induction of CD8(+) T cell responses by antigens (Ags) bound by CD169(+) macrophages. Upon Ag targeting to CD169(+) macrophages, we show that BATF3-dependent CD8 alpha(+) dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for DNGR-1-mediated cross-priming of CD8(+) T cell responses. In addition, we demonstrate that CD169, a sialic acid binding lectin involved in cell-cell contact, preferentially binds to CD8 alpha(+) DCs and that Ag transfer to CD8 alpha(+) DCs and subsequent T cell activation is dependent on the sialic acid-binding capacity of CD169. Finally, functional CD169 mediates optimal CD8(+) T cell responses to modified vaccinia Ankara virus infection. Together, these data indicate that the collaboration of CD169(+) macrophages and CD8 alpha(+) DCs for the initiation of effective CD8(+) T cell responses is facilitated by binding of CD169 to sialic acid containing ligands on CD8 alpha(+) DCs. We thank J.J. Koning for help on IMARIS and J.P. Middelberg, C. Prins, and R. van der Laan for animal care. We acknowledge the NIH Tetramer Core Facility (contract HHSN272201300006C) for MHC-I tetramers. We thank Mariano Esteban for the MVA-GFP strain. Work in the D.S. laboratory is funded by the CNIC; grant SAF2016-79040-R from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO), Agencia Estatal de Investigacion and FEDER (European fund for Regional Development); Foundation Acteria; and the European Commission (635122-PROCROP H2020) and the European Research Council (ERC-2016-Consolidator Grant 725091). This work was supported by grants from the Dutch Cancer Society (VU2009-4504 and VU2013-5940) and by VUmc CCA (2015-5-22 to J.M.M.d.H.). S.I. is funded by grant SAF2015-74561-JIN. Sí

CD169+ macrophages are part of the innate immune system and capture pathogens that enter secondary lymphoid organs such as the spleen and the lymph nodes. Their strategic location in the marginal zone of the spleen and the subcapsular sinus in the lymph node enables them to capture antigens from the blood and the lymph respectively. Interestingly, these specific CD169+ macrophages do not destroy the antigens they obtain, but instead, transfer it to B cells and dendritic cells (DCs) which facilitates the induction of strong adaptive immune responses. This latter characteristic of the CD169+ macrophages can be exploited by specifically targeting tumor antigens to CD169+ macrophages for the induction of specific T cell immunity. In the current study we target protein and peptide antigen as antibody-antigen conjugates to CD169+ macrophages. We monitored the primary, memory, and recall T cell responses and evaluated the anti-tumor immune responses after immunization. In conclusion, both protein and peptide targeting to CD169 resulted in strong primary, memory, and recall T cell responses and protective immunity against melanoma, which indicates that both forms of antigen can be further explored as anti-cancer vaccination strategy.

Aberrant fucosylation in cancer cells is considered as a signature of malignant cell transformationand it is associated with tumor progression, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. Specifically,in colorectal cancer cells, increased levels of the fucosylated Lewisx antigen are attributed to thederegulated expression of pertinent fucosyltransferases, like fucosyltransferase 4 (FUT4) and fucosyltransferase9 (FUT9). However, the lack of experimental models closely mimicking cancer-specificregulation of fucosyltransferase gene expression has, so far, limited our knowledge regarding thesubstrate specificity of these enzymes and the impact of Lewisx synthesis on the glycome of colorectalcancer cells. Therefore, we sought to transcriptionally activate the Fut4 and Fut9 genes in the wellknownmurine colorectal cancer cell line, MC38, which lacks expression of the FUT4 and FUT9enzymes. For this purpose, we utilized a physiologically relevant, guide RNA-based model of de novogene expression, namely the CRISPR-dCas9-VPR system. Induction of the Fut4 and Fut9 genes inMC38 cells using CRISPR-dCas9-VPR resulted in specific neo-expression of functional Lewisx antigenon the cell surface. Interestingly, Lewisx was mainly carried by N-linked glycans in both MC38-FUT4and MC38-FUT9 cells, despite pronounced differences in the biosynthetic properties and the expressionstability of the induced enzymes. Moreover, Lewisx expression was found to influence corefucosylation,sialylation, antennarity and the subtypes of N-glycans in the MC38-glycovariants. Inconclusion, exploiting the CRISPR-dCas9-VPR system to augment glycosyltransferase expression isa promising method of transcriptional gene activation with broad application possibilities in glycobiologyand oncology research.

Ag delivery to specific APCs is an attractive approach in developing strategies for vaccination. CD169+ macrophages in the marginal zone of the spleen represent a suitable target for delivery of Ag because of their strategic location, which is optimal for the capture of blood‐borne Ag and their close proximity to B cells and T cells in the white pulp. Here we show that Ag targeting to CD169+ macrophages in mice resulted in strong, isotype‐switched, high‐affinity Ab production and the preferential induction and long‐term persistence of Ag‐specific GC B cells and follicular Th cells. In agreement with these observations, CD169+ macrophages retained intact Ag, induced cognate activation of B cells, and increased expression of costimulatory molecules upon activation. In addition, macrophages were required for the production of cytokines that promote B‐cell responses. Our results identify CD169+ macrophages as promoters of high‐affinity humoral immune responses and emphasize the value of CD169 as target for Ag delivery to improve vaccine responses.

Splenic CD169

Dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3 grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) expressed on a variety of DCs, is a C-type lectin receptor that recognizes glycans on a diverse range of pathogens, including parasites. The interaction of DC-SIGN with pathogens triggers specific signaling events that modulate DC-maturation and activity and regulate T-cell activation by DCs. In this work we evaluate whether F. hepatica glycans can immune modulate DCs via DC-SIGN. We demonstrate that DC-SIGN interacts with F. hepatica glycoconjugates through mannose and fucose residues. We also show that mannose is present in high-mannose structures, hybrid and trimannosyl N-glycans with terminal GlcNAc. Furthermore, we demonstrate that F. hepatica glycans induce DC-SIGN triggering leading to a strong production of TLR-induced IL-10 and IL-27p28. In addition, parasite glycans induced regulatory DCs via DC-SIGN that decrease allogeneic T cell proliferation, via the induction of anergic/regulatory T cells, highlighting the role of DC-SIGN in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses by F. hepatica. Our data confirm the immunomodulatory properties of DC-SIGN triggered by pathogen-derived glycans and contribute to the identification of immunomodulatory glyans of helminths that might eventually be useful for the design of vaccines against fasciolosis.

Clinical trials have shown that administration of the nematode Trichuris suis can be beneficial in treating various immune disorders. To provide insight into themechanisms by which this wormsuppresses inflammatory responses, an active component was purified from T. suis soluble products (TsSPs) that suppress TNF and IL-12 secretion from LPS-activated human dendritic cells (DCs). Analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry identifiedthis compoundasprostaglandin(PG)E2.Thepurifiedcompoundshowedsimilarproperties compared with TsSPs and commercial PGE2 in modulating LPS-induced expression of many cytokines and chemokines and inmodulating Rab7Band P2RX7 expression in human DCs. Furthermore, theTsSP-induced reduction of TNF secretion from DCs is reversed by receptor antagonists for EP2 and EP4, indicating PGE2 action. T. suis secretes extremely high amounts of PGE2 (45-90 ng/mg protein) within their excretory/secretory products but few related lipidmediators as establishedbymetabololipidomic analysis.Culture of T. suiswith several cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors that inhibit mammalian prostaglandin synthesis affected the worm's motility but did not inhibit PGE2 secretion, suggesting that theworms can synthesize PGE2 via aCOX-independent pathway.Weconclude that T. suis secretesPGE2to suppress proinflammatory responses inhumanDCs, therebymodulating the host's immune response.-Laan, L. C., Williams, A. R., Stavenhagen, K., Giera, M., Kooij, G., Vlasakov, I., Kalay, H., Kringel, H., Nejsum, P., Thamsborg, S.M., Wuhrer, M., Dijkstra, C. D., Cummings, R. D., van Die, I. The whipworm (Trichuris suis) secretes prostaglandin E2 to suppress proinflammatory properties in human dendritic cells. FASEB J. 31, 719-731 (2017). www.fasebj.org.

Human myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein is decorated with fucosylated N-glycans that are recognized by DC-SIGN+ DCs and microglia that control immune homeostasis., Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), a constituent of central nervous system myelin, is an important autoantigen in the neuroinflammatory disease multiple sclerosis (MS). However, its function remains unknown. Here, we show that, in healthy human myelin, MOG is decorated with fucosylated N-glycans that support recognition by the C-type lectin receptor (CLR) DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3–grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) on microglia and DCs. The interaction of MOG with DC-SIGN in the context of simultaneous TLR4 activation resulted in enhanced IL-10 secretion and decreased T cell proliferation in a DC-SIGN-, glycosylation-, and Raf1-dependent manner. Exposure of oligodendrocytes to proinflammatory factors resulted in the down-regulation of fucosyltransferase expression, reflected by altered glycosylation at the MS lesion site. Indeed, removal of fucose on myelin reduced DC-SIGN–dependent homeostatic control, and resulted in inflammasome activation, increased T cell proliferation, and differentiation toward a Th17-prone phenotype. These data demonstrate a new role for myelin glycosylation in the control of immune homeostasis in the healthy human brain through the MOG–DC-SIGN homeostatic regulatory axis, which is comprised by inflammatory insults that affect glycosylation. This phenomenon should be considered as a basis to restore immune tolerance in MS.

Dendritic cells are the most powerful type of antigen presenting cells. Current immunotherapies targeting dendritic cells have shown a relative degree of success but still require further improvement. One of the most important issues to solve is the efficiency of antigen delivery to dendritic cells in order to achieve an appropriate uptake, processing, and presentation to Ag-specific T cells. C-type lectins have shown to be ideal receptors for the targeting of antigens to dendritic cells and allow the use of their natural ligands - glycans - instead of antibodies. Amongst them, dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) is an interesting candidate due to its biological properties and the availability of its natural carbohydrate ligands. Using Le(b)-conjugated poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers we aimed to characterize the optimal level of multivalency necessary to achieve the desired internalization, lysosomal delivery, Ag-specific T cell proliferation, and cytokine response. Increasing DC-SIGN ligand multivalency directly translated in an enhanced binding, which might also be interesting for blocking purposes. Internalization, routing to lysosomal compartments, antigen presentation and cytokine response could be optimally achieved with glycopeptide dendrimers carrying 16-32 glycan units. This report provides the basis for the design of efficient targeting of peptide antigens for the immunotherapy of cancer, autoimmunity and infectious diseases.

Vaccination is one of the oldest yet still most effective methods to prevent infectious diseases. However, eradication of intracellular pathogens and treatment of certain diseases like cancer requiring efficient cytotoxic immune responses remain a medical challenge. In mice, a successful approach to induce strong cytotoxic CD8⁺ T-cell (CTL) reactions is to target antigens to DCs using specific antibodies against surface receptors in combination with adjuvants. A major drawback for translating this strategy into one for the clinic is the lack of analogous targets in human DCs. DC-SIGN (DC-specific-ICAM3-grabbing-nonintegrin/CD209) is a C-type lectin receptor with potent endocytic capacity and a highly restricted expression on human immature DCs. Therefore, DC-SIGN represents an ideal candidate for DC targeting. Using transgenic mice that express human DC-SIGN under the control of the murine CD11c promoter (hSIGN mice), we explored the efficacy of anti-DC-SIGN antibodies to target antigens to DCs and induce protective immune responses in vivo. We show that anti-DC-SIGN antibodies conjugated to OVA induced strong and persistent antigen-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell responses, which efficiently protected from infection with OVA-expressing Listeria monocytogenes. Thus, we propose DC targeting via DC-SIGN as a promising strategy for novel vaccination protocols against intracellular pathogens.

DCs orchestrate immune responses to infectious pathogens and disturbances in tissue integrity. Equipped with C-type lectins, DCs can respond to environmental changes in glycosylation. Many C-type lectins are capable of modulating TLR activation, thereby facilitating tailor-made immune reactions. Here, we investigated the signaling properties of the C-type lectin MGL and show that MGL engagement by agonistic antibodies or carbohydrate ligands couples to TLR signal transduction for increased IL-10 and TNF-α secretion by human monocyte-derived DCs. MGL triggering especially synergized with TLR2-induced pathways, leading to elevated IL-10 mRNA levels and enhanced TNF-α mRNA stability. In addition, MGL signaling promoted phosphorylation of the MAPK ERK and the transcription factor CREB. Whereas specific inhibitors of p90RSK blocked the MGL-induced cytokine secretion, AP-1 was not involved. Strikingly, NF-κB was only crucial for the IL-10 response and dispensable for TNF-α production. Together, our results demonstrate that MGL activation of the ERK-p90RSK-CREB axis converges with TLR2-induced pathways, thereby fine-tuning the DC maturation phenotype.

Antigen uptake by dendritic cells and intracellular routing of antigens to specific compartments is regulated by C-type lectin receptors that recognize glycan structures. We show that the modification of Ovalbumin (OVA) with the glycan-structure LewisX (LeX) re-directs OVA to the C-type lectin receptor MGL1. LeX-modification of OVA favored Th1 skewing of CD4+ T cells and enhanced cross-priming of CD8+ T cells. While cross-presentation of native OVA requires high antigen dose and TLR stimuli, LeX modification reduces the required amount 100-fold and obviates its dependence on TLR signaling. The OVA-LeX-induced enhancement of T cell cross-priming is MGL1-dependent as shown by reduced CD8+ effector T cell frequencies in MGL1-deficient mice. Moreover, MGL1-mediated cross-presentation of OVA-LeX neither required TAP-transporters nor Cathepsin-S and was still observed after prolonged intracellular storage of antigen in Rab11+LAMP1+ compartments. We conclude that controlled neo-glycosylation of antigens can crucially influence intracellular routing of antigens, the nature and strength of immune responses and should be considered for optimizing current vaccination strategies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.11765.001, eLife digest Immune cells called dendritic cells play a crucial role in defending the body against tumor cells and invading viruses. The dendritic cells take up molecules called antigens from these threats and then display them on their surface. This enables the antigens to be identified by other immune cells that are capable of killing the viruses and the tumor cells. The dendritic cells recognize the antigens with the help of receptor proteins called C-type lectin receptors (CLRs). These receptors can bind to sugar molecules that are naturally found on many antigens. For example, a C-type lectin receptor called MGL1 can bind to sugars known as LewisX and Lewisa on tumor and virus proteins. However, it is not clear how important these receptors are in triggering immune responses. An antigen called Ovalbumin – which is found in chicken egg white – can trigger immune responses in mammals and so researchers often use it to study the immune system. Although this antigen has several sugar molecules attached to it, quite a large amount of Ovalbumin is needed to trigger strong immune responses. Now, Streng-Ouwehand et al. examine whether attaching LewisX to Ovalbumin can results in stronger immune responses in mice. The experiments show that injecting mice with Ovalbumin-LewisX triggers a much stronger immune response than normal Ovalbumin does. This enhanced response was not observed in mice that lacked the MGL1 receptor, which suggests that this receptor is involved in detecting Ovalbumin-LewisX. Furthermore, the dendritic cells store the altered Ovalbumin for longer than they store normal Ovalbumin, which gives the cells more time to present the altered Ovalbumin to other immune cells. Vaccines and some other therapies help to boost immune responses to viruses and tumors by exposing the body to antigens. However, these therapies often use antigens that don’t have sugar molecules attached to them, or are missing the sugar molecules they would normally have. Streng-Ouwehand et al.’s findings suggest that adding specific sugars to antigens in immune therapies might help to make these therapies more effective. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.11765.002

The characterization of the repertoire of glycans at the quantitative and qualitative levels on cells and glycoproteins is a necessary step to the understanding of glycan functions in biology. In addition, there is an increasing demand in the field of biotechnology for the monitoring of glycosylation of recombinant glycoproteins, an important issue with regard to their safety and biological activity. The enzymatic release followed by fluorescent derivatization of glycans and separation by normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has proven for many years to be a powerful approach to the quantification of glycans. Characterization of glycans has classically been performed by mass spectrometry (MS) with external standardization. Here, we report a new method for the simultaneous quantification and characterization of the N-glycans on glycoproteins without the need for external standardization. This method, which we call glycan nanoprofiling, uses nanoLC-coupled electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS with an intercalated nanofluorescence reader and provides effective single glycan separation with subpicomolar sensitivity. The method relies on the isolation and coumaric derivatization of enzymatically released glycans collected by solid phase extraction with porous graphitized carbon and their separation over polyamide-based nanoHPLC prior to serial nanofluorescence and nanoelectrospray mass spectrometric analysis. Glycan nanoprofiling is a broadly applicable and powerful approach that is sufficient to identify and quantify many glycan oligomers in a single run. Glycan nanoprofiling was successfully applied to resolve the glycans of monoclonal antibodies, showing that this method is a fast and sensitive alternative to available methods.

Cancer immunotherapy requires potent tumor-specific CD8(+) and CD4(+) T-cell responses, initiated by dendritic cells (DCs). Tumor antigens can be specifically targeted to DCs in vivo by exploiting their expression of C-type lectin receptors (CLR), which bind carbohydrate structures on antigens, resulting in internalization and antigen presentation to T-cells. We explored the potential of glycan-modified liposomes to target antigens to DCs to boost murine and human T-cell responses. Since DC-SIGN is a CLR expressed on DCs, liposomes were modified with DC-SIGN-binding glycans Lewis (Le)(B) or Le(X). Glycan modification of liposomes resulted in increased binding and internalization by BMDCs expressing human DC-SIGN. In the presence of LPS, this led to 100-fold more efficient presentation of the encapsulated antigens to CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells compared to unmodified liposomes or soluble antigen. Similarly, incubation of human moDC with melanoma antigen MART-1-encapsulated liposomes coated with Le(X) in the presence of LPS led to enhanced antigen-presentation to MART-1-specific CD8(+) T-cell clones. Moreover, this formulation drove primary CD8(+) T-cells to differentiate into high numbers of tetramer-specific, IFN-γ-producing effector T-cells. Together, our data demonstrate the potency of a glycoliposome-based vaccine targeting DC-SIGN for CD4(+) and CD8(+) effector T-cell activation. This approach may offer improved options for treatment of cancer patients and opens the way to in situ DC-targeted vaccination.

Cross-presentation is an important mechanism by which DCs present exogenous antigens on MHC-I molecules, and activate CD8(+) T cells, cells that are crucial for the elimination of tumors. We investigated the feasibility of exploiting the capacity of the mannose receptor (MR) to improve both cross-presentation of tumor antigens and Th polarization, processes that are pivotal for the anti-tumor potency of cytotoxic T cells. To this end, we selected two glycan ligands of the MR, 3-sulfo-Lewis(A) and tri-GlcNAc (N-acetylglucosamine), to conjugate to the model antigen OVA and assessed in vitro the effect on antigen presentation and Th differentiation. Our results demonstrate that conjugation of either 3-sulfo-Lewis(A) or tri-GlcNAc specifically directs antigen to the MR. Both neo-glycoconjugates showed, even at low doses, improved uptake as compared with native OVA, resulting in enhanced cross-presentation. Using MR(-/-) and MyD88-TRIFF(-/-) bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs), we show that the cross-presentation of the neo-glycoconjugates is dependent on MR and independent of TLR-mediated signaling. Whereas proliferation of antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells was unchanged, stimulation with neo-glycoconjugate-loaded DCs enhanced the generation of IFN-γ-producing T cells. We conclude that modification of antigen with either 3-sulfo-Lewis(A) or tri-GlcNAc enhances cross-presentation and permits Th1 skewing, through specific targeting of the MR, which may be beneficial for DC-based vaccination strategies to treat cancer.

Several parasitic helminthes, such as the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni, express glycoconjugates that contain terminal GalNAc beta1-4(Fuc alpha1-3)GlcNAc beta-R (LDNF) moieties. These LDNF glycans are dominant antigens of the parasite and are recognized by human dendritic cells via the C-type lectin DC-SIGN. To study the functional role of the LDNF antigen in interaction with the immune system, we have developed an easy chemoenzymatic method to synthesize multivalent neoglycoconjugates carrying defined amounts of LDNF antigens. An acceptor substrate providing a terminal N-acetylglucosamine was prepared by coupling a fluorescent hydrophobic aglycon, 2,6-diaminopyridine (DAP), to N,N'-diacetylchitobiose. By the subsequent action of recombinant Caenorhabditis elegans beta1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase and human alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase VI (FucT-VI), this substrate was converted to the LDNF antigen. We showed that human FucT-VI has a relatively high affinity for the unusual substrate GalNAc beta1-4GlcNAc (LDN), and this enzyme was used to produce micromolar amounts of LDNF-DAP. The synthesized LDNF-DAP was coupled to carrier protein via activation of the DAP moiety by diethyl squarate. By varying the molar glycan:protein ratio, neoglycoconjugates were constructed with defined amounts of LDNF, as was determined by MALDI-TOF analysis and ELISA using an anti-LDNF antibody.

Cutaneous antigen presenting cells (APCs) are critical for the induction and regulation of skin immune responses. The human skin contains phenotypically and functionally distinct APCs subsets that are present at two separated locations. While CD1ahigh LCs form a dense network in the epidermis, the CD14+ and CD1a+ APCs reside in the dermal compartment. A better understanding of the biology of human skin APC subsets is necessary for the improvement of vaccine strategies that use the skin as administration route. In particular, progress in the characterization of uptake and activatory receptors will certainly improve APC-targeting strategies in vaccination. Here we performed a detailed analysis of the expression and function of glycan-binding and pattern-recognition receptors in skin APC subsets. The results demonstrate that under steady state conditions human CD1a+ dermal dendritic cells (DCs) were phenotypically most mature as measured by the expression of CD83 and CD86, whereas the CD14+ cells showed a higher expression of the CLRs DC-SIGN, mannose receptor and DCIR and had potent antigen uptake capacity. Furthermore, steady state LCs showed superior antigen cross-presentation as compared to the dermal APC subsets. Our results also demonstrate that the TLR3 ligand polyribosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (pI:C) was the most potent stimulator of cytokine production by both LCs and dDCs. These studies warrant further exploration of human CD1a+ dDCs and LCs as target cells for cancer vaccination to induce anti-tumor immune responses.

Therapeutic vaccinations against cancer are still largely ineffective. Major caveats are inefficient delivery of tumor antigens to dendritic cells (DCs) and excessive immune suppression by Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs), resulting in defective T cell priming and failure to induce tumor regression. To circumvent these problems we evaluated a novel combinatorial therapeutic strategy. We show that tumor antigen targeting to DC-SIGN in humanized hSIGN mice via glycans or specific antibodies induces superior T cell priming. Next, this targeted therapy was combined with transient Foxp3(+) Treg depletion employing hSIGNxDEREG mice. While Treg depletion alone slightly delayed B16-OVA melanoma growth, only the combination therapy instigated long-term tumor regression in a substantial fraction of mice. This novel strategy resulted in optimal generation of antigen-specific activated CD8(+) T cells which accumulated in regressing tumors. Notably, Treg depletion also allowed the local appearance of effector T cells specific for endogenous B16 antigens. This indicates that antitumor immune responses can be broadened by therapies aimed at controlling Tregs in tumor environments. Thus, transient inhibition of Treg-mediated immune suppression potentiates DC targeted antigen vaccination and tumor-specific immunity.

Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands are attractive candidate adjuvants for therapeutic cancer vaccines, since TLR signaling stimulates and tunes both humoral and cellular immune responses induced by dendritic cells (DCs). Given that human skin contains a dense network of DCs, which are easily accessible via (intra-)dermal delivery of vaccines, skin is actively explored as an antitumor vaccination site. Here we used a human skin explant model to explore the potential of TLR ligands as adjuvants for DC activation in their complex microenvironment. We show that topical application of Aldara skin cream, 5% of which comprises the TLR7 agonist imiquimod, significantly enhanced DC migration as compared with that resulting from intradermal injection of the TLR7/8 ligand R848 or the soluble form of imiquimod. Moreover, Aldara-treated DCs showed highest levels of the costimulatory molecules CD86, CD83, CD40, and CD70. Topical Aldara induced the highest production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in skin biopsies. When combined with intradermal peptide vaccination, Aldara-stimulated DCs showed enhanced cross-presentation of the melanoma antigen MART-1, which resulted in increased priming and activation of MART-1-specific CD8(+) T cells. These results point to advantageous effects of combining the topical application of Aldara with antitumor peptide vaccination.

The C-type lectin macrophage galactose-type lectin (MGL) exerts an immunosuppressive role reflected by its interaction with terminal GalNAc moieties, such as the Tn antigen, on CD45 of effector T cells, thereby down-regulating T cell receptor signaling, cytokine responses, and induction of T cell death. Here, we provide evidence for the pathways that control the specific expression of GalNAc moieties on human CD4(+) T cells. GalNAc epitopes were readily detectable on the cell surface after T cell activation and required de novo protein synthesis. Expression of GalNAc-containing MGL ligands was completely dependent on PKC and did not involve NF-κB. Instead, activation of the downstream ERK MAPK pathway led to decreased mRNA levels and activity of the core 1 β3GalT enzyme and its chaperone Cosmc, favoring the expression of Tn antigen. In conclusion, expression of GalNAc moieties mirrors the T cell activation status, and thus only highly stimulated T cells are prone to the suppressive action of MGL.

It is becoming increasingly clear that glycosylation plays important role in intercellular communication within the immune system. Glycosylation-dependent interactions are crucial for the innate and adaptive immune system and regulate immune cell trafficking, synapse formation, activation, and survival. These functions take place by the cis or trans interaction of lectins with glycans. Classical immunological and biochemical methods have been used for the study of lectin function; however, the investigation of their counterparts, glycans, requires very specialized methodologies that have been extensively developed in the past decade within the Glycobiology scientific community. This mini-review intends to summarize the available technology for the study of glycan biosynthesis, its regulation and characterization for their application to the study of glycans in immunology.

Dendritic cells are the most efficient professional antigen-presenting cells in pathogen recognition and play a pivotal role in the control of the immune response. Pathogen recognition is ensured by the expression of a vast variety of pattern-recognition receptors. Amongst them are C-type lectins, a large family of receptors characterized by a domain that - in many cases - mediates calcium-dependent glycan binding. C-type lectins facilitate antigen uptake for efficient processing and presentation and, in some cases, also trigger signaling to modulate T cell responses. These properties make C-type lectin receptors ideal candidates for the targeting of antigens to dendritic cells for vaccination. DC-SIGN is a paradigmatic example of C-type lectin receptors on dendritic cells that facilitate vaccination strategies. DC-SIGN is highly expressed on immature conventional dendritic cells, particularly at the mucosa and the dermis, where DCs first encounter pathogens, but also can easily be accessed for vaccination. Upon ligand binding, DC-SIGN rapidly internalizes and directs its cargo into the endo-lysosomal pathway, which results in MHC-II presentation. But antigens targeted to DC-SIGN are also presented efficiently to CD8(+) T cells, suggesting there is an additional endocytic route that leads to cross-presentation. Simultaneous triggering of DC-SIGN and TLRs results in the modulation of cytokine responses and facilitates cross-presentation to enhance CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses. Because the glycan specificity of DC-SIGN has been characterized in detail, glycans can be used for the targeting of antigens to DCs in a DC-SIGN-dependent manner. Glycans represent a great advantage over monoclonal antibodies, they diminish the risk of side effects, are very small, and their production can rely entirely in organic chemistry approaches. Here, we discuss the capacity of glycan-based vaccines to enhance antigen-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses in human skin and mouse model systems.

The structural characterization and quantification of the glycome of cells and glycoproteins is necessary for the understanding of glycan functions in Biology, the development of diagnostics tests, and the monitoring of glycoprotein pharmaceuticals. Classical N-glycan characterization methods involve enzymatic release followed by derivatization with a fluorochrome and separation by normal-phase HPLC. We have recently developed glycan nanoprofiling, a method for the simultaneous quantification and characterization of the N-glycans without the need of external standardization. Although glycan nanoprofiling allows the characterization of both neutral and sialylated glycans within the same chromatographic run, a significant drawback is the coelution of similar glycans when complex glycan mixtures are analyzed. To overcome this problem, we have developed enhanced glycan nanoprofiling. This new method introduces a weak anion-exchange HPLC separation step to fractionate glycans according to their sialic acid content followed by a mild acid desialylation. Glycans are then resolved by nano-LC-coupled ESI-MS with an intercalated nanofluorescence detector. Neutral glycans have a better analytical separation, better ionization profiles, and provide significantly higher MS signals allowing a detailed characterization of rare glycan species. Enhanced glycan nanoprofiling is a powerful approach that provides a fast and sensitive alternative to available N-glycan profiling methods.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells efficient in capturing pathogens, and processing their antigenic determinants for presentation to antigen-specific T cells to induce robust immune responses. Their location at peripheral tissues and the expression of pattern-recognition receptors, among them DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN), facilitates the capture of pathogens before spreading. However, some pathogens have developed strategies to escape the immune system. One of the most successful is HIV-1, which targets DC-SIGN for transport to the lymph node where the virus infects CD4(+) T cells. Contact of HIV-1 with DC-SIGN is thus the first event in the pathogenic cascade and, therefore, it is the primary target point for therapies aimed at HIV infection prevention. DC-SIGN recognizes specific glycans on HIV-1 and this interaction can be blocked by competitive inhibition through glycans. Although the affinity of glycans is relatively low, multivalency may increase avidity and the strength to compete with HIV-1 virions. We have designed multivalent dendrimeric compounds based on Lewis-type antigens that bind DC-SIGN with high selectivity and avidity and that effectively block gp120 binding to DC-SIGN and, consequently, HIV transmission to CD4(+) T cells. Binding to DC-SIGN and gp120 inhibition was higher on glycodendrimers with larger molecular diameter, indicating that the geometry of the compounds is an important factor determining their functionality. Our compounds elicited DC-SIGN internalization, a property of the receptor upon triggering, but did not affect the maturation status of DCs. Thus, Le(X) glycodendrimers could be incorporated into topic prophylactic approaches for the prevention of HIV-1 transmission.

We recently showed that MGL2 specifically binds tumour-associated glycan N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). We here demonstrate that modification of an antigen with tumour-associated glycan GalNAc, targets antigen specifically to the MGL2 on bone marrow derived (BM)-DCs and splenic DCs. Glycan-modification of antigen with GalNAc that mimics tumour-associated glycosylation, promoted antigen internalisation in DCs and presentation to CD4 T cells, as well as differentiation of IFN-γ producing CD4 T cells. Furthermore, GalNAc modified antigen enhanced cross-presentation of both BM-DCs and primary splenic DCs resulting in enhanced antigen specific CD8 T cell responses. Using MyD88-TRIFF(-/-) BM-DCs we demonstrate that the enhanced cross-presentation of the GalNAc modified antigen is TLR independent. Our data strongly suggest that tumour-associated GalNAc modification of antigen targets MGL on DCs and greatly enhances both MHC class II and class I presentation in a TLR independent manner.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are key antigen presenting cells that have the unique ability to present antigens on MHC molecules, which can lead to either priming or suppression of T cell mediated immune responses. C-type lectin receptors expressed by DCs are involved in antigen uptake and presentation through recognition of carbohydrate structures on antigens. Here we have explored the feasibility of modification of liposomes with glycans for targeting purposes to boost immune responses. The potential of targeting glycoliposomal constructs to the C-type lectin DC-SIGN on DCs was studied using either PEGylated or non-PEGylated liposomes. Our data demonstrate that formulation of the glycoliposomes as PEGylated negatively affected their potential to target to DCs.

Mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) occurs frequently via breast-feeding. HIV-1 targets DC-SIGN+ dendritic cells (DCs) in mucosal areas that allow efficient transmission of the virus to T cells. Here, we demonstrate that the epithelial mucin MUC1, abundant in milk, efficiently bound to DC-SIGN on DC. The O-linked glycans within the mucin domain contained Lewis X structures, that were specifically recognized by the receptor. Interestingly, MUC1 prevented DC-SIGN-mediated transmission of HIV-1 from DCs to CD4+ T cells. We hypothesize that repetitive units of Lewis X, within the mucin domain, play an important role in inhibiting transmission of HIV-1 from mother to child. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Dendritic cells have gained much interest in the field of anti-cancer vaccine development because of their central function in immune regulation. One of the receptors that facilitate DC-specific targeting of antigens is the DC-specific C-type lectin DC-SIGN. Although DC-SIGN is specifically expressed on human DCs, its murine homologue is not present on any murine DC subsets, which makes in vivo evaluation of potential DC-SIGN targeting vaccines very difficult. Here we describe the use of DC-SIGN transgenic mice, as a good model system to evaluate DC-SIGN targeting vaccines. We demonstrate that glycan modification of OVA with DC-SIGN targeting glycans, targets antigen specifically to bone marrow (BM)** derived DCs and splenic DCs. Glycan modification of OVA with Lewis X or Lewis B oligosaccharides, that target DC-SIGN transgenic DCs, resulted in efficient 10-fold induction of OT-II compared to unmodified OVA. Interestingly, glycan modified OVA proteins were significantly cross-presented to OT-I T cells by wild type DC, 10-fold more than native OVA, and the expression of DC-SIGN further enhanced this cross-presentation. Targeting of glycosylated OVA was neither accompanied with any DC maturation, nor the production of inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, we conclude that glycan modification of antigens and targeting to DC-SIGN enhance both CD4 and CD8 T cell responses. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that DC-SIGN transgenic mice are valuable tool for optimisation and efficiency testing of DC vaccination strategies that are designed to target in particular the human DC-SIGN receptor.