Signaling by the Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 protein induces potent cytotoxic CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Signaling by the Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 protein induces potent cytotoxic CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses
Creators Name:	Choi, I.K. and Wang, Z. and Ke, Q. and Hong, M. and Qian, Y. and Zhao, X. and Liu, Y. and Kim, H.J. and Ritz, J. and Cantor, H. and Rajewsky, K. and Wucherpfennig, K.W. and Zhang, B.
Abstract:	The B-lymphotropic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), pandemic in humans, is rapidly controlled on initial infection by T cell surveillance; thereafter, the virus establishes a lifelong latent infection in the host. If surveillance fails, fatal lymphoproliferation and lymphomagenesis ensue. The initial T cell response consists of predominantly CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells and a smaller expansion of CD4(+) cells. A major approach to treating EBV-associated lymphomas is adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic T cells that are stimulated/expanded on EBV-transformed B cells. Strikingly, the clinical response correlates with the frequency of CD4 cells in the infused T cells. Although in vitro studies suggested that EBV-specific CD4 cells develop cytotoxicity, they have not been comprehensively characterized and the molecular mechanism underlying their formation remains unknown. Our recent work, using a transgenic approach in mice, has revealed a central role for the EBV signaling molecule LMP1 in immune surveillance and transformation of EBV-infected B cells. The mouse model offers a unique tool for uncovering basic features of EBV immunity. Here, we show that LMP1 expression in B cells induces potent cytotoxic CD4 and CD8 T cell responses, by enhancing antigen presentation and costimulation by CD70, OX40 ligand, and 4-1BB ligand. Our data further suggest that cytotoxic CD4 cells hold superior therapeutic value for LMP1 (EBV)-driven lymphomas. These findings provide insights into EBV immunity, demonstrating that LMP1 signaling alone is sufficient to induce a prominent cytotoxic CD4 response, and suggest strategies for immunotherapy in EBV-related and other cancers.
Keywords:	Epstein-Barr Virus, LMP1, CD4(+) Cytotoxic T Cells, Costimulatory Ligand, Inbred BALB C Mice, Inbred C57BL Mice, Animals, Mice
Source:	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
ISSN:	0027-8424
Publisher:	National Academy of Sciences
Volume:	115
Number:	4
Page Range:	E686-E695
Date:	January 2018
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1713607115
External Fulltext:	View full text on PubMed Central
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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