Chat with us, powered by LiveChat 8 Pages work Key points on the assessments: Try your hand at MCQs, as practice does make you bette - STUDENT SOLUTION USA

8 Pages work

Key points on the assessments:

Try your hand at MCQs, as practice does make you better at them> I have linked in a few on-line MCqs for you to try in the assessment section of the module

Important points: Answer the question, not what you think the question is. Irrelevant material will not gain you marks, but will waste your time writing for no gain.

Accuracy in the terms used and use of the appropriate terms for appropriate processes is important.

Errors in major facts, will limit your possible marks, such errors include such as calling B cells T cells or vice versa, getting innate and adaptive mechanisms mixed up or confusing MHC classes and T cell co-receptors etc are marked as we read them, not how we think you meant to write it.

Organize your answer so that it has a logical progression. For instance if describing the structure and associated functions of an antibody, start with the core details of the number of proteins involved in making up a generic IgG, the overall structure etc, then drill down into the details of domain structures, bonds, locations of named types of variation etc, class specific differences – of course for antibodies, mentioning the wide range of receptors for antibodies (the Fc receptors) gives context to functionality, as does mentioning the different properties and generalized tissue localizations of the different classes. A diagram is very handy in such cases, providing it is both labelled appropriately and marked as a figure (ie fig 1, fig 2) and then mentioned in the text appropriately (ie see figure 1…)

So above all, answer the question to you fullest ability, without wandering off into irrelevant material or topics…


ASSESSMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Please refer to any further instructions that accompany this document on Moodle

Question choice/format 

Word limit per question (including figure legends; excluding references section, if relevant) 

2000 words

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Labelled diagrams may be inserted where necessary to support your answer, but should preferably be hand-drawn and the image placed into the document, rather than taken from an existing work. If taken from an existing work, authorship of the image should be acknowledged in the legend to the figure.

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QUESTION

1. What is the evidence that complement is important in protection against meningococcal disease (40%)? How do meningococci (Neisseria meningitidis) protect themselves from the actions of complement (60%)?

Lymphoid organs

An introduction to the lymphatic system

Dr. Lucy Fairclough

Associate Professor of Immunology

School of Life Sciences

[email protected]

  • Describe the role of primary lymphoid organs, specifically in relation to B and T cell development
  • Discuss the structure and function of secondary lymphoid organs, specifically B and T cell activation
  • Outline the role of the lymphatic system in immunity

Learning Objectives

*

Learning Objectives in Pictures!

*

Cells of the immune system

*

Adaptive Immune Responses

*

Principal lymphoid tissues – primary and secondary

*

Lymphoid organs and development of T and B Cells

*

B cell development in the bone marrow

*

  • Precursors in bone marrow
  • Self tolerance in immature B cells
  • Mature naïve B cell enter circulation and peripheral lymphoid tissues
  • Naïve B cells are short-lived – 50 million per day produced in a mouse
  • Stimulated B cells (memory cells) are long lived

B cell development in the bone marrow

*

T cell development in the thymus

*

Bone marrow

Thymus

Peripheral lymphoid tissue

T cell development

*

  • Precursors in bone marrow
  • Maturation, selection of self tolerant cells in thymus
  • 200 million short lived cells per day in mice
  • Mature T cells enter circulation and peripheral lymphoid tissue
  • 1 million mature naïve T cells per day in mice

T cell development in the thymus

*

Secondary lymphoid organs

  • Lymph nodes
  • Spleen
  • Gut-associated lymphoid tissues

*

Lymphoid organs and activation of T and B Cells

*

Secondary lymphoid organs – lymph node

*

Secondary lymphoid organs – lymph node

*

Secondary lymphoid organs – spleen

*

Secondary lymphoid organs – GALT

*

Lymphocyte recirculation

*

The lymphatic system

*

Lymphocytes and Pathogens meet in draining lymph nodes

*

Lymphoid organs

  • primary bone marrow, thymus
  • secondary lymph nodes, spleen, MALT

Lymphocyte recirculation

  • naïve lymph nodes
  • memory tissues

Induction of responses

  • antigen uptake in tissues
  • migration to lymph node – activation of naïve T & B cells
  • recirculation of effector T cells to tissues

Summary

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the role of primary lymphoid organs, specifically in relation to B and T cell development
  • Discuss the structure and function of secondary lymphoid organs, specifically B and T cell activation
  • Outline the role of the lymphatic system in immunity

*

Reading List

Immunobiology 7th Edition. Janeway, Travers, Walport and Shlomchik.

Lecture Notes on Immunology 7th Edition. Todd, Spickett and Fairclough

Immunology 7th Edition. Male, Brostoff, Roth and Roitt

The Immune System 3rd Edition. Parham

Roitt’s Essential Immunology 13th Edition.

Complement

Introduction to the complement system and its role in pathogen destruction

Dr. Lucy Fairclough

Associate Professor of Immunology

School of Life Sciences

[email protected]

*

  • Describe the key features of complement pathways
  • Describe the central role of complement in inflammatory responses
  • Illustrate the many functions of complement; cytotoxicity, cellular recruitment and opsonisation

Learning Objectives

*

Innate Immune response

“Recognition”

*

Stages of Complement Action

Complement Pathways

Complement Pathways

Complement Pathways

Physiological Consequences of Complement Activation

The Lectin Pathway

Components of the Lectin Pathway

MASP2

MASP1

Bacteria

Mannose groups

C2

C4

MBL

The Lectin Pathway

Generation of C3-convertase

MBL

C4b

C2a

C4a

C2b

_____

C4b2a is C3 convertase

MASP1

MASP2

Bacteria

Mannose groups

*

The Lectin Pathway

Generation of C5 convertase

MBL

C4b

C2a

C3a

C4a

C2b

MASP1

MASP2

C3b

C4b2a3b is C5 convertase;

it leads into the

Membrane Attack Pathway

*

The Classical Pathway

*

Components of the Classical Pathway

C1 complex C2 C3 C4

C2

C3

C4

*

Initiation of classical pathway

*

Classical Pathway

Generation of C3-convertase

Classical Pathway

Generation of C5-convertase

C4b2a3b is C5-convertase

C4b2a is C3-convertase

The Alternative Pathway

Components of the Alternative Pathway

C3b

B

D

P

Generation of C3 convertase

C3bBb is C3 convertase of alternative pathway

AMPLIFICATION

C3 convertase amplification loop

C3

B

D

P

Membrane Attack Complex

Components of Membrane Attack Complex Pathway

C5

C6

C7

C8

C9

Membrane Attack Complex

Membrane Attack Complex

Membrane Attack Complex

Cytotoxicity

Cellular Recruitment and Activation

Inflammation – C3a and C5a

Cellular Recruitment

Inflammation

*

Opsonization & phagocytosis

Summary

  • Describe the key features of complement pathways
  • Describe the central role of complement in inflammatory responses
  • Illustrate the many functions of complement; cytotoxicity, cellular recruitment and opsonisation

Learning Objectives

*

Recommended Reading

  • Immunology, 7th Edition, Male, Brostoff, Roth and Riott, Chapter 4
  • Immunobiology, 7th Edition, Murphy, Travers and Walport, Chapter 2
  • The Immune System, 3rd Edition, Peter Parham, Chapter 7

*

Antigen recognition and MHC

What you should know by the end of this lecture

The structure of MHC class I and II

The MHC is polymorphic and polygenic

Characteristics of class I and II peptide binding

How molecules are processed and presented via class I and class II MHC

What is the Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)?

Large number of genes which encode class I and class II molecules (called antigen presenting molecules) + associated molecules

Evolved for antigen presentation to T-cells

Class I MHC – presents to CD8+ cytotoxic cells

Cytotoxic cells are there to kill virally infected cells

So MHC is on every cell of our body (as every cell could be infected by a virus)

Class II MHC – presents to CD4+ helper cells

Also on other antigen presenting cells

There are other MHC molecules, but some have different roles in antigen presentation

3

CLASS I MHC

Only 1 alpha chain, with transmembrane region (3 domains)

Peptide binding cleft is part of that alpha chain

Beta 2 microglobulin is a separate molecule which stabilizes structure

Alpha chain is approx. 45kDa, beta-2 macroglobulin is about 12

4

CLASS II MHC

Difference is that there are 2 molecules that form cleft

Beta peptide and an alpha peptide

Alpha chains are approx. 32kDa

Beta chains are approx. 28kDa

5

Chromosome 6p21.3

3.6M base pairs, 200+ genes

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) : Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

on Chromosome 6, approx 3.6 million bases, approx 200+ genes, half with links to immune function

class I A,B,C

class II DP,DQ, DR

Histocompatibility genes are inherited as a group (haplotype), one from each parent. Thus, MHC genes are codominantly expressed in each individual.

DM – involved in protein/transport to deliver peptides to MHC CII

TAP/LMP – protein processing/generation of short peptides for inclusion into MHC I

Co-dominant expression of MHC alleles

For MHC class IIDQ and DP genes combinations of alpha and beta chains from each chromosome are possible

So expression of multiple MHC on one cell

6 Class I

8+ Class II

Image attribution in presenter notes

Remember the binding groove for class 1 is made up of the alpha 1 & 2 domains of the HLA molecule, whereas in class II , the groove is formed from both the alpha and beta chains

All HLA alleles are expressed, so in terms of classical class 1 and II this is 6 HLA class I (A,B and C from each chromosome) and 6+ class II (DR, DP and DQ) –the variability of class II numbers is due partly to the complexity of the HLA DR: The DR β-chain is encoded by 4 loci, however no more than 3 functional loci are present in a single individual, and no more than two on a single chromosome. Sometimes an individual may only possess 2 copies of the same locus, DRB1*. The HLA-DRB1 locus is ubiquitous and encodes a very large number of functionally variable gene products (HLA-DR1 to HLA-DR17).

The DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, and DPB1 genes are all polymorphic. For DQ and DP, the genetic diversity produced by formation of heterodimers of α and βchains encoded in trans, along with formation of heterodimers encoded in cis, greatly increases the functional diversity of the DQ and DP molecules. In other words, a cell with two different DQA1 alleles and two different DQB1 alleles can be capable of producing four different DQ proteins.

Image: By derivative work: Zionlion77 (talk)MHC_Class_1.svg: User atropos235 on en.wikipediaMHC_Class_2.svg: User atropos235 on en.wikipedia – MHC_Class_1.svgMHC_Class_2.svg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5658669

MHC expression on cell types

MHC are both polygenic AND polymorphic

MHC polymorphisms:
HLA Alleles named from 1987-2020

Alleles identified as of 2020

Class I >20,182

Class II > 7,407

http://hla.alleles.org

Approx 2405 known HLA class II allelic variants (majority are 1512 DRB alleles, 509 DQB1 alleles),

approx 8124 class I alleles

as of March 2020

distribution shows both ethnic and geographically differences

Number of Alleles

This is a slightly older plot taken from Janeway and Travers Immunobiology, it is to indicate that class II allelic variants are largely due to beta chain variants, and Class I variants are fairly equally distributed between the class I A,B and C genes

Even so, some DRB alleles (there are 9 groups) have only a few members, whereas DRB1 variants represent the majority of those found

variation in MHC alleles is focused within the regions forming the binding groove.

for MHC class II, most is found in the beta chain.

The plots depicting this are essentially kabat & Wu variablity plots, complied by examining the amino acid sequence of many allelic variations for the relevant molecule, similary to the way in which variation in immunoglobulin variable domain can be depicted.

Note how the binding grooves and sidewalls of the grooves are sites where many variations are found

Polymorphism

Created by multiple genetic processes

Point mutations

Gene conversion-misalignment in meiosis means copied from a different allele

Gene recombination-Exchange of DNA segments from different chromosomes

Effects of polymorphism in MHC

Variability of peptide expression-allows many thousands of peptides to be presented

Rare that a protein has no peptide that can be bound by MHC

It is important to remember that it is the combination of the peptide-MHC complex is recognised by the TCR

Peptide specificity

Alleles of MHC confer some specificity on the peptide bound

This is particularly in the 2-3 residues that form the ANCHOR sequence

Class I peptides only 8-10aa long

Class II peptides variable length

15

Class I

Class II

Showing peptide in binding groove, Class I can only bind small peptides, ~9aa, whereas the more open-ended binding cleft of class II can accommodate longe peptides ~15mers

16

Anchor residues similar for one allele

But length and position differ between different alleles

Allele A

Allele B

CLASS 1

Anchor residues vary between Alleles of MHC

Anchor residues can vary, but here shown P2 and P9 residues are identified, P9 is often a hydrophobic amino-acid

17

All have same core region but differ in length

Different lengths, but have anchor residues (green) are AA with similar properties

CLASS II

Peptides can vary in size

Peptides that could all bind to a single MHC variant

Providing Anchor residues “fit”, different peptides can be bound by one MHC

Anchor residues are multiple positions, (P1, 4,6 and 9 shown) , more relaxed (permissive) than class I and less easy to define

Differert MHC molecules have different patterns of residues which are conserved.

Here P4 is negatively charged (aspartic Acid (D), other anchor resilues are predominantly hydrophobic

18

How do Peptides get into MHC molecules?

This is very different for class I and class II

Class I binds molecules from host proteins, intracellular viruses and bacteria

Class II can come from intracellular pathogens OR from an extra-cellular source

MHC molecules must have a peptide bound even in the absence of infection- These may be self-peptides

Class I

Intracellular peptides require processing

Antigen processing genes for class 1 are located in MHC

21

Processing of peptides for Class I

LMP and TAP are encoded on MHC locus

Two LMP units form part of the proteosome

Proteosome continuously degrades cytosolic proteins to peptides

Normal process within the cell of recycling

including proteins those from pathogens

expression induced by IFN gamma

Proteosome complex

proteins

peptides

The proteosome is complex of proteins, overall size approx. 2000kDa (roughly), The LMPs (low molecular mass polypeptides) are involved in the processing of proteins into small peptides

LMP2 and 7 are the MHC associated LMPS.

LMPs change the proteolytic specificities of the proteosome.

22

TAP 1 and TAP 2 form a complex that selects peptides

Peptides are then transported into the Endoplasmic reticulum

This is where further processing occurs

Ultimately MHC class I is loaded with peptide

transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP) proteins

23

TAP: transporter associated with antigen processing Are ATP-binding cassette transporters

Calnexin= chaperone protein

ERAAP (mouse)=

ERAP (human) aka: ARTS-1

The class I MHC peptide loading process

Click to edit Master text styles

Second level

Third level

Fourth level

Fifth level

Calreticulin ands ERP57 bind and prevent peptide entry into the binding groove of MHC molecule

This complex binds to the tapasin-Tap complex (the peptide loading complex) Tapasin and ERP57 associate and stabilize the MHC binding groove in an open configuration, facilitiating peptide entry.

ERAP/ERAAP/ARTS-1 – Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase associated with antigen processing : trims peptides that go into MHC class I . ERAAP is important also in that ERAAP-deficient cells are killed by Specific T cells that recognize non-classical MHC complexes

Note there is also a minor, TAP-independent mechanism for loading MHC class I

24

MHC Class II peptide loading

Like MHC class I proteins, class II molecules are synthesized into the rough endoplasmic reticulum

Alpha and beta MHC chains come together, but…

To prevent premature binding of other peptides,
the invariant chain(Ii) binds in the groove.

Ii cytoplasmic tail signals for MHC traffick into
acid endosomes

Invariant chain bound to MHC CII forming a trimer

Ii is also found in the MHC locus

Acid endosomes are around pH 4.

Ii also called CD74, is also found on the surface of macrophages, and is the receptor for macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF)

25

The invariant chain is cleaved in the late endosome by Capthepsin S to leave the CLIP fragment in place

26

CLIP: Class II-associated invariant peptide

Cathepsin S is a lysosomal cysteine protease

Cathepsin L does the same job in thymic cortical epithelial cells

Exogenous antigens (taken in by the cell by phagocytosis) are degraded in lysosome-endosome fusions

MHC-Ii complexes are degraded in acidified endosomes

These all fuse with other vesicles containing HLA-DM.

HLA-DM is a chaperone protein

holds the Class II in an open configuration

Exchanges CLIP for exogenous peptide

Can exchange weak binding peptide for stronger.

MHC class II is released to the cell surface

Loading of MHC Class II with exogenous peptides

27

It is more complex that this, however this excellent review gives more detail than you will need, but is interesting

https://www.nature.com/articles/nri3818

So location of encounter with pexogenous peptide and HLA-Dm govern what types of peptide are loaded into the groove.

Antigen processing and presentation in a B cell

Antigen/pathogen is drawn in attached to the B cell receptor

Antigen is broken down in lysosome-endosome fusions

Peptides can be loaded onto MHC class II as a results

What you should know by the end of this lecture

The structure of MHC class I and II

The MHC is polymorphic and polygenic

Characteristics of class I and II peptide binding

How molecules are processed and presented via class I and class II MHC

Innate and Adaptive Immunity

An introduction to the immune system

Dr. Lucy Fairclough

Associate Professor of Immunology

School of Life Sciences

[email protected]

*

  • Consider the threat posed by different classes of pathogens
  • Describe the basic features of immunity
  • Outline the levels of protection from pathogens
  • Briefly describe innate immune responses
  • Briefly describe adaptive immune responses

Learning Objectives

*

Classes of Pathogen

*

Classes of Pathogen

*

Classes of Pathogen

*

Requirements of an effective immune system:

Challenge Response

Diverse nature of pathogens Range of defense mechanisms

Vast range of pathogens Vast range of antigen receptors

Rapid growth of microbes Rapid inflammatory response

Minimise damage to host Regulatory mechanisms

*

  • RECOGNITION – locate and identify the pathogen
  • DEFENSE – repel or destroy the pathogen

An Immune response to infection involves

*

  • Specificity
  • Memory
  • Self-discrimination

Cardinal Features of immune system

*

Levels of defense against pathogens

*

Physical Barriers

*

Physical Barriers

*

Two types of Immune responses

Innate immunity Adaptive immunity

*

Innate Immune response

“Cellular involvement”

*

Innate Immune response

“Cellular involvement”

*

The phagocytic system

*

Innate Immune response

“Recognition”

Pathogen Recognition Receptors (PRRs) and

Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs)

*

Innate Immune response

“Recognition”

*

Phagocytosis and killing of pathogen

Complement and mast cells

*

Innate Immune Responses

*

Adaptive Immune Responses

*

Adaptive Immune Responses – humoral and cell-mediated

Humoral Immunity

Cell Mediated Immunity

Adaptive Immunity

*

Humoral Immunity

Fab

Fc

*

Immunoglobulin Capabilities

+ ADCC

*

Cell Mediated Immunity

  • CD4 helper T cells
  • CD8 cytotoxic T cells

*

Adaptive Immune Responses

*

Innate/Adpative Immunity

*

Stages of an immune response

*

*

*

*

In Summary:

*

  • Consider the threat posed by different classes of pathogens
  • Describe the basic features of immunity
  • Outline the levels of protection from pathogens
  • Briefly describe innate immune responses
  • Briefly describe adaptive immune responses

Learning Objectives

*

Reading List

Lecture Notes on Immunology 7th Edition. Todd, Spickett and Fairclough

Immunobiology 7th Edition. Janeway, Travers, Walport and Shlomchik.

Immunology 7th Edition. Male, Brostoff, Roth and Roitt

The Immune System 3rd Edition. Parham

Roitt’s Essential Immunology 13th Edition.

*

Infection and Immunity

LiFE2080

Antibody diversity

Dr Paddy Tighe (Module Convenor)

[email protected]

Objectives

Outline the types of diversity/location of diversity in antibodies

Outline the process of somatic recombination

Be able to describe what allelic exclusion means

Describe the anatomical sites and consequences of somatic hypermutation

describe central tolerance and its effect on diversity

Outline the mechanism of Class switching

Amino acid variability in immunoglobulins

Isotopic – addresses rare overall identity of an immunoglobulin – which heavy chain class (and subclass where applicable) is used, which light chain (kappa or lambda)

Allotypic – allelic variations across populations – once again associated with both heavy and light chains. Some have effects on the overall physiochemical properties of an antibody, such as altering glycosylation patterns

Idiotypic – identifying the unique structure and sequence that makes a particular antibody ( and applies to TCR as well) different from any other antibody, which is a property associated with the variable regions of the heavy and light chains, and moreover with the CDRs of the variable regions. Niels Jerne defined the idiotype as the set of epitopes (antigenic determinates) on the V region of an antibody.

Amino acid variability in immunoglobulins

Idiotypic variation is focussed at three hypervariable regions (the CDRs) of the variable region gene sequence

Kabat & Wu plots demonstrate this

Kabat and Wu plots represent the variable region mapped as amino-acid positions onto the x-axis (N>C terminal)

`variability on the Y axis is calculated from the number of different amino acids observed at a position DIVIDED by the frequency of the most common amino acid

Light chain CDRs focus around aa 24-34, 50-56 and 89-97

Heavy chain CDRs 31-35, 50-65, 95-102

see http://www.dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.180.11.7055 and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC102431

History

Tonegawa et al Nature 302, p 575 (1983)

Site-specific recombination

Ensuing loss of genomic DNA

Highly specific to immunoglobulin and T cell receptor loci

Highly complex regulation

Lineage specific

Ordered rearrangement of different loci

Regulation of expression from one allele only

Nobel prize 1987 for Physiology and Medicine

the original paper is here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC431171

Heavy and light Ig chains /TCR genes

Germline sequences are not functional

functional genes are a result of somatic recombination – only occurs in B and T cells

Germline genes are a large cluster of gene segments in a multigene family

Variable region (V) segments

Diversity (D) segments (Ig heavy &TCR beta chains)

Joining (J) segments

Constant (C segments)

TCR

a (14q11.2)

b (7q34)

d (14q11.2)

g (7p14)

Immunoglobulin

H (14q32-33)

k (2p11.2)

l (22q11.2)

Details: IMGT site (http://imgt.cines.fr)

Light chain rearrangement

V & J segments recombine to make the gene encoding the VL domain

V1. . . . . . .V2. . . . . . . . . . . .Vx (100’s) J1 J2 . J3 . . . . Jn

•intervening DNA is lost as circular forms

•A fused V-J segment results

Coding Joint Signal Joint

V1. . . . . . . . .V2J2 . J3 . . . . Jn

+

Choice of V and J segment is random

A specific recombinase system recognises DNA recombination signal sequences (RSS) present at the end of V and start of J regions

Recombination signal sequences

Light chain

Heavy chain

9 23 7

V

J

7 23 9

V

J

7 12 9

9 23 7

D

9 12 7

7 12 9

The 12/23 rule: only a Ig gene segment with a 12 base spacer RSS can be joined to an Ig gene segment with a 23 base spacer

There is a very nice review on the topic of the VDJ recombination process in Nature reviews Immunology 2011 v11, April, p251. it discusses possible mechanisms and influences of chromatin structure and the gene architecture on the process.

http://www/dx.doi.org/10.1038/nri2941

this image is from Immunobiology, 8th edition, chapter 5, figure 5.6

Genes with specific function expressed during B cell development

RAG1 & 2: Proteins Recombination activating genes 1 & 2 – are essential for somatic recombination

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase is a non-templated DNA polymerase which acts on the cleaved DNA ends and adds additional DNA bases

RAG1 and 2 bind to the RSSs, triggers nicking (single stranded cutting of the DNA near the RSS as a key step in somatic recombination

they are expressed in B cell development when heavy and then light chains are recombined.

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) is a non-templated DNA polymerase that can act on the cleaved ends of DNA at the recombination site

Recombination complex

Synapsis (requires RAG-1, RAG-2) , HMG 1/2

RAG induced SSB’s are formed

DSB’s are formed (DNA double stranded breaks) + coding end hairpins

Coding ends (CE) are cleaved

Signal joint is precisely made

N and P nucleotide addition occurs @ coding ends

Processing of ends and ligation (XRCC4 and DNA ligase IV)

There is a very nice review on the topic of the VDJ recombination process in Nature reviews Immunology 2011 v11, April, p251. it discusses possible mechanisms and influences of chromatin structure and the gene architecture on the process.

http://www/dx.doi.org/10.1038/nri2941

this image is from Immunobiology, 8th edition, chapter 5, figure 5.6

Problems controlling V(D)J recombination

RAG genes are essentially transposases

Substrate selection errors

End donation errors

>Lymphomas/leukemias

Burkitt’s lymphoma?
( EBV + c-myc (8q24 > 14q32, 2p11 or 22q11)

A progression of rearrangements occurs in the bone marrow

Light chains can rearrange multiple times

(receptor editing)

Receptor editing can rescue B cells which have generated a self-reactive antibody

There is evidence of Germinal centre (ie B cells activated in secondary lymphoid organ) light chain receptor editing as well which might be involved in both tolerance mechanisms and enhancing immune responses to antigens..

There is a detailed article on receptor editing in tolerance and autoimmunity in Annals of the New York Academy of Science,

(2011) 1217 p96-121 ( http://dx.doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1749-6632.2010.05877.x )

it is estimated that up to 50% of peripheral B cells have undergone receptor editing, though estimates vary widely, reflecting both the types of study and specific methods applied.

there is recent evidence that clonal deletion is more of a selection force that receptor editing for T cells to control autoreactivity.

Joining of Coding Joint DNA is imprecise

V-J, V-D and D-J joining can result in additional nucleotides added to the joint

Non-templated addition by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT): Termed N region additions

Palindromic additions by template directed fill in by DNA polymerases: Termed P-region additions

Nucleotide additions alter the potential peptide reading frame

N and P region addition

Effects of N and P region additions

Germline

Variable

Adding and removing bases of DNA changes both the number and type of amino acid coded for.

example is sequences of 3 heavy chain VDJ regions, all using the same V, D and J segment, each showing different additions and removal of bases

Allelic exclusion

A single T or B cell will only express the product of a single allele for each of its relevant antigen receptor genes

A B-cell will express a single specificity of IgH chain and a single specificity light chain (k or l)

A single T-cell will express either a unique α and β, or a unique γ and δ TCR pair

This gives monospecificity

Why is mono specificity important?

Number of Igs formed per B cell? if one specificity, then the cell will be specifically activated by encountering an antigen , and produce many clonal specific plasma cells – if lots of different antibody combinations per cell – which one has triggered the cell? all antibodies are made but only a few are specific

Effects on valency – expressing all of the Light and heavy chain genes would give lots of combinations which might/might not be the same on any given antibody molecule so affecting avidity

Allelic exclusion leads to monospecificity of BCR

There is a nice article on allelic exclusion of the IG heavy chain gene reported in J. Immunology, 2014, 192:2460-2470

(http:/www.dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1302216 ) which details the involvement of the transcription factor E2A in this process

Somatic hypermutation refines the immune response

In B-cells only

In the secondary lymphoid organs

Targeted mutations in the DNA encoding the rearranged VJ or VDJ segment

altered DNA sequence may encode different amino acids

some mutations will improve binding to antigen.

Occurs simultaneously with class switching

V

J

V

J

D

V

J

V

J

D

Light chains

Heavy chains

Mutation rate peaks over V(D)J junction

• Mutation rate ~ 103 bp/ generation

• (106 x spontaneous rate)

Somatic hypermutation results in small alterations in amino acid sequence within the Variable domains of immunoglobulins

Known details of somatic hypermutation

Mutations : mainly point (4-7% deletions, ~1% duplications)

Not random – hot spot targeted, transitions >transversions

especially serine codons AGC and AGT

CDRs of V gene segments show codon bias

Activation induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is induced

AID is essential for Hypermutation and class switch recombination

Mechanisms for generation of Diversity

choice of multiple genes

random recombination of gene segments

V-J and V-D-J

junctional imprecision

(N region addition, P region addition)

Combination of heavy and light chain proteins

somatic hypermutation

Refining the antibody repertoire:

Central tolerance mechanisms

Peripheral elimination of self reactive cells is important too

Isotype (class) switching

Affects the heavy chain genes only

initially IgD and IgM are made (cell surface)

IgM and IgD isotypes are generated by RNA splicing

Further class switching involves a second specific recombination system

gives a switch to IgG, IgA, IgE

occurs after antigen stimulation

.V2J2 . J3 . . . . Jn. . . . . . . . . . . C? . . . . .C? . . . .

IgM & IgD mRNAs are produced by RNA splicing

DNA (rearranged)

transcription

V1. . . . . . . . .V2J2 . J3 . . . . Jn. . . . . . . . . . . . C? . . . . .C? . . . .

AAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAA

• primary transcript

RNA splicing

• messenger RNA

translation

IgM

AAAAAAAAA

IgD

On same cell surface

Recently, IgD was found to bind to basophils/mast cells activating these cells to participate in respiratory immune defense

enzymes involved include activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), also needed for somatic hypermutation

what is not shown here in the diagram of the segments is that each heavy chain segment also has a 3’ exon which can be alternatively spliced in after transcription to provide a membrane binding domain for each Ig heavy chain class (this is important for the generation of memory B cells which have membrane bound Ig of the class they have switched to.) thus plasm cells do not splice in this exon, were as memory cells do.

AID is important for Class switch recombination – the introduction of dU (deoxyuracil) into DNA by the action of AID is thought to be the initiating prices to engage the remainder of the machinery required to support class switching.

Summary

Diverse Ig (and TCR) specificities can be generated

Multiple gene segments

Combinatorial rearrangements

Junction alterations

Combinations of different chains (H+L)

Somatic mutation (affinity maturation)

Class switching

Control of the class of antibody response

Central tolerance: Selection of self-compatibility

Peripheral tolerance: Selection of self-compatibility

Infection and Immunity

LIFE2080

B and T cell development and differentiation

Dr Paddy Tighe

[email protected]

What you need to know by the end of the lecture

Where B and T lymphocytes develop

How self-reactive lymphocytes are removed

Positive and negative selection

Peripheral tolerance to self antigens

Development of T & B cells

Need to equip lymphocytes with molecules to respond to antigen (antigen receptors)

Ensure that these receptors do not respond to self antigen (negative selection)

Ensure T cells can respond to to antigens in the context of self-MHC (positive selection)

CD4

TCR

CD8

TCR

CD8+ T-cell

B-cell

CD4+ T-cell

Adaptive response starts with a wide repertoire of possible specificities, for both T and B cells. BUT an essential requirement is to avoid self-reactive antigen receptors, especially on T cells

3

Lymphocyte binding repertoire

Because of the myriad of microbial challenges-antigen binding repertoire has to be extensive –refer to how diversity is achieved from previous lectures

Self-antigen binding must occur during the process of the generation of diversity

There are mechanisms to minimise this because of the devastating consequences (ie autoimmunity)!

Note: we artificially induce tolerance in organ transplantation

Approximately 20 million possibilities of T cell receptor specificy and similar numbers of B cell receptor specificity exist in the average human at any one point in time, and it can change over time (ie is dynamic)

4

Tolerance to self

Central Tolerance

Concerns immature T and B cells at the point of development where

B cells have a newly former Immunoglobulin at the surface forming a BCR

Pre-T cells differentiate into CD4+ or CD8+ T cells

Mechanisms

Clonal deletion or inactivation of the cell

A wide range of self antigens are expressed in primary lymphoid tissue to aid this process

Peripheral Tolerance

Relates to mature T cells after they have left the primary lymphoid tissue

Clonal deletion and anergy (lack of responsiveness to stimuli)

Also other mechanisms eg, suppression

Antigens expressed in tissues

B cells develop in bone marrow then migrate to lymphoid tissues

In the bone marrow

Immature B-cells proliferate

Differentiate and develop antigen receptors (surface Ig)

Self-reactive cells are eliminated

Bone marrow stromal cells (ie connective tissues) interact and provide factors (cytokines, inc IL7) necessary for development to eliminate self reactive cells

B-cell

B cells

To be able to function B cells need to:

Encounter antigen

Recognise it

Each naive B-cell only has one specificity of immunoglobulin

Therefore, there is only going to be a few antigens that any one B cell will recognise

Respond to it

Response is driven by support given to the B cell in the secondary lymphoid organs

If all three steps happen, then the B cell differentiates into an effector cell (functional end cell)

recognition

Response/activation

differentiation

A B cell displays many copies of the same specificity immunoglobulin on its surface, each associate with other molecules as part of the B cell receptor

7

B cell tolerance

New B cells are produced throughout your life

As gene rearrangement occurs (which defines the antigen specificity) there is a need for mechanism to stop self recognition

This is simple!

If the B cell receptor on the immature B cell detects antigens in the bone marrow it is deleted

8

B CELL receptor maturation

Immature B cell expresses surface IgM

While mature, new (termed naïve) B cells expresses surface IgD+ IgM

Developing B cells get signals from stromal cells and once an Immunoglobulin is correctly made and at the surface of the cell, the initial expression is only IgM. Central tolerance is achieved during this stage as self antigens present in the bone marrow and displayed to the new B cells can interact with the new surface IgM, and if the immunoglobulin binds too well, and multivalently (ie perhaps a surface protein expressed many times on a cell), then the B cell will apoptose. Exposure to soluble self-antigens (ie not capable of multimeric binding of Ig leads to anergy of the B cell, or a subsequent failure to response to the same antigenic signal

10

Developmental routes for a B cell

Whilst clonally ignorant cells are weakly self-reactive, the auto-antigen is unable to activate them sufficiently, despite being present.

Note that anergic cells express largely IgD on the surface, and do not respond to antigenic stimulation, so are rapidly lost in competition with responsive B cells with similar antigen specificity.

11

B cell deletion

Immature B cells in BM only express IgM

In order for deletion to occur multivalent ligands have to be bound

Use anti-IgM experimentally – cells die by apoptosis

As a mature B cell is activated by the same ligands – this process only works before they mature

B cell is now expressing IgD on their surface

So is linked in with developmental changes in the B cell.

12

RECEPTOR EDITING

If IgM is bound by antigen in bone marrow immediate elimination (deletion) is NOT the only outcome

The cell an produce a new receptor by editing the existing light chain gene

There is an interval between antigen recognition and apoptosis where cell can be rescued

Receptor editing results in loss of of the old light chain gene and protein with a new one

It is estimated at around 50% of naïve B cells have undergone receptor editing

13

INACTIVATION (Anergy)

If the immature B cell encounters monovalent molecule the cell becomes inactivated and unresponsive to stimuli (ANERGIC)

These cells lose their expression of surface IgM

Express mainly IgD, but are released from bone marrow

Anergic cells have a short lifespan due to lack of survival stimuli

Rermember IgM and IgD expression are the result of alternative splicing, so this too is a controllable step.

14

Peripheral Tolerance

There is a need to silence cells in the periphery which encounter self-antigens eg to liver/kidney antigens

Cells can be deleted or anergised (made silent)

As in the bone marrow it depends on valency of antigens

Multivalent (several sites at which attachment to antigen can occur) = able to be deleted in the periphery

Monovalent (one site at which attachment to antigen can occur) = able to be made anergic (silent)

A few self-reactive B cells are OK

Without help, a B cell recognizing antigen is anergised

X

15

Thymus

Bi-lobed organ which sits above the heart

2 compartments-cortex and medulla

Cortex-outer compartment has densely packed immature thymocytes (with high levels of proliferation and cell death) 95-99% will die

Medulla: more sparsely populated-subset of mature thymocytes on the way to being fully matured

In the thymus is a stromal cell network- specialized epithelial cells, dendritic cells and macrophages interacting with thymocytes

Structure of Thymus

mTECs express the AIRE gene, which enables the expression of many, tissue-specific genes in the cells, enabling the broad presentation of self-peptides to developing T-cells, to enable negative selection. Hassal’s corpuscles may have a role in the promotion of dendritic cell function

18

Some thymic epithelial express the AIRE (autoimmune regulator) gene

This enables the AIRE expressing thymic medullary epithelial cells (green) to express self antibens and display them to developing T cells

Red staining is for a Thymic medullary marker.

Mutations in AIRE cause Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED)

19

T-cell precursors migrate from the bone marrow to the thymus

Role of Thymus

Thymectomize- results in a dramatic reduction in T cells

DiGeorges syndrome (humans), nude mice –thymic aplasia (no thymus): do not have T cells

Scid mice have a thymus but a defect in lymphocyte development –do not have T cells

It can be experimentally demonstrated that the thymus is required for T cell development…

Janeway’s Immunobiology 8th ed. Fig 8.17

Normal thymus architecture, but no T cells

NO thymus but normal T cell progenitors

Bone marrow stem cells from nude mouse gives T cell progenitors

Thymic architecture from SCID mouse gives a site for T cell progentitors to develop

So transplanted T cell progenitors can use the normal thymus to develop fully

So existing T cell progenitors can use the transplanted thymus to develop fully

Experimental evidence that the thymus is a key organ of T cell developmentThe spleen is a secondary lymphoid organ and becomes populated with both T and B cells usually, but this only occurs in this model after appropriate thymic development of T cells occurs

Think of it as A house party where the result is the production of mature T cells – SCID mice have the house, but no guests (T cell progenitors), Nude mice have the guests (T cell progenitors), but no house. So transferring guests or house to the relevant lacking mouse enables full development of mature T cells , ie the full house party can occur.

22

T cell development and selection

T cell activation and differentiation

T cell Surface markers

Markers change during development

When progenitor T-cells enter the thymus they lack many later markers

These cells Proliferate and express surface proteins including CD2 but are CD4 and CD8 negative

“double negatives”

Not yet expressed T cell receptor- but this being generated

BOTH CD4 and CD8 are expressed once a functional TCR is present

“double positives” ie are CD4+,CD8+ pre-T cells

At this point selection of the cells for their MHC recognition occurs

Most developing T cells die in the thymus

It is at the double + stage that cells are selected for survival

Most (95%) die by apoptosis

Selected cells go on to become single + CD4 or CD8

Single positives are exported to the periphery from the thymus

Cells express both CD4 and CD8 for a stage of their development, and are called double positive cells at that point

25

The red stained dots indicate where cells are undergoing apoptotic cell death, largely in the Cortex of the Thymus

The large magnification shows the apoptotic cells are surreounded by macrophages (blue)

Most T cells do not survive thymic selection

26

27

The need to recognise self MHC

Ist Phase is positive selection where cells that recognise self MHC peptide complex are selected for survival this happens on double positive cells

If TCR does not recognise self MHC it will die by programmed cell death

This can be illustrated by using mouse models with different MHC backgrounds.

Positive selection

Not only selects for MHC reactive cells

Also co-ordinates the expression of CD4 or CD8 thus determining the type of effector function

Initially expresses both CD4 and CD8

Selection based on whether cell reacts to class I or class II MHC in thymus

Peptides in MHC affect positive selection

Many self peptides are expressed in the thymus due to the action of the AIRE (autoimmune regulator protein)

This ensures developing T cells have TCR which does not react to self-antigens from the rest of the body

But T cells have to have a TCR which will interact with self MHC

Is a delicate balance of affinity.

NEGATIVE SELECTION

If T cell encounters a antigen with high affinity in the thymus it DIES

many self antigens expressed either from circulation or thymus itself

Male antigen in mouse can demonstrate this:

Transgenic mouse with TCR specific for male antigens

In male mice male antigen specific T cells Die

In female mice male antigen specific T cells mature normally

Peripheral Tolerance

Cells once in the periphery may encounter self antigens not presented in the thymus

Need to be able to not react!

Bottom line is need 2 signals, TCR plus costimulation

No second signal =anergy

SUMMARY FOR T CELLS

In thymus cells die unless they receive a positive signal-self MHC/peptide

If they bind to self antigens they receive a negative signal and die

Peripheral tolerance is induced when cells see antigens in the absence of co-stimulation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWDQwKpwqkY&feature=related

T cells and MHC

What you should know by the end of this lecture

T cell receptor (TCR) interaction with MHC

Consequences of TCR diversity

TCR function

T-cell effector functions

The T Cell Receptor

In the 1970s T cells were shown to have mono- specificity

Could recognise virally infected cells-but NOT virus alone

Recognition of self+virus

Receptor that does this is the TCR

Self receptor is the MHC

Humans: Approx. 20,000,000 TCR variants at any one time, each one unique

Monospecificity: each unique T cell generated during their development has a unique antigen rececognition for its TCR

Any new T cell will have a unique TCR sequence, but express lots of copies of that one TCR on its surface.

3

The concept of MHC restriction of T cell receptor recognition

This was demonstrated with mouse cells possessing specific mouse MHC (H-2k and H-2d; equivalents of MHC class 1 alleles):

A viral-peptide specific H-2k restricted cytotoxic T cells would kill a cell expressing the correct H-2k variant with TCR-recognized the viral peptide A, as shown here, being presented

It would not however Kill either a H-2k expressing cell with a different viral peptide (B) which that TCR did not recognize, or a H-2d-expressing cell (which the TCR equallty did not recognize, presenting the viral peptide A

4

A simplified version of the concept of MHC restriction.

5

MHC Class I MHC Class II

Each with peptide (yellow) in binding pocket

Images derived from PBD by P.J. Tighe for LNI 7th Ed.

6

A TCR

engaged

with a

MHC class I molecule

T cell

Cell expressing MHC class I

TCR engages with close contact to the MHC-peptide complex two complexes shown, one a’front’ view, one a side view

Orange line is the line chosen for a cross-sectional view in the next slide

7

MHC

TCR

Peptide

Cross section of MHC-peptide-TCR complex

Image: P.J. Tighe, derivatized from PBD structure, for LNI 7th ed.

MHC class 1 alpha chain shown in blue, demonstrating the binding pockets that AA side chains interact with.

Figure also demonstrates both the close interaction of MHC and TCR structures and interaction of TCR with peptide

8

The T cell receptor

Expression of the TCR on the T cell surface requires association with additional proteins

The receptor complex is needed for signalling of TCR engagement with MHC

These proteins are collectively termed CD3

Variation is focussed at the MHC-peptide biding region

Variation is found here

The proteins of the TCR receptor complex (known as CD3, can be targeted by specific antibodies to the external domains so that we can easily stain for T cells (if the antibodies used are fluorescent for example) This marks the cells as T cells.

9

The TCR and the Immunoglobulins share a similar and unique mechanism by which the functional gene is made in each new T or B cell:

SOMATIC RECOMBINATION

TCR

Alpha (Chr. 14q11.2)

Beta (Chr. 7q34)

delta (14q11.2)

gamma (7p14)

Germline organization of the human T-cell receptor alpha and beta loci.

Details: IMGT site (http://www.imgt.org)

Germline genes consist of: Variable (V) segments, Diversity (D) segments, Joining (J) segments and Constant (C) segments

10

Delta and gamma chains are associated with a smaller population of T cells that have a range of functions which are in some ways different to alpha-beta T cells, but are not required reading for the moment.

The L (leader) sequence precedes each V segment, ands is required to allow the TCR to be synthesised into the endoplasmic reticulum

These loci occupy hundreds of thousands of base pairs each.

Alpha chain:

V to J >VJ

Beta chain:

D to J >DJ

Then

V to VJ> VDJ

Note: the germline genes are non-functional

Somatic recombination is lineage dependent:

TCRs in developing T cells, Immunoglobulins in developing B cells

Functional TCR genes are generated by Somatic recombination in the thymus

* Variable DNA sequences occur at the junctions during VJ, DJ & VDJ joining

*

*

*

Even though this picture doesn’t show it well, the VJ and VDJ encoded sections of the proteins for the alpha and beta chains respectively, end up making up the antigen binding site

11

Comparision of TCR and Immunoglobulin rearrangement

Each new (naïve) T cell has a single type of unique TCR

Approx 20 million present, from a potential repertoire of approx. 1×1015~18

12

Changes in immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes that occur during B- cell and T-cell development and differentiation.

Those changes that establish immunological diversity are all irreversible, as they involve changes in B-cell or T-cell DNA. Certain changes in the organization of DNA or in its transcription are unique to B cells. Somatic hypermutation has not been observed in functional T-cell receptors. The B-cell-specific processes, such as switch recombination, allow the same variable (V) region to be attached to several functionally distinct heavy- chain C regions, and thereby create functional diversity in an irreversible manner. By contrast, the expression of IgM versus IgD, and of membrane-bound versus secreted forms of all immunoglobulin types, can in principle be reversibly regulated.

T cell Development and relationship with MHC

Details to follow on B and T cell development lecture!

Essentials

Pre-T cells undergo development & gene rearrangement in the thymus

During which time they are

Positively selected for having surface TCR

Positively selected for interacting weakly with MHC+self peptide

Negatively selected interacting either not at all, or too strongly with MHC+self peptide

Survivors exit thymus (~5%)

This is a complex process to be discussed more fully in a later lecture. The final repertoire of T cells which you have circulating in your body is a consequence of this positive and negative selection process.

Interaction of a given T cells TCR with a self MHC (one of your class I or II allelic variants) is essential to allow positive selection, but if too strong, can lead to death of the developing T cell.

This is the process of MHC restriction – your repertoire of T cells is restricted to those T cells whose receptor can interact appropriately with your MHC.

It is also important that a T cell engages both its TCR with MHC and self peptides weakly, and has the correct co-receptor (CD4 or 8) expressed

13

CD4 = T helper cell

CD8 = Cytotoxic T cell

There are two types of co-receptor. Each interacts with

a different MHC class

14

Just to emphasize CD4 and CD8 were first identifiied with monoclonal antibodies that recognised different populations of T cells- long before we knew that their function was to stabilise interactions with particular MHC molecules.

Antibodies to CD4 andCD 8 can be used to identify, and purify specific T cell types

T cell activation and differentiation

Naïve T cells circulate in the blood but enter secondary lymphoid organs eg lymph nodes

T cells mingle with APCs:

If T cell does not encounter an antigen (in MHC) they leave through efferent lymphatics & circulate

If T cell does engage strongly with APC presenting peptide in MHC

proliferate and differentiate into effector cells

T cell activation in the secondary lymphoid organs

Activation retains cells in LN

Activation and interaction leads to:

Proliferation

Differentiation

Differentiated, effector T cells exit the LN

These can be

CD4+ T cells and

CD8+ T cells

16

Some of the mechanisms and signals governing T cell exit from LN are being used as targets for drugs in some autoimmune diseases, to hold T cells back from the circulation

High endothelial venules are specialized and express surface adhesion molecules which naïve T cells interact with. This allows them to them slow down and migrate from the circulation by a process called diapedesis to enter the LN architecture. They are also attracted by a variety of chemokines (CCL21, CXL12

T cell/APC interaction

Initial interactions are with adhesion molecules: ICAM1 (APC) with LFA1 (T cell)

This allows better TCR/MHC/CD4 or 8 engagement

Note – it requires many TCR –MHC engagements to begin the activation process, not just one!

TherE are also additional adhesion molecules which are engaged in this process

17

T cell/APC interaction

Strong binding (ligation) of TCR to MHC-peptide complexes is a first step, but other stimuli are required to activate a T cell

CD4 or CD8 interaction (depending on the T cell and MHC)

Additional co-stimulation aids the stability of the T cell-APC interaction and enables signalling into the T cell

APCs have B7 (aka CD80/86)

Interacts with CD28 on the T cell

APC cytokines complete the initial activation

18

IL2 and activation of T cells

High-affinity IL2 receptor (CD25) is expressed

T cell expresses IL2

Autocrine feedback stimulates cell

Promotes proliferation and differentiation

Differentiation and function

Mature naïve T cells are already committed to being helper (CD4+) or cytotoxic (CD8+)

Cytotoxic cells once activated are effector cells

Helper T cells have a more complex differentiation pathway once stimulated by ag

This is effected by signals from APC

Activation of CD8+ T cells

Very active dendritic cells can directly activate some C8+ T cells

Many however also get additional activation signals though CD4+ T cell help

Engagement to the same APC

increases APC expression of co-stimulatory receptors

IL2 from CD4+ T cell directly acts on CD8+ cell

CD40/CD40L interactions are important in additional co-stimulation of CD4+ T cells and in a different contex, of stimulation fo B cells, which also express CD40

21

Cytotoxic effects CD8+ T cells

CTL recognises MHC Class I peptide complex in secondary lymphoid tissues

Then migrates to tissues and site of infection

These effector cells package cytotoxins into modified lysosomes

On engaging same MHC peptide complex on infected cell…

release this cargo very selectively onto infected cell

CTL: cytotoxic T lymphocyte

22

Two mechanisms of killing:
Both lead to apoptosis of the target cell

23

Apoptosis by these mechanisms far more rapid and controlled than death due to factor withdrawl or other apoptotic stimuli

Perforing opens up pores in the target cell membrane, allowing granzyme entry. Granzyme sets of a pathway of programmed cell death (apoptosis)

FAsL-FAS interactions also set in motion an irreversible pathway of apoptosis

Apoptotic cells are phagocytosed, which in turn supports further presentation of viral antigens on MHC by macrophages.

FAS mediated Killing

24

FAS receptor – member of the TNF family of death receptors

Engagement of the Fas receptor leads to aggregation of intracellular death domains

Recruits procaspase 8

Perforin/Granzyme Killing

Granules contain both Perforin and Granzyme

25

Granules are released from the CTL onto the target cells

Secretion of electron dense granules

Perforin – in vitro can lyse cells – poreformin – but major role is probably to target granzyme to the right place

Granzyme has many targets in the cell (over 300) , but well known targets are the pro-caspases, 8 and 10 which in turn lead to caspases 3 and 7 being activated nd triggering apoptotic death

If a cell has shut down caspase activity – (viruses will do this)

Granzyme can act down stream of caspase –

The immunological synapse, describing the interacting surface between a cytotoxic T cells and a target cell

. TCR-MHC and andehsion molecules are focused at this point of contact, and performing and granzyme containing vesicles concentrated and released specifically here to enable targeted cell killing (Green staining) T cell in blue, target cell in red

The immunological synapse, describing the interacting surface between a cytotoxic T cells and a target cell

. TCR-MHC and andehsion molecules are focused at this point of contact, and performing and granzyme containing vesicles concentrated and released specifically here to enable targeted cell killing (Green staining) T cell in blue, target cell in red

27

Helper T cells

When helper T cell (CD4+) meets APC with relevant antigen

Differentiation options

This depends on a number of factors

Cytokines produced by innate immune sensor cells

Cytokines produced by the interacting APC

Bystander in to LN environment

Cytokines can also inhibit the differentiation of other T cell subsets

29

Cytokines below each T Helper cell subset are indicative of their output capabilities

This also means that Th1 and Th2 produced cytokines can cross-regulate the development of other T cells, this is also true for TGF beta from Tregs which can inhibit Th1 and Th2 development

Functions of CD4+ cells

30

Th1 cell binds to macrophage

Infected with bacteria

And activates the macrophage

To kill

Th1 cells central to killing of intracellular bacteria

Help for Ab production

CD4`+ T cells help B cells to make antibody

Only activate B cells that recognize the same antigen

In secondary lymphoid tissues mature B cells present “their” antigen via MHC class II and pass through T cell zones

When antigen in B cell MHC recognised by Th2 TCR the B cell becomes trapped and activated

B cells encounter antigen in the B cell zones of LN, process and present it

Primary activation signal with BCR engagement,

second signal via CD40 and MHC engagement of TCR

B-cell presents Ag in MHC Class II

it is notable that the peptide in the MHC may be a totally different epitope to that recognised by the ab

Signal 3 through cytokines like IL21 and others

Summary

The TCR binds to a unique peptide within a self MHC

T cells are produced which have this restriction to self-MHC

Activation and differentiation is initiated in secondary lymphoid tissue by APCs

Each type of T cell has a distinct role(s) and all interact with other cells

CD8+ cells kill any infected cell

Th1 cells activate macrophages

Th2 promote recruitment of a variety of innate cells (eosinophils, basophils, Mast cells, and produce IL4, IL5, IL13

TFH cells support B cell activation and differentiation

Th17 cells enhance neutrophil responses

Treg inhibit all CD4+ responses

Cd4+ T cells overall contribute to directing the class of antibody produced by B cells

The different CD4+ t cell subsets alos contribute to directing the humoral response

36

Infection and Immunity

LIFE2080

Antibodies: specificity and function

Dr Paddy Tighe (Module Convenor)

[email protected]

2

Immunoglobulin structure

structure /function relationship

emphasising the binding domains function

Antigen-antibody interactions

Antibody classes

Differences

Effector functions

Summary

Remind of antibody structure

familiar with antibodies as free molecules present in large concentrations in serum and tissue fluids, but is also found on the surface of B lymphocytes – the B cell receptor.

Objectives

Outline the basic structural characteristics of immunoglobulins,

Briefly describe the Immunoglobulin fold and its relationship to antibody structure.

Diagramatically represent the domain structure of an IgG molecule and its relationship to function.

Describe, in brief, the structural details which relate to the specificity of an antibody.

List the main structural and functional differences in different antibody classes.

Associate antibody classes with  predominant locations within the body (tissues, fluids, circulation and  mucosal surfaces)

3

4

Antigens

Antigen: from antibody generator

Many antibodies may bind the same antigen, each a separate site termed an antigenic determinant or epitope

An antigen can also show repeated epitopes

Antigens can be diverse molecular structures

Two key Effector cell types

B lymphocytes (B cells)

make antibodies (immunoglobulins)-cell surface and secreted

Can improve the antibodies made over time

protection against extracellular pathogens & toxins

T lymphocytes (T cells)

express T cell receptors (TCR)

interact with other cells

can kill cells, or facilitate immune responses by other cells

Killer T cells( CD8+), Helper T cells and regulatory T cells (CD4+)

Specific antigen receptors

Immunoglobulin

(antibody)

Size of the adaptive immune system

At any one time, your body may contain up to:

2×107 different specificities of antibodies (ie made by different B cells)

Similar numbers of unique T cell specificities

It changes over time!

20,000,000+ variations on a theme at any one time

out of approx. 150,000,000,000,000 possibilities

You only have about 20-25,000 genes in total:

Just 3 genes given you your antibodies, and 4 genes your T cell receptors

the scope of your adaptive immune system is immense – and it is dynamic, the specificities and abundance of B cells and T cells that are present in your body fluctuates, depending on exposure to pathogens, and age. You have 7 genes (and 2 copies of each) which are enough to generate your entire T and B cell repertoire.

8

Immunoglobulins

Serum glycoproteins also found in tissue fluids.

B lymphocytes

surface antigen receptor
(B cell receptor; BCR)

associates with other
cell surface proteins

Plasma cells

produce secretory
immunoglobulin (antibody)

five classes of antibody
IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD & IgE

A B lymphocyte in a secondary lymphoid tissue is activated to proliferate (Clonal expansion and produce more cells, which develop into either memory B cells or more frequently into antibody secreting , short-lived plasma cells (average 2-3 day lifespan) with high antibody output. Memory B cells can survive much, much longer. However there is now evidence of long-lived plasma cells

The Clonal Selection theory

Burnet, FM (1976). “A modification of Jerne’s theory of antibody production using the concept of clonal selection.”. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 26 (2): 119–21. doi:10.3322/canjclin.26.2.119. PMID 816431.

the concept of how specific B or T cells are expanded to provide protection against a particular pathogen was proposed in the 1950s by Macfarlane Burnet

the mechanism of somatic recombination was not understood unit the 1976, by Susumu Tonegawa

10

Antibody structure

Enymatic cleavage

Papain

2x Fab, (Fragment- antigen binding)

Fc (Fragment -crystallisable)

• Pepsin

• Fab(2),

• Fc fragments

Papain

Pepsin

understanding of the discrete domains and functions of antibodies came as a result of biochemical work , purifying antibodies and cleaving them with proteases. The terms we often use, the Fab fragment and Fc, came about as a result of these experiments – Fab

11

Antibody structure

Bifunctional

2 light chains
(kappa or lambda)
(25KDa)

1.Antigen binding

2. Effector functions

Domain structure

Disulphide linked

2 heavy chains
(subclasses)
(50-77kDa)

there are 9 human heavy chain variants

each has an associated allele

12

Ribbon view

Surface view

Top view

Side view

Light chain

Heavy

chain

13

Variable/constant

domain view

Surface view

Top view

Side view

Variable

domains

Constant

domains

Antigen

binding

site

Antibody flexibility

14

The hinge region of IgG1 encompasses amino acids 216-231
IgG2 has a shorter hinge than IgG1,(12 amino acids, four disulfide bridges). The hinge is relatively short and contains a rigid poly-proline double helix, restricting flexibility.
IgG3 has an extended hinge (about four times as long as the IgG1 hinge: 62 amino acids including 21 prolines and 11 cysteines), forming an inflexible poly-proline double helix, the length giving the molecule a greater flexibility.
The hinge region of IgG4 is shorter than that of IgG1 and its flexibility is intermediate between that of IgG1 and IgG2.

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Serum concentrations and half-life

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A conserved structure: the “Immunoglobulin fold”

Consider just a light chain

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Domain structure

Light chain domains

Variable (V)

Constant (C)

Peptide loops (hypervariable regions) are involved in interactions with antigen

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Hypervariable regions interact with antigen

also called Complementarity determining regions (CDRs)

Heavy and light chains each have 3 CDRs

Amino-acid variation is greatest at the CDRs

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The combination of H+L CDRs produces the unique antibody combining site
also called the paratope

Antigen is held by non-covalent interactions of the paratope with the antigenic epitope

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size of antigens and area of interaction varies

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Forces at work

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“goodness of fit” is the sum of the attractive and replusive interactions between epitope & paratope-

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Conformational specificity

an antibody may recognise a specific
3D conformation of protein (or other antigen)

linear epitope- primary sequence
…..AlaGlySerProLysGluGlu…..

constrained secondary structure epitope
(eg a loop or turn)

a discontinuous epitope
(tertiary structure epitope)

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Affinity and Avidity

Affinity

strength of a single antibody(Fab)/antigen bond

Avidity

Binding of a multivalent antibody to a multivalent
antigen

Avidity is likely to be the physiologically relevant affinity
(functional affinity)

Affinity and avidity

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Think 3-dimensional when thinking about antibody-antigen interactions

the overall spatial conformation and charge of an epitope is important

Antibody specificity can differentiate between tiny molecular differences

antibody isotypes

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Ig classes

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Isotype physical differences

CH1-CH2 hinge length

Interchain disulphide bond location and number

Number of CH domains

Variable glycosylation (Annu. Rev. Immunol. 2007. 25:21–50)

Multimer capability

IgG4half-antibody exchange

Science 14 September 2007: Vol. 317 no. 5844 pp. 1554-1557

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Multimeric immunoglobulins

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Tissue distribution of Ig isotypes

Add in IgD’s role in mucosal immunity in upper respiratory tract

Effects of pathogen specific antibodies

Neutralize toxins

Block virus binding to cells

Opsonise pathogens

Activate complement

All aid in remove of pathogen

Antibody receptors (Fc receptors) are present on phagocytic cells

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Antibody function

Isotypes offer

protection of

different localities

Capabilities :

Neutralisation

Complement
activation

Opsonization

cytotoxicity

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Fc-receptor bearing cells

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IgG: location of effector function sites

Ag binding

C4b binding

Fc receptor
binding

C1q fixation

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Summary

Antibody interactions are via specific domain structures

Immunoglobulin superfamily structures

Antigen interaction via variable domains

Hypervariable loops of H and L chains

Antibody classes provide varied effector functions

HC constant domains provide interaction with complement, fc receptors

Isotypes have different structural and functional properties

bi- or multi valency increased functional affinity and antibody potency

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