Nondominant CD8+ T cells are active players in the vaccine-induced antitumor immune response

Jennifer N. Uram, Chelsea M. Black, Emilee Flynn, Lanqing Huang, Todd D. Armstrong, Elizabeth M. Jaffee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

We previously reported that CD8+ T cells are directed predominantly toward the immunodominant Her-2/neu (neu) epitope RNEU 420-429 in nontolerized FVB/N but not tolerized HER-2/neu (neu-N) mice. In this study, we screened overlapping peptides of the entire neu protein and identified six new epitopes recognized by vaccine-induced neu-N-derived T cells. Evaluation of individual nondominant responses by tetramer staining and IFN-g secretion demonstrate that this repertoire is peripherally tolerized. To address the role that the complete CD8+ T cell repertoire plays in vaccine-induced antitumor immunity, we created a whole-cell vaccine-expressing neu cDNA that has been mutated at the RNEU420-429 anchor residue, thereby abrogating activation of immunodominant epitope responses. Studies comparing the mutated and nonmutated vaccines indicate that nondominant CD 8+ T cells can induce antitumor immunity when combined with regulatory T cell-depleting agents in both neu-N and FVB/N mice. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that the neu-directed T cell repertoire is not intrinsically incapable of eradicating tumors. Rather, they are suppressed by mechanisms of peripheral tolerance. Thus, these studies provide new insights into the function of the complete T cell repertoire directed toward a clinically relevant tumor Ag in tumor-bearing hosts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3847-3857
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume186
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Nondominant CD8+ T cells are active players in the vaccine-induced antitumor immune response'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this