Absence of CD4(+) T cell help generates corrupt CD8(+) effector T cells in sarcoma-bearing Swiss mice treated with NLGP vaccine.

One of the prime objectives of cancer immunology and immunotherapy is to study the issues related to rescue and/or maintenance of the optimum effector CD8(+) T cell functions by minimizing tumor-induced negative factors. In this regard the influence of host intrinsic CD4(+) helper T cells towards generation and maintenance of CD8(+) effector T cells appears controversial in different experimental settings. Therefore, the present study was aimed to re-analyze the influence of CD4(+) helper T cells towards effector T cells during neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP)-vaccine-mediated tumor growth restriction. CD4 depletion (mAb; Clone GK1.5) surprisingly resulted in significant increase in CD8(+) T cells in different immune organs from NLGP-treated sarcoma-bearing mice. However, such CD8 surge could not restrict the sarcoma growth in NLGP-treated CD4-depleted mice. Furthermore, CD4 depletion in early phase hinders CD8(+) T cell activation and terminal differentiation by targeting crucial transcription factor Runx3. CD4 depletion decreases accumulation of CD8α(+) dendritic cells within tumor draining lymph node, hampers antigen cross priming and CD86-CD28 interactions for optimum CD8(+) T cell functions. In order to search the mechanism of CD4(+) T cell help on NLGP-mediated CD8 effector functions, the role of CD4(+) helper T cell-derived IL-2 on optimization of CD8 functions was found using STAT5 signaling, but complete response requires physical contact of CD4(+) helper T cells with its CD8 counterpart. In conclusion, it was found that CD4(+) T cell help is not required to generate CD8(+) T cells but was found to be an integral phenomenon in maintenance of its anti-tumor functions even in NLGP-vaccine-mediated sarcoma growth restriction.

Immunotherapeutic targeting of established sarcoma in Swiss mice by tumor-derived antigen-pulsed NLGP matured dendritic cells is CD8+ T-cell dependent.

AIM: Neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP) matures human myeloid and mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). (NLGP) also therapeutically restricts the mouse established sarcoma growth by activating CD8(+) T cells along with increased proportion of tumor residing CD11c(+) DCs. Here, we intended to find out whether CD8(+) T cells become cytotoxic to sarcoma cells after presentation of sarcoma antigen by NLGP-matured DCs to restrict murine sarcoma growth. MATERIALS & METHODS: NLGP was prepared from matured neem(Azadirachta indica) leaves. Solid sarcoma tumor in Swiss mice was developed by subcutaneous inoculation of sarcoma cells. GMCSF-IL-4 generated DCs were matured with NLGP and pulsed with sarcoma antigen for immunotherapy. Status of CD8+CD69+T cells was studied by flow cytometry and secretion of cytokines was measured by ELISA. RT-PCR was used to monitor the status of perforin, granzyme B. RESULTS: NLGP-matured sarcoma antigen-pulsed DCs (DCNLGPTAg) inhibit mouse sarcoma growth. DCNLGPTAg immunization enhances CD8(+) T-cell number within tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor-draining lymph nodes along with increased perforin and granzyme B expression. Antigen-specific T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion were significantly higher in DCNLGP- and DCNLGPTAg-immunized mice groups. In vivo CD8(+) T-cell depletion abrogated the DCNLGPTAg-mediated tumor growth restriction. CONCLUSION: DCNLGPTAg restricts CD8(+) T-cell-dependent mouse established sarcoma growth, related to the optimum antigen presentation by DCs to CD8(+) T cells.

Tumor-derived vascular pericytes anergize Th cells.

Immune evasion within the tumor microenvironment supports malignant growth and is also a major obstacle for successful immunotherapy. Multiple cellular components and soluble factors coordinate to disrupt protective immune responses. Although stromal cells are well-known for their parenchymal supportive roles in cancer establishment and progression, we demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that tumor-derived vascular pericytes negatively influence CD4(+) T cell activation and proliferation, and promote anergy in recall response to Ag by CD4(+)CD44(+) T cells via regulator of G protein signaling 5- and IL-6-dependent pathways. Our data support a new specific role for tumor-derived pericytes in the immune evasion paradigm within the tumor microenvironment and suggest the targeting of these cell populations in the context of successful immunotherapeutics for the treatment of cancer.

Normalization of tumor microenvironment by neem leaf glycoprotein potentiates effector T cell functions and therapeutically intervenes in the growth of mouse sarcoma.

We have observed restriction of the murine sarcoma growth by therapeutic intervention of neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP). In order to evaluate the mechanism of tumor growth restriction, here, we have analyzed tumor microenvironment (TME) from sarcoma bearing mice with NLGP therapy (NLGP-TME, in comparison to PBS-TME). Analysis of cytokine milieu within TME revealed IL-10, TGFß, IL-6 rich type 2 characters was switched to type 1 microenvironment with dominance of IFNγ secretion within NLGP-TME. Proportion of CD8(+) T cells was increased within NLGP-TME and these T cells were protected from TME-induced anergy by NLGP, as indicated by higher expression of pNFAT and inhibit related downstream signaling. Moreover, low expression of FasR(+) cells within CD8(+) T cell population denotes prevention from activation induced cell death. Using CFSE as a probe, better migration of T cells was noted within TME from NLGP treated mice than PBS cohort. CD8(+) T cells isolated from NLGP-TME exhibited greater cytotoxicity to sarcoma cells in vitro and these cells show higher expression of cytotoxicity related molecules, perforin and granzyme B. Adoptive transfer of NLGP-TME exposed T cells, but not PBS-TME exposed cells in mice, is able to significantly inhibit the growth of sarcoma in vivo. Such tumor growth inhibition by NLGP-TME exposed T cells was not observed when mice were depleted for CD8(+) T cells. Accumulated evidences strongly suggest NLGP mediated normalization of TME allows T cells to perform optimally to inhibit the tumor growth.

Neem leaf glycoprotein activates CD8(+) T cells to promote therapeutic anti-tumor immunity inhibiting the growth of mouse sarcoma.

In spite of sufficient data on Neem Leaf Glycoprotein (NLGP) as a prophylactic vaccine, little knowledge currently exists to support the use of NLGP as a therapeutic vaccine. Treatment of mice bearing established sarcomas with NLGP (25 µg/mice/week subcutaneously for 4 weeks) resulted in tumor regression or dormancy (Tumor free/Regressor, 13/24 (NLGP), 4/24 (PBS)). Evaluation of CD8(+) T cell status in blood, spleen, TDLN, VDLN and tumor revealed increase in cellular number. Elevated expression of CD69, CD44 and Ki67 on CD8(+) T cells revealed their state of activation and proliferation by NLGP. Depletion of CD8(+) T cells in mice at the time of NLGP treatment resulted in partial termination of tumor regression. An expansion of CXCR3(+) and CCR5(+) T cells was observed in the TDLN and tumor, along with their corresponding ligands. NLGP treatment enhances type 1 polarized T-bet expressing T cells with downregulation of GATA3. Treg cell population was almost unchanged. However, T∶Treg ratios significantly increased with NLGP. Enhanced secretion/expression of IFNγ was noted after NLGP therapy. In vitro culture of T cells with IL-2 and sarcoma antigen resulted in significant enhancement in cytotoxic efficacy. Consistently higher expression of CD107a was also observed in CD8(+) T cells from tumors. Reinoculation of sarcoma cells in tumor regressed NLGP-treated mice maintained tumor free status in majority. This is correlated with the increment of CD44(hi)CD62L(hi) central memory T cells. Collectively, these findings support a paradigm in which NLGP dynamically orchestrates the activation, expansion, and recruitment of CD8(+) T cells into established tumors to operate significant tumor cell lysis.

Neem leaf glycoprotein is nontoxic to physiological functions of Swiss mice and Sprague Dawley rats: histological, biochemical and immunological perspectives.

We have evaluated the toxicity profile of a unique immunomodulator, neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP) on different physiological systems of Swiss mice and Sprague Dawley rats. NLGP injection, even in higher doses than effective concentration caused no behavioral changes in animals and no death. NLGP injection increased the body weights of mice slightly without any change in organ weights. NLGP showed no adverse effect on the hematological system. Moreover, little hematostimulation was noticed, as evidenced by increased hemoglobin content, leukocyte count and lymphocyte numbers. Histological assessment of different organs revealed no alterations in the organ microstructure of the NLGP treated mice and rats. Histological normalcy of liver and kidney was further confirmed by the assessment of liver enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, SGPT and nephrological products like urea and creatinine. NLGP has no apoptotic effect on immune cells but induces proliferation of mononuclear cells collected from mice and rats. Number of CD4(+), CD8(+) T cells, DX5(+) NK cells, CD11b(+) macrophages and CD11c(+) dendritic cells is upregulated by NLGP without a significant change in CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. Type 1 cytokines, like IFNγ also increased in serum with a decrease in type 2 cytokines. Total IgG content, especially IgG2a increased in NLGP treated mice. These type 1 directed changes help to create an anti-tumor immune environment that results in the restriction of carcinoma growth in mice. Accumulated evidence strongly suggests the non-toxic nature of NLGP. Thus, it can be recommended for human use in anti-cancer therapy.

Neem leaf glycoprotein enhances carcinoembryonic antigen presentation of dendritic cells to T and B cells for induction of anti-tumor immunity by allowing generation of immune effector/memory response.

Vaccination with neem leaf glycoprotein matured carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) enhances antigen-specific humoral and cellular immunity against CEA and restricts the growth of CEA(+) murine tumors. NLGP helps better CEA uptake, processing and presentation to T/B cells. This vaccination (DCNLGPCEA) elicits mitogen induced and CEA specific T cell proliferation, IFN gamma secretion and induces specific cytotoxic reactions to CEA(+) colon tumor cells. In addition to T cell response, DCNLGPCEA vaccine generates anti-CEA antibody response, which is principally IgG2a in nature. This antibody participates in cytotoxicity of CEA(+) cells in antibody-dependent manner. This strong anti-CEA cellular and humoral immunity protects mice from tumor development and these mice remained tumor free following second tumor inoculation, indicating generation of effector memory response. Evaluation of underlying mechanism suggests vaccination generates strong CEA specific CTL and antibody response that can completely prevent the tumor growth following adoptive transfer. In support, significant upregulation of CD44 on the surface of lymphocytes from DCNLGPCEA immunized mice was noticed with a substantial reduction in L-selectin (CD62L).