OX40 is a type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein, reported nearly 30 years ago as a cell surface antigen expressed on activated T cells. Since its

CD134 (OX40) is a member of the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF). It acts as a costimulatory receptor on T cells, but its role on NK cells is poorly understood. CD137, another TNFRSF member has been shown to enhance the anti-tumour activity of NK cells in various malignancies. Here, we examine the expression and function of CD134 on human and mouse NK cells in B-cell lymphoma. CD134 was transiently upregulated upon activation of NK cells in both species. In contrast to CD137, induction of CD134 on human NK cells was dependent on close proximity to, or cell-to-cell contact with, monocytes or T cells. Stimulation with an agonistic anti-CD134 mAb but not CD134 ligand, increased IFNγ production and cytotoxicity of human NK cells, but this was dependent on simultaneous antibody:Fcγ receptor binding. In complementary murine studies, intravenous inoculation with BCL1 lymphoma into immunocompetent syngeneic mice resulted in transient upregulation of CD134 on NK cells. Combination treatment with anti-CD20 and anti-CD134 mAb produced a synergistic effect with durable remissions. This therapeutic benefit was abrogated by NK cell depletion and in Fcγ chain −/− mice. Hence, anti-CD134 agonists may enhance NK-mediated anti-tumour activity in an Fcγ receptor dependent fashion.

In attempts to increase the immunogenicity of recombinant antigens, a number of particulate antigen presentation systems have been developed. In this study, we used human immunodeficiency virus Gag particles as carriers for the human immunodeficiency virus envelope V3 region. Gag:V3 fusion proteins were expressed from baculovirus expression vectors; they migrated to the insect cell membrane and budded from the cells as hybrid particles. An immunization study carried out with rats showed that the particles elicited a strong anti-Gag antibody response and a weak antibody response to the V3 region. A strong anti-V3 cytolytic T-cell response was elicited in immunized mice. These data show that retroviral Gag particles can be used as antigen presentation vehicles.

The localization of neutralization determinants within the envelope glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been largely achieved by immunizing small animals in conjunction with Freund's adjuvant. However, for eventual use in humans, candidate HIV vaccine components must also be efficacious in a nontoxic formulation. We describe here the production of hybrid Ty viruslike particles carrying the major neutralizing domain of HIV and demonstrate the induction of high-titer virus-neutralizing antibodies and an HIV-specific T-cell proliferative response after immunization in conjunction with aluminum hydroxide. As aluminum hydroxide and aluminum phosphate are the only adjuvants currently licensed for use in humans, these observations have implications for the development of an effective vaccine against HIV.

BackgroundPrevious data suggests that anti-OX40 mAb can elicit anti-tumor effects in mice through deletion of Tregs. However, OX40 also has powerful costimulatory effects on T cells which could evoke therapeutic responses. Human trials with anti-OX40 antibodies have shown that these entities are well tolerated but to date have delivered disappointing clinical responses, indicating that the rules for the optimal use of anti-human OX40 (hOX40) antibodies is not yet fully understood. Changes to timing and dosages may lead to improved outcomes; however, here we focus on addressing the role of agonism versus depleting activity in determining therapeutic outcomes. We investigated a novel panel of anti-hOX40 mAb to understand how these reagents and mechanisms may be optimized for therapeutic benefit.MethodsThis study examines the binding activity and in vitro activity of a panel of anti-hOX40 antibodies. They were further evaluated in several in vivo models to address how isotype and epitope determine mechanism of action and efficacy of anti-hOX40 mAb.ResultsBinding analysis revealed the antibodies to be high affinity, with epitopes spanning all four cysteine-rich domains of the OX40 extracellular domain. In vivo analysis showed that their activities relate directly to two key properties: (1) isotype—with mIgG1 mAb evoking receptor agonism and CD8+ T-cell expansion and mIgG2a mAb evoking deletion of Treg and (2) epitope—with membrane-proximal mAb delivering more powerful agonism. Intriguingly, both isotypes acted therapeutically in tumor models by engaging these different mechanisms.ConclusionThese findings highlight the significant impact of isotype and epitope on the modulation of anti-hOX40 mAb therapy, and indicate that CD8+ T-cell expansion or Treg depletion might be preferred according to the composition of different tumors. As many of the current clinical trials using OX40 antibodies are now using combination therapies, this understanding of how to manipulate therapeutic activity will be vital in directing new combinations that are more likely to improve efficacy and clinical outcomes.

AbstractPrevious data suggests that anti-OX40 mAb can elicit anti-tumour effects in mice through deletion of Tregs. However, OX40 also has powerful costimulatory effects on T cells which could evoke therapeutic responses. The contributions of these different effector mechanisms has not previously been systematically evaluated, particularly for mAb directed to human OX40. Therefore, we generated a novel human OX40 knock-in (KI) mouse to evaluate a panel of anti-hOX40 mAb and show that their activities relate directly to two key properties: 1) isotype – with mIgG1 mAb evoking receptor agonism and CD8+ T cell expansion and mIgG2a mAb evoking deletion of Treg and; 2) epitope - with membrane-proximal mAb delivering more powerful agonism. Intriguingly, both isotypes acted therapeutically in tumour models by engaging these different mechanisms. These findings highlight the significant impact of isotype and epitope on the modulation of anti-hOX40 mAb therapy, and indicate that CD8+ T cell expansion or Treg depletion might be preferable according to the composition of different tumours.SummaryHuman trials with anti-OX40 antibodies have been disappointing indicating that optimal reagents have not yet been developed. Here, using a new panel of antibodies, we show that isotype and epitope combine to determine agonistic and therapeutic activity.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 15 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), four patients with lymphosarcoma cell leukemia (LCL), four patients with hairy cell leukemia, and three patients with a monoclonal gammopathy (two with IgM, one with IgA) were tested for reactivity with the anti-T cell monoclonal antibody, T101. By immunofluorescent staining, all of the patients had circulating monoclonal surface Ig+ (sIg+) lymphocytes except for three CLL patients whose leukemia cells were sIg-. The leukemia cells of all of the sIg+ CLL cases were reactive with T101 antibody by indirect immunofluorescence; however, the abnormal cells in all of the remaining cases were unreactive. Reactivity of sIg+ CLL cells with T101 was confirmed by a radioactive binding assay, absorption analysis, and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Moreover, a 65,000-dalton protein (T65), similar to that found on T cells, was precipitated by T101 antibody from the surface of sIg+ CLL cells. The fluorescent staining of sIg+ CLL cells by T101 antibody was weak as was the staining of the sIg. This was in contrast to the LCL cells, which had intense staining sIg and absence of staining with T101 antibody. These data demonstrate the existence of two major subtypes of CLL that have phenotypes sIg+ and T101+ and sIg-T101-. The implication of the finding of dual T and B markers on the major type of CLL, but not other B cell malignancies is discussed.