4-1BB and OX40 dual costimulation synergistically stimulate primary specific CD8 T cells for robust effector function

J Immunol. 2004 Sep 1;173(5):3002-12. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.173.5.3002.

Abstract

CD40, 4-1BB, and OX40 are costimulatory molecules belonging to the TNF/nerve growth factor superfamily of receptors. We examined whether simultaneous costimulation affected the responses of T cells using several different in vivo tracking models in mice. We show that enforced dual costimulation through 4-1BB and OX40, but not through CD40, induced profound specific CD8 T cell clonal expansion. In contrast, the response of specific CD4 T cells to dual costimulation was additive rather than synergistic. The synergistic response of the specific CD8 T cells persevered for several weeks, and the expanded effector cells resided throughout lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissue. Dual costimulation through 4-1BB and OX40 did not increase BrdU incorporation nor an increase in the number of rounds of T cell division in comparison to single costimulators, but rather enhanced accumulation in a cell-intrinsic manner. Mechanistically speaking, we show that CD8 T cell clonal expansion and effector function did not require T help, but accumulation in (non)lymphoid tissue was predominantly CD4 T cell dependent. To determine whether this approach would be useful in a physiological setting, we demonstrated that dual costimulation mediated rejection of an established murine sarcoma. Importantly, effector function directed toward established tumors was CD8 T cell dependent while being entirely CD4 T cell independent, and the timing of enforced dual costimulation was exquisitely regulated. Collectively, these data suggest that simultaneous dual costimulation through 4-1BB and OX40 induces a massive burst of CD8 T cell effector function sufficient to therapeutically treat established tumors even under immunocompromising conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD
  • CD4 Antigens / immunology
  • CD4 Antigens / metabolism
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Cell Division / immunology
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / immunology
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, OX40
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / immunology
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD4 Antigens
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor
  • Receptors, OX40
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tnfrsf4 protein, mouse
  • Tnfrsf9 protein, mouse
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9