Thalidomide and its analogues have distinct and opposing effects on TNF-alpha and TNFR2 during co-stimulation of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells.
Thalidomide (Thd) is clinically useful in a number of conditions where its efficacy is probably related to its anti-TNF-alpha activity. More recently, Thd has also been shown to co-stimulate T cells and second generation co-stimulatory (IMiD trade mark ) analogues are currently being assessed in the treatment of cancer patients. However, in contrast to their known suppressive effects during inflammatory stimuli, the effects of Thd/IMiDs on TNF-alpha and TNF receptors (TNFRs) during T cell co-stimulation are not known. We sought to determine the effect of Thd, two clinically relevant IMiDs (CC-4047, ACTIMID trade mark and CC-5013, REVIMID trade mark ) and a non-stimulatory SelCID analogue (CC-3052) on TNF-alpha production and on the expression and shedding of TNFRs during co-stimulation. We found that co-stimulation of PBMC with Thd/IMiDs, but not CC-3052, prevented alphaCD3-induced T cell surface expression of TNFR2 and thereby reduced soluble TNFR2 (sTNFR2) levels. However, there was no effect on total (surface/intracellular) TNFR2 protein expression, suggesting inhibition of trafficking to the cell membrane. The extent of co-stimulation by Thd/IMiDs (assessed by CD69/CD25 expression and IL-2/sIL-2Ralpha production) was similar for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and correlated with TNFR2 inhibition. Co-stimulation, but not the early inhibitory effect on TNFR2, was IL-2-dependent and led to increased TNF-alpha production by both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. The clinical relevance of this observation was confirmed by the elevation of serum TNF-alpha during REVIMID trade mark treatment of patients with advanced cancer. Together, these results suggest a possible role for TNF-mediated events during co-stimulation and contrast with the TNF inhibitory effects of Thd and its analogues during inflammatory stimuli.
Marriott
J B
JB
Division of Oncology, Department of OGEM, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK, and Celgene Corporation, Warren, New Jersey, USA. jmarriot@sghms.ac.uk
Clarke
I A
IA
Dredge
K
K
Muller
G
G
Stirling
D
D
Dalgleish
A G
AG
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000276:immunology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D002478:Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D000077269:Lenalidomide; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D047889:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D012995:Solubility; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD; C115112:CC 3052; D017252:CD3 Complex; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D047889:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D013792:Thalidomide; C467566:pomalidomide; D000077269:Lenalidomide