TLR9 agonist MGN1703 enhances B cell differentiation and function in lymph nodes

Mariane H. Schleimann, Maria Louise Kobberø, Line K. Vibholm, Kathrine Kjær, Leila B. Giron, Kathleen Busman-Sahay, Chi Ngai Chan, Michael Nekorchuk, Manuel Schmidt, Burghardt Wittig, Tine E. Damsgaard, Peter Ahlburg, Michel B. Hellfritzsch, Kaja Zuwala, Frederik H. Rothemejer, Rikke Olesen, Phillipp Schommers, Florian Klein, Harsh Dweep, Andrew KossenkovJens R. Nyengaard, Jacob D. Estes, Mohamed Abdel-Mohsen, Lars Østergaard, Martin Tolstrup, Ole S. Søgaard, Paul W. Denton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: TLR9 agonists are being developed as immunotherapy against malignancies and infections. TLR9 is primarily expressed in B cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). TLR9 signalling may be critically important for B cell activity in lymph nodes but little is known about the in vivo impact of TLR9 agonism on human lymph node B cells. As a pre-defined sub-study within our clinical trial investigating TLR9 agonist MGN1703 (lefitolimod) treatment in the context of developing HIV cure strategies (NCT02443935), we assessed TLR9 agonist-mediated effects in lymph nodes. Methods: Participants received MGN1703 for 24 weeks concurrent with antiretroviral therapy. Seven participants completed the sub-study including lymph node resection at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment. A variety of tissue-based immunologic and virologic parameters were assessed. Findings: MGN1703 dosing increased B cell differentiation; activated pDCs, NK cells, and T cells; and induced a robust interferon response in lymph nodes. Expression of Activation-Induced cytidine Deaminase, an essential regulator of B cell diversification and somatic hypermutation, was highly elevated. During MGN1703 treatment IgG production increased and antibody glycosylation patterns were changed. Interpretation: Our data present novel evidence that the TLR9 agonist MGN1703 modulates human lymph node B cells in vivo. These findings warrant further considerations in the development of TLR9 agonists as immunotherapy against cancers and infectious diseases. Fund: This work was supported by Aarhus University Research Foundation, the Danish Council for Independent Research and the NovoNordisk Foundation. Mologen AG provided study drug free of charge.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)328-340
Number of pages13
JournalEBioMedicine
Volume45
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2019

Keywords

  • Antibody glycosylation
  • B cell differentiation
  • B cell follicle
  • HIV cure
  • TLR9 agonist

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'TLR9 agonist MGN1703 enhances B cell differentiation and function in lymph nodes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this