The calreticulin (CALR) exon 9 mutations are promising targets for cancer immune therapy

MO Holmström, E Martinenaite, SM Ahmad, Ö Met… - Leukemia, 2018 - nature.com
MO Holmström, E Martinenaite, SM Ahmad, Ö Met, C Friese, L Kjær, CH Riley, IM Svane…
Leukemia, 2018nature.com
The calreticulin (CALR) exon 9 mutations are found in∼ 30% of patients with essential
thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis. Recently, we reported spontaneous immune
responses against the CALR mutations. Here, we describe that CALR-mutant (CALRmut)-
specific T cells are able to specifically recognize CALRmut cells. First, we established a T-
cell culture specific for a CALRmut epitope. These specific T cells were able to recognize
several epitopes in the CALRmut C terminus. Next, we established a CALRmut-specific …
Abstract
The calreticulin (CALR) exon 9 mutations are found in∼ 30% of patients with essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis. Recently, we reported spontaneous immune responses against the CALR mutations. Here, we describe that CALR-mutant (CALRmut)-specific T cells are able to specifically recognize CALRmut cells. First, we established a T-cell culture specific for a CALRmut epitope. These specific T cells were able to recognize several epitopes in the CALRmut C terminus. Next, we established a CALRmut-specific CD4+ T-cell clone by limiting dilution. These CD4+ T cells recognized autologous CALRmut monocytes and hematopoietic stem cells, and T-cell recognition of target cells was dependent on the presence of CALR. Furthermore, we showed that the CALRmut response was human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR restricted. Finally, we demonstrated that the CALRmut-specific CD4+ T cells, despite their phenotype, were cytotoxic to autologous CALRmut cells, and that the cytotoxicity was mediated by degranulation of the T cells. In conclusion, the CALR exon 9 mutations are targets for specific T cells and thus are promising targets for cancer immune therapy such as peptide vaccination in patients harboring CALR exon 9 mutations.
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