IRF8 regulates efficacy of therapeutic anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies

Authors:
Grzelak L, Roesch F, Vaysse A, Biton A, Legendre R, Porrot F, Commère P-H, Olanchais C, Mouquet H,  Vignuzzi M, Bruel T. 
In:
Source: Eur J Immunol
Publication Date: (2022)
Issue: 52: 10
Research Area:
Immunotherapy / Hematology
Cells used in publication:
Raji
Species: human
Tissue Origin:
SU-DHL-4
Species: human
Tissue Origin: blood
Platform:
4D-Nucleofector® X-Unit
Experiment

The nucleofection buffer used depended on the cell line used: Amaxa SE Cell Line 4D-NucleofectorTM X Kit S (#V4XC1032, Lonza) for RAJI cells and SF Cell Line 4D-NucleofectorTM X Kit S (#V4XC-2032, Lonza) for SU-DHL-4 cells. In a round bottom 96-well plate, 1.75 µL of RNP + 0.5µL of Electroporation Enhancer followed by 20 µL of cells were added. This mix was then introduced in the nucleofection cuvette and nucleofected with program DS-104 for RAJI cells and program DS-130 for SU-DHL-4

Abstract

Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies such as Rituximab, Ofatumumab, and Obinutuzumab are widely used to treat lymphomas and autoimmune diseases. They act by depleting B cells, mainly through Fc-dependent effectors functions. Some patients develop resistance to treatment but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen to identify genes regulating the efficacy of anti-CD20 antibodies. We used as a model the killing of RAJI B cells by Rituximab through complement-dependent-cytotoxicity (CDC). As expected, the screen identified MS4A1, encoding CD20, the target of Rituximab. Among other identified genes, the role of Interferon Regulatory Factor 8 (IRF8) was validated in two B-cell lines. IRF8 KO also decreased the efficacy of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis (ADCC and ADCP) induced by anti-CD20 antibodies. We further show that IRF8 is necessary for efficient CD20 transcription. Levels of IRF8 and CD20 RNA or proteins correlated in normal B cells and in hundreds of malignant B cells. Therefore, IRF8 regulates CD20 expression and controls the depleting capacity of anti-CD20 antibodies. Our results bring novel insights into the pathways underlying resistance to CD20-targeting immunotherapies.