1
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Mishto M, Takala I, Bonfanti P, Liepe J. Proteasome isoforms in human thymi and mouse models. Immunol Lett 2024; 269:106899. [PMID: 39019403 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the organ where functional and self-tolerant T cells are selected through processes of positive and negative selection before migrating to the periphery. The antigenic peptides presented on MHC class I molecules of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) in the cortex and medulla of the thymus are key players in these processes. It has been theorized that these cells express different proteasome isoforms, which generate MHC class I immunopeptidomes with features that differentiate cortex and medulla, and hence positive and negative CD8+ T cell selection. This theory is largely based on mouse models and does not consider the large variety of noncanonical antigenic peptides that could be produced by proteasomes and presented on MHC class I molecules. Here, we review the multi-omics, biochemical and cellular studies carried out on mouse models and human thymi to investigate their content of proteasome isoforms, briefly summarize the implication that noncanonical antigenic peptide presentation in the thymus could have on CD8+ T cell repertoire and put these aspects in the larger framework of anatomical and immunological differences between these two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Mishto
- Molecular Immunology laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom; Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology & Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, SE1 1UL London, United Kingdom.
| | - Iina Takala
- Research group of Quantitative System Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Paola Bonfanti
- Epithelial Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom; Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, Pears Building, London NW3 2PP, United Kingdom
| | - Juliane Liepe
- Research group of Quantitative System Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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2
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Ribeiro C, Ferreirinha P, Landry JJM, Macedo F, Sousa LG, Pinto R, Benes V, Alves NL. Foxo3 regulates cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cell homeostasis with implications in T cell development. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:352. [PMID: 38773063 PMCID: PMC11109193 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06728-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Within the thymus, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) create dedicated microenvironments for T cell development and selection. Considering that TECs are sensitive to distinct pathophysiological conditions, uncovering the molecular elements that coordinate their thymopoietic role has important fundamental and clinical implications. Particularly, medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) play a crucial role in central tolerance. Our previous studies, along with others, suggest that mTECs depend on molecular factors linked to genome-protecting pathways, but the precise mechanisms underlying their function remain unknown. These observations led us to examine the role of Foxo3, as it is expressed in TECs and involved in DNA damage response. Our findings show that mice with TEC-specific deletion of Foxo3 (Foxo3cKO) displayed a disrupted mTEC compartment, with a more profound impact on the numbers of CCL21+ and thymic tuft mTEClo subsets. At the molecular level, Foxo3 controls distinct functional modules in the transcriptome of cTECs and mTECs under normal conditions, which includes the regulation of ribosomal biogenesis and DNA damage response, respectively. These changes in the TEC compartment resulted in a reduced total thymocyte cellularity and specific changes in regulatory T cell and iNKT cell development in the Foxo3cKO thymus. Lastly, the thymic defects observed in adulthood correlated with mild signs of altered peripheral immunotolerance in aged Foxo3cKO mice. Moreover, the deficiency in Foxo3 moderately aggravated the autoimmune predisposition observed in Aire-deficient mice. Our findings highlight the importance of Foxo3 in preserving the homeostasis of TECs and in supporting their role in T cell development and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Ribeiro
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Ferreirinha
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jonathan J M Landry
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fátima Macedo
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Médicas, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Laura G Sousa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rute Pinto
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vladimir Benes
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nuno L Alves
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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3
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Ushio A, Matsuda-Lennikov M, Kalle-Youngoue F, Shimizu A, Abdelmaksoud A, Kelly MC, Ishimaru N, Takahama Y. Functionally diverse thymic medullary epithelial cells interplay to direct central tolerance. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114072. [PMID: 38581680 PMCID: PMC11079940 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are essential for the establishment of self-tolerance in T cells. Promiscuous gene expression by a subpopulation of mTECs regulated by the nuclear protein Aire contributes to the display of self-genomic products to newly generated T cells. Recent reports have highlighted additional self-antigen-displaying mTEC subpopulations, namely Fezf2-expressing mTECs and a mosaic of self-mimetic mTECs including thymic tuft cells. In addition, a functionally different subset of mTECs produces chemokine CCL21, which attracts developing thymocytes to the medullary region. Here, we report that CCL21+ mTECs and Aire+ mTECs non-redundantly cooperate to direct self-tolerance to prevent autoimmune pathology by optimizing the deletion of self-reactive T cells and the generation of regulatory T cells. We also detect cooperation for self-tolerance between Aire and Fezf2, the latter of which unexpectedly regulates thymic tuft cells. Our results indicate an indispensable interplay among functionally diverse mTECs for the establishment of central self-tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Ushio
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Oral Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Mami Matsuda-Lennikov
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Felix Kalle-Youngoue
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Akihide Shimizu
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Abdalla Abdelmaksoud
- Center for Cancer Research Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naozumi Ishimaru
- Department of Oral Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Thymus Biology Section, Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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4
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Lim S, J F van Son G, Wisma Eka Yanti NL, Andersson-Rolf A, Willemsen S, Korving J, Lee HG, Begthel H, Clevers H. Derivation of functional thymic epithelial organoid lines from adult murine thymus. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114019. [PMID: 38551965 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) orchestrate T cell development by imposing positive and negative selection on thymocytes. Current studies on TEC biology are hampered by the absence of long-term ex vivo culture platforms, while the cells driving TEC self-renewal remain to be identified. Here, we generate long-term (>2 years) expandable 3D TEC organoids from the adult mouse thymus. For further analysis, we generated single and double FoxN1-P2A-Clover, Aire-P2A-tdTomato, and Cldn4-P2A-tdTomato reporter lines by CRISPR knockin. Single-cell analyses of expanding clonal organoids reveal cells with bipotent stem/progenitor phenotypes. These clonal organoids can be induced to express Foxn1 and to generate functional cortical- and Aire-expressing medullary-like TECs upon RANK ligand + retinoic acid treatment. TEC organoids support T cell development from immature thymocytes in vitro as well as in vivo upon transplantation into athymic nude mice. This organoid-based platform allows in vitro study of TEC biology and offers a potential strategy for ex vivo T cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangho Lim
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs J F van Son
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands
| | - Ni Luh Wisma Eka Yanti
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amanda Andersson-Rolf
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sam Willemsen
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Korving
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hong-Gyun Lee
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harry Begthel
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands.
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5
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Shirafkan F, Hensel L, Rattay K. Immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases essentially depend on thymic tissue homeostasis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339714. [PMID: 38571951 PMCID: PMC10987875 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate balance of immune reactions towards invading pathogens and immune tolerance towards self is pivotal in preventing autoimmune diseases, with the thymus playing a central role in establishing and maintaining this equilibrium. The induction of central immune tolerance in the thymus involves the elimination of self-reactive T cells, a mechanism essential for averting autoimmunity. Disruption of the thymic T cell selection mechanisms can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. In the dynamic microenvironment of the thymus, T cell migration and interactions with thymic stromal cells are critical for the selection processes that ensure self-tolerance. Thymic epithelial cells are particularly significant in this context, presenting self-antigens and inducing the negative selection of autoreactive T cells. Further, the synergistic roles of thymic fibroblasts, B cells, and dendritic cells in antigen presentation, selection and the development of regulatory T cells are pivotal in maintaining immune responses tightly regulated. This review article collates these insights, offering a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the establishment of immune tolerance and its implications in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the developmental pathways of the thymus are explored, highlighting how genetic aberrations can disrupt thymic architecture and function, leading to autoimmune conditions. The impact of infections on immune tolerance is another critical area, with pathogens potentially triggering autoimmunity by altering thymic homeostasis. Overall, this review underscores the integral role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the prevention of autoimmune diseases, discussing insights into potential therapeutic strategies and examining putative avenues for future research on developing thymic-based therapies in treating and preventing autoimmune conditions.
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Yu H, Yang W, Cao M, Lei Q, Yuan R, Xu H, Cui Y, Chen X, Su X, Zhuo H, Lin L. Mechanism study of ubiquitination in T cell development and autoimmune disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1359933. [PMID: 38562929 PMCID: PMC10982411 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1359933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells play critical role in multiple immune processes including antigen response, tumor immunity, inflammation, self-tolerance maintenance and autoimmune diseases et. Fetal liver or bone marrow-derived thymus-seeding progenitors (TSPs) settle in thymus and undergo T cell-lineage commitment, proliferation, T cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement, and thymic selections driven by microenvironment composed of thymic epithelial cells (TEC), dendritic cells (DC), macrophage and B cells, thus generating T cells with diverse TCR repertoire immunocompetent but not self-reactive. Additionally, some self-reactive thymocytes give rise to Treg with the help of TEC and DC, serving for immune tolerance. The sequential proliferation, cell fate decision, and selection during T cell development and self-tolerance establishment are tightly regulated to ensure the proper immune response without autoimmune reaction. There are remarkable progresses in understanding of the regulatory mechanisms regarding ubiquitination in T cell development and the establishment of self-tolerance in the past few years, which holds great potential for further therapeutic interventions in immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenyong Yang
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Cao
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingqiang Lei
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Renbin Yuan
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - He Xu
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqian Cui
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuerui Chen
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Su
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Zhuo
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liangbin Lin
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
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7
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Lagou MK, Argyris DG, Vodopyanov S, Gunther-Cummins L, Hardas A, Poutahidis T, Panorias C, DesMarais S, Entenberg C, Carpenter RS, Guzik H, Nishku X, Churaman J, Maryanovich M, DesMarais V, Macaluso FP, Karagiannis GS. Morphometric Analysis of the Thymic Epithelial Cell (TEC) Network Using Integrated and Orthogonal Digital Pathology Approaches. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584509. [PMID: 38559037 PMCID: PMC10979902 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The thymus, a central primary lymphoid organ of the immune system, plays a key role in T cell development. Surprisingly, the thymus is quite neglected with regards to standardized pathology approaches and practices for assessing structure and function. Most studies use multispectral flow cytometry to define the dynamic composition of the thymus at the cell population level, but they are limited by lack of contextual insight. This knowledge gap hinders our understanding of various thymic conditions and pathologies, particularly how they affect thymic architecture, and subsequently, immune competence. Here, we introduce a digital pathology pipeline to address these challenges. Our approach can be coupled to analytical algorithms and utilizes rationalized morphometric assessments of thymic tissue, ranging from tissue-wide down to microanatomical and ultrastructural levels. This pipeline enables the quantitative assessment of putative changes and adaptations of thymic structure to stimuli, offering valuable insights into the pathophysiology of thymic disorders. This versatile pipeline can be applied to a wide range of conditions that may directly or indirectly affect thymic structure, ranging from various cytotoxic stimuli inducing acute thymic involution to autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis. Here, we demonstrate applicability of the method in a mouse model of age-dependent thymic involution, both by confirming established knowledge, and by providing novel insights on intrathymic remodeling in the aged thymus. Our orthogonal pipeline, with its high versatility and depth of analysis, promises to be a valuable and practical toolset for both basic and translational immunology laboratories investigating thymic function and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Lagou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Dimitrios G Argyris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Stepan Vodopyanov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Leslie Gunther-Cummins
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alexandros Hardas
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Theofilos Poutahidis
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Panorias
- Division of Statistics and Operational Research, Department of Mathematics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sophia DesMarais
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Conner Entenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Randall S Carpenter
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hillary Guzik
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Xheni Nishku
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Churaman
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Maryanovich
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Vera DesMarais
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Frank P Macaluso
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - George S Karagiannis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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8
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Zhang Z, Zhao C, Sun L, Cheng C, Tian Q, Wu C, Xu Y, Dong X, Zhang B, Zhang L, Zhao Y. Trappc1 intrinsically prevents ferroptosis of naive T cells to avoid spontaneous autoinflammatory disease in mice. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2350836. [PMID: 38234007 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
T lymphocytes are pivotal in adaptive immunity. The role of the trafficking protein particle complex (TRAPPC) in regulating T-cell development and homeostasis is unknown. Using CD4cre -Trappc1flox/flox (Trappc1 cKO) mice, we found that Trappc1 deficiency in T cells significantly decreased cell number of naive T cells in the periphery, whereas thymic T-cell development in Trappc1 cKO mice was identical as WT mice. In the culture assays and mouse models with adoptive transfer of the sorted WT (CD45.1+ CD45.2+ ) and Trappc1 cKO naive T cells (CD45.2+ ) to CD45.1+ syngeneic mice, Trappc1-deficient naive T cells showed significantly reduced survival ability compared with WT cells. RNA-seq and molecular studies showed that Trappc1 deficiency in naive T cells reduced protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus, enhanced unfolded protein responses, increased P53 transcription, intracellular Ca2+ , Atf4-CHOP, oxidative phosphorylation, and lipid peroxide accumulation, and subsequently led to ferroptosis. Trappc1 deficiency in naive T cells increased ferroptosis-related damage-associated molecular pattern molecules like high mobility group box 1 or lipid oxidation products like prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, leukotriene C4, and leukotriene D4. Functionally, the culture supernatant of Trappc1 cKO naive T cells significantly promoted neutrophils to express inflammatory cytokines like TNFα and IL-6, which was rescued by lipid peroxidation inhibitor Acetylcysteine. Importantly, Trappc1 cKO mice spontaneously developed severe autoinflammatory disease 4 weeks after birth. Thus, intrinsic expression of Trappc1 in naive T cells plays an integral role in maintaining T-cell homeostasis to avoid proinflammatory naive T-cell death-caused autoinflammatory syndrome in mice. This study highlights the importance of the TRAPPC in T-cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenxu Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qianchuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Changhong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baojun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lianfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Human Diseases Comparative Medicine, Ministry of Health, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, China
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9
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Dinges SS, Amini K, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Primary and secondary defects of the thymus. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:178-211. [PMID: 38228406 PMCID: PMC10950553 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Dinges
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kayla Amini
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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10
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Bastard P, Gervais A, Le Voyer T, Philippot Q, Cobat A, Rosain J, Jouanguy E, Abel L, Zhang SY, Zhang Q, Puel A, Casanova JL. Human autoantibodies neutralizing type I IFNs: From 1981 to 2023. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:98-112. [PMID: 38193358 PMCID: PMC10950543 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Human autoantibodies (auto-Abs) neutralizing type I IFNs were first discovered in a woman with disseminated shingles and were described by Ion Gresser from 1981 to 1984. They have since been found in patients with diverse conditions and are even used as a diagnostic criterion in patients with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy syndrome type 1 (APS-1). However, their apparent lack of association with viral diseases, including shingles, led to wide acceptance of the conclusion that they had no pathological consequences. This perception began to change in 2020, when they were found to underlie about 15% of cases of critical COVID-19 pneumonia. They have since been shown to underlie other severe viral diseases, including 5%, 20%, and 40% of cases of critical influenza pneumonia, critical MERS pneumonia, and West Nile virus encephalitis, respectively. They also seem to be associated with shingles in various settings. These auto-Abs are present in all age groups of the general population, but their frequency increases with age to reach at least 5% in the elderly. We estimate that at least 100 million people worldwide carry auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs. Here, we briefly review the history of the study of these auto-Abs, focusing particularly on their known causes and consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bastard
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Pediatric Hematology-Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Assistante Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France, EU
| | - Adrian Gervais
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
| | - Tom Le Voyer
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
| | - Quentin Philippot
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
| | - Aurélie Cobat
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jérémie Rosain
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
| | - Emmanuelle Jouanguy
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laurent Abel
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shen-Ying Zhang
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne Puel
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jean-Laurent Casanova
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France, EU
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France, EU
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, APHP, Paris, France, EU
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11
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Oftedal BE, Sjøgren T, Wolff ASB. Interferon autoantibodies as signals of a sick thymus. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1327784. [PMID: 38455040 PMCID: PMC10917889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1327784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-I) are key immune messenger molecules that play an important role in viral defense. They act as a bridge between microbe sensing, immune function magnitude, and adaptive immunity to fight infections, and they must therefore be tightly regulated. It has become increasingly evident that thymic irregularities and mutations in immune genes affecting thymic tolerance can lead to the production of IFN-I autoantibodies (autoAbs). Whether these biomarkers affect the immune system or tissue integrity of the host is still controversial, but new data show that IFN-I autoAbs may increase susceptibility to severe disease caused by certain viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, herpes zoster, and varicella pneumonia. In this article, we will elaborate on disorders that have been identified with IFN-I autoAbs, discuss models of how tolerance to IFN-Is is lost, and explain the consequences for the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bergithe E. Oftedal
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thea Sjøgren
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anette S. B. Wolff
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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12
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Lammers S, Barrera V, Brennecke P, Miller C, Yoon J, Balolong J, Anderson MS, Ho Sui S, Steinmetz LM, von Andrian UH, Rattay K. Ehf and Fezf2 regulate late medullary thymic epithelial cell and thymic tuft cell development. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1277365. [PMID: 38420512 PMCID: PMC10901246 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1277365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells are indispensable for T cell maturation and selection and the induction of central immune tolerance. The self-peptide repertoire expressed by medullary thymic epithelial cells is in part regulated by the transcriptional regulator Aire (Autoimmune regulator) and the transcription factor Fezf2. Due to the high complexity of mTEC maturation stages (i.e., post-Aire, Krt10+ mTECs, and Dclk1+ Tuft mTECs) and the heterogeneity in their gene expression profiles (i.e., mosaic expression patterns), it has been challenging to identify the additional factors complementing the transcriptional regulation. We aimed to identify the transcriptional regulators involved in the regulation of mTEC development and self-peptide expression in an unbiased and genome-wide manner. We used ATAC footprinting analysis as an indirect approach to identify transcription factors involved in the gene expression regulation in mTECs, which we validated by ChIP sequencing. This study identifies Fezf2 as a regulator of the recently described thymic Tuft cells (i.e., Tuft mTECs). Furthermore, we identify that transcriptional regulators of the ELF, ESE, ERF, and PEA3 subfamily of the ETS transcription factor family and members of the Krüppel-like family of transcription factors play a role in the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in late mTEC development and promiscuous gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sören Lammers
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Victor Barrera
- Bioinformatics Core, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Philip Brennecke
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Corey Miller
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joon Yoon
- Bioinformatics Core, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jared Balolong
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mark S. Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shannan Ho Sui
- Bioinformatics Core, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lars M. Steinmetz
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich H. von Andrian
- Department of Immunology & HMS Center for Immune Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Kristin Rattay
- Department of Immunology & HMS Center for Immune Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Pharmacological Institute, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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13
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Takakura Y, Machida M, Terada N, Katsumi Y, Kawamura S, Horie K, Miyauchi M, Ishikawa T, Akiyama N, Seki T, Miyao T, Hayama M, Endo R, Ishii H, Maruyama Y, Hagiwara N, Kobayashi TJ, Yamaguchi N, Takano H, Akiyama T, Yamaguchi N. Mitochondrial protein C15ORF48 is a stress-independent inducer of autophagy that regulates oxidative stress and autoimmunity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:953. [PMID: 38296961 PMCID: PMC10831050 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45206-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is primarily activated by cellular stress, such as starvation or mitochondrial damage. However, stress-independent autophagy is activated by unclear mechanisms in several cell types, such as thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Here we report that the mitochondrial protein, C15ORF48, is a critical inducer of stress-independent autophagy. Mechanistically, C15ORF48 reduces the mitochondrial membrane potential and lowers intracellular ATP levels, thereby activating AMP-activated protein kinase and its downstream Unc-51-like kinase 1. Interestingly, C15ORF48-dependent induction of autophagy upregulates intracellular glutathione levels, promoting cell survival by reducing oxidative stress. Mice deficient in C15orf48 show a reduction in stress-independent autophagy in TECs, but not in typical starvation-induced autophagy in skeletal muscles. Moreover, C15orf48-/- mice develop autoimmunity, which is consistent with the fact that the stress-independent autophagy in TECs is crucial for the thymic self-tolerance. These results suggest that C15ORF48 induces stress-independent autophagy, thereby regulating oxidative stress and self-tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Takakura
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Moeka Machida
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
| | - Natsumi Terada
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
| | - Yuka Katsumi
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
| | - Seika Kawamura
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
| | - Kenta Horie
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Maki Miyauchi
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ishikawa
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Nobuko Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takao Seki
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takahisa Miyao
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mio Hayama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Rin Endo
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroto Ishii
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yuya Maruyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Naho Hagiwara
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tetsuya J Kobayashi
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
| | - Naoto Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takano
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
| | - Taishin Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
| | - Noritaka Yamaguchi
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan.
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan.
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan.
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14
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Abstract
The thymus is an evolutionarily conserved organ that supports the development of T cells. Not only does the thymic environment support the rearrangement and expression of diverse T cell receptors but also provides a unique niche for the selection of appropriate T cell clones. Thymic selection ensures that the repertoire of available T cells is both useful (being MHC-restricted) and safe (being self-tolerant). The unique antigen-presentation features of the thymus ensure that the display of self-antigens is optimal to induce tolerance to all types of self-tissue. MHC class-specific functions of CD4+ T helper cells, CD8+ killer T cells and CD4+ regulatory T cells are also established in the thymus. Finally, the thymus provides signals for the development of several minor T cell subsets that promote immune and tissue homeostasis. This Review provides an introductory-level overview of our current understanding of the sophisticated thymic selection mechanisms that ensure T cells are useful and safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Maude Ashby
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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15
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Patel SK, Zhdanovskaya N, Sergio I, Cardinale A, Rosichini M, Varricchio C, Pace E, Capalbo C, Locatelli F, Macone A, Velardi E, Palermo R, Felli MP. Thymic-Epithelial-Cell-Dependent Microenvironment Influences Proliferation and Apoptosis of Leukemic Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1412. [PMID: 38338689 PMCID: PMC10855934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a hematological cancer characterized by the infiltration of immature T-cells in the bone marrow. Aberrant NOTCH signaling in T-ALL is mainly triggered by activating mutations of NOTCH1 and overexpression of NOTCH3, and rarely is it linked to NOTCH3-activating mutations. Besides the known critical role of NOTCH, the nature of intrathymic microenvironment-dependent mechanisms able to render immature thymocytes, presumably pre-leukemic cells, capable of escaping thymus retention and infiltrating the bone marrow is still unclear. An important challenge is understanding how leukemic cells shape their tumor microenvironment to increase their ability to infiltrate and survive within. Our previous data indicated that hyperactive NOTCH3 affects the CXCL12/CXCR4 system and may interfere with T-cell/stroma interactions within the thymus. This study aims to identify the biological effects of the reciprocal interactions between human leukemic cell lines and thymic epithelial cell (TEC)-derived soluble factors in modulating NOTCH signaling and survival programs of T-ALL cells and TECs. The overarching hypothesis is that this crosstalk can influence the progressive stages of T-cell development driving T-cell leukemia. Thus, we investigated the effect of extracellular space conditioned by T-ALL cell lines (Jurkat, TALL1, and Loucy) and TECs and studied their reciprocal regulation of cell cycle and survival. In support, we also detected metabolic changes as potential drivers of leukemic cell survival. Our studies could shed light on T-cell/stroma crosstalk to human leukemic cells and propose our culture system to test pharmacological treatment for T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandesh Kumar Patel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Ilaria Sergio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Antonella Cardinale
- Research Area of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.R.); (F.L.); (E.V.)
| | - Marco Rosichini
- Research Area of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.R.); (F.L.); (E.V.)
| | - Claudia Varricchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Research Area of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.R.); (F.L.); (E.V.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 12631 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Research Area of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.R.); (F.L.); (E.V.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (S.K.P.); (N.Z.); (C.V.); (E.P.); (C.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy;
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16
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Nevo S, Frenkel N, Kadouri N, Gome T, Rosenthal N, Givony T, Avin A, Peligero Cruz C, Kedmi M, Lindzen M, Ben Dor S, Damari G, Porat Z, Haffner-Krausz R, Keren-Shaul H, Yarden Y, Munitz A, Leshkowitz D, Goldfarb Y, Abramson J. Tuft cells and fibroblasts promote thymus regeneration through ILC2-mediated type 2 immune response. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eabq6930. [PMID: 38215193 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abq6930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ that is essential for the establishment of adaptive immunity through generation of immunocompetent T cells. In response to various stress signals, the thymus undergoes acute but reversible involution. However, the mechanisms governing its recovery are incompletely understood. Here, we used a dexamethasone-induced acute thymic involution mouse model to investigate how thymic hematopoietic cells (excluding T cells) contribute to thymic regeneration. scRNA-seq analysis revealed marked transcriptional and cellular changes in various thymic populations and highlighted thymus-resident innate lymphoid cells type 2 (ILC2) as a key cell type involved in the response to damage. We identified that ILC2 are activated by the alarmins IL-25 and IL-33 produced in response to tissue damage by thymic tuft cells and fibroblasts, respectively. Moreover, using mouse models deficient in either tuft cells and/or IL-33, we found that these alarmins are required for effective thymus regeneration after dexamethasone-induced damage. We also demonstrate that upon their damage-dependent activation, thymic ILC2 produce several effector molecules linked to tissue regeneration, such as amphiregulin and IL-13, which in turn promote thymic epithelial cell differentiation. Collectively, our study elucidates a previously undescribed role for thymic tuft cells and fibroblasts in thymus regeneration through activation of the type 2 immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shir Nevo
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noga Frenkel
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noam Kadouri
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tom Gome
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noa Rosenthal
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tal Givony
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ayelet Avin
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Cristina Peligero Cruz
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Institute for Health Science Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Merav Kedmi
- Genomics Unit, Life Science Core Facility, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Moshit Lindzen
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shifra Ben Dor
- Bioinformatics Unit, Life Science Core Facility, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Golda Damari
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Science Core Facility, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Hadas Keren-Shaul
- Genomics Unit, Life Science Core Facility, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yosef Yarden
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ariel Munitz
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dena Leshkowitz
- Bioinformatics Unit, Life Science Core Facility, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yael Goldfarb
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jakub Abramson
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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17
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Urai S, Iguchi G, Kanie K, Bando H, Yamamoto M, Oi Y, Kashitani Y, Iida K, Kanzawa M, Fukuoka H, Takahashi M, Shintani Y, Ogawa W, Takahashi Y. Clinical features of anti-pituitary-specific transcription factor-1 (PIT-1) hypophysitis: a new aspect of paraneoplastic autoimmune condition. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 190:K1-K7. [PMID: 38146732 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of anti-pituitary-specific transcription factor-1 (PIT-1) hypophysitis was gradually revealed as cases emerged. Our comprehensive analysis, including all reported cases, identified a new instance of anti-PIT-1 hypophysitis postimmune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. All 9 patients exhibited extremely low growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels; 2 had a slightly atrophic pituitary gland; 4 had thymoma, and 5 had malignant neoplasms of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and other origins. Patients with thymoma showed multiple autoimmune diseases. HLA-A*24:02 and/or A*02:06 were present in six and DR53 in 5 cases analyzed. High anti-PIT-1 antibody titers and ectopic PIT-1 expression in the cytosol and nucleus of the tumor tissues were observed in patients with thymoma or DLBCL, whereas it was exclusively observed in the nuclei of a bladder cancer patient. These findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of paraneoplastic autoimmune hypophysitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Urai
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Genzo Iguchi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
- Medical Center for Student Health, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan
- Division of Biosignal Pathophysiology, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan
| | - Keitaro Kanie
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hironori Bando
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Masaaki Yamamoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yuka Oi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yuya Kashitani
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Hyogo Prefectural Kakogawa Medical Center, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-8555, Japan
| | - Keiji Iida
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Hyogo Prefectural Kakogawa Medical Center, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-8555, Japan
| | - Maki Kanzawa
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hidenori Fukuoka
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Michiko Takahashi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
- Department of Nutrition, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yasushi Shintani
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Wataru Ogawa
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8521, Japan
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18
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Fujimori S, Ohigashi I. The role of thymic epithelium in thymus development and age-related thymic involution. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATION 2024; 71:29-39. [PMID: 38735722 DOI: 10.2152/jmi.71.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The establishment of an adaptive immune system is critical for protecting our bodies from neoplastic cancers and invading pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. As a primary lymphoid organ, the thymus generates lymphoid T cells that play a major role in the adaptive immune system. T cell generation in the thymus is controlled by interactions between thymocytes and other thymic cells, primarily thymic epithelial cells. Thus, the normal development and function of thymic epithelial cells are important for the generation of immunocompetent and self-tolerant T cells. On the other hand, the degeneration of the thymic epithelium due to thymic aging causes thymic involution, which is associated with the decline of adaptive immune function. Herein we summarize basic and current knowledge of the development and function of thymic epithelial cells and the mechanism of thymic involution. J. Med. Invest. 71 : 29-39, February, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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19
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Adachi Y. Culture of Mouse Thymic Epithelial Cells in Serum-Free Medium. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2749:1-6. [PMID: 38133769 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3609-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Primary cell culture systems are widely used as a valuable method for analyzing the biological functions of specific cells in vitro. Recently, various serum-free primary cell culture methods have been developed that do not involve the use of animal serums. Since the thymus is comprised of many cell types, such as thymocytes, thymic epithelial cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts, thymic epithelial cells must be isolated for their functional analysis in vitro. This chapter describes the detailed protocol for the selective primary culture of thymic epithelial cells using defined serum-free medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Adachi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Fukuoka, Japan.
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20
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Zhong X, Peddada N, Wang J, Moresco JJ, Zhan X, Shelton JM, SoRelle JA, Keller K, Lazaro DR, Moresco EMY, Choi JH, Beutler B. OVOL2 sustains postnatal thymic epithelial cell identity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7786. [PMID: 38012144 PMCID: PMC10682436 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43456-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Distinct pathways and molecules may support embryonic versus postnatal thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development and maintenance. Here, we identify a mechanism by which TEC numbers and function are maintained postnatally. A viable missense allele (C120Y) of Ovol2, expressed ubiquitously or specifically in TECs, results in lymphopenia, in which T cell development is compromised by loss of medullary TECs and dysfunction of cortical TECs. We show that the epithelial identity of TECs is aberrantly subverted towards a mesenchymal state in OVOL2-deficient mice. We demonstrate that OVOL2 inhibits the epigenetic regulatory BRAF-HDAC complex, specifically disrupting RCOR1-LSD1 interaction. This causes inhibition of LSD1-mediated H3K4me2 demethylation, resulting in chromatin accessibility and transcriptional activation of epithelial genes. Thus, OVOL2 controls the epigenetic landscape of TECs to enforce TEC identity. The identification of a non-redundant postnatal mechanism for TEC maintenance offers an entry point to understanding thymic involution, which normally begins in early adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhong
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Nagesh Peddada
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Jianhui Wang
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - James J Moresco
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhan
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8821, USA
| | - John M Shelton
- Intermal Medicine-Histopathology Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8573, USA
| | - Jeffrey A SoRelle
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9072, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9063, USA
| | - Katie Keller
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Danielle Renee Lazaro
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Eva Marie Y Moresco
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA
| | - Jin Huk Choi
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA.
| | - Bruce Beutler
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-8505, USA.
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21
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Shen J, Wang Y, Zheng F, Cao S, Lan Q, Xu K, Pan B. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor regulates IL-22 receptor expression on thymic epithelial cell and accelerates thymus regeneration. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:64. [PMID: 37938575 PMCID: PMC10632505 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00339-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving regeneration of damaged thymus is important for reconstituting T-cell immunity. Interleukin-22 (IL-22) was proved to improve thymus regeneration through recovering thymic epithelial cells (TECs). The IL-22 receptor IL-22RA1 is crucial for mediating IL-22 functions. Mechanism that regulates IL-22RA1 expression is unknown. Through using TECs-conditional knockout mice, we found aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is important for thymus regeneration, because Foxn1-cre-mediated AHR knockout (AhrKO) significantly blocks recovery of thymus cells. Giving mice the AHR inhibitor CH-223191 or the AHR agonist FICZ blocks or accelerates thymus regeneration, respectively. AhrKO-mediated blockade of thymus regeneration could not be rescued by giving exogenous IL-22. Mechanistically, AhrKO mice shows decreased IL-22RA1 expression. In the murine TECs cell line mTEC1 cells, targeting AHR shows an impact on IL-22RA1 mRNA levels. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays, we find AHR co-operates with STAT3, binds the promotor region of IL-22RA1 gene and transcriptionally increases IL-22RA1 expression in mTEC1 cells. Foxn1-cre-mediated IL-22RA1 knockout (Il22ra1KO) blocks thymus regeneration after irradiation. Furthermore, targeting AHR or IL-22RA1 has significant impacts on severity of murine chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), which is an autoimmune-like complication following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Giving FICZ decreases cGVHD, whereas Il22ra1KO exacerbates cGVHD. The impacts on cGVHD are associated with thymus regeneration and T-cell immune reconstitution. In conclusion, we report an unrecognized function of TECs-expressed AHR in thymus regeneration and AHR transcriptionally regulates IL-22RA1 expression, which have implications for improving thymus regeneration and controlling cGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Shen
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Fei Zheng
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Shuo Cao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Qiu Lan
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
| | - Bin Pan
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
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22
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MacNabb BW, Kline J. MHC cross-dressing in antigen presentation. Adv Immunol 2023; 159:115-147. [PMID: 37996206 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) orchestrate T cell responses by presenting antigenic peptides on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and providing costimulation and other instructive signals. Professional antigen presenting cells (APCs), including DCs, are uniquely capable of generating and presenting peptide antigens derived from exogenous proteins. In addition to these canonical cross-presentation and MHC-II presentation pathways, APCs can also display exogenous peptide/MHC (p/MHC) acquired from neighboring cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs). This process, known as MHC cross-dressing, has been implicated in the regulation of T cell responses in a variety of in vivo contexts, including allogeneic solid organ transplantation, tumors, and viral infection. Although the occurrence of MHC cross-dressing has been clearly demonstrated, the importance of this antigen presentation mechanism continues to be elucidated. The contribution of MHC cross-dressing to overall antigen presentation has been obfuscated by the fact that DCs express the same MHC alleles as all other cells in the host, making it difficult to distinguish p/MHC generated within the DC from p/MHC acquired from another cell. As a result, much of what is known about MHC cross-dressing comes from studies using allogeneic organ transplantation and bone marrow chimeric mice, though recent development of mice bearing conditional knockout MHC and β2-microglobulin alleles should facilitate substantial progress in the coming years. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of MHC cross-dressing and its role in activating T cell responses in various contexts, as well as the experimental insights into the mechanism by which it occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan W MacNabb
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States.
| | - Justin Kline
- Department of Medicine, Committee on Immunology, and Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
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23
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Horie K, Namiki K, Kinoshita K, Miyauchi M, Ishikawa T, Hayama M, Maruyama Y, Hagiwara N, Miyao T, Murata S, Kobayashi TJ, Akiyama N, Akiyama T. Acute irradiation causes a long-term disturbance in the heterogeneity and gene expression profile of medullary thymic epithelial cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1186154. [PMID: 38022666 PMCID: PMC10652284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1186154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus has the ability to regenerate from acute injury caused by radiation, infection, and stressors. In addition to thymocytes, thymic epithelial cells in the medulla (mTECs), which are crucial for T cell self-tolerance by ectopically expressing and presenting thousands of tissue-specific antigens (TSAs), are damaged by these insults and recover thereafter. However, given recent discoveries on the high heterogeneity of mTECs, it remains to be determined whether the frequency and properties of mTEC subsets are restored during thymic recovery from radiation damage. Here we demonstrate that acute total body irradiation with a sublethal dose induces aftereffects on heterogeneity and gene expression of mTECs. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis showed that irradiation reduces the frequency of mTECs expressing AIRE, which is a critical regulator of TSA expression, 15 days after irradiation. In contrast, transit-amplifying mTECs (TA-mTECs), which are progenitors of AIRE-expressing mTECs, and Ccl21a-expressing mTECs, were less affected. Interestingly, a detailed analysis of scRNA-seq data suggested that the proportion of a unique mTEC cluster expressing Ccl25 and a high level of TSAs was severely decreased by irradiation. In sum, we propose that the effects of acute irradiation disrupt the heterogeneity and properties of mTECs over an extended period, which potentially leads to an impairment of thymic T cell selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Horie
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kano Namiki
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kyouhei Kinoshita
- Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Miyauchi
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ishikawa
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mio Hayama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuya Maruyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Naho Hagiwara
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takahisa Miyao
- YCI Laboratory for Immunological Transcriptomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shigeo Murata
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Nobuko Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Taishin Akiyama
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center of Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
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24
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Sin JH, Sucharov J, Kashyap S, Wang Y, Proekt I, Liu X, Parent AV, Gupta A, Kastner P, Chan S, Gardner JM, Ntranos V, Miller CN, Anderson MS, Schjerven H, Waterfield MR. Ikaros is a principal regulator of Aire + mTEC homeostasis, thymic mimetic cell diversity, and central tolerance. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eabq3109. [PMID: 37889983 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abq3109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding the zinc-finger transcription factor Ikaros (IKZF1) are found in patients with immunodeficiency, leukemia, and autoimmunity. Although Ikaros has a well-established function in modulating gene expression programs important for hematopoietic development, its role in other cell types is less well defined. Here, we uncover functions for Ikaros in thymic epithelial lineage development in mice and show that Ikzf1 expression in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is required for both autoimmune regulator-positive (Aire+) mTEC development and tissue-specific antigen (TSA) gene expression. Accordingly, TEC-specific deletion of Ikzf1 in mice results in a profound decrease in Aire+ mTECs, a global loss of TSA gene expression, and the development of autoimmunity. Moreover, Ikaros shapes thymic mimetic cell diversity, and its deletion results in a marked expansion of thymic tuft cells and muscle-like mTECs and a loss of other Aire-dependent mimetic populations. Single-cell analysis reveals that Ikaros modulates core transcriptional programs in TECs that correlate with the observed cellular changes. Our findings highlight a previously undescribed role for Ikaros in regulating epithelial lineage development and function and suggest that failed thymic central tolerance could contribute to the autoimmunity seen in humans with IKZF1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hyung Sin
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juliana Sucharov
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sujit Kashyap
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- 10x Genomics, Pleasanton, CA, USA
| | - Irina Proekt
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xian Liu
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Audrey V Parent
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Gupta
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philippe Kastner
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U 1258, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Susan Chan
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U 1258, CNRS UMR 7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - James M Gardner
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vasilis Ntranos
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Corey N Miller
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hilde Schjerven
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael R Waterfield
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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25
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Lemos JP, Tenório LPG, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Savino W, Smeriglio P. T cell biology in neuromuscular disorders: a focus on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202834. [PMID: 37920473 PMCID: PMC10619758 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates a continuous interaction between the immune system, the nerve and the muscle in neuromuscular disorders of different pathogenetic origins, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the focus of this review. Herein we highlight the complexity of the cellular and molecular interactions involving the immune system in neuromuscular disorders, as exemplified by DMD and ALS. We describe the distinct types of cell-mediated interactions, such as cytokine/chemokine production as well as cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions between T lymphocytes and other immune cells, which target cells of the muscular or nervous tissues. Most of these interactions occur independently of exogenous pathogens, through ligand-receptor binding and subsequent signal transduction cascades, at distinct levels of specificity. Although this issue reveals the complexity of the system, it can also be envisioned as a window of opportunity to design therapeutic strategies (including synthetic moieties, cell and gene therapy, as well as immunotherapy) by acting upon one or more targets. In this respect, we discuss ongoing clinical trials using VLA-4 inhibition in DMD, and in ALS, with a focus on regulatory T cells, both revealing promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pereira Lemos
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Liliane Patrícia Gonçalves Tenório
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Piera Smeriglio
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
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Lee DY, Song WH, Lim YS, Lee C, Rajbongshi L, Hwang SY, Kim BS, Lee D, Song YJ, Kim HG, Yoon S. Fish Collagen Peptides Enhance Thymopoietic Gene Expression, Cell Proliferation, Thymocyte Adherence, and Cytoprotection in Thymic Epithelial Cells via Activation of the Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway, Leading to Thymus Regeneration after Cyclophosphamide-Induced Injury. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:531. [PMID: 37888466 PMCID: PMC10608061 DOI: 10.3390/md21100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged thymic involution results in decreased thymopoiesis and thymic output, leading to peripheral T-cell deficiency. Since the thymic-dependent pathway is the only means of generating fully mature T cells, the identification of strategies to enhance thymic regeneration is crucial in developing therapeutic interventions to revert immune suppression in immunocompromised patients. The present study clearly shows that fish collagen peptides (FCPs) stimulate activities of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), including cell proliferation, thymocyte adhesion, and the gene expression of thymopoietic factors such as FGF-7, IGF-1, BMP-4, VEGF-A, IL-7, IL-21, RANKL, LTβ, IL-22R, RANK, LTβR, SDF-1, CCL21, CCL25, CXCL5, Dll1, Dll4, Wnt4, CD40, CD80, CD86, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, FoxN1, leptin, cathepsin L, CK5, and CK8 through the NF-κB signal transduction pathway. Furthermore, our study also revealed the cytoprotective effects of FCPs on TECs against cyclophosphamide-induced cellular injury through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, FCPs exhibited a significant capability to facilitate thymic regeneration in mice after cyclophosphamide-induced damage via the NF-κB pathway. Taken together, this study sheds light on the role of FCPs in TEC function, thymopoiesis, and thymic regeneration, providing greater insight into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for effective thymus repopulation for numerous clinical conditions in which immune reconstitution is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Young Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Hoon Song
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Seon Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Changyong Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Lata Rajbongshi
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Yeong Hwang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Soo Kim
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjun Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jung Song
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi-Gon Kim
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Sik Yoon
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
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27
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Givony T, Leshkowitz D, Del Castillo D, Nevo S, Kadouri N, Dassa B, Gruper Y, Khalaila R, Ben-Nun O, Gome T, Dobeš J, Ben-Dor S, Kedmi M, Keren-Shaul H, Heffner-Krausz R, Porat Z, Golani O, Addadi Y, Brenner O, Lo DD, Goldfarb Y, Abramson J. Thymic mimetic cells function beyond self-tolerance. Nature 2023; 622:164-172. [PMID: 37674082 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06512-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Development of immunocompetent T cells in the thymus is required for effective defence against all types of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. To this end, T cells undergo a very strict educational program in the thymus, during which both non-functional and self-reactive T cell clones are eliminated by means of positive and negative selection1.Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) have an indispensable role in these processes, and previous studies have shown the notable heterogeneity of these cells2-7. Here, using multiomic analysis, we provide further insights into the functional and developmental diversity of TECs in mice, and reveal a detailed atlas of the TEC compartment according to cell transcriptional states and chromatin landscapes. Our analysis highlights unconventional TEC subsets that are similar to functionally well-defined parenchymal populations, including endocrine cells, microfold cells and myocytes. By focusing on the endocrine and microfold TEC populations, we show that endocrine TECs require Insm1 for their development and are crucial to maintaining thymus cellularity in a ghrelin-dependent manner; by contrast, microfold TECs require Spib for their development and are essential for the generation of thymic IgA+ plasma cells. Collectively, our study reveals that medullary TECs have the potential to differentiate into various types of molecularly distinct and functionally defined cells, which not only contribute to the induction of central tolerance, but also regulate the homeostasis of other thymus-resident populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Givony
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dena Leshkowitz
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Diana Del Castillo
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Shir Nevo
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noam Kadouri
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Bareket Dassa
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yael Gruper
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Razi Khalaila
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Osher Ben-Nun
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tom Gome
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jan Dobeš
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Shifra Ben-Dor
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Merav Kedmi
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine (G-INCPM), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hadas Keren-Shaul
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine (G-INCPM), Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ofra Golani
- MICC Cell Observatory, Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoseph Addadi
- MICC Cell Observatory, Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ori Brenner
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - David D Lo
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Yael Goldfarb
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Jakub Abramson
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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28
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Ikeda H, Nagasaki J, Shimizu D, Katsuya Y, Horinouchi H, Hosomi Y, Tanji E, Iwata T, Itami M, Kawazu M, Ohe Y, Suzuki T, Togashi Y. Immunologic Significance of CD80/CD86 or Major Histocompatibility Complex-II Expression in Thymic Epithelial Tumors. JTO Clin Res Rep 2023; 4:100573. [PMID: 37799325 PMCID: PMC10550405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtocrr.2023.100573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Unresectable or recurrent thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) have a poor prognosis, and treatment options are limited. This study aimed to investigate the immunologic significance of CD80/CD86 or major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) expression in TETs, as potential predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Methods We analyzed CD80, CD86, MHC class I (MHC-I), and MHC-II expression in TETs using immunohistochemistry and investigated their association with T-cell infiltration or ICI efficacy. In addition, we generated CD80- or MHC-II-expressing mouse tumors, evaluated the effects of ICIs, and analyzed tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. We also performed tumor-rechallenge experiments in vivo. Results We found that approximately 50% and 30% of TETs had high expression of CD80/CD86 and MHC-II in tumor cells, respectively, and that this expression was related to T-cell infiltration in clinical samples. In mouse models, both CD80 and MHC-II increase the effects of ICIs. In addition, senescent T cells and long-lived memory precursor effector T cells were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from CD80-expressing tumors, and rechallenged tumors were completely rejected after the initial eradication of CD80-expressing tumors by programmed cell death protein 1 blockade. Indeed, patients with CD80-high thymic carcinoma had longer progression-free survival with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibody. Conclusions Half of the TETs had high expression of CD80/CD86 or MHC-II with high T-cell infiltration. These molecules could potentially increase the effects of ICIs, particularly inducing a durable response. CD80/CD86 and MHC-II can be predictive biomarkers of ICIs in TETs, promoting the development of drugs for such TETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Ikeda
- Chiba Cancer Center, Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Joji Nagasaki
- Chiba Cancer Center, Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Daiki Shimizu
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Chiba Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuki Katsuya
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidehito Horinouchi
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Hosomi
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Etsuko Tanji
- Chiba Cancer Center, Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takekazu Iwata
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Chiba Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Makiko Itami
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Chiba Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Yuichiro Ohe
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuji Suzuki
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yosuke Togashi
- Chiba Cancer Center, Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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29
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Lee S, Song SG, Chung DH. Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis for Thymic Epithelial Cells of Aged Mice and Humans. Immune Netw 2023; 23:e36. [PMID: 37970235 PMCID: PMC10643332 DOI: 10.4110/in.2023.23.e36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a critical role in thymic development and thymopoiesis. As individuals age, TECs undergo various changes that impact their functions, leading to a reduction in cell numbers and impaired thymic selection. These age-related alterations have been observed in both mice and humans. However, the precise mechanisms underlying age-related TEC dysfunction remain unclear. Furthermore, there is a lack of a comprehensive study that connects mouse and human biological processes in this area. To address this gap, we conducted an extensive transcriptome analysis of young and old TECs in mice, complemented by further analysis of publicly available human TEC single-cell RNA sequencing data. Our analysis revealed alterations in both known and unknown pathways that potentially contribute to age-related TEC dysfunction. Specifically, we observed downregulation of pathways related to cell proliferation, T cell development, metabolism, and cytokine signaling in old age TECs. Conversely, TGF-β, BMP, and Wnt signaling pathways were upregulated, which have been known to be associated with age-related TEC dysfunctions or newly discovered in this study. Importantly, we found that these age-related changes in mouse TECs were consistently present in human TECs as well. This cross-species validation further strengthens the significance of our findings. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis provides valuable insight into the biological and immunological characteristics of aged TECs in both mice and humans. These findings contribute to a better understanding of thymic involution and age-induced immune dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangsin Lee
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Seung Geun Song
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Doo Hyun Chung
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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30
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Hu C, Wu H, Zhu Q, Cao N, Wang H. Cholesterol metabolism in T-cell aging: Accomplices or victims. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23136. [PMID: 37584624 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300515r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging has a significant impact on the function and metabolism of T cells. Cholesterol, the most important sterol in mammals, is known as the "gold of the body" because it maintains membrane fluidity, rigidity, and signal transduction while also serving as a precursor of oxysterols, bile acids, and steroid hormones. Cholesterol homeostasis is primarily controlled by uptake, biosynthesis, efflux, and regulatory mechanisms. Previous studies have suggested that there are reciprocal interactions between cholesterol metabolism and T lymphocytes. Here, we will summarize the most recent advances in the effects of cholesterol and its derivatives on T-cell aging. We will furthermore discuss interventions that might be used to help older individuals with immune deficiencies or diminishing immune competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cexun Hu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Yueyang Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital, Yueyang, P.R. China
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
| | - Hongliang Wu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Yueyang Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital, Yueyang, P.R. China
| | - Qun Zhu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Yueyang Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital, Yueyang, P.R. China
| | - Na Cao
- Department of Hematology, Yueyang People's Hospital, Yueyang, P. R. China
- Yueyang Hospital Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Yueyang, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
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31
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Messer CL, McDonald JA. Rap1 promotes epithelial integrity and cell viability in a growing tissue. Dev Biol 2023; 501:1-19. [PMID: 37269969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Having intact epithelial tissues is critical for embryonic development and adult homeostasis. How epithelia respond to damaging insults or tissue growth while still maintaining intercellular connections and barrier integrity during development is poorly understood. The conserved small GTPase Rap1 is critical for establishing cell polarity and regulating cadherin-catenin cell junctions. Here, we identified a new role for Rap1 in maintaining epithelial integrity and tissue shape during Drosophila oogenesis. Loss of Rap1 activity disrupted the follicle cell epithelium and the shape of egg chambers during a period of major growth. Rap1 was required for proper E-Cadherin localization in the anterior epithelium and for epithelial cell survival. Both Myo-II and the adherens junction-cytoskeletal linker protein α-Catenin were required for normal egg chamber shape but did not strongly affect cell viability. Blocking the apoptotic cascade failed to rescue the cell shape defects caused by Rap1 inhibition. One consequence of increased cell death caused by Rap1 inhibition was the loss of polar cells and other follicle cells, which later in development led to fewer cells forming a migrating border cell cluster. Our results thus indicate dual roles for Rap1 in maintaining epithelia and cell survival in a growing tissue during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Luke Messer
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Jocelyn A McDonald
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
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32
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Ding Y, Chen Q. The NF-κB Pathway: a Focus on Inflammatory Responses in Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5292-5308. [PMID: 37286724 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03411-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a type of central nervous system trauma that can lead to severe nerve injury. Inflammatory reaction after injury is an important pathological process leading to secondary injury. Long-term stimulation of inflammation can further deteriorate the microenvironment of the injured site, leading to the deterioration of neural function. Understanding the signaling pathways that regulate responses after SCI, especially inflammatory responses, is critical for the development of new therapeutic targets and approaches. Nuclear transfer factor-κB (NF-κB) has long been recognized as a key factor in regulating inflammatory responses. The NF-κB pathway is closely related to the pathological process of SCI. Inhibition of this pathway can improve the inflammatory microenvironment and promote the recovery of neural function after SCI. Therefore, the NF-κB pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for SCI. This article reviews the mechanism of inflammatory response after SCI and the characteristics of NF-κB pathway, emphasizing the effect of inhibiting NF-κB on the inflammatory response of SCI to provide a theoretical basis for the biological treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ding
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
- The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China.
- The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China.
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33
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Lagou MK, Karagiannis GS. Obesity-induced thymic involution and cancer risk. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 93:3-19. [PMID: 37088128 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Declining thymic functions associated either with old age (i.e., age-related thymic involution), or with acute involution as a result of stress, infectious disease, or cytoreductive therapies (e.g., chemotherapy/radiotherapy), have been associated with cancer development. A key mechanism underlying such increased cancer risk is the thymus-dependent debilitation of adaptive immunity, which is responsible for orchestrating immunoediting mechanisms and tumor immune surveillance. In the past few years, a blooming set of evidence has intriguingly linked obesity with cancer development and progression. The majority of such studies has focused on obesity-driven chronic inflammation, steroid/sex hormone and adipokine production, and hyperinsulinemia, as principal factors affecting the tumor microenvironment and driving the development of primary malignancy. However, experimental observations about the negative impact of obesity on T cell development and maturation have existed for more than half a century. Here, we critically discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms of obesity-driven thymic involution as a previously underrepresented intermediary pathology leading to cancer development and progression. This knowledge could be especially relevant in the context of childhood obesity, because impaired thymic function in young individuals leads to immune system abnormalities, and predisposes to various pediatric cancers. A thorough understanding behind the molecular and cellular circuitries governing obesity-induced thymic involution could therefore help towards the rationalized development of targeted thymic regeneration strategies for obese individuals at high risk of cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Lagou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis Program, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - George S Karagiannis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis Program, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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34
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Farley AM, Chengrui A, Palmer S, Liu D, Kousa AI, Rouse P, Major V, Sweetman J, Morys J, Corsinotti A, Nichols J, Ure J, McLay R, Boulter L, Chapman SJ, Tomlinson SR, Blackburn CC. Thymic epithelial cell fate and potency in early organogenesis assessed by single cell transcriptional and functional analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202163. [PMID: 37559721 PMCID: PMC10407560 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
During development, cortical (c) and medullary (m) thymic epithelial cells (TEC) arise from the third pharyngeal pouch endoderm. Current models suggest that within the thymic primordium most TEC exist in a bipotent/common thymic epithelial progenitor cell (TEPC) state able to generate both cTEC and mTEC, at least until embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) in the mouse. This view, however, is challenged by recent transcriptomics and genetic evidence. We therefore set out to investigate the fate and potency of TEC in the early thymus. Here using single cell (sc) RNAseq we identify a candidate mTEC progenitor population at E12.5, consistent with recent reports. Via lineage-tracing we demonstrate this population as mTEC fate-restricted, validating our bioinformatics prediction. Using potency analyses we also establish that most E11.5 and E12.5 progenitor TEC are cTEC-fated. Finally we show that overnight culture causes most if not all E12.5 cTEC-fated TEPC to acquire functional bipotency, and provide a likely molecular mechanism for this changed differentiation potential. Collectively, our data overturn the widely held view that a common TEPC predominates in the E12.5 thymus, showing instead that sublineage-primed progenitors are present from the earliest stages of thymus organogenesis but that these early fetal TEPC exhibit cell-fate plasticity in response to extrinsic factors. Our data provide a significant advance in the understanding of fetal thymic epithelial development and thus have implications for thymus-related clinical research, in particular research focussed on generating TEC from pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Mary Farley
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - An Chengrui
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Palmer
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dong Liu
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anastasia I. Kousa
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Rouse
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Viktoria Major
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Sweetman
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Morys
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Corsinotti
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Janice Ure
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Renee McLay
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Boulter
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - S. Jon Chapman
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon R. Tomlinson
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - C. Clare Blackburn
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Klein F, Veiga-Villauriz C, Börsch A, Maio S, Palmer S, Dhalla F, Handel AE, Zuklys S, Calvo-Asensio I, Musette L, Deadman ME, White AJ, Lucas B, Anderson G, Holländer GA. Combined multidimensional single-cell protein and RNA profiling dissects the cellular and functional heterogeneity of thymic epithelial cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4071. [PMID: 37429879 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The network of thymic stromal cells provides essential niches with unique molecular cues controlling T cell development and selection. Recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies have uncovered previously unappreciated transcriptional heterogeneity among thymic epithelial cells (TEC). However, there are only very few cell markers that allow a comparable phenotypic identification of TEC. Here, using massively parallel flow cytometry and machine learning, we deconvoluted known TEC phenotypes into novel subpopulations. Using CITEseq, these phenotypes were related to corresponding TEC subtypes defined by the cells' RNA profiles. This approach allowed the phenotypic identification of perinatal cTEC and their physical localisation within the cortical stromal scaffold. In addition, we demonstrate the dynamic change in the frequency of perinatal cTEC in response to developing thymocytes and reveal their exceptional efficiency in positive selection. Collectively, our study identifies markers that allow for an unprecedented dissection of the thymus stromal complexity, as well as physical isolation of TEC populations and assignment of specific functions to individual TEC subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Klein
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Clara Veiga-Villauriz
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Stefano Maio
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sam Palmer
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fatima Dhalla
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam E Handel
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Saulius Zuklys
- Paediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Irene Calvo-Asensio
- Paediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Musette
- Paediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mary E Deadman
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea J White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Beth Lucas
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Georg A Holländer
- Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Paediatric Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland.
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36
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Vicente MM, Leite-Gomes E, Pinho SS. Glycome dynamics in T and B cell development: basic immunological mechanisms and clinical applications. Trends Immunol 2023:S1471-4906(23)00112-6. [PMID: 37407365 PMCID: PMC10394430 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Glycans cover the surfaces of all mammalian cells through a process called glycosylation. Nearly all proteins and receptors that integrate the intricate series of co-stimulatory/inhibitory pathways of the immune system are glycosylated. Growing evidence indicates that the development of the immune system at the origins of T and B cell development is tightly regulated by glycosylation. In this opinion, we hypothesize that the glycome composition of developing T and B cells is developmentally regulated. We discuss how glycans play fundamental roles in lymphocyte development and how glycans early define T and B cell functionality in multiple aspects of adaptive immunity. These advances can provide opportunities for the discovery of novel disease factors and more effective candidate treatments for various conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel M Vicente
- i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Graduate Program in Areas of Applied and Basic Biology (GABBA), School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Leite-Gomes
- i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Salomé S Pinho
- i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
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37
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Jacob P, Oertlin C, Baselet B, Westerberg LS, Frippiat JP, Baatout S. Next generation of astronauts or ESA astronaut 2.0 concept and spotlight on immunity. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:51. [PMID: 37380641 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00294-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although we have sent humans into space for more than 50 years, crucial questions regarding immune response in space conditions remain unanswered. There are many complex interactions between the immune system and other physiological systems in the human body. This makes it difficult to study the combined long-term effects of space stressors such as radiation and microgravity. In particular, exposure to microgravity and cosmic radiation may produce changes in the performance of the immune system at the cellular and molecular levels and in the major physiological systems of the body. Consequently, abnormal immune responses induced in the space environment may have serious health consequences, especially in future long-term space missions. In particular, radiation-induced immune effects pose significant health challenges for long-duration space exploration missions with potential risks to reduce the organism's ability to respond to injuries, infections, and vaccines, and predispose astronauts to the onset of chronic diseases (e.g., immunosuppression, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, gut dysbiosis). Other deleterious effects encountered by radiation may include cancer and premature aging, induced by dysregulated redox and metabolic processes, microbiota, immune cell function, endotoxin, and pro-inflammatory signal production1,2. In this review, we summarize and highlight the current understanding of the effects of microgravity and radiation on the immune system and discuss knowledge gaps that future studies should address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Jacob
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Christian Oertlin
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell biology, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Lisa S Westerberg
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell biology, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Gent University, Gent, Belgium.
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Reis MDDS, Veneziani LP, Porto FL, Lins MP, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Savino W. Intrathymic somatotropic circuitry: consequences upon thymus involution. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1108630. [PMID: 37426675 PMCID: PMC10323194 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1108630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) is a classic pituitary-derived hormone crucial to body growth and metabolism. In the pituitary gland, GH production is stimulated by GH-releasing hormone and inhibited by somatostatin. GH secretion can also be induced by other peptides, such as ghrelin, which interacts with receptors present in somatotropic cells. It is well established that GH acts directly on target cells or indirectly by stimulating the production of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), particularly IGF-1. Notably, such somatotropic circuitry is also involved in the development and function of immune cells and organs, including the thymus. Interestingly, GH, IGF-1, ghrelin, and somatostatin are expressed in the thymus in the lymphoid and microenvironmental compartments, where they stimulate the secretion of soluble factors and extracellular matrix molecules involved in the general process of intrathymic T-cell development. Clinical trials in which GH was used to treat immunocompromised patients successfully recovered thymic function. Additionally, there is evidence that the reduction in the function of the somatotropic axis is associated with age-related thymus atrophy. Treatment with GH, IGF-1 or ghrelin can restore thymopoiesis of old animals, thus in keeping with a clinical study showing that treatment with GH, associated with metformin and dehydroepiandrosterone, could induce thymus regeneration in healthy aged individuals. In conclusion, the molecules of the somatotrophic axis can be envisioned as potential therapeutic targets for thymus regeneration in age-related or pathological thymus involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Danielma dos Santos Reis
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Peixoto Veneziani
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Felipe Lima Porto
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marvin Paulo Lins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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39
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MacNabb BW, Rothenberg EV. Speed and navigation control of thymocyte development by the fetal T-cell gene regulatory network. Immunol Rev 2023; 315:171-196. [PMID: 36722494 PMCID: PMC10771342 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
T-cell differentiation is a tightly regulated developmental program governed by interactions between transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin landscapes and affected by signals received from the thymic stroma. This process is marked by a series of checkpoints: T-lineage commitment, T-cell receptor (TCR)β selection, and positive and negative selection. Dynamically changing combinations of TFs drive differentiation along the T-lineage trajectory, through mechanisms that have been most extensively dissected in adult mouse T-lineage cells. However, fetal T-cell development differs from adult in ways that suggest that these TF mechanisms are not fully deterministic. The first wave of fetal T-cell differentiation occurs during a unique developmental window during thymic morphogenesis, shows more rapid kinetics of differentiation with fewer rounds of cell division, and gives rise to unique populations of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and invariant γδT cells that are not generated in the adult thymus. As the characteristic kinetics and progeny biases are cell-intrinsic properties of thymic progenitors, the differences could be based on distinct TF network circuitry within the progenitors themselves. Here, we review recent single-cell transcriptome data that illuminate the TF networks involved in T-cell differentiation in the fetal and adult mouse thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan W MacNabb
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Ellen V Rothenberg
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
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40
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Giardino G, Romano R, Lougaris V, Castagnoli R, Cillo F, Leonardi L, La Torre F, Soresina A, Federici S, Cancrini C, Pacillo L, Toriello E, Cinicola BL, Corrente S, Volpi S, Marseglia GL, Pignata C, Cardinale F. Immune tolerance breakdown in inborn errors of immunity: Paving the way to novel therapeutic approaches. Clin Immunol 2023; 251:109302. [PMID: 36967025 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Up to 25% of the patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) also exhibit immunodysregulatory features. The association of immune dysregulation and immunodeficiency may be explained by different mechanisms. The understanding of mechanisms underlying immune dysregulation in IEI has paved the way for the development of targeted treatments. In this review article, we will summarize the mechanisms of immune tolerance breakdown and the targeted therapeutic approaches to immune dysregulation in IEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Giardino
- Pediatric Section, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Roberta Romano
- Pediatric Section, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Vassilios Lougaris
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Pediatrics Clinic and Institute for Molecular Medicine A. Nocivelli, University of Brescia and ASST-Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Castagnoli
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Cillo
- Pediatric Section, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Leonardi
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco La Torre
- Department of Pediatrics, Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Annarosa Soresina
- Unit of Pediatric Immunology, Pediatrics Clinic, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Federici
- Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Cancrini
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Pacillo
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Toriello
- Pediatric Section, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Bianca Laura Cinicola
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Volpi
- Center for Autoinflammatory Diseases and Immunodeficiency, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Marseglia
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudio Pignata
- Pediatric Section, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Cardinale
- Department of Pediatrics, Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Hospital, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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41
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Sundaresan B, Shirafkan F, Ripperger K, Rattay K. The Role of Viral Infections in the Onset of Autoimmune Diseases. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030782. [PMID: 36992490 PMCID: PMC10051805 DOI: 10.3390/v15030782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are the consequence of a breach in immune tolerance, leading to the inability to sufficiently differentiate between self and non-self. Immune reactions that are targeted towards self-antigens can ultimately lead to the destruction of the host's cells and the development of autoimmune diseases. Although autoimmune disorders are comparatively rare, the worldwide incidence and prevalence is increasing, and they have major adverse implications for mortality and morbidity. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to be the major factors contributing to the development of autoimmunity. Viral infections are one of the environmental triggers that can lead to autoimmunity. Current research suggests that several mechanisms, such as molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, and bystander activation, can cause viral-induced autoimmunity. Here we describe the latest insights into the pathomechanisms of viral-induced autoimmune diseases and discuss recent findings on COVID-19 infections and the development of AIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhargavi Sundaresan
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Shirafkan
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Ripperger
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Rattay
- Institute of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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42
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Radi ZA, Khan N. Pathophysiology and human cancer risk assessment of pharmaceutical-induced thymoma in carcinogenicity studies. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 466:116471. [PMID: 36934859 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Thymoma, a tumor of thymic lymphocytes or thymic epithelial cells (TECs), is a common spontaneous tumor in Wistar Han rats, especially in females with up to 18% incidence in controls. In addition to sex, there are rat strain differences in background incidence of thymomas such as Sprague Dawley versus Wistar Han rats. Human thymomas are very rare and without clear differences in incidence between males and females. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drug classes, including Janus kinase inhibitors, increase the incidence of benign thymoma in two-year rat carcinogenicity studies. Potential non-genotoxic mechanisms that might contribute to the pathogenesis of thymoma development in one sex (female) Wistar Han rats include: (1) hormonal differences, (2) high proliferation rate of TECs, (3) delayed physiologic thymic involution, and/or (4) significant level of immunosuppression at high doses of a pharmaceutical drug. Factors to consider in the human cancer risk assessment of pharmaceutical-induced thymoma are: the genotoxicity of the test article, sex and strain of rats, exposure safety margins, and pathophysiologic differences and similarities of thymoma between rats and humans. Totality of weight of evidence approach and available data suggest thymomas observed in carcinogenicity studies of pharmaceutical drugs are not relevant for human risk at clinically relevant therapeutic doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaher A Radi
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Drug Safety R&D, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA.
| | - Nasir Khan
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Drug Safety R&D, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
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43
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Bosticardo M, Notarangelo LD. Human thymus in health and disease: Recent advances in diagnosis and biology. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101732. [PMID: 36863139 PMCID: PMC10134747 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is the crucial tissue where thymocytes develop from hematopoietic precursors that originate from the bone marrow and differentiate to generate a repertoire of mature T cells able to respond to foreign antigens while remaining tolerant to self-antigens. Until recently, most of the knowledge on thymus biology and its cellular and molecular complexity have been obtained through studies in animal models, because of the difficulty to gain access to thymic tissue in humans and the lack of in vitro models able to faithfully recapitulate the thymic microenvironment. This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of human thymus biology in health and disease obtained through the use of innovative experimental techniques (eg. single cell RNA sequencing, scRNAseq), diagnostic tools (eg. next generation sequencing), and in vitro models of T-cell differentiation (artificial thymic organoids) and thymus development (eg. thymic epithelial cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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44
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Sousa LG, Rodrigues PM, Alves NL. T-cell selection in the thymus: New routes toward the identification of the self-peptide ligandome presented by thymic epithelial cells. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250202. [PMID: 36642953 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Within the thymus, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide a dedicated niche for the selection of functional T cells expressing a highly variable and self-tolerant T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. In this minireview, we start by summarizing recent studies that have improved our understanding on the composition of cortical TEC and medullary TEC microenvironments. Next, we focus on the molecular processes that control the function of TECs in T-cell selection. In particular, we discuss the role of cortical TECs in positive selection and the pathways employed by these cells to generate and present selecting self-peptides:MHC II complexes. Several studies have underscored the role of the β5t-containing thymoproteasome in the production of unique MHC I-bound peptides critical for CD8 T-cell selection. Contrarily, the identity of the molecular determinants that regulate the generation of MHC II-bound self-peptides capable of positive selecting CD4 T cells is far more uncertain. We highlight recent advances that interconnect the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, the presentation of specific sets of self-peptide:MHC II complexes, and the diversification of CD4 TCR repertoire. Lastly, we discuss how these findings may open up new avenues for deciphering the identity of the MHC I and MHC II ligandome in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura G Sousa
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
- Doctoral Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro M Rodrigues
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno L Alves
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
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45
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Rouse P, Henderson T, Venkateswaran S, Sweetman J, Duffy C, Bradley M, Blackburn CC. An induced thymic epithelial cell-based high throughput screen for thymus extracellular matrix mimetics. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2249934. [PMID: 36645212 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202249934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are key effectors of the thymic stroma and are critically required for T-cell development. TECs comprise a diverse set of related but functionally distinct cell types that are scarce and difficult to isolate and handle. This has precluded TEC-based screening assays. We previously described induced thymic epithelial cells (iTECs), an artificial cell type produced in vitro by direct reprogramming, raising the possibility that iTECs might provide the basis for functional screens related to TEC biology. Here, we present an iTEC-based three-stage medium/high-throughput in vitro assay for synthetic polymer mimics of thymic extracellular matrix (ECM). Using this assay, we identified, from a complex library, four polymers that bind iTEC as well as or better than gelatin but do not bind mesenchymal cells. We show that these four polymers also bind and maintain native mouse fetal TECs and native human fetal TECs. Finally, we show that the selected polymers do not interfere with iTEC function or T-cell development. Collectively, our data establish that iTECs can be used to screen for TEC-relevant compounds in at least some medium/high-throughput assays and identify synthetic polymer ECM mimics that can replace gelatin or ECM components in TEC culture protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Rouse
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Timothy Henderson
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Australian National University Medical School, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT 2605, Australia
| | | | - Joanna Sweetman
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Cairnan Duffy
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Mark Bradley
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, UK
| | - C Clare Blackburn
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Research, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
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46
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Takahashi H, Iriki H, Asahina Y. T cell autoimmunity and immune regulation to desmoglein 3, a pemphigus autoantigen. J Dermatol 2023; 50:112-123. [PMID: 36539957 PMCID: PMC10107879 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.16663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pemphigus is a life-threatening autoimmune bullous disease mediated by anti-desmoglein IgG autoantibodies. Pemphigus is mainly classified into three subtypes: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, and paraneoplastic pemphigus. The pathogenicity of autoantibodies has been extensively studied. Anti-human CD20 antibody therapy targeting B cells emerged as a more effective treatment option compared to conventional therapy for patients with an intractable disease. On the other hand, autoreactive T cells are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis based on the test results of human leukocyte antigen association, autoreactive T cell detection, and cytokine profile analysis. Research on the role of T cells in pemphigus has continued to progress, including that on T follicular helper cells, which initiate molecular mechanisms involved in antibody production in B cells. Autoreactive T cell research in mice has highlighted the crucial roles of cellular autoimmunity and improved the understanding of its pathogenesis, especially in paraneoplastic pemphigus. The mouse research has helped elucidate novel regulatory mechanisms of autoreactive T cells, such as thymic tolerance to desmoglein 3 and the essential roles of regulatory T cells, Langerhans cells, and other molecules in peripheral tissues. This review focuses on the immunological aspects of autoreactive T cells in pemphigus by providing detailed information on various related topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisato Iriki
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Asahina
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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47
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Rodrigues PM, Sousa LG, Perrod C, Maceiras AR, Ferreirinha P, Pombinho R, Romera-Cárdenas G, Gomez-Lazaro M, Senkara M, Pistolic J, Cabanes D, Klein L, Saftig P, Alves NL. LAMP2 regulates autophagy in the thymic epithelium and thymic stroma-dependent CD4 T cell development. Autophagy 2023; 19:426-439. [PMID: 35535798 PMCID: PMC9851248 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2074105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the thymus, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide dedicated thymic stroma microenvironments for T cell development. Because TEC functionality is sensitive to aging and cytoablative therapies, unraveling the molecular elements that coordinate their thymopoietic role has fundamental and clinical implications. Particularly, the selection of CD4 T cells depends on interactions between TCRs expressed on T cell precursors and self-peptides:MHC II complexes presented by cortical TECs (cTECs). Although the macroautophagy/autophagy-lysosomal protein degradation pathway is implicated in CD4 T cell selection, the molecular mechanism that controls the generation of selecting MHC II ligands remains elusive. LAMP2 (lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2) is a well-recognized mediator of autolysosome (AL) maturation. We showed that LAMP2 is highly expressed in cTECs. Notably, genetic inactivation of Lamp2 in thymic stromal cells specifically impaired the development of CD4 T cells that completed positive selection, without misdirecting MHC II-restricted cells into the CD8 lineage. Mechanistically, defects in autophagy in lamp2-deficient cTECs were linked to alterations in MHC II processing, which was associated with a marked reduction in CD4 TCR repertoire diversity selected within the lamp2-deficient thymic stroma. Together, our findings suggest that LAMP2 interconnects the autophagy-lysosomal axis and the processing of selecting self-peptides:MHC II complexes in cTECs, underling its implications for the generation of a broad CD4 TCR repertoire.Abbreviations: AIRE: autoimmune regulator (autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy); AL: autolysosome; AP: autophagosome; Baf-A1: bafilomycin A1; B2M: beta-2 microglobulin; CTSL: cathepsin L; CD74/Ii: CD74 antigen (invariant polypeptide of major histocompatibility complex, class II antigen-associated); CFSE: carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester; CFU: colony-forming unit; CLIP: class II-associated invariant chain peptides; cTECs: cortical TECs dKO: double knockout; DN: double negative; DP: double positive; ENPEP/LY51: glutamyl aminopeptidase; FOXP3: forkhead box; P3 IFNG/IFNγ: interferon gamma; IKZF2/HELIOS: IKAROS family zinc finger 2; IL2RA/CD25: interleukin 2 receptor, alpha chain; KO: knockout; LAMP2: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2; LIP: lymphopenia-induced proliferation; Lm: Listeria monocytogenes; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MHC: major histocompatibility complex; mTECs: medullary TECs; PRSS16/TSSP: protease, serine 16 (thymus); SELL/CD62L: selectin, lymphocyte; SP: single positive; TCR: T cell receptor; TCRB: T cell receptor beta chain; TECs: thymic epithelial cells; UEA-1: Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1; WT: wild-type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M. Rodrigues
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Laura G. Sousa
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal,Doctoral Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Chiara Perrod
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana R. Maceiras
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Ferreirinha
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Pombinho
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gema Romera-Cárdenas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
| | - María Gomez-Lazaro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Porto, Portugal
| | - Meryem Senkara
- Biochemisches Institut, Christian Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jelena Pistolic
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Didier Cabanes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ludger Klein
- Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Saftig
- Biochemisches Institut, Christian Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nuno L. Alves
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Portugal,CONTACT Nuno L. Alves Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, Porto4200-135, Portugal
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48
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Wang L, Li X, Yang S, Chen X, Li J, Wang S, Zhang M, Zheng Z, Zhou J, Wang L, Wu Y. Proteomic identification of MHC class I-associated peptidome derived from non-obese diabetic mouse thymus and pancreas. J Proteomics 2023; 270:104746. [PMID: 36210013 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The peptides repertoire presented to CD8+ T cells by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules is referred to as the MHC I-associated peptidome (MIP), which regulates thymus development, peripheral survival and function during lifetime of CD8+ T cells. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease caused by pancreatic β cells destruction mediated primarily by autoreactive CD8+ T cells. Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse is an important animal model of T1D. Here, we deeply analyzed the MIP derived from NOD mice thymus and pancreas, and demonstrated that the thymus MIP source proteins partially shared with the MIP source proteins derived from NOD mice pancreas and β cell line. One H-2Kd restricted peptide SLC35B126-34 which was shared by MIP derived from both NOD mice pancreatic tissues and islet β-cell line, but absent in MIP from NOD thymus tissues, showed ability to stimulate IFN-γ secretion and proliferation of NOD mice splenic CD8+ T cells. The global view of the MHC I-associated self-peptides repertoire in the thymus and pancreas of NOD mice may serve as a biological reference to identify potential autoantigens targeted by autoreactive CD8+ T cells in T1D. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD031966. SIGNIFICANCE: The peptides repertoire presented to CD8+ T cells by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules is referred to as the MHC I-associated peptidome (MIP). The MIP presented by thymic antigen presenting cells (APCs) is crucial for shaping CD8+ T cell repertoire and self-tolerance, while the MIP presented by peripheral tissues and organs is not only involved in maintaining periphery CD8+ T cell survival and homeostasis, but also mediates immune surveillance and autoimmune responses of CD8+ T cells under pathological conditions. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of pancreatic β cells, mediated primarily by autoreactive CD8+ T cells. Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse is one of important animal models of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes that shares several key features with human T1D. The global view of the MHC I-associated self-peptides repertoire in the thymus and pancreas of NOD mice may serve as a good biological reference to identify potential autoantigens targeted by autoreactive CD8+ T cells in T1D. It has great significance for further clarifying the immune recognition and effect mechanism of autoreactive CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of T1D, and then developing antigen-specific immune intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wang
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China; Institute of Immunology PLA & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Xiangqian Li
- Institute of Immunology PLA & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shushu Yang
- Institute of Immunology PLA & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Institute of Immunology PLA & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jie Li
- Institute of Immunology PLA & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shufeng Wang
- Institute of Immunology PLA & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Mengjun Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhengni Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Li Wang
- Institute of Immunology PLA & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China; Institute of Immunology PLA & Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
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49
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Bosselut R. A Beginner's Guide to T Cell Development. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2580:3-24. [PMID: 36374448 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2740-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
T lymphocytes (T cells) are essential components of the adaptive immune system; they serve multiple functions in responses to pathogens and to ensure immune homeostasis. Written for readers first entering this field of study, this chapter is a brief overview of the development of T cells in the thymus, from the entry of thymus-settling bone marrow-derived precursors to the egress of mature T cells. Surveyed topics include the differentiation and expansion of early precursors, the generation of the T cell antigen receptor repertoire, the selection of αβ T cell precursors, and their acquisition of functional competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémy Bosselut
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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50
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Niwa R, Hanamatsu Y, Kito Y, Saigo C, Takeuchi T. Experimental model of micronodular thymic neoplasm with lymphoid stroma. Thorac Cancer 2022; 14:357-362. [PMID: 36524622 PMCID: PMC9891860 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micronodular thymic neoplasm with lymphoid stroma (MNT), a subtype of thymic tumor, is histopathologically characterized by micronodular thymic epithelial cell nests with lymphoid stroma. Despite the distinct histopathology of MNT, its pathogenesis remains unclear. METHODS In this study, we aimed to examine a thymic tumor harboring thymic epithelial and lymphoid cells in a nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse. RESULTS The excised tumor cells were cultured in vitro and comprised epithelial tumor cells and lymphoid cells. During a three-dimensional cell culture, the epithelial tumor cells formed micronodular cell nests surrounded by lymphoid stroma. Notably, the lymphoid cells underwent apoptosis when they were separated from the epithelial tumor cells. Cutaneous transplantation of the cultured epithelial cells with splenocytes from BALB/c mice led to tumor formation, and these cells demonstrated a histopathology similar to that of human MNT in a nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse. CONCLUSION Given its overlapping features with human MNT, the transplanted tumor could serve as an experimental model of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riko Niwa
- Department of Pathology and Translational ResearchGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
| | - Yuki Hanamatsu
- Department of Pathology and Translational ResearchGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
| | - Yusuke Kito
- Department of Pathology and Translational ResearchGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
| | - Chiemi Saigo
- Department of Pathology and Translational ResearchGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan,The United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information SciencesGifu UniversityGifuJapan
| | - Tamotsu Takeuchi
- Department of Pathology and Translational ResearchGifu University Graduate School of MedicineGifuJapan
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