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White AJ, Baik S, Parnell SM, Holland AM, Brombacher F, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. A type 2 cytokine axis for thymus emigration. J Exp Med 2017; 214:2205-2216. [PMID: 28694386 PMCID: PMC5551576 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20170271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the thymus, stromal microenvironments support a developmental program that generates mature T cells ready for thymic exit. The cellular and molecular specialization within thymic stromal cells that enables their regulation of specific stages of thymocyte development is poorly understood. Here, we show the thymic microenvironment expresses the type 2 IL-4R complex and is functionally responsive to its known ligands, IL-4 and IL-13. Absence of IL-4Rα limits thymocyte emigration, leading to an intrathymic accumulation of mature thymocytes within medullary perivascular spaces and reduced numbers of recent thymic emigrants. Thymus transplantation shows this requirement maps to IL-4Rα expression by stromal cells, and we provide evidence that it regulates thymic exit via a process distinct from S1P-mediated migration. Finally, we reveal a cellular mechanism by which IL-4+IL-13+ invariant NKT cells are necessary for IL-4Rα signaling that regulates thymic exit. Collectively, we define a new axis for thymic emigration involving stimulation of the thymic microenvironment via type 2 cytokines from innate T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J White
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Song Baik
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Amanda M Holland
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Frank Brombacher
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine and South African Medical Research Council, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK
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52
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Riemann M, Andreas N, Fedoseeva M, Meier E, Weih D, Freytag H, Schmidt-Ullrich R, Klein U, Wang ZQ, Weih F. Central immune tolerance depends on crosstalk between the classical and alternative NF-κB pathways in medullary thymic epithelial cells. J Autoimmun 2017; 81:56-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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53
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Thymic homing of activated CD4 + T cells induces degeneration of the thymic epithelium through excessive RANK signaling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2421. [PMID: 28546567 PMCID: PMC5445095 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02653-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated T cells have been shown to be able to recirculate into the thymus from the periphery. The present study was aimed to elucidate the functional consequences of thymic homing of activated T cells upon developing thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells (TEC). In the presence of activated T cells, especially CD4+ T cells, T cell development was found to be inhibited in thymic organ cultures with markedly reduced cellularity. Thymic transplantation demonstrated that the inhibitory effect was most likely due to a defective microenvironment. As the major component of the thymic stroma, the TEC compartment was severely disturbed after prolonged exposure to the activated T cells. In addition to reduced cell proliferation, TEC differentiation was heavily skewed to the mTEC lineage. Furthermore, we demonstrated that RANKL highly expressed by activated CD4+ T cells was primarily responsible for the detrimental effects. Presumably, excessive RANK signaling drove overproduction of mTECs and possibly exhaustion of epithelial progenitors, thereby facilitating the deterioration of the epithelial structures. These findings not only reveal a novel activity of activated T cells re-entering the thymus, but also provide a new perspective for understanding the mechanism underlying thymic involution.
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54
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Ruscher R, Kummer RL, Lee YJ, Jameson SC, Hogquist KA. CD8αα intraepithelial lymphocytes arise from two main thymic precursors. Nat Immunol 2017; 18:771-779. [PMID: 28530714 PMCID: PMC5505317 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
TCRαβ+CD4-CD8α+CD8β- intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (CD8αα IELs) are an abundant population of thymus-derived T cells that protect the gut barrier surface. We sought to better define the thymic IEL precursor (IELp) through analysis of its maturation, localization and emigration. We defined two precursor populations among TCRβ+CD4-CD8- thymocytes by dependence on the kinase TAK1 and rigorous lineage-exclusion criteria. Those IELp populations included a nascent PD-1+ population and a T-bet+ population that accumulated with age. Both gave rise to intestinal CD8αα IELs after adoptive transfer. The PD-1+ IELp population included more strongly self-reactive clones and was largely restricted by classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Those cells localized to the cortex and efficiently emigrated in a manner dependent on the receptor S1PR1. The T-bet+ IELp population localized to the medulla, included cells restricted by non-classical MHC molecules and expressed the receptor NK1.1, the integrin CD103 and the chemokine receptor CXCR3. The two IELp populations further differed in their use of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) α-chain variable region (Vα) and β-chain variable region (Vβ). These data provide a foundation for understanding the biology of CD8αα IELs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Ruscher
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rebecca L Kummer
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - You Jeong Lee
- Academy of Immunology and Microbiology, Institute for Basic Science, and Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephen C Jameson
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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55
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Abstract
Intrathymic T cell development is a complex process that depends upon continuous guidance from thymus stromal cell microenvironments. The thymic epithelium within the thymic stroma comprises highly specialized cells with a high degree of anatomic, phenotypic, and functional heterogeneity. These properties are collectively required to bias thymocyte development toward production of self-tolerant and functionally competent T cells. The importance of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) is evidenced by clear links between their dysfunction and multiple diseases where autoimmunity and immunodeficiency are major components. Consequently, TECs are an attractive target for cell therapies to restore effective immune system function. The pathways and molecular regulators that control TEC development are becoming clearer, as are their influences on particular stages of T cell development. Here, we review both historical and the most recent advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling TEC development, function, dysfunction, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Abramson
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Graham Anderson
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom;
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56
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Hamazaki Y, Sekai M, Minato N. Medullary thymic epithelial stem cells: role in thymic epithelial cell maintenance and thymic involution. Immunol Rev 2016; 271:38-55. [PMID: 27088906 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The thymus consists of two distinct anatomical regions, the cortex and the medulla; medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) play a crucial role in establishing central T-cell tolerance for self-antigens. Although the understanding of mTEC development in thymic organogenesis as well as the regulation of their differentiation and maturation has improved, the mechanisms of postnatal maintenance remain poorly understood. This issue has a central importance in immune homeostasis and physiological thymic involution as well as autoimmune disorders in various clinicopathological settings. Recently, several reports have demonstrated the existence of TEC stem or progenitor cells in the postnatal thymus, which are either bipotent or unipotent. We identified stem cells specified for mTEC-lineage that are generated in the thymic ontogeny and may sustain mTEC regeneration and lifelong central T-cell self-tolerance. This finding suggested that the thymic medulla is maintained autonomously by its own stem cells. Although several issues, including the relationship with other putative TEC stem/progenitors, remain unclear, further examination of mTEC stem cells (mTECSCs) and their regulatory mechanisms may contribute to the understanding of postnatal immune homeostasis. Possible relationships between decline of mTECSC activity and early thymic involution as well as various autoimmune disorders are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Hamazaki
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Miho Sekai
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nagahiro Minato
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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57
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Lucas B, James KD, Cosway EJ, Parnell SM, Tumanov AV, Ware CF, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Lymphotoxin β Receptor Controls T Cell Progenitor Entry to the Thymus. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2016; 197:2665-72. [PMID: 27549174 PMCID: PMC5026032 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The recruitment of lymphoid progenitors to the thymus is essential to sustain T cell production throughout life. Importantly, it also limits T lineage regeneration following bone marrow transplantation, and so contributes to the secondary immunodeficiency that is caused by delayed immune reconstitution. Despite this significance, the mechanisms that control thymus colonization are poorly understood. In this study, we show that in both the steady-state and after bone marrow transplant, lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) controls entry of T cell progenitors to the thymus. We show that this requirement maps to thymic stroma, further underlining the key importance of this TNFR superfamily member in regulation of thymic microenvironments. Importantly, analysis of the requirement for LTβR in relationship to known regulators of thymus seeding suggests that it acts independently of its regulation of thymus-homing chemokines. Rather, we show that LTβR differentially regulates intrathymic expression of adhesion molecules known to play a role in T cell progenitor entry to the thymus. Finally, Ab-mediated in vivo LTβR stimulation following bone marrow transplant enhances initial thymus recovery and boosts donor-derived T cell numbers, which correlates with increased adhesion molecule expression by thymic stroma. Collectively, we reveal a novel link between LTβR and thymic stromal cells in thymus colonization, and highlight its potential as an immunotherapeutic target to boost T cell reconstitution after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Lucas
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Kieran D James
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Emilie J Cosway
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Carl F Ware
- Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Research Center, Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom;
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58
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Wang HX, Cheng JS, Chu S, Qiu YR, Zhong XP. mTORC2 in Thymic Epithelial Cells Controls Thymopoiesis and T Cell Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:141-50. [PMID: 27233961 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play important roles in T cell generation. Mechanisms that control TEC development and function are still not well defined. The mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC)2 signals to regulate cell survival, nutrient uptake, and metabolism. We report in the present study that mice with TEC-specific ablation of Rictor, a critical and unique adaptor molecule in mTORC2, display thymic atrophy, which accompanies decreased TEC numbers in the medulla. Moreover, generation of multiple T cell lineages, including conventional TCRαβ T cells, regulatory T cells, invariant NKT cells, and TCRγδ T cells, was reduced in TEC-specific Rictor-deficient mice. Our data demonstrate that mTORC2 in TECs is important for normal thymopoiesis and efficient T cell generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Joyce S Cheng
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710; Pre-Med (BS/MD) Health Scholar Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19222
| | - Shuai Chu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China;
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710; Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710; and Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapies Program, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
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59
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Song Y, Su M, Zhu J, Di W, Liu Y, Hu R, Rood D, Lai L. FOXN1 recombinant protein enhances T-cell regeneration after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in mice. Eur J Immunol 2016; 46:1518-28. [PMID: 27125859 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201546196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A prolonged period of T-cell recovery is the major challenge in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the major component of the thymic microenvironment for T-cell generation. However, TECs undergo degeneration over time. FOXN1 plays a critical role in TEC development and is required to maintain adult TECs for thymopoiesis. To investigate the potential application of FOXN1, we have cloned and expressed recombinant FOXN1 protein (rFOXN1) that was fused with cell-penetrating peptides. We show here that the rFOXN1 protein can translocate from the cell surface into the cytoplasm and nucleus. Administration of rFOXN1 into both congenic and allogeneic HSCT recipient mice increased the number of TECs, resulting in enhanced thymopoiesis that led to an increased number of functional T cells in the periphery. The increased number of TECs is due to the enhanced survival and proliferation of TECs. Our results suggest that rFOXN1 has the potential to be used in enhancing T-cell regeneration in patients following HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhong Song
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Min Su
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Di
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yalan Liu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Debra Rood
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Laijun Lai
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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60
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Lucas B, McCarthy NI, Baik S, Cosway E, James KD, Parnell SM, White AJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Control of the thymic medulla and its influence on αβT-cell development. Immunol Rev 2016; 271:23-37. [PMID: 27088905 PMCID: PMC4982089 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid tissue that supports the generation of αβT cells. In this review, we describe the processes that give rise to the thymus medulla, a site that nurtures self-tolerant T-cell generation following positive selection events that take place in the cortex. To summarize the developmental pathways that generate medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) from their immature progenitors, we describe work on both the initial emergence of the medulla during embryogenesis, and the maintenance of the medulla during postnatal stages. We also investigate the varying roles that receptors belonging to the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily have on thymus medulla development and formation, and highlight the impact that T-cell development has on thymus medulla formation. Finally, we examine the evidence that the thymic medulla plays an important role during the intrathymic generation of distinct αβT-cell subtypes. Collectively, these studies provide new insight into the development and functional importance of medullary microenvironments during self-tolerant T-cell production in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Lucas
- MRC Centre for Immune RegulationInstitute for Immunology and ImmunotherapyMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Nicholas I. McCarthy
- MRC Centre for Immune RegulationInstitute for Immunology and ImmunotherapyMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Song Baik
- MRC Centre for Immune RegulationInstitute for Immunology and ImmunotherapyMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Emilie Cosway
- MRC Centre for Immune RegulationInstitute for Immunology and ImmunotherapyMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Kieran D. James
- MRC Centre for Immune RegulationInstitute for Immunology and ImmunotherapyMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Sonia M. Parnell
- MRC Centre for Immune RegulationInstitute for Immunology and ImmunotherapyMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Andrea J. White
- MRC Centre for Immune RegulationInstitute for Immunology and ImmunotherapyMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - William E. Jenkinson
- MRC Centre for Immune RegulationInstitute for Immunology and ImmunotherapyMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Graham Anderson
- MRC Centre for Immune RegulationInstitute for Immunology and ImmunotherapyMedical SchoolUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
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61
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Ohigashi I, Kozai M, Takahama Y. Development and developmental potential of cortical thymic epithelial cells. Immunol Rev 2016; 271:10-22. [DOI: 10.1111/imr.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology; Institute for Genome Research; University of Tokushima; Tokushima Japan
| | - Mina Kozai
- Division of Experimental Immunology; Institute for Genome Research; University of Tokushima; Tokushima Japan
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Division of Experimental Immunology; Institute for Genome Research; University of Tokushima; Tokushima Japan
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62
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Nitta T, Suzuki H. Thymic stromal cell subsets for T cell development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:1021-37. [PMID: 26825337 PMCID: PMC11108406 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2107-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The thymus provides a specialized microenvironment in which a variety of stromal cells of both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic origin regulate development and repertoire selection of T cells. Recent studies have been unraveling the inter- and intracellular signals and transcriptional networks for spatiotemporal regulation of development of thymic stromal cells, mainly thymic epithelial cells (TECs), and the molecular mechanisms of how different TEC subsets control T cell development and selection. TECs are classified into two functionally different subsets: cortical TECs (cTECs) and medullary TECs (mTECs). cTECs induce positive selection of diverse and functionally distinct T cells by virtue of unique antigen-processing systems, while mTECs are essential for establishing T cell tolerance via ectopic expression of peripheral tissue-restricted antigens and cooperation with dendritic cells. In addition to reviewing the role of the thymic stroma in conventional T cell development, we will discuss recently discovered novel functions of TECs in the development of unconventional T cells, such as natural killer T cells and γδT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nitta
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan.
| | - Harumi Suzuki
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan.
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63
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Wang HX, Shin J, Wang S, Gorentla B, Lin X, Gao J, Qiu YR, Zhong XP. mTORC1 in Thymic Epithelial Cells Is Critical for Thymopoiesis, T-Cell Generation, and Temporal Control of γδT17 Development and TCRγ/δ Recombination. PLoS Biol 2016; 14:e1002370. [PMID: 26889835 PMCID: PMC4758703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymus is crucial for generation of a diverse repertoire of T cells essential for adaptive immunity. Although thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are crucial for thymopoiesis and T cell generation, how TEC development and function are controlled is poorly understood. We report here that mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) in TECs plays critical roles in thymopoiesis and thymus function. Acute deletion of mTORC1 in adult mice caused severe thymic involution. TEC-specific deficiency of mTORC1 (mTORC1KO) impaired TEC maturation and function such as decreased expression of thymotropic chemokines, decreased medullary TEC to cortical TEC ratios, and altered thymic architecture, leading to severe thymic atrophy, reduced recruitment of early thymic progenitors, and impaired development of virtually all T-cell lineages. Strikingly, temporal control of IL-17-producing γδT (γδT17) cell differentiation and TCRVγ/δ recombination in fetal thymus is lost in mTORC1KO thymus, leading to elevated γδT17 differentiation and rearranging of fetal specific TCRVγ/δ in adulthood. Thus, mTORC1 is central for TEC development/function and establishment of thymic environment for proper T cell development, and modulating mTORC1 activity can be a strategy for preventing thymic involution/atrophy. The thymus is essential for making T cells but undergoes age- or stress-associated atrophy. This study demonstrates that mTOR complex 1 in thymic epithelial cells is crucial for correct thymic architecture and the production of mature T cells. The thymus is the primary organ for T cell generation. Abnormal thymus function profoundly affects host immunity and numerous diseases. Thymopoiesis and thymus function rely on orchestrated interaction between multiple cell types representing different origins. Among them, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are crucial for thymus development and maintenance and T cell generation. How TEC development and function are regulated is poorly understood. The mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine kinase, signals with two complexes, mTORC1 and mTOC2, to control metabolism, growth, proliferation, and survival. Using a mouse model with mTORC1 selectively ablated in TECs, we demonstrate that mTORC1 in TECs plays critical roles in thymopoiesis and thymus function. Absence of mTORC1 results in impaired TEC maturation and function, altered thymic architecture, severe thymic atrophy, and impaired development of virtually all T-cell lineages. Moreover, it also causes increased generation of IL-17–producing γδT (γδT17) cells and fetal-specific γδT subsets in adult thymus, revealing that mTORC1 in TECs is central for temporal control of γδT17 differentiation and TCRVγ/δ recombination. Our results establish mTORC1 as a central regulator for TEC development/function and for the establishment of normal thymic environment for proper T cell development. We suggest modulating mTORC1 activity as a strategy for preventing thymic involution/atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinwook Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Balachandra Gorentla
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Xingguang Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jimin Gao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (XPZ); (YQ)
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapies Program, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XPZ); (YQ)
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64
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Gapin L. Development of invariant natural killer T cells. Curr Opin Immunol 2016; 39:68-74. [PMID: 26802287 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells develop into functionally distinct subsets. Each subset expresses a unique combination of transcription factors that regulate cytokine gene transcription upon activation. The tissue distribution and localization within tissues also varies between subsets. Importantly, the relative abundance of the various subsets is directly responsible for altering several immunological parameters, which subsequently affect the immune response. Here, I review recent advances in our understanding of the molecular regulation of iNKT cell subset development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus and National Jewish Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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65
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McCarthy NI, Cowan JE, Nakamura K, Bacon A, Baik S, White AJ, Parnell SM, Jenkinson EJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Osteoprotegerin-Mediated Homeostasis of Rank+ Thymic Epithelial Cells Does Not Limit Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cell Development. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2015; 195:2675-82. [PMID: 26254339 PMCID: PMC4560491 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In the thymus, medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) regulate T cell tolerance via negative selection and Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell (Treg) development, and alterations in the mTEC compartment can lead to tolerance breakdown and autoimmunity. Both the receptor activator for NF-κB (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) axis and expression of the transcriptional regulator Aire are involved in the regulation of thymus medullary microenvironments. However, their impact on the mechanisms controlling mTEC homeostasis is poorly understood, as are the processes that enable the thymus medulla to support the balanced production of mTEC-dependent Foxp3(+) Treg. In this study, we have investigated the control of mTEC homeostasis and examined how this process impacts the efficacy of Foxp3(+) Treg development. Using newly generated RANK Venus reporter mice, we identify distinct RANK(+) subsets that reside within both the mTEC(hi) and mTEC(lo) compartments and that represent direct targets of OPG-mediated control. Moreover, by mapping OPG expression to a subset of Aire(+) mTEC, our data show how cis- and trans-acting mechanisms are able to control the thymus medulla by operating on multiple mTEC targets. Finally, we show that whereas the increase in mTEC availability in OPG-deficient (Tnfrsf11b(-/-)) mice impacts the intrathymic Foxp3(+) Treg pool by enhancing peripheral Treg recirculation back to the thymus, it does not alter the number of de novo Rag2pGFP(+)Foxp3(+) Treg that are generated. Collectively, our study defines patterns of RANK expression within the thymus medulla, and it shows that mTEC homeostasis is not a rate-limiting step in intrathymic Foxp3(+) Treg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas I McCarthy
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer E Cowan
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Kyoko Nakamura
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Bacon
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Song Baik
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea J White
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Eric J Jenkinson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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Lee YJ, Wang H, Starrett GJ, Phuong V, Jameson SC, Hogquist KA. Tissue-Specific Distribution of iNKT Cells Impacts Their Cytokine Response. Immunity 2015; 43:566-78. [PMID: 26362265 PMCID: PMC4575275 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2015.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Three subsets of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells have been identified, NKT1, NKT2, and NKT17, which produce distinct cytokines when stimulated, but little is known about their localization. Here, we have defined the anatomic localization and systemic distribution of these subsets and measured their cytokine production. Thymic NKT2 cells that produced interleukin-4 (IL-4) at steady state were located in the medulla and conditioned medullary thymocytes. NKT2 cells were abundant in the mesenteric lymph node (LN) of BALB/c mice and produced IL-4 in the T cell zone that conditioned other lymphocytes. Intravenous injection of α-galactosylceramide activated NKT1 cells with vascular access, but not LN or thymic NKT cells, resulting in systemic interferon-γ and IL-4 production, while oral α-galactosylceramide activated NKT2 cells in the mesenteric LN, resulting in local IL-4 release. These findings indicate that the localization of iNKT cells governs their cytokine response both at steady state and upon activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Jeong Lee
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Haiguang Wang
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Gabriel J Starrett
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics Department, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Vanessa Phuong
- Public Health Studies and Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Stephen C Jameson
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kristin A Hogquist
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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67
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Noma H, Eshima K, Satoh M, Iwabuchi K. Differential dependence on nuclear factor-κB-inducing kinase among natural killer T-cell subsets in their development. Immunology 2015; 146:89-99. [PMID: 25988531 PMCID: PMC4552504 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T cells (NKT cells) are comprised of several subsets. However, the possible differences in their developmental mechanisms have not been fully investigated. To evaluate the dependence of some NKT subpopulations on nuclear factor-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) for their generation, we analysed the differentiation of NKT cells, dividing them into subsets in various tissues of alymphoplasia (aly/aly), a mutant mouse strain that lacks functional NIK. The results indicated that the efficient differentiation of both invariant NKT (iNKT) and non-iNKT cells relied on NIK expression in non-haematopoietic cells; however, the dependence of non-iNKT cells was lower than that of iNKT cells. Especially, the differentiation of CD8(+) non-iNKT cells was markedly resistant to the aly mutation. The proportion of two other NKT cell subsets, NK1.1(+) γδ T cells and NK1.1(-) iNKT cells, was also significantly reduced in aly/aly mice, and this defect in their development was reversed in wild-type host mice given aly/aly bone marrow cells. In exerting effector functions, NIK in NKT-αβ cells appeared dispensable, as NIK-deficient NKT-αβ cells could secrete interleukin-4 or interferon-γ and exhibit cytolytic activity at a level comparable to that of aly/+ NKT-αβ cells. Collectively, these results imply that the NIK in thymic stroma may be critically involved in the differentiation of most NKT cell subsets (although the level of NIK dependence may vary among the subsets), and also that NIK in NKT-αβ cells may be dispensable for their effector function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Noma
- Department of Immunology, Kitasato University School of MedicineSagamihara, Japan
| | - Koji Eshima
- Department of Immunology, Kitasato University School of MedicineSagamihara, Japan
| | - Masashi Satoh
- Department of Immunology, Kitasato University School of MedicineSagamihara, Japan
| | - Kazuya Iwabuchi
- Department of Immunology, Kitasato University School of MedicineSagamihara, Japan
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68
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Lopes N, Sergé A, Ferrier P, Irla M. Thymic Crosstalk Coordinates Medulla Organization and T-Cell Tolerance Induction. Front Immunol 2015; 6:365. [PMID: 26257733 PMCID: PMC4507079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus ensures the generation of a functional and highly diverse T-cell repertoire. The thymic medulla, which is mainly composed of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and dendritic cells (DCs), provides a specialized microenvironment dedicated to the establishment of T-cell tolerance. mTECs play a privileged role in this pivotal process by their unique capacity to express a broad range of peripheral self-antigens that are presented to developing T cells. Reciprocally, developing T cells control mTEC differentiation and organization. These bidirectional interactions are commonly referred to as thymic crosstalk. This review focuses on the relative contributions of mTEC and DC subsets to the deletion of autoreactive T cells and the generation of natural regulatory T cells. We also summarize current knowledge regarding how hematopoietic cells conversely control the composition and complex three-dimensional organization of the thymic medulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noëlla Lopes
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, INSERM, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Aix-Marseille Université UM2 , Marseille , France
| | - Arnauld Sergé
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université UM105 , Marseille , France
| | - Pierre Ferrier
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, INSERM, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Aix-Marseille Université UM2 , Marseille , France
| | - Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, INSERM, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Aix-Marseille Université UM2 , Marseille , France
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69
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Jenkinson WE, McCarthy NI, Dutton EE, Cowan JE, Parnell SM, White AJ, Anderson G. Natural Th17 cells are critically regulated by functional medullary thymic microenvironments. J Autoimmun 2015; 63:13-22. [PMID: 26143957 PMCID: PMC4570931 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2015.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The thymic medulla is critical for the enforcement of central tolerance. In addition to deletion of auto-reactive T-cells, the thymic medulla supports the maturation of heterogeneous natural αβT-cells linked to tolerance mechanisms. Natural IL-17-secreting CD4(+)αβT-cells (nTh17) represent recently described natural αβT-cells that mature and undergo functional priming intrathymically. Despite a proposed potential to impact upon either protective or pathological inflammatory responses, the intrathymic mechanisms regulating the balance of nTh17 development are unclear. Here we compare the development of distinct natural αβT-cells in the thymus. We reveal that thymic stromal MHC class II expression and RelB-dependent medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC), including Aire(+) mTEC, are an essential requirement for nTh17 development. nTh17 demonstrate a partial, non-redundant requirement for both ICOS-ligand and CD80/86 costimulation, with a dispensable role for CD80/86 expression by thymic epithelial cells. Although mTEC constitutively expressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a critical negative regulator of conventional Th17 differentiation, iNOS was not essential to constrain thymic nTh17. These findings highlight the critical role of the thymic medulla in the differential regulation of novel natural αβT-cell subsets, and reveal additional layers of thymic medullary regulation of T-cell driven autoimmunity and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Jenkinson
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Nicholas I McCarthy
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Emma E Dutton
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jennifer E Cowan
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andrea J White
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Graham Anderson
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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70
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Yamano T, Nedjic J, Hinterberger M, Steinert M, Koser S, Pinto S, Gerdes N, Lutgens E, Ishimaru N, Busslinger M, Brors B, Kyewski B, Klein L. Thymic B Cells Are Licensed to Present Self Antigens for Central T Cell Tolerance Induction. Immunity 2015; 42:1048-61. [PMID: 26070482 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Thymic antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells and medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) use distinct strategies of self-antigen expression and presentation to mediate central tolerance. The thymus also harbors B cells; whether they also display unique tolerogenic features and how they genealogically relate to peripheral B cells is unclear. Here, we found that Aire is expressed in thymic but not peripheral B cells. Aire expression in thymic B cells coincided with major histocompatibility class II (MHCII) and CD80 upregulation and immunoglobulin class-switching. These features were recapitulated upon immigration of naive peripheral B cells into the thymus, whereby this intrathymic licensing required CD40 signaling in the context of cognate interactions with autoreactive CD4(+) thymocytes. Moreover, a licensing-dependent neo-antigen selectively upregulated in immigrating B cells mediated negative selection through direct presentation. Thus, autoreactivity within the nascent T cell repertoire fuels a feed forward loop that endows thymic B cells with tolerogenic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyoshi Yamano
- Institute for Immunology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Goethestrasse 31, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Jelena Nedjic
- Institute for Immunology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Goethestrasse 31, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Hinterberger
- Institute for Immunology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Goethestrasse 31, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Madlen Steinert
- Institute for Immunology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Goethestrasse 31, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Koser
- Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sheena Pinto
- Division of Developmental Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Norbert Gerdes
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 9, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 9, 80336 Munich, Germany; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Naozumi Ishimaru
- Department of Oral Molecular Pathology, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Meinrad Busslinger
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 7, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Brors
- Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bruno Kyewski
- Division of Developmental Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ludger Klein
- Institute for Immunology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Goethestrasse 31, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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71
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Slauenwhite D, Johnston B. Regulation of NKT Cell Localization in Homeostasis and Infection. Front Immunol 2015; 6:255. [PMID: 26074921 PMCID: PMC4445310 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a specialized subset of T lymphocytes that regulate immune responses in the context of autoimmunity, cancer, and microbial infection. Lipid antigens derived from bacteria, parasites, and fungi can be presented by CD1d molecules and recognized by the canonical T cell receptors on NKT cells. Alternatively, NKT cells can be activated through recognition of self-lipids and/or pro-inflammatory cytokines generated during infection. Unlike conventional T cells, only a small subset of NKT cells traffic through the lymph nodes under homeostatic conditions, with the largest NKT cell populations localizing to the liver, lungs, spleen, and bone marrow. This is thought to be mediated by differences in chemokine receptor expression profiles. However, the impact of infection on the tissue localization and function of NKT remains largely unstudied. This review focuses on the mechanisms mediating the establishment of peripheral NKT cell populations during homeostasis and how tissue localization of NKT cells is affected during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Slauenwhite
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University , Halifax, NS , Canada
| | - Brent Johnston
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University , Halifax, NS , Canada ; Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University , Halifax, NS , Canada ; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University , Halifax, NS , Canada ; Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute , Halifax, NS , Canada
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72
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Yang G, Artiaga BL, Hackmann TJ, Samuel MS, Walters EM, Salek-Ardakani S, Driver JP. Targeted disruption of CD1d prevents NKT cell development in pigs. Mamm Genome 2015; 26:264-70. [PMID: 25930071 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-015-9564-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Studies in mice genetically lacking natural killer T (NKT) cells show that these lymphocytes make important contributions to both innate and adaptive immune responses. However, the usefulness of murine models to study human NKT cells is limited by the many differences between mice and humans, including that their NKT cell frequencies, subsets, and distribution are dissimilar. A more suitable model may be swine that share many metabolic, physiological, and growth characteristics with humans and are also similar for NKT cells. Thus, we analyzed genetically modified pigs made deficient for CD1d that is required for the development of Type I invariant NKT (iNKT) cells that express a semi-invariant T-cell receptor (TCR) and Type II NKT cells that use variable TCRs. Peripheral blood analyzed by flow cytometry and interferon-γ enzyme-linked immuno spot assays demonstrated that CD1d-knockout pigs completely lack iNKT cells, while other leukocyte populations remain intact. CD1d and NKT cells have been shown to be involved in shaping the composition of the commensal microbiota in mice. Therefore, we also compared the fecal microbiota profile between pigs expressing and lacking NKT cells. However, no differences were found between pigs lacking or expressing CD1d. Our results are the first to show that knocking-out CD1d prevents the development of NKT cells in a non-rodent species. CD1d-deficient pigs should offer a useful model to more accurately determine the contribution of NKT cells for human immune responses. They also have potential for understanding how NKT cells impact the health of commercial swine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan Yang
- Department of Animal Science, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, POB 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
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73
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Nitta T, Muro R, Shimizu Y, Nitta S, Oda H, Ohte Y, Goto M, Yanobu-Takanashi R, Narita T, Takayanagi H, Yasuda H, Okamura T, Murata S, Suzuki H. The thymic cortical epithelium determines the TCR repertoire of IL-17-producing γδT cells. EMBO Rep 2015; 16:638-53. [PMID: 25770130 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201540096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus provides a specialized microenvironment in which distinct subsets of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) support T-cell development. Here, we describe the significance of cortical TECs (cTECs) in T-cell development, using a newly established mouse model of cTEC deficiency. The deficiency of mature cTECs caused a massive loss of thymic cellularity and impaired the development of αβT cells and invariant natural killer T cells. Unexpectedly, the differentiation of certain γδT-cell subpopulations-interleukin-17-producing Vγ4 and Vγ6 cells-was strongly dysregulated, resulting in the perturbation of γδT-mediated inflammatory responses in peripheral tissues. These findings show that cTECs contribute to the shaping of the TCR repertoire, not only of "conventional" αβT cells but also of inflammatory "innate" γδT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nitta
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Muro
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yukiko Shimizu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Nitta
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroyo Oda
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuki Ohte
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motohito Goto
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rieko Yanobu-Takanashi
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoya Narita
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takayanagi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisataka Yasuda
- Bioindustry Division, Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Okamura
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan Section of Animal Models, Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Institute National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Murata
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harumi Suzuki
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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74
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Williams JA, Tai X, Hodes RJ. CD28-CD80/86 and CD40-CD40L Interactions Promote Thymic Tolerance by Regulating Medullary Epithelial Cell and Thymocyte Development. Crit Rev Immunol 2015; 35:59-76. [PMID: 25746048 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2015012501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Development and central tolerance of T lymphocytes in the thymus requires both TCR signals and collaboration with signals generated through costimulatory molecule interactions. In this review, we discuss the importance of CD28-CD80/86 and CD40-CD40L costimulatory interactions in promoting normal thymic development. This discussion includes roles in the generation of a normal thymic medulla, in the development of specific T-cells subsets, including iNKT and T regulatory cells, and in the generation of a tolerant mature T-cell repertoire. We discuss recent contributions to the understanding of CD28-CD80/86 and CD40-CD40L costimulatory interactions in thymic development, and we highlight the ways in which the many important roles mediated by these interactions collaborate to promote normal thymic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy A Williams
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Xuguang Tai
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Richard J Hodes
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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75
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Cowan JE, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Thymus medulla fosters generation of natural Treg cells, invariant γδ T cells, and invariant NKT cells: what we learn from intrathymic migration. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:652-60. [PMID: 25615828 PMCID: PMC4405047 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201445108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The organization of the thymus into distinct cortical and medullary regions enables it to control the step-wise migration and development of immature T-cell precursors. Such a process provides access to specialized cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells at defined stages of maturation, ensuring the generation of self-tolerant and MHC-restricted conventional CD4+ and CD8+ αβ T cells. The migratory cues and stromal cell requirements that regulate the development of conventional αβ T cells have been well studied. However, the thymus also fosters the generation of several immunoregulatory T-cell populations that form key components of both innate and adaptive immune responses. These include Foxp3+ natural regulatory T cells, invariant γδ T cells, and CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells). While less is known about the intrathymic requirements of these nonconventional T cells, recent studies have highlighted the importance of the thymus medulla in their development. Here, we review recent findings on the mechanisms controlling the intrathymic migration of distinct T-cell subsets, and relate this to knowledge of the microenvironmental requirements of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Cowan
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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76
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Hou MS, Huang ST, Tsai MH, Yen CC, Lai YG, Liou YH, Lin CK, Liao NS. The interleukin-15 system suppresses T cell-mediated autoimmunity by regulating negative selection and nT(H)17 cell homeostasis in the thymus. J Autoimmun 2014; 56:118-29. [PMID: 25500198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The interleukin-15 (IL-15) system is important for regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses, however, its role in autoimmune disease remained unclear. Here we found that Il15(-/-) and Il15ra(-/-) mice spontaneously developed late-onset autoimmune phenotypes. CD4(+) T cells of the knockout mice showed elevated autoreactivity as demonstrated by the induction of lymphocyte infiltration in the lacrimal and salivary glands when transferred into nude mice. The antigen-presenting cells in the thymic medullary regions expressed IL-15 and IL-15Rα, whose deficiency resulted in insufficient negative selection and elevated number of natural IL-17A-producing CD4(+) thymocytes. These findings reveal previously unknown functions of the IL-15 system in thymocyte development, and thus a new layer of regulation in T cell-mediated autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mau-Sheng Hou
- Molecular Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ting Huang
- Graduate Institute of Life Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Han Tsai
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Cheng Yen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yein-Gei Lai
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Yae-Huei Liou
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Kung Lin
- Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Shih Liao
- Molecular Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Life Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
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77
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Caramalho I, Nunes-Silva V, Pires AR, Mota C, Pinto AI, Nunes-Cabaço H, Foxall RB, Sousa AE. Human regulatory T-cell development is dictated by Interleukin-2 and -15 expressed in a non-overlapping pattern in the thymus. J Autoimmun 2014; 56:98-110. [PMID: 25481744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Thymus-derived FOXP3-expressing regulatory T-cells (tTregs) are master orchestrators of physiological and pathological immune responses, thus constituting ideal targets for the treatment of autoimmunity. Despite their clinical importance, the developmental program governing their differentiation in the human thymus remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of common gamma-chain cytokines in human tTreg differentiation, by performing gain- and loss-of-function experiments in 3D and 2D postnatal thymic cultures. We identified IL-2 and IL-15 as key molecular determinants in this process and excluded a major function for IL-4, IL-7 and IL-21. Mechanistically, IL-2 and IL-15 were equally able to drive tTreg precursor differentiation into FOXP3(+) cells, and promote tTreg proliferation and survival. Both cytokines also increased the expression levels of molecules associated with effector function within FOXP3(+) subsets, supporting their involvement in tTreg functional maturation. Furthermore, we revealed that IL-2 and IL-15 are expressed in a non-overlapping pattern in the human thymus, with the former produced mainly by mature αβ and γδ thymocytes and the latter by monocyte/macrophages and B lymphocytes. Our results identify core mechanisms dictating human tTreg development, with IL-2 and IL-15 defining specific niches required for tTreg lineage stabilization and differentiation, with implications for their therapeutic targeting in autoimmune conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Caramalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Vânia Nunes-Silva
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana R Pires
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Mota
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana I Pinto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Helena Nunes-Cabaço
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Russell B Foxall
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana E Sousa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
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78
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Cowan JE, McCarthy NI, Parnell SM, White AJ, Bacon A, Serge A, Irla M, Lane PJL, Jenkinson EJ, Jenkinson WE, Anderson G. Differential requirement for CCR4 and CCR7 during the development of innate and adaptive αβT cells in the adult thymus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:1204-12. [PMID: 24990081 PMCID: PMC4105241 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1400993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
αβT cell development depends upon serial migration of thymocyte precursors through cortical and medullary microenvironments, enabling specialized stromal cells to provide important signals at specific stages of their development. Although conventional αβT cells are subject to clonal deletion in the medulla, entry into the thymus medulla also fosters αβT cell differentiation. For example, during postnatal periods, the medulla is involved in the intrathymic generation of multiple αβT cell lineages, notably the induction of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell development and the completion of invariant NKT cell development. Although migration of conventional αβT cells to the medulla is mediated by the chemokine receptor CCR7, how other T cell subsets gain access to medullary areas during their normal development is not clear. In this study, we show that combining a panel of thymocyte maturation markers with cell surface analysis of CCR7 and CCR4 identifies distinct stages in the development of multiple αβT cell lineages in the thymus. Although Aire regulates expression of the CCR4 ligands CCL17 and CCL22, we show that CCR4 is dispensable for thymocyte migration and development in the adult thymus, demonstrating defective T cell development in Aire(-/-) mice is not because of a loss of CCR4-mediated migration. Moreover, we reveal that CCR7 controls the development of invariant NKT cells by enabling their access to IL-15 trans-presentation in the thymic medulla and influences the balance of early and late intrathymic stages of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell development. Collectively, our data identify novel roles for CCR7 during intrathymic T cell development, highlighting its importance in enabling multiple αβT cell lineages to access the thymic medulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Cowan
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas I McCarthy
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia M Parnell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea J White
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Bacon
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Arnauld Serge
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche 1068, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7258, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, F-13009 Marseille, France; and
| | - Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche 631, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 6102, Aix-Marseille University, UM 2, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Peter J L Lane
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Eric J Jenkinson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - William E Jenkinson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom;
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